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The first year of your child’s life is an occasion that every parent looks forward to celebrating. This year, your baby is turning one and you want to throw a birthday party to celebrate this first memorable milestone. Since this is their first birthday, you will want to make it extra special.
First birthday party planning can be overwhelming for any parent. There are so many details to consider, from the guest list, theme, food, and decor. To help you out, we have compiled a few tips on how to plan an unforgettable first birthday party for your little one.
Select a Birthday Party Theme & Style: Unique Birthday Party Ideas
When it comes to birthday party planning, every great party starts with choosing the right theme. This will set the tone for the whole party and will help guide the rest of the planning process. Once you have a theme in mind, you can start planning decorations, invitations, and food that match the theme.
When choosing a theme, let your imagination run wild or use Pinterest for inspiration. Create a birthday party checklist so that all your party details are kept in one convenient place.
You can choose an infectious theme that everyone would like including : Cowgirls/Cowboys, Jungles, Glam, Discos, Rockstar or Mr. One-derful, or design one for yourself. Perhaps you are a fan of comic books or fantasy? Use this opportunity to make the birthday party memorable; but have fun with it!
Baby's First Bee Day is a popular, gender neutral birthday party theme perfect for your backyard or family home.
Set the Birthday Party Date & Time
Picking a date can help plan your birthday celebration. In fact, it is a major factor in attendance. Make sure you pick a time when baby will be well rested & relaxed for the celebration. Remember, depending on the size of your party, all the excitement might be overwhelming for your little one.
For this reason, many parents plan a birthday party at home. It makes set up a cinch and gives you peace of mind knowing baby has the familiarity of home and his or her bedroom to retreat too if needed.
Sending birthday party invitations is the first touch of your party that your party guests receive. Plan to send invitations 3-4 weeks in advance so that your guests can be sure to add the party to their calendars.
Outdoor party planning is fun and the options are limitless! When looking for a birthday party venue, think local parks, apple orchards or pumpkin farms for fall babes. Nearby farms, play gyms and even the beach can be great birthday party locations. Choose what feels like the right party venue for you and your family.
Create a Guest List
This can be tricky, especially if you have a big family or a lot of friends. You want to make sure that you invite everyone that your child is close to, but you also don’t want to overwhelm baby with too many people. A good rule of thumb is to invite close family members and friends and keep the party small and intimate. This not only keeps the cost down but also reduces the pressure of hosting a big party no matter the location or venue.
Plan the Menu
Food is an important part of any party, and a first birthday party is no exception. But, since you have little ones attending, it is best to keep the menu simple and easy to eat. Finger foods like sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables, and dips are always a hit. You can also have a cake or cupcakes for your child to smash and enjoy. If you are inviting kids of the same age-group as your child, keep a variety of snacks and drinks that are age-appropriate.
Have fun with the menu and keep it on theme like this First Trip Around the Sun themed first birthday party.
DIY Party Decor
From colorful and playful photo banners to whimsical centerpieces & balloon arches, there are so many ways to bring that extra special touch to your little one's first birthday party decorations. With a little creativity and a few simple party supplies though, you can make the day unforgettable for all. So roll up your sleeves, break out the glue gun, and get ready to have some fun creating the perfect party decor for your baby's first birthday party bash!
There are so many kits and products on Amazon and Etsy that help make your decor easy to master with a WOW factor!
Keep the Entertainment Simple
At this age, your little one will be perfectly happy with just being around their family and friends. You can keep the birthday party entertainment simple by providing some toys and games for the little guests to enjoy or even renting a small bounce house that can provide all the entertainment you need. This not only keeps them occupied and less fussy but also provides a fun and interactive atmosphere.
First Birthday Cake
First birthdays are special occasions that deserve a deliciously fun cake! From whimsical designs to themed creations, the possibilities for first birthday cakes are endless. How about a cake shaped like a giant cupcake or a colorful rainbow cake that will make your little one's eyes light up? Or, if you're feeling creative, you can go for a themed cake based on your child's favorite cartoon character or animal. Don't forget to add a personalized first birthday crown that you can celebrate with year after year.
Maybe a cute elephant or a friendly monkey would be the perfect addition to your celebration. Whatever your choice, remember that a first birthday cake is not only about taste, but also about creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, get ready to sing "Happy Birthday" and let the cake smashing begin!
Don’t Forget the Party Favors
Party favors are a great way to thank your guests for coming and a fun way to remember the special day. You don’t need to break the bank on favors, a simple bag of candy or a small toy will suffice. You can even make your own party favors like homemade playdough or personalized photo frames. We love these mini Rainbow Rock Crayons already packaged and ready to be gifted!
Party Day Plans
If you don't have the budget to hire a professional photographer, capture the special moments of the day by asking close friends to snap a few photos during the kid's party. You'll be busy enough planning all the details, asking someone else to take photos throughout the day will be something you're thankful for once all your guests head home.
This special occasion will be one you'll cherish forever, don't forget to be in the moment instead of just planning the best birthday party.
Planning a kid's birthday party really can be a lot of work, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can throw a memorable and fun birthday bash for your little one that they will cherish forever. Remember to keep the party simple, invite close family and friends, provide age-appropriate food and entertainment, and don't forget to have fun. Celebrate this milestone with your child and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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