Baby's First Birthday Party

To capture the wonder and joy of your one year old on your Baby's First Birthday Party is to capture the beginning of their life's journey. The attention this first party provides your child is most important but with a little ingenuity, you can create a party that is special for the guest of honor and still provides enjoyment for adults attending the party.

Activities at first birthday parties can vary but bubbles are a nice touch. Have lots of bubbles so everyone attending can dazzle the children with their bubble blowing. Great sources of ideas for parties are David Tutera's "Big Birthdays" and "Handmade Birthdays" by Better Homes and Gardens.

Themes and Decorations

There are many themes for 1st birthday parties. One thought is pink for girls or blue for boys keeping things as calm as possible to reduce the distractions that are normal at first parties. The 1st Birthday Diva Theme with an 18" Pinata Purse and a Birthday Girl "T" Shirt is a great pink themed party for your little girl.

Pastel colors are calming for a Baby's First Birthday Party. Pastel pink or blue streamers and balloons with pastel brown highlight colors are great for this calming effect. A great centerpiece is a collage of pictures from your baby's first year.

Arrange a number of pictures and memories of your child's first year chronologically on the walls of the party room. These pictures can set the stage for a trivia game for the adults attending the party. Ask the adults to guess the occasions and time for each picture.

Be sure to use mylar balloons to eliminate the choking hazard from balloons that burst during the party. Otherwise, be sure to pick up any bursted balloons immediately.

Sound

Soft classical music has a calming effect on small children and makes an excellent background for Baby's First Birthday Party.

Food

Probably the best foods to serve baby's guests are finger foods because of their popularity with other children and lightness for the occasion. In regards to the birthday cake, you might want to substitute cupcakes for this first birthday. Sometimes little ones at this age are frightened by blazing birthday cakes.

Memories and Gifts

Since your little one is too young to vividly remember the happenings, they will probably remember this big day only through the photos and stories from the day. With this known, the perfect gift for baby's first party is a Time Capsule or box of photos and memorabilia from the party and future parties as baby journeys along life's path. Prior to your party, you should decorate a cylindrical container to contain the memories. Ask friends and family to write special notes to your baby such as: how your baby has touched their lives, their dreams for your child, you're so special because, items that represent life today, etc.

A great party favor for your guests is a small magnet frame with a first birthday picture of your baby. These are inexpensive and are especially great for grand parents and relatives. You can pass these out at the party or send them as part of a thank you note after the party.