Special 1st Birthday Ideas

Give the birthday girl or boy a cake they can dig into.

A person gets only one first birthday and it's certainly a special milestone that deserves extra attention. Although babies may not remember the exact details of the event, they will surely be enamored by the spectacle and delighted by the atmosphere.

Make it a Themed Party

Themes set the mood for any party. A theme for a baby's party should be kept simple enough that the baby will appreciate that something special is happening. Try a pink-themed party for girls or a blue-themed party for boys, or pick a different color. Ask guests to wear the color and decorate the house with colorful ribbons and balloons.

Get Messy

Kids love getting messy. Although the life of a parent may be a constant battle for cleanliness, a first-birthday party should be different. Make it a special day by embracing the messy side of your adorable tyke. A day at the beach or an afternoon party in a wet sandbox is a great way to laugh and to share the mess with family and friends. Make an extra-messy lunch, such as spaghetti and meatballs, and forget about the hassle of cleaning up... at least until the little one is asleep.

Documents and Keepsakes

After the party is over and the guests have gone, what really makes a first-birthday special is the memories. Help preserve these memories by using the party as an excuse to start a special birthday tradition such as a birthday scrapbook (make sure the guests sign it). Take photographs and recordings, or save something significant from the day itself (like special birthday shoes). Continue to add something new to the birthday album every year.

References

• First Birthday Party Games