How to Plan a One-Year-Old's Birthday Party in a Small Backyard

Plan a great party for your 1-year-old, no matter how small your yard is.

Start planning a 1-year-old's birthday party a few weeks before the big day. Even a small backyard will work well for a first birthday, since toddlers of this age are not always adept at walking around, they can easily be entertained in a small area. If your little one is turning 1, he may be old enough to be able to contribute a bit and describe what cartoon characters and type of cake he likes. Use your child's preferences as a starting point and make a list of potential first party ideas, including a theme for party goods, cake, games, guest list and child-safe favors, if desired.

Things You'll Need

• Calander
• Guest addresses
• Stamps

Instructions

1. Pick a date and time. Choose a day and time for the birthday party. If your child is in day care, consider having the party on a weekend so his friends can attend as well. A weekend morning party also makes it easier for friends and family to join in the fun.

2. Select a theme that will pull all of your birthday party ideas, games and decorations together. The theme should be something your child likes. Some ideas for themes include specific characters or TV shows like "Sesame Street" or "Dora the Explorer." Consider general themes as well, like farms, animals or cars. Choose a theme that will easily fit into your small yard--some simple hanging decorations will fit, an entire petting zoo with exotic animals will not.

3. Make a list of guests. Remember that your child's 1-year-old guests will likely show up with an adult, so don't invite more people than your small yard can comfortably accommodate.

4. Pick up invitations, a tablecloth, plates, napkins, wall decor and a pinata that feature or work with your chosen character or theme. Most party stores stock a variety of character and thematic supplies and have solid color pieces to go along with multiple themes, so it is easy to find the things you need to match your birthday party ideas and fit into your yard.

5. Complete and mail invitations. Ask guests to RSVP so you can have an accurate count of how many people to expect.

6. Make or order a cake or cupcakes to go with the theme you have chosen. If you have a lot of little guests, consider choosing mini cupcakes instead of the standard size; toddlers have small appetites. Most grocery stores offer a huge selection of party cakes for kids, from Elmo to Mickey Mouse. If you have a small backyard, consider serving just cupcakes and juice boxes to keep the serving area small.

7. On the day of the party or the night before, decorate the party's location using your supplies. If you have ordered a costume or entertainer to portray Barney, Mickey Mouse or another favorite character, then confirm the delivery the day before the party. Put out enough seats for everyone, and arrange in small groups to allow for conversation, and to easily fit the petite stature of the yard.

8. On the day of your party, put out any food, set up the pinata if you have room for one and get ready to greet your guests and have plenty of fun.

Tips & Warnings

• Rent a canopy or serve food on a covered porch to keep everything at the optimal temperature.

• Be sure the gate to the yard is secure so your child and her guests can't slip out during the party.

• Make sure all snacks, favors and activities are child safe.

• Check the yard for hazards the morning of the party, including bugs, holes, fallen branches and other potential problems.

• Don't give an outdoor party if you have an in-ground pool or other water hazard without a safety gate.

References

• "What to Expect the First Year"; Arlene Eisenberg; 2001 edition
• "The Ultimate Birthday Party Book: 50 Complete and Creative Themes to Make Your Kid's Special Day Fantastic!"; Susan Baltrus; 2002