Baby Boy's First Birthday

While it is true that this birthday is for you and nyour family, as long as you have a quiet place for him to take his naps at a scheduled times, live it up. You could do a cute bug and ants at the picnic theme. Big ants made of black balloons, butter flys and caterpillers can all be made of balloons too.
Cute creapy crawly things- checkered table clothes, balloon buggs and picnic fair
Cowboys- red bandanas, ponies, rope decorations
Trains, planes, and automobiles
Blue #1- there are all kinds of simple decorations for this one
Country fair- any food on a stick or in a bun
Luau- and all that comes with it
Storytime- The adults can gift a favorite children's book. You can set up a quiet area to video record the adult reading the book to your little one. great and meaningful keepsake.
We had a luau and kept on our regular feeding and eating schedule, but the adults just went about their business. We wrote thank you letters to all of the people that helped us through our first year and each grandparent got a charm necklace or tie bar designed by my uncle, who was our family jeweler.
DD likes the pictures, but of course doesn't remember it. It is for you and your loved ones, so have fun with it.

We just had ours last weekend for my son, and we did the first birthday theme. We had a pinata, bubble machine, baby pool filled with balls, large balls in the yard, a tunnel in the grass, and a swing in the tree. This kept his age group pretty busy and happy. I hope that helps a bit.

Why not have a BBQ? Have a cake for the 1st bday pictures, but have a relaxing and good time with family? There are soooooo many birthday's to get all "planny" with. The first is more about you surviving the first year, right?

I would suggest a small cake and ice cream gathering of just a few. Little ones get tired and fussy with lots of comotion and people. I like themes. I like to make a home made cake and buy a small toy to put as a cake decoration and then get solid colored paper plates and napkins. Good luck.

Dear S., I think it's great to have a b-day party for your little guy. We had one for our only son who is now 9, soon to be 10. The theme was first b-day and I had a small cake for him to blow out his candle and play with the icing and another cake for the rest of our guests. Please have someone video tape and take lots of pictures. You'll cherish the memories for life. I.

WEll i was so excited about planning my son's first birthday. We did the back yard get together with family and friends. I wanted to do the "First Birthday" theme but everything was so babyish with the pastel blues or baby type themed prints. I wanted something Big Boyish. I was on orientaltrading.com and they had the "I Dig Being One" theme and it had all the tractors, dump trucks and was in blue, red, yellow and green colors. I bought a few of the themed items along with a pack or two of the plates, napkins, cups. I then went to the dollar tree and bought red, blue, green and yellow plates, napkins, cups and plastic wear. I mixed all the colors up with the themed ones so that it would all match and go together. I had HEB scan the napkin and make him a cake so that it matched his theme. They also give you a free small cake for the first birthday. I set up a table with tonka trucks and tractors then had his cake in the middle, it was all so cute. Everyone said that everything looked nice and i was excited how it all turned out. With purchasing the papergoods, food and decorations i spent maybe $250.00. I started buying everything a few months in advance so it was not such an expense all at once. We had about 40+ people including kids at the party.

Good Luck, Have Fun and Take Lots of PIctures!!!!

This party is for you and your family to celebrate him, not for him as much. Time it when he's awake, give him cake and let him play in it(lots of pictures of him destroying the cake), let him open a few gifts, then nap time. No theme needed. You could time it around a picnic lunch for everyone and have a great time, but he won't understand and might get overwhelmed and grouchy with too much excitement. Have a great time!

Someone asked this question a month or so ago, too. You can probably go back and find it in the previous posts.

I am in the camp of huge, big deal birthday parties for one, two and three year olds is silly. All the little ones don't remember anything---heck, they don't even know what is going on. Matter of fact, the more people you invite and the bigger the deal you make for a one year old, the more frightened they get.

Put energy instead into parties of later years: 8, 9, 10...when they have school and neighbor friends they want to play with.

My advice for one year olds: have very close friends and family over for a small cook out, throw together a cake and take a few pics. Spend a little money getting a nice photo taken to help remember your adorable son at the age of 1.
That's it.

I am just planning my younger daughter's 1st bday next month right now. The theme is Elmo 1st Birthday and I just bought some decorations yesterday. We don't have any family here and are just inviting a few friends over for cake and ice cream so nothing big. With my older daughter, however, we went home to visit and had a huge first birthday party for her with all the relatives and friends. I made sure that she took her nap before the party and she did fantastic! I think you should choose whichever theme you want because honestly, he won't care since he is so young!

First birthdays are wonderful but they really are more for the adult than the birthday kiddo. When my son turned one, we did do a "1" theme. There were 2 cakes, one small one for just him and another one for all of the guests. I've heard of some places that will give you the small cake for free when you purchase the larger cake there--try Randalls or HEB--I can't remember exactly where. There were a few babies his age at the party and mainly what we did was have his outside toys ready for them-very similar to what another Mommy already suggested. The bubbles are always a big hit and they love music and dancing so maybe have his favorite songs playing too.

Good luck!
D.
http://www.4myhappyhealthyfamily.com

My daughter's 1st birthday was this past January, we just did an "I'm 1" theme. I thought it we perfect, when they get older then they can tell us what 'theme' they would like for their parties. Have fun!!
God Bless - H. B

My son's bday is also in May. For his first bday we did an outside party with friends and family. Be sure to rent one of those big fans, it'll help out alot. His name is Jack and the theme was "Jack in the Box", my MIL had saved my husbands first jack in the box and I found really cute invitations and since most of the people were adults and only four one year olds, the favors were plastic jack in the boxes. I did bright balloons rented tables and chairs and primary colored table cloths. Yes I went way overboard and always do. He'll be four this year and will have the option of a family vacation or a party. Goodluck!

I just had family and friends over. No big theme. Your child won't remember this except for pictures. He'll love getting the attention and the boxes. This party is really for the grown ups. So, do what is comfortable for them.

Easy 1st birthday. We threw two baby pools (like 6 bucks each at Toys R us) in the backyard for the babies, and a slip and slide ($10) for the 3 older family kids. We got an $8 battery operated bubble blower from Target and a bunch of kick balls and beach balls. I made a cake, we had a chick-fil-a nugget tray, mini sandwiches, goldfish, cheese, crackers and all the other things that little kids can eat. I used plain plates but threw up an elmo banner and a few ballons. I sent the kids home with a sippy cup (The first Years disposable kind) that they used at the party and some bubbles and a balloon (which saved me from having to pop them all the next day) The parents walked around with no shoes on and sat by the baby pools and balls and the bigger kids entertained themselves. it rained a little bit, but no one moved... it was laid back and not too big of a deal, but still a lot of fun.

We didn't do the 1st birthday theme, we did Disney. I did make him his own cake, a number 1. That is something that was most important to me. I bought the cake for the others to enjoy.

The first birthday party is really for the parents. The kid doesn't know what is going on. We got a moon walk for the older kids that were there. My son got in it with me and a couple of other people, for photo op.

My son is a May birthday too. We had it in our backyard. We had crawfish, then burgers and hot dogs for the non crawfish eaters.

If he is "into something" then make that the theme. Otherwise, just get solid color plates and such. My rule with party supplies is I don't get theme plates to eat from we just use regular paper plates, but I do buy the theme cake plates to have cake from.

When it is time for him to eat his cake, put him in his high chair, strip him down to diaper, and let him go! Some of the best pictures are of the mess he makes with the cake. Don't be surprised if he pukes after eating all that sugar! It's typical. My son didn't, but had to go straight inside for a bath!

Oh, and when you open the presents for him, make sure all of the kids are sitting down to watch. Don't let them crowd around, this will prevent them from seeing and will potentially scare the b-day boy. I always make the kids sit down to watch, and I don't let them mess with the presents.

Main thing is have fun and don't sweat the small stuff.

We just did a cook out birthday party for our daughters first BDay. It was really more of gathering for the family. We started it at 11:00 am, since our daughter always napped at 1:00. We put her down for her nap and when she woke up we were still all gathered.. eating and having fun. She has no memory once when I was showing her the pictures, she once said while looking at that photo album, "it sure looks like all of the people at 'that' party look happy"...

Themes aren't that important to one year olds. Most supermarkets have bakeries with books to choose from. Just get an appropriate cake, plates and napkins. Serve regular fare to the adults. If children are present, take into consideration their ages and have special food for them as well as birthday thank you bags for each one, then just have a good time. Take lots of pictures to show him later.

I have two boys, 4 and almost 7. We did a first birthday theme. At that age themes didn't matter to my boys. I made cupcakes, put them in the shape of a one and then did the icing over all them with a star tip. Good idea to let them eat the cake in the yard, so you can hose them down afterward!

We just had our son's first birthday party outside, and it was great. We got a small kiddie inflatable pool from Wal-Mart and these bags of balls (like the kind in ball jumpers) - 100 in a bag and we got two, and put them in the pool. the kids loved jumping in and out of them. Then for goody "bags" to take home we got sandpails form the dollar store and filled each one with 7 or 8 balls. The kids loved them, and it was so easy. Just remember to keep an eye on them and have fun!

For our son's birthday, I used a "bug" theme. I made a caterpillar cake (make a bundt cake, cut it in half and line the two ends up so that it makes an "S" shape. I frosted it in green, used licorice for the legs and used all kinds of different candies to decorate. Jr. Mints for the eyes). I also made antennas by purchasing a bunch of cheap girl's headbands, pipe cleaners and that craft "foam paper." I wrapped two pipe cleaners around the top of the headbands, and glued cut out circles of the foam paper to the top of the pipe cleaners (use one on each side and glue them to one another. Then I used puff paint, glue and glitter to make designs (eyes, swirls, etc.). All of the men wore the antennas, believe it or not! ...and the older kids. You can also buy picnic (red and white checked) fabric to cover your table. It will probably only cost you a few dollars a yard. It was a very inexpensive theme and quite cute. Enjoy planning your son's birthday party. The first birthday is a huge deal for mom!

S.,
You need to deal with that whole story that you can make up for his dad because you can't. Overindulging children because of misplaced guilt just does more harm than good. He is one year old. The simpler the party the better, with just a few simple gifts. If you do a huge thing then it is more about you than the child. They get overwhelmed and do not enjoy a huge deal at that age.
Just focus on being a centered, secure person that loves him and do not try to make up for anything.

I just recently finished throwing my 9 yr. old a sleepover and ever since he been in this world we have given him a party. His 1st b-day party was held at the Children's musuem. I had 40-50 people there I know. Uh, 17 kids and the rest adults.

No, my son doesn't remember a thing of his big day. One, he was VERY MUCH whiny and wanted to be held. My mother comforted him and he was just lookng at the guest like what the heck???? So, my advice to you is do whatever tickle your fancy for your baby, you will not go wrong. Yep, the route I took was extremely expensive but, I have nothing but WONDERFUL memories and BEAUTIFUL photos to use during his slide show at his wedding reception. LOL!!!!!

No seriously, throwing kids birthday parties are awesome and fun!!!!!! I love to see the look on my child's face once he sees his decorations all fixed up. He always have asked "who did all this decorating like this." As I mentionedin the beginning about his sleepover I just did this past weekend, I arrived at the hotel at a quarter till 7pm to decorate for Saturday. Mind you, I didn't leave from there until 10:55pm decorating. I finished the final touches that next morning on the 2 bedrooms. I had balloons galore, streamers, confetti and everything that was made to man for his "Batman" theme. I started folding the streamers at work Friday... With the help of my neice at the hotel, we got it all done and I recieved many compliments from the hotel staff, family & friends of how nice everything was tastefully put together. Now, the food is another issue... I just lose my mind on a child's birthday parties/celebrations. Many may say that's C-R-A-Z-Y; but, it's just money and time so spend it as you choose.... I do!!!!!! LOL....
So, please do it up whether its the 1st, 2nd , 3rd, or 5th birthday. YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID and so will your child!

Closing out with the whopping total of $410.39!

Next year he will be 10, and it will be his last little kiddie birthday party. No more PARTIES till he's 13, 16 and 18 and then off to college......

Have fun on whatever you so decides!
-The Birthday Mom!

I think "First" Birthday should be the theme. Because, it is and that is a major milestone.
What is your 'flaw'? Trying to give your son the world? I think NOT !!! That is a good thing. I have traveled in your shoes. Give him all you can, regardless of father or not.

My son is turning 1 in July and we're having a circus theme. Yes, he won't remember it, but it'll be great for the pictures and I love parties, so definitely going to make a big deal about it. The plan is to have hotdogs and hamburgers, popcorn machine, pinata (1 for adults and one for kids) and face painting. It's going to start at 4 p.m. and with the time change will last till about 8. I'm having it a local park. Also, I found lots of cute stuff on www.orientaltrading.com for the older kids. Not many kids his age so I'm getting goody bags w/magic trick boxes that I found at the dollar store. Like many said before me, he won't remember a thing, that's true, but it is his very first year of life and we are thankful for every single day that we've had him so there's no way that I'm going to let it pass w/out making a big deal about it. :-) Good luck to you. Have great fun in planning his big debute!

p.s. for invitations, I found some cute ones where you can insert a photo and the number 1 on www.walmart.com

I have to agree with the prior response. They get overstimulated/tired very easily. So make sure you plan whatever you decide to do around his nap/eating schedule!

We went all out with my daughter and she was CRANKY during most of it (just too many people all expecting her to 'perform'). With my Son we just went out to lunch with our extended family and had cake/icecream at the house. It was a much more relaxed and happy birthday.

Ok first there does not have to be a theme. I find them fun but that is me. I love to go way beyond and over. But he will not remeber it just do something he likes etc.

I did courious george. I called him my little monkey and what better of cutier then George. But I had moon bounce, ice cream machine, huge expenive cake (to much) and pinta. It was over the top. I loved it but he was so out of it and took a nap in the middle of it. It was a lot of money for soemthign he did not remeber. Honestly.

My son's first birthday was in Dec. I did the decorations with the first yr theme... I bought him a little cake (sugar-free) a let go to town... He really didn't seem to interested.. So I have enough pictures to prove he had a wonderful first bday.. I don't think it has to be completely wild for his first bday.
I am glad I made my choice..

My son will be 1 in April and I am doing a theme. It will probably be one of the few times I get to pick it. We are having family and friends over for a simple backyard gathering. We are giving my son a barn yard set and I will put the animals on his cake for decoration. So the theme is farm. The only decorations will be some balloons.

First birthday theme is fun. You can find so many first birthday party packs at the party store and the online party stores. I did sports theme for my sons first birthday and got most of the stuff from the dollar general (I was on a budget)I also got a few things on sale at party city including a blue happy first birthday banner.

I did the first bday theme on both of my girls. I do a scrap book, so I wanted to have plates, candles, etc that said "1st bday." It is easy to keep it casual the first few years!!!!