Planning First Year Birthday Party

Dear L.:

The party sounds wonderful. The only thing I would change would be substituting white grape juice for the apple juice...much less of an allergy risk. Also, be prepared with those throw-away sippy cups PRELABELLED for individual kids...less messy.

Your fruit idea is perfect. But remember, most kids will take the hot dogs, nibble off a bit and walk away. For the little ones, hot dogs might be a choking hazard and demand too much attention from the parents. As a solution, it might be safer and more economical to have an enormous and cheap (and all natural, of course) macaroni and cheese bowl for the kids to go crazy over. Sound good?

Activities: maybe set up some easels (or clothspin large sheets of paper to the fence) for watercoloring or a table with several cans of playdoh OUTSIDE. That would work with your splashy ideas because they can clean up easily. Your only preparation would be supplies and towels. Sounds FUN! Have standby videos in case crabby babies want to recline indoors and/or the kids wear out from the outdoor play and the parents aren't ready to leave. Hide all toys with zillions of little pieces or breakable stuff...for your own sanity! Leave bedrooms "off-limits" unless you want to go in later and find spit-up, half-eaten hotdogs or spills...it's happened to me!

I'm thrilled for your family regarding the baby dedication. What a special commitment to make and what a promise to your child and to God! Many blessings to you and your family on this wonderful beginning!

Best wishes,

M.

Sounds like a wonderful party L.. One thing that most people are not aware of is that hoses have lead in them. I made this discovery recently and was appalled to learn this information. For the children's safety I would recommend purchasing a lead-free hose. They are usually available at boating supply stores or have the words "Safe for Drinking" on the outside of the packaging. I found a rather odd lead-free hose at Target and it works great!

It sounds very nice. My only suggestion is to have something in addition to the hot dogs. Lots of moms don't want to feed their little ones such a processed food at that young age. Why not grill up some chicken tenders as well? Buy a bag of frozen ones at Costco or Sam's Club, put some in a ziplock the night before and put in your refrig. to thaw. You can season them with just S&P, and perhaps brush a little bbq sauce on half of them. They cook up very quickly and the moms will appreciate having a wholesome alternative for their children. Lastly, bubbles is a fun outdoor activity for the kids, and you can buy a few amazing huge bubble wands to add some variety. Colored chalk is also fun for the little ones to draw on your driveway and the sidewalks, if that's okay with you.

Hi L.,
You got some great advice, so I don't have much to add. I would, however, have some goldfish crackers around in bowls and also Cheerios, as these are favorites for little ones. Grocery stores now have the bite size cupcakes that are really cute and might be good for the smaller kids and less wasteful. I agree with the hot dogs being a choking hazard and instead would recommend the chicken dinosaurs from Costco and just make sure you have plenty of ketchup and ranch for dipping. I would also have coloring books and crayons for the kids - easy activitiy and cheap and good for the little ones. I highly recommend not having rubber balloons at the party - huge choking hazard and they freak out a lot of parents (especially if the older ones get a hold of them and they pop - pieces of rubber balloon are so dangerous). Mylar balloons are fine. Other games - beanbag toss (letting the littler ones stand closer). Do you have a friend who could do face painting? You can get the kits cheaply at several stores and you don't have to be an artist - kids are easy to please. One last suggestion - large Duplo Legos - you can get the big tubs of them very inexpensively at Target or Walmart and it keeps the little ones entertained forever and they can't get hurt.
Hope that helps a bit. Good luck with the party - just remember to have fun yourself, too! :)
~W.

Congratulations on such a special upcoming time for your family! The first thought I had is that hot dogs are a concern for 1 year olds and choking. I know you said you would prepare fruit but the little ones may want more than that if no longer eating baby food. You know what is really cheap and the little ones would love is a tray of macaroni and cheese- they sell them in the freezer section pretty cheap and a dish the little ones could eat if hungry vs. having to worry one may choke trying to eat a hot dog if they wanted more. A tray of lasagna is also an option but I don't know of one toddle who doesn't love macraroni and cheese along with some fruit.

As far as games, it's pretty hard to have organized ones at that age but what I got and the kids loved (and really cheap!) is the big wand bubble trays where they could go up to it and with some help just wave a wand and make bubbles. With the smaller bottle ones they tend to put them in their mouth, ugh! Well, hope you have a wonderful time!

L.

Sounds like you already have a fun party ready to go.

For games since most of the kids will be under 2, maybe do a pinata? For sure the older kids will love it and it will be cute to take pics of the little ones trying to figure it all out.

For my sons 3rd birthday I cut out a bunch of banana shapes from some yellow paper we had lying around, numbered each one so I would know how many I had, and then taped all over the party area. Then I gave the kids goody bags and had them collect them. The kids with the most got a small prize (think dollar section from Target) and the one who got the #3 banana also got a prize. We had kis aging in range from 6 months to about 6 playing and everyone had fun doing it, even the parents got into it by helping their kids find the bananas.

For my daughters 1 st birthday party in May we did the same game, but this time it was small print outs of Lilo and Stitch.

I got a lot of compliments from the parents about the game because it was cheap, fun, and gave the kids something motivating and constructive to do.

And since the weather is warm you could also do stuff as simple as bubbles or little waterguns for outside.

Good Luck and Have Fun!

Chicken nuggets may be more appropriate for the younger children because hot dogs are not a good idea for the young ones (number one choking hazzard in that age group). Hot dogs work better for the older children. Maybe some soft carrots and peas for the vegetables and fruit. Water is always a great idea when it's hot. Have fun!!

I would make some Kraft Mac and Cheese (maybe 2 boxes)for the little ones. It's cheap and no choking hazards there. Maybe make it in advance and reheat in the microwave before serving. Gook luck!!

L.
I think your food sounds fine for the kids. One thing I will suggest, that I did for my sons 1st birthday, is to put small bowls of cheerios around so the little ones can grab as they please. It was a big hit at my sons party. You can do cheerios or crackers, whatever you like.

There really aren't any activities that one year olds will do in an organized fashion so I think you are fine not having any. I think the 1st birthday is mostly for the adults in a way.

Have fun!

no hot dogs...chokeables.
pasta, plain or with sauce would be a good choice, though.

First birthdays are always so much fun ! I think what the one lady said about Mac N Cheese for the kids is a great idea, maybe finely chop some brocolli in it also is good. I think everything else you have planned sounds great. I did cupcakes for my two boys when they turned 7 and 1 (they are both in July). I did them myself the day before the party and did the icing in blue/green and did different patterns to make each one unique. I put the icing in the fridge a couple hours before I needed it, since it makes it easier to work with. I also bought some cupcake stands that can also be used for many other things than just cupcakes. I am doing a joint b/day again this year for my boys. I am doing 2 baby pools and putting some boats and other fun water stuff for the little ones (the ones around one), I was going to either do a slip n slide or put out our water tower that squirts water around for the kids to run through. I am also going to hand out small water guns to the kids and put a bucket out with water so they can refill their guns and not bug the parents about refilling every 3 minutes ! I am also putting out a frog pool that has a shade for the little ones. Of course bubbles are always a hit too! You all will have a lot of fun and you can make it seem like a mini water park without spending a lot. The dollar store is great for the little water toys, ect. Good luck and remember, the little ones usually enjoy the box to play with instead of the actual toy !!!

Really enjoyed this post, I think you got some great suggestions with the mac & cheese and pb&J cut w/cookie cutters. I just wanted to add, relatives and close friends are always so willing to contribute, let them help. I have a good friend who always makes potato salad for my parties, everyone loves it and it takes a little less pressure off my plate. I'm sure you could have someone make either a potato or pasta salad to help you out :)

Combine the eating of the cupcakes with the opening of gifts, you'll have a captive audience and hopefully cut some time off the festivities.

Congratulations!!

I say mac and cheese for kiddos. No choking hazard and not as messy as spaghetti. You can put out a muffin tin with the sections full of healthful snacks- fruits, cheerios, anything else that the kids can self-feed.

Oh- cup cakes are cute, but potentially more wasteful since they are kind of large for little kids (and even adults sometimes). If you want more portion control, maybe just a cake cut into small pieces.

Have a wonderful time!

Hello, L., and Congratulations! Our daughter was dedicated in a private ceremony at our house, so we really just had a few family and friends present for that one. I had a cake made in the shape of an open Bible with her picture and "Dedicated to the Lord..." on the other half (page). We just served sub sandwiches for that one.

Her 1st birthday we had 2 cakes (1 little one for her & 1 big one for everyone else). My hubby grilled hamburgers, hotdogs & chicken breasts for the older kids & adults. I don't recall the food for the little ones other than fruit. However, I'd suggest a big pot of spaghetti and sauce. Be sure to place a very large plastic table cloth under them, but they love it at that age and it can be cut into very small pieces. My final suggestion on your day is this (especially since it is during naptime)...SKIP THE PRESENT OPENING. The children have a tendency to get cranky during this process and the birthday child gets mad when others want to check out their new things. Other parents should understand this, but just be sure to send detailed thank yous later to acknowledge the gift. I learned the hard way on her 1st birthday and we haven't opened presents since at a party (she's now 7).

Most importantly, try to have fun yourself and enjoy your girls day. Blessings!

YOU'VE NAILED IT! This is awesome! I'd throw in some cheap inflatable balls for the pool/water, and call it good! They could even be party favors. Keep the food as simple as possible--you'll mainly be chasing after kiddos--and keep that in mind most of the time! LOVE your itinerary! Have a lovely day, and enjoy it!!! Oh--and try and section off the BBQ so the kiddos don't accidentally run into it (you'd be amazed!) :) --esp. on the back side where it can be really hot. This sounds like a ball! Have fun and way to go!

Sounds like you've got it taken care of. Plenty of water should be available. Hot dogs are always easy and inexpensive. Have fun.

Sounds great! Congratulations on your family's special day. Your guests are blessed that you share this occasion with them. Relax and enjoy your friends and family.

Hot dogs are not a good idea for children under the age of 3. They can be a choking hazard because the outsides tend to be tough and hard to bite through. Another simple, popular inexpensive dish is macaroni and cheese. This might be another make ahead dish for you. If you don't want to heat up the house, maybe look for a good recipe you can heat up in the microwave? My kids ALWAYS loved the frozen Stouffer's mac and cheese. Hint: defrost, transfer to a large baking dish, heat in the microwave, no one will ever know it was frozen. The rest of your menu and your party sound awesome!

Hi, Hot dogs are said to be a choking food for kids under the age of three. What we do is cook them and then peel the skin off and cut them up very small. I think fruit in child size pieces is great and maybe peanut butter and jelly(provided no one has allergies) cut into shapes with cookie cutters would be safe and fun for the kids. Hope this helps, H.

Not to upset you, but I am focusing on the part where you said that you are on a budget and want to keep things simple and appropriate. I think that it is wonderful that you are dedicating your daughter in the church. I think if you did chicken salad sandwiches and cupcakes that would be workable within your budget and not too extravagant. I would do vanilla cupcakes, as some people are allergic to chocolate. I would not do hot dogs or hot links (choking hazard, as well as expensive if you are on a budget); I would not do juice (sugar content is bad for children). I think people would understand if you just said that you would like to have them over to celebrate and offered them cake or cupcakes and some sort of beverage only. The point is celebrating your child. It is possible to do this without spending a lot of money or focusing on gifts. Nowadays, the hosts tend to be overly considerate of guests feelings at the birthday and spend too much money. I agree with the person that said don't open gifts in front of the others. Just invite people and let them know that you want them to come celebrate with you and that you do not expect them to bring a gift. Good luck in your situation. The best to you.

Remember that anything you do is for yourself mostly. My kids ate cake in the tub and went to bed at thier party. Keep it simple, relax, what you have planned sounds great!!

Your plan actually sounds pretty good. For those closer to one I would assume the parents would bring food for them, because their preferences and dietary needs are so specific. But I know fruit and a hot dog would make my 21 month old extatic! And I wouldn't plan much for that age group, and since the older kids are periferal I wouldn't plan much for them, either. Try to keep it simple and have fun!