1St Birthday

J.,

It's me again, K.. When my 20 month old turned 1 last May, I went on-line and googled "Birthday traditions" It gave me some great ideas on what I could do to make them memorable each year. I also tried to think back to my birthdays ( when our parties consisted of home-made games in the backyard). What kinds of things did my mom do or did my friend's moms do? I decided that each year I want to make her a cake- round, double decker, chocolate and I wanted it presented on a cake pedastal. I also decided that I wanted to make her card each year. My husband and I each wrote her a note inside. How about a growth chart, special hat, or a cloth tablecloth that the guests sign from year to year? Babystyle also has these really cute "books" where you can save special momentos from each birthday in an envelope and write about the day. A great way to keep things organized.

I think you'll find lots of ideas on-line and I'm anxious to hear what other moms are saying!

Happy Planning- No doubt it will be special. And definitely don't spend a ton of money- she is only one! Spending a lot of money would be more for you and the guests, not for her!

K.

Well, there is a rule of thumb that you invite as many kids as the years old they will be, and the first year should be a party for you and your closest friends. I was so happy to have the first (very hard) year over that I threw a huge party, but most mamas don't. A small cake and a cheese platter will do, and a few bottles of cheap prosecco if you like. Just don't forget to take pictures. Your baby won't remember it anyway, so just relax and buy whatever you can afford. Have fun!

There is a great website www.birthdaypartyideas.com they give you catagories to choose from, age theme etc. The articles are from people who submit what they did for their childs birthday. My daughter is 4, I have used this website to get ideas for all of her parties. I read what others did and tweek their ideas to fit what i needed. It's been very helpful. Good luck!

Congratulations J.! I'm also planing a first birthday (and one for a 5 year old!) for later this month (and in March) so, here's some advice that I hope is helpful:

Decide on the type of party you'll have. This will dictate the guest list, decorations, etc. So, will this be an "Open House/Come Meet the Baby" or "1st Birthday for Kids" or "Adults only/Relatives party", etc.

For my 5 year old, it's a "Close Kid Friends," so about 10 kids and their parents, my son's godparents and grandparents. The theme is road signs, cupcakes and simple kid's games and crafts. My 1-yr.-old will have a "Baptism/1st Bday/Open House," so everyone we know is invited and the theme is carnival, so we're renting a jumper and some carnival-style games, getting a juggler, big cake, etc.

Good luck,
F.

We are always happy to help with planning 1st birthdays and have wonderful entertainers to go along with whatever theme you choose. Please call us if you would like some advice :)

S. P.
www.partiesbystacey.com
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Try OrientalTradingCompany.com. They have great prices and tons of party ideas that won't break the bank. Also for my son's first B-day I went to the Dollar Store and bought center pieces and mylar baloons for $1.00 each. Not sure if you have a dollar store near you but you can call them direct and they will mail items to you. Lots of baloons always makes the party look festive. I baked my son's cake and decorated it myslef. I think that is more special than a store bougth cake. Cupcakes are a great idea as well. We then went to Costco and bought a few appetizers and beverages. Before my guests arrives I put on CD of fun music. That also add an element of festivity. Happy Birthday to your Baby Girl I hope you have a wonderful party :)

Go away with her and your husband. 1 year olds can care less about parties. WE were in the South of Spain on Holiday when my oldest turned 1. With my second we let my oldest pick out a gift for her and make her a cake. Then we had our own little family picnic together.

Just remember, this party is for YOU, not the baby. She won't remember any of it and will likely cry or sleep through it. This party is a celebration of the new life that was given to your family. Just make it memorable for yourselves.

My partner and I play music for children's events including birthdays and library events all over San Diego county. They are participation shows, it is fun for parents and children. Theme events are fun, for example Disney, pirates, clowns, and we have done many of these as well.

$250.00 for 2 hours.

Dave & S.
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aloha J.-

Being from Hawai`i it's hard to break from a traditional luau for a 1st birthday, but I did. I like the idea of a backyard BBQ as I had if you have lots of friends to celebrate with, but my son cried the whole time and was overwhelmed by all the people. I think the small intimate party was a great idea, especially the signature tablecloth or book, etc. My mom made my cake every year and it was always the same cake and we had it at no other time. I always looked forward to it each year and felt so special. Mine was a banana cream and my sisters was a cherry cake. Traditional things like that will last a life time. Decorations can be as simple as balloons and streamers. Whatever you choose to do have fun, relax and enjoy the day.

What I did was a BBQ. Hot Dogs and Hamburgers with a couple sides. It wasn't too expensive and everyone enjoyed. I agree with others, she is turning 1, she won't know the difference LOL :)

Hi, for my daughter's first birthday, I chose a theme, carousel horses, and made my own invitations and her cake. You can use the same theme to make decorations that match. Balloons are not very expensive, and you don't have to use helium. If you just inflate them just prior to your party, they can be hung or tied to furniture or trees with curling ribbon. Also, for inexpensive gift bag stuff, oriental trading company has some great stuff at very affordable prices. The diy network has lots of party ideas also. please email if you have any specific questions. Hope this helps.

My four year olds first birthday was a big BBQ in summer. We combined the parties. That was a mistake, I hardly saw her. For my two year olds first birthday I made a dinner, and had four people close to us over to celebrate. It was inexpensive, quiet, and she loved it. We took a few good photos, gave her a tiny little cupcake, and a couple small books. Happy Birthday to your little one. Take lots of pictures.....

We had a grandparents and godparents only 1st birthday luncheon. (8 adults total and our son) Even with the small crowd, our son was overwhelmed by the gifts and decorations. We took lots of pictures and had only finger foods to eat - no utensils, which was kind of fun for the adults. (Although for the cake they insisted on forks for themselves...DS dove in with his hands though.) I have a big family, but decided not to exhaust and overwhelm our son with all the people and noise. We simply made plans to visit at another family gathering so everyone could see him, but there would be no presents or focus on him. I set up lunch dates with friends who wanted to celebrate his birthday and see him, but explained we were "going small" with the party. Everyone understood. My husband and I were thoroughly happy with our choice and will likely do something similar until his 3rd or 4th birthday when he really might remember and enjoy the birthday hoopla.

Keep it simple. invite any playmates she may have over at about 2:00. no lunch just cake. Get the cake from Sams or costco. they are delicious and only about 15.00 for a big sheet cake decorated anyway you like. Take out her little riding toys, train table, blocks etc and let the kids play. End the party at 4:00. have a few refreshments out for the adults like soda, chips, maybe some veggies and dip and that is all. i have been to many parties for kids and really at 1 the party is just for the parents to take pictures and share with the child when they are older. Go to a 99 cent store in your area and make a little party bag for each child to take home. maybe some bubbles and a bath toy or a book. You can get some simple decorations there too. the kids will have fun and you will not have any stress. easy set up too!

my daughter just turned one in dec. trust me don't go all out. get cheap party supplies at either the dollar store(they tend to have princess print stuff). she won't remember it it is more for you then her so don't over extend yourself. but take lots of pitures and video. you can cook the food, all i did was get drumsticks adn put bbq sause on them and bake them in the oven adn it came out great and it was cheap adn easy.

Dear J.,

I like the idea of a small cake and close family and/or friends and lots of pictures. Also ask anyone who wants to to write a short letter to her about their experience with her in that first years that she will not remember. My dad wrote a letter to my aunt and it is so precious. I read it once in a while and feel the love coming out. Sincerely, C. N.

For my daughters first birthday, our party budget was pretty tight. We ended up having a blast though, and it was very memorable. The key was to remember that the party was for her, and not for mom and dad. We made sure to incorporate all her favorite things- we went to her favorite park, invited all her favorite people (young and old) had her favorite snacks, etc. It was simple but enjoyable because she was having a good time and not feeling over stimulated. Good luck and take lots of pictures!!!

I am single (no kids) and have been invited to many 1st birthday parties. I offer to bring a dish, help w/decorations or clean up. I don't give gifts, unless the baby is from a poor family. Your baby doesn't know she's one! A simple family dinner including a few close friends is just fine.