Baby's 1st birthday- The do's and don'ts
Planning baby's big day is quite the task. The tips and ideas below will give you a good start and insiders knowledge on how to plan the perfect first birthday with minimal stress.
-Do plan ahead
Generally, 4-6 weeks is more than enough time to plan out a birthday party. Invitations should be mailed 2-3 weeks prior to the party.
Some foods can be prepared and frozen in advance as well. If your not buying the cake from a bakery, I would recommend making it about a week ahead of time and freezing.
The more you accomplish ahead of time the less pre-party minute stress you will have.
-Do get organized
Organization and preparation are the key ingredients to pulling off a great party.
Get out your pen and paper and start making those lists!
The following lists will help you keep everything on track:
-Guest List
-Menu
-Grocery List
-Decorations and party supplies list
-Overall to-do list (3-4 weeks, 1-2 weeks, night before and day of the party)
-If your having help with the party, make a list of duties assigned to each person.
-Do be creative and specific on the invites
Be sure to include the start and ending time for the party. This way, your guests won't plan on sticking around until the later evening hours if you do not wish them to do so.
You will also want to include directions to the party and any special instructions such as where to park.
Asking people to RSVP is a must if your planning on having a larger party.
-Do keep the guest list short
Keep your guest list to a minimum by sticking to babies closest friends, family, and perhaps some play-date friends. Sure, it's nice to receive lots of fun gifts, but you must also remember that children this age become overstimulated very easily. If there's too much going on around them, they may became fussy and not enjoy themselves.
-Do bargain shop
Local dollar stores are a great place to find deals on balloons, streamers and other basics needed.
Stores such as Sam's Club and GFS are great for buying bulk items such as paper plates and various food items that come in larger quantities at a discounted price.
Browse the internet as well for supplies and decorations, you may be surprised at what you find.
-Do keep the fun and games simple
Keep in mind that your child is turning one, and although her older cousin may have had tons of fun games at their birthday party, some of them may not be right for your child just yet.
Some ideas:
-bean bag toss
-bubble machine
-fun songs that include arm and hand motions
-dancing
-Decorating do's
No party is complete without decorations. There's plenty of room for creativity here, and even those with modest budgets can pull it off.
Keep in mind that you will want things to be somewhat simple, too many decorations may be distracting or overwhelming for young children.
Decorations will set the mood for your party, and let people know this is a celebration to be remembered for years to come.
Themes are a very popular and most young children enjoy them. Some of the online party supply stores sell themed decoration kits that come with everything you'll need.
If you choose to go without a theme, bunches of helium balloons and streamers in the birthday boy or girls favorite colors make great deco also. Balloons are a choking hazard, so caution should be taken when using them. Never leave young children unattended with balloons, and quickly dispose of busted balloons.
-Do personalize
A decorative memory board of photos from your baby's first year of life will add that special touch to the party.
You could also have your guests sign a picture frame mat with an acid free pen. Once the photos are developed, add them to the frame to create a special keepsake from the party.
Another idea would be to provide your guests with note cards and pens to write sentimental notes and advice for your child. You could make a container for the cards, using a shoebox and various crafting or even scrap booking supplies. If time is limited or your not feeling creative head to your local craft store and pick up a photo storage or keepsake box.
Perhaps even wait until until a milestone birthday such as sweet 16th to bring them out again! This was done at my nieces party, and now she has a special note to cherish always from her grandmother that passed away when she was young.
-Do make safety a priority
There's a lot of precautions that need to be taken when having parties for young children.
Foods such as nuts, popcorn, small hard candies, and even hot dogs can be a choking hazard.
Check the party location for sharp or broken objects, hanging cords, and uncovered electrical outlets.
If your having the party near a pool or body of water, you will need to have plenty of adults on hand to supervise.
Crock pots and hot food dishes should be out of reach from tiny hands.
-Do include age appropriate healthy foods
Fun finger foods are simple and a surefire hit with the younger crowd. Make sure to include some of your child's favorites.
-Do keep your child's comfort in mind
When purchasing the birthday outfit keep in mind that something too frilly or elaborate may make for an unhappy one year old.
-Don't go over a few hours
Two to three hours is about all of the celebrating most one year old's can handle.
Good times include mid-afternoon such as 2-4pm or 3-5pm.
-Don't be afraid to ask for help
Planning a successful party of any kind is not easy, and one should never hesitate to ask for help when needed. From grandma bringing a covered to dish to your best friend helping with the decorations, do not feel ashamed for needing to enlist helpers.
-Don't forget nap time
Plan on getting a nap in for the birthday girl or boy before the party. This will ensure that they are refreshed, and ready to have some fun!
-Don't go over budget
Sit down when you first start planning the party and decide on how much you can afford or wish to spend. Remember to include your gift for the birthday boy or girl in the budget as well.
-Don't forget your camera and video recorder
Remember to have backup batteries and film on hand as well.
Ask someone else to take some of the pictures so you can enjoy the party and be in some of the photos also.
-Don't worry
As long as your guests are having a good time and the birthday baby is happy the party will go down in history as a success. Don't trouble yourself with the minor details.