Everything You Need To Know About Planning Your Child's First Birthday Celebration!

First Birthday Celebrations

It seems hard to believe that a whole year has passed since the day you welcomed your little one into the world … where has the time gone? Celebrating your baby’s "Firsts" is what your life has been about these days … so their first birthday should be a special celebration that your family will remember fondly. It is important to remember that the key to success may be in the simplicity of the festivities and not in putting on the party of the century!

Tips on Who to Invite

Your one-year-old's social network may be limited at this stage to other babies from the community or relatives. Hosting an intimate affair with a select few will make the event all the more enjoyable for everyone! If you have a large social circle as well as lots of family, you may decide, for simplicity’s (and sanity’s) sake, to host separate parties. Make sure that the camera is ready to go and that the batteries on the camcorder have been charged – you won’t want to miss this most important FIRST! Remember, recorded images will be the only way your baby will know what his/her first birthday was like!

Timing is Everything!

By now, baby's daily schedule is pretty much set. Try to plan the party so as not to interfere with naptime. This way, you can get last minute things accomplished while he sleeps and your little one will be fresh and rested for the excitement. Keep the party brief — an hour or two is quite long enough at this age.
Party Games and Activities

Young children love music, so why not plan your activities around some familiar songs. Circle time with songs and nursery rhymes allows for adult and child participation and helps keep the mood light and entertaining. Make sure you plan some activities for older children to participate in, like playing hide and seek, dress-up, board games, and have some crafts ready to keep little hands and minds busy. Maybe plan a mini treasure/scavenger hunt with clues and prizes! Who doesn’t love searching for treasures?

Choosing a Venue

Many locations cater to children's parties these days. Check out your neighborhood for party venues that have programs designed specifically with young children in mind. If you chose to hold your party at home, make sure that all balloons are placed high above little hands, as they can be a major chocking hazard for young children.

Food, Snacks & Cake!

Finger foods like cut up fruits and veggies, crackers and cubed cheese are always a hit. Remember kids are notorious for having picky appetites; so keep it simple, safe and fun. Finger foods also allow adults to pick at the snacks, while keeping one hand free to help the little ones. Keep in mind that with all of the birthday excitement, there are bound to be spills, so make sure you have supplies on hand – (cleaning and first aid)!
If you want the birthday child to have free access to his birthday cake, try making a smaller cake or decorating a few cupcakes. This way, you can get those messy first cake pictures and save the real birthday cake to serve to guests! Keep a close eye on the candle as little fingers may be fast to reach out and grab for the flame.

Choosing a Theme

Chose a character or a color theme that your child can relate to. Even at a year, your child will be quick to recognize her favorite character!

The Loot Bags

Party Favours are tricky at this age! Loot bags are usually filled with candy and small toys that are hazardous for toddlers. Businesses specializing in loot bags can design a custom bag that would be age-appropriate for your guests and help keep your party safe! Examples of such items would be large balls, soft plush toys and board books. Save handing out the loot bags until the very end of the party as your guests are leaving. That way, you avoid having the bags opened at the party. This helps guard against children losing items from their bags or younger kids getting hold of toys from an older child’s loot bag.

Other Helpful Hints to Keep Your Party Running Smoothly

• Cameras and camcorders should be charged and ready to go. Have spare film, tapes, or memory sticks available. Ask a friend or family member to be your personal photographer for the day. That way you can enjoy every minute of your child's special day AND be in the pictures with your precious one-year old.

• Make sure that all family pets are kept safe. The excitement, noise and food may be too much for them. Little fingers can get accidentally nibbled if an animal becomes startled, or is trying to clean up crumbs.

• Have a change station organized for quick diaper changes.

• Make sure that stairs are secured with baby gates, as many of the children will be mobile.

• Chose an assortment of toys for children to play with, making sure that there are plenty to go around. Take a moment to put away breakables and other toys that you would prefer did not be played with.

Most of all, remember that this is your little one's FIRST BIRTHDAY. Let them set the pace and don't try to stick too rigidly to a scheduled plan. Do your best to enjoy the celebration and if you do, you’ll find that everyone else will too!

About the Authors

Kym Harris & Lesley Cushing are the owners of In Favour Loot Bags and Party Supplies. They specialize in premium quality candy-free loot bags that both children and parents will love! Their In Favour Party Packages come in many of today’s most popular themes and are delivered right to your door!

For more information please visit their website at www.infavour.ca or contact them via e-mail at info@infavour.ca.