Things You'll Need:
- Birthday baby
- Birthday items
-
Step 1
Stick to a theme appropriate for one year olds. This can be from the dollar store, Elmo or something generic. All you really need are some plates, utensils and cups. If you want to save money, skip the matching table cloth, hats and party favors. You can pick up much cheaper party accessories at the dollar store. The only one who needs a balloon is the one having the party so don't feel like you have to get every person a balloon.
-
Step 2
Keep it simple. Some people go way out with a first birthday, which is completely unnecessary and can also overstimulate the birthday baby. Leave renting moon bounces, pony rides and hanging pinatas for birthdays in the future. The optimum time for a party start to finish is no more than three hours, though some babies may begin to get cranky and tired with anything over two hours. This means keeping food to one course, serving cake, then opening up presents. The party might seem rushed but it's better that than having one or more one-year-olds melt down from being so tired.
-
Step 3
Invite who you want but try to keep the party number down. There is no need to have 60 people at a first birthday party. Too many people can frighten your baby and make for a not so fun party. Try to keep it to close friends and family. Some people might have multiple birthday parties to keep each guest count down. Anything over 20 people might be a bit much for some babies to handle. This could also mean needing a longer party to greet all the guests or open up all presents. Just remember the K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple stupid) formula and you and your baby will have a blissful first birthday party!
Comments
Alrady said
on 12/3/2009 GREAT TIP.. AFTER ALL WE ARE NOT ALL TORI SPELLING. :) DOLLAR STORE IS GREAT ADVICE AND ACTUALLY HELIUM BALLONS ARE PRETTY CHEAP THERE.
billips said
on 11/10/2009 Nice article - hope people observe that 'keep it simple' - so many parties for children are not age appropriate - more to impress the adults than for the children - 5* - B.
mralarcon said
on 11/8/2009 How to Throw a Practical First Birthday Party for Your Child useful info thanks
knowball said
on 11/3/2009 Good ideas for a first birthday party. Keep the baby's attention span and interests in mind and don't just plan a party for the guests.
lucindaroth said
on 11/2/2009 Aww this is so sweet balancing making it special with being smart and not going crazy. There are more valuable things to spend that money on such as their 5th when they can remember it or college.