First Birthday Party

I think parks are wonderful for parties. You'd be amazed how much a group of kids can enjoy playing on playground equipment together, not to mention games on the grass. Ring around the Rosie, Simon Says, Hot Potato, etc. are easy park games. It's nice b/c you leave the park behind and don't have to deal with clean up at home! Also, fresh air is underrated. One year olds don't need a lot of entertainment or extras; they are pretty content just to toddle around checking things and each other out.

I had my son's 1st bday party at a park. It was great. If you do the party at a park dont get the jumper. Reserve your space as close to the play area for the kids. Get an entertainer, someone dressed as a referee or a football player to entertain the kids for a couple hours. I made our invitations with a set start and finish time. It prevents people from showing up too late and keeps you on a schedule. If you start the party at 12pm, have the entertainer come in at 130pm. Party favors, I went to Target and the 99cent store and got little toys and just a bit a candy and put in a colorful bag. I tied it up and attached a tag saying Thanks for celebrating Michael's 1st Birthday with us....October 11, 2005! Get a pinata, the kids love that and the entertainer could manage that for you with some help. Just have fun and dont keep a tight schedule, prepare everything before you set up and enjoy your baby's birthday! I was stressed so much over my son's bday party but then the day came and my friends and family helped and we had the best time. I remember that party almost everyday.

Hi J.,

Last year i had my 2yearold bday party theme football too. While your baby is still a bit young for a jumper it comes in handy to keep all the other kids occupied. i got about 7 blowup footballs(from party city) that the kids played with in the jumper. I got him a football field bday cake and a football pinata.Encourage the guests to wear football jerseys on the invitations. The park would be the best and easiest place to have your party and since July is so hot have a water balloon toss.

I ordered big football cookies and gave them out as "thank you's" at the end of the party.

One last thing, you will be so busy that day please designate a family member or close friend to take lots of pictures for you on this special day and dont forget to Enjoy it!!!

For my daughter's and son's first birthdays, we invited family and friends over. It was more of a party for adults than for the children. We planned it around their nap times and the party lasted for less than 2 hours. We did not have any party favors nor did we ask for gifts. It was a lot of fun and everyone enjoyed themselves. Good luck and congratulations!

P.

At one the party is mostly for the adults anyway. Since you will have lots of one/two year olds there you will want to do an activity that they will enjoy and that their parents won't mind chasing after them for. Do you have a local park with a toddler playground? They are lower to the ground and good for the under two age group. July is kind of hot so some kind of water activity/way for adults and kids to cool down is a good idea too. Just a sprinkler is fine though too. Bubbles are fun with that age. One year olds don't really need much to entertain them. For party favors maybe you could find some soft footballs at the dollar store? Or try the Oriental Trading company. Don't overdo it too much- your son will only remember it from the photos anyway.

Keep it simple and enjoy him on this special day and invite those closest to you. July is a great month for outdoor parties. Kids at this age love bubbles, a bubble machine is fun. You may also set up a craft table and lay out foam pieces, stickers, crayons, etc.. many craft ideas at Michael's and they can take these home as party memories.

Hi J.,

My daughter's first party was at the park. It was easy and there was little clean up for us. Since a first birthday is one they will not remember, it is usually suggested to keep it simple. Save the big parties for when they are 4 and up.