My son will be 1 next month and we are having a small party for him. I can handle food, drinks, and decorations, but I am having a bit of trouble coming up with activities or games for the kids. Any suggestions?
First I want to thank everyone for all of your suggestions. We decided to forgo the games and just give the kids their goodie bags as soon as they got there. We included bubbles, a puzzle (10 pieces), a coloring book, and crayons. We also had Noah open presents early in the party so all the kids could play with the new toys. They all had fun and we didn't have to entertain them. For the adults I cut out pieces of colored paper and had gel pens for everyone to write a birthday wish for Noah. When I get all the pictures printed I am going to make a collage with the notes. Everyone had a great time and I wouldn't change anything. Thanks again for all of your ideas.
I just had my daughter's 1st yesterday. We had pin the tail on the donkey and a pinata. But the big hits were: a bubble machine (they are cheap at Target) and storytime. We had 6 1 year olds, and 6 kids ranging in age from 3-12 and we found that these two activities, all the kids really, really enjoyed. Have fun!
For my daughter's 1st Birthday party last year we just had food etc, no entertainment. The guests were mostly adults and a couple 2-4 year olds. We had the party out doors at our community park, so I gave buckets with shovels and bubbles as party favours, but gave them to the kids when they arrived. Plus, I had colouring books and crayons. We did the same thing for her 2nd birthday, and now that all the kids were older, they played on the swings, slide, sand etc. At both parties everyone had a blast! The kids loved playing and the adults loved to watch the kids play (and we had a chance to talk!) Until my daughter gets older, perhaps around 4-5, I’m not going to pay for entertainment or go to a Gymboree type thing.
I have twin boys and had these activities at their 1st birthday party: Pin the tail game, pinata, stencils/stamps/crayons, cookies to decorate & eat. We had a range of ages at the party so it worked out well. If you are only having little ones you don't need as many activities as others have said. Good luck & have fun!
K. :)
Pin the tail on the donkey or rent some movies for that age.A sand box would be a good idea also.When my son turned 1 we had a party but the kids seemed more interested in the toys that he already had or the presents he'd recieved. They also watched the wiggles movie that we had. The party stores usually has ideas for party games. For that age don't get to many games.
Hi M.,
I was just going to say don't stress over it IF the kids attending are the same age as your son. One year olds create their own play and need LITTLE help making things fun. I've also heard that 1st Birthdays will not be remembered by the child, so most parents create a party for themselves to enjoy for their own memory. Your child will like playing with the BOXES and wrapping paper that his gifts come in! LOL Hope it's happy!!
You can search the web for birthday ideas, there are tones of them for all ages. 1 year olds, however, don't need much for entertainment. They will create it themselves, but consider what your son likes to do and incorporate that into an activity or two.
A 1 yr old really can't take part in activites, there attention span isn't good plus some can't even walk. I would not plan any games but make sure you do something fun that your child will enjoy. For my daughter's first birthday we had a pool party because she loved to swim. Gymboree is a good recommendation but the big problem is that they don't allow children over 5 and if you are like us we had a neice over 5 that you just couldn't not invite. You have many more birthdays to go all out for so I would keep this one cheaper and simple, you child wont even remember it. I would wait to spend a lot of money when he is older and can do more. Just make it something your son will enjoy. If he likes being outside then have it outside, if he loves the park then have it at a park etc. Activities and games are more for older children.
I highly recommend checking out birthdaypartyideas.com. All of the ideas there are sent in by parents. I used it to plan a luau for my dd's 5th birthday and it was a huge hit.
L.
We just went to a 1 year old's b-day party so I may have some suggestions. They rented one of those blow up Jumping Castles and had a bubble blowing machine. THey had a pinata and pin the tail on the donkey. If you can get someone to do face painting, that always goes over well. Or you can get a balloon making machine and make littel animals! Goo luck and happy birthday to your son!
We're having our daughter's first birthday party next month, too and there are all ages of kids attending. We're going to have a bunch of those plastic pools in the yard, the tube things to crawl through, big bubble blowers and the garden hose. That will completely keep them entertained! We're only going to have th party last two hours, too. Have fun!
Hello,
I did this for my daughters 3rd birthday party but I am sure it will be just fine for 1 year olds too that are supervised.
I had a 16x20 canvase and got finger paint. I did a hand print of each child and their names. It was a fun activity for the kids and that 16x20 was also the 'thank you' that I send out afterwards. I shrunk it down to a 4x6 and got the magnet sheets so that it could be a nice reminder on the refrigerator of a fun time at the party. I hope you are understanding my idea. It came out great and mess free (I had a mommy ready to take the childs hands right after to wash them - it was an assembly line of hand printing fun!!!!
I hope you get more ideas from this one. My daughters party theme was a Crafty Breakfast bash! I got some other ideas off Crayola.com
Have fun - I love doing birthday parties. I can not wait for my 1year olds party. My 6month old and now 4year old almost share a birthday (2days apart) so I have to now think of how I will be doing there parties in October
They are 1, they really won't be able to participate much. I would do something with balloons and maybe some kind of noise maker. The most fun is watching them eat cake. Have fun
I used Gymboree for my first born's 1st birthday. My husband was a little hesitant to use them due to the cost ($180). But, in the end i think he was glad we chose them! First, it is an all around safe play place for all young children. Secondly, you do not have to worry about setting up, entertaining, or safety. As soon as you arrive for your scheduled party they begin to set up the present and cake/cupcake eating area. As soon as all of your guests arrive, they begin with fun activities, singing, and free playtime. Once things wind down (you have a set 2 hour time slot) they thank everybody for coming, etc...so, that keeps you from worrying on how to end the party. I believe that it was worth the money for a large guest list (there were 15-20 babies w/ parents at ours)and the relief of any cleanup, entertainment, or safety issues. A bonus is that you can bring your own cake and whatever type of decorations as you want for no extra fee!!!
hi M.
nice to talk with u
dont wory how about the clown or let him playing with his "poupee"
