So you have all survived, you made it through the sleepless nights, the dirty diapers and the teething for a whole year….
Sounds like a reason to celebrate! The party can be as low key or
as lavish as you wish. In many ways this party is as much for you as for the
birthday girl or boy.
Where
At home is perfect but if you don’t have the space try a local
hall or check out our article on local venues.
When ·
Late morning or late afternoon will suit nap times for the majority of 1 year olds. You may want to add an end time on the invitation too. ·
Plan the party to last about 1 ½ hours any longer and the kids will get cranky.
Weekend parties will suit most guests. ·
You may have a few (kid) friends with birthdays around the same time particularly if you know them from antenatal, so have a quick chat with the other parent/s so you don’t set the same date for your parties.
Guests
It’s best to make this a small gathering; too many people will overwhelm your child so it’s a good idea to keep your guest list to family and a few close friends.
Theme
While not necessary it can give you a focus for invitations, decorations, food and favours and add a bit of fun to the planning.
Some ideas suitable for a first birthday party are:·
Rainbow ·
Sesame Street ·
Winnie the Pooh ·
Teddy Bears picnic
You don’t need to purchase licensed supplies to have a theme for example Winnie-the-pooh can be easily done with mostly yellow decorations and a touch of red.
Invitations
Invitations can be bought or made, they can be sent out by email, post or given in person. If you are handing them out at day-care or another activity be discreet so no one’s feelings are hurt. They should be sent two to three weeks before the event. It’s a good idea to request RSVP’s so you know how many people you are catering for.
Decorations·
Photos are perfect to show how far they have come, make a collage in the shape of a number 1 or display them in a time line. ·
Balloons are always popular but make sure they are secured well to reduce choking hazards ·
You can hire kid size table and chairs from some play groups or party hire companies like SquigglePOP Parties.
Games
Realistically 1 year olds are too young for games and will be entertained by toys. You can hire toys from the toy library or your local playgroup if you would like some extra ride-ons or other special toys.
If you have older children attending you may want to set up an activity such as colouring, play-dough or bubble blowing.
Food ·
Check with parents for any food allergies and plan your food accordingly making sure if all the food isn’t suitable it is clearly marked. ·
Make sure you have healthy options as well as the yummy sweet treats that scream party food ·
Serve both kids and adult food ·
Alcohol? For the adults sure it is a party after all.
Cake
You can make your own, buy one pre made or order one custom made. It can follow your theme, have your baby’s photo on it, be the shape of a number one, it could be a stack of cupcakes, there is no wrong choice…in fact there are
so many good ones it could be hard to choose.
It is also becoming more popular to have a smash cake, a mini cake for the birthday child to well
smash.
Loot Bags
These are not necessary especially at this age but if you do want to do something opt for a small toy or board book, this too could match your theme.
Photos
Assign someone else to take photos such as an uncle or a friend and ask them to get these important
shots: ·
Blowing out the candles ·
Eating the cake·
Opening the presents ·
The details such as the cake and decorations ·
A family shot
Making Memoires ·
Start a tradition of buying a book for every year. Write a small note on the first page.
Buy a calico teddy bear and have everyone sign it
Buy a book and have everyone sign birthday wishes inside the cover
Tips
Have a back up party outfit chosen in case of any mishaps ·
Ask for some help in set up and clean up. Grandparents or good friends will be happy to give you a hand.
Sounds like a reason to celebrate! The party can be as low key or
as lavish as you wish. In many ways this party is as much for you as for the
birthday girl or boy.
Where
At home is perfect but if you don’t have the space try a local
hall or check out our article on local venues.
When ·
Late morning or late afternoon will suit nap times for the majority of 1 year olds. You may want to add an end time on the invitation too. ·
Plan the party to last about 1 ½ hours any longer and the kids will get cranky.
Weekend parties will suit most guests. ·
You may have a few (kid) friends with birthdays around the same time particularly if you know them from antenatal, so have a quick chat with the other parent/s so you don’t set the same date for your parties.
Guests
It’s best to make this a small gathering; too many people will overwhelm your child so it’s a good idea to keep your guest list to family and a few close friends.
Theme
While not necessary it can give you a focus for invitations, decorations, food and favours and add a bit of fun to the planning.
Some ideas suitable for a first birthday party are:·
Rainbow ·
Sesame Street ·
Winnie the Pooh ·
Teddy Bears picnic
You don’t need to purchase licensed supplies to have a theme for example Winnie-the-pooh can be easily done with mostly yellow decorations and a touch of red.
Invitations
Invitations can be bought or made, they can be sent out by email, post or given in person. If you are handing them out at day-care or another activity be discreet so no one’s feelings are hurt. They should be sent two to three weeks before the event. It’s a good idea to request RSVP’s so you know how many people you are catering for.
Decorations·
Photos are perfect to show how far they have come, make a collage in the shape of a number 1 or display them in a time line. ·
Balloons are always popular but make sure they are secured well to reduce choking hazards ·
You can hire kid size table and chairs from some play groups or party hire companies like SquigglePOP Parties.
Games
Realistically 1 year olds are too young for games and will be entertained by toys. You can hire toys from the toy library or your local playgroup if you would like some extra ride-ons or other special toys.
If you have older children attending you may want to set up an activity such as colouring, play-dough or bubble blowing.
Food ·
Check with parents for any food allergies and plan your food accordingly making sure if all the food isn’t suitable it is clearly marked. ·
Make sure you have healthy options as well as the yummy sweet treats that scream party food ·
Serve both kids and adult food ·
Alcohol? For the adults sure it is a party after all.
Cake
You can make your own, buy one pre made or order one custom made. It can follow your theme, have your baby’s photo on it, be the shape of a number one, it could be a stack of cupcakes, there is no wrong choice…in fact there are
so many good ones it could be hard to choose.
It is also becoming more popular to have a smash cake, a mini cake for the birthday child to well
smash.
Loot Bags
These are not necessary especially at this age but if you do want to do something opt for a small toy or board book, this too could match your theme.
Photos
Assign someone else to take photos such as an uncle or a friend and ask them to get these important
shots: ·
Blowing out the candles ·
Eating the cake·
Opening the presents ·
The details such as the cake and decorations ·
A family shot
Making Memoires ·
Start a tradition of buying a book for every year. Write a small note on the first page.
Buy a calico teddy bear and have everyone sign it
Buy a book and have everyone sign birthday wishes inside the cover
Tips
Have a back up party outfit chosen in case of any mishaps ·
Ask for some help in set up and clean up. Grandparents or good friends will be happy to give you a hand.
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