1St Birthday Party - Baltimore,MD

In all honesty, you really should not have the party last more than 2 hours (if you want your baby to last). It is so overwhelming. When my kids turned one, we had a big party, but we let the baby dictate what we did. It is too hard to have structure with a one year old in that setting. We only had them open a couple of gifts, if any....not enough interest. I would not spend a zillion dollars on it. If your baby is into a particular object (ie trains) etc...work around that. I know this is a vague response, I am sorry, but the parties actually get more fun as they get older.

If you do decide to have it outside the house (which I, too reccomend if you want to enjoy your childs b-day!), I highly reccomend My Gym. They will set up age apporpoiate activities for all of the kids, and the price includes all set up, clean up, paper goods, invites, balloons, and 1-2 people to help facilitate the party. In my opinion having someone set and clean up is priceless. FYI: price does not include food or cake.

When my kids (20,17& almost 14) turned 1, I had a family birthday party. I had grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and very close friends of ours to celebrate with us. The birthday baby did not know what a party was, but knew everyone there and got all of the attention in the world! I had a nice buffet dinner and I made a very special birthday cake. My daughters and son love looking at the video and pictures we have from their 1st birthday's. We put the cake on their high chair and captured each of them blowing out the candle (not letting them anywhere near grabbing the lite candle) and having the first bite. They also love (my girls) seeing what little outfits they were given and relating to the special people who gave each gift. I have tons of ideas for birthday party themes for years ahead. I hope this might be helpful. When I thought about planning the 1st birthday celebration I realized that it is really for the mom and dad.

For a child's first birthday I would do something simple. I would do something like Gymboree or My gym. They do realy nice birthday parties. Take it ftom me, you don't want that headache of cleaning up and preparing something at home. Have it somewhere that is geared to your sons age and let them have to worry about cleaning up and entertaining the kids. I know for my son's first birthday, I had something at home. Never again will I do that... It was just too much work.

I used the YMCA which had a child care room. It had toys and balls for the children to use and I also got a popular clown. Ordered pizza, had cake and punch. Not a lot of fuss--kids had fun.