"I was really stuck on a 1st birthday theme idea until I found your brilliant website".
A 1st birthday is in my opinion the most special of birthdays and it really is your chance to show off your gorgeous baby and how he or she has developed and grown.
This may be your first every birthday party that you have organised and so it may all seem a bit daunting. Trust me though as there are a lot of people out there (me included) who can help you and the stores are brimming over with 1st birthday theme ideas and goodies.
So whether it's a boy or a girl first birthday, just follow this way…..
Top Tip:
Keep the party length to no more than 2 hours maximum and try and fit it
around nap and meal times.
*My Top 1st Birthday Theme Party Suppliers *
UK suppliers
Party Box
The best party supplier in the UK (in my opinion). Lots of choice and excellent service. Jokers Masquerade
My absolute favorite for party costumes. You'll definitely get something here. Party Domain
Another good party supplier but excels more in costumes for children and adults. Worth checking out.
US suppliers
Birthday in a Box
One of my favortie party supplies sites. Always up to date and really good value. You've got to check this one out. Birthdayz by Shindigz
Also in my list of best kids party supplies sites. Huge choice of everything! Buy Costumes
This site is the king of costumes. If the costumes not here then it's probably not anywhere else either. You'll be drooling over the costumes. Makes Parties
So that you have plenty of choice, add this to your check list as well. If you are on a tight budget, this site is for you. Below is a selection - there's much more online.
* 1st Birthday Theme Invitations *
There are many shops with ready made 1st Birthday Theme party invitations but you can also make your own and it's not difficult.
Little X is turning 1
It's time to celebrate and have fun
We’ll clap and dance and sing and play
So I hope you make this special day.
Mums and dads can come with you
And don't forget a diaper too!
Write the details on a square piece of paper and then fold it just like you would a cloth diaper. Secure with a small safety pin. Simple but cute.
Write the invite on a plain luggage label and tie to the end of a rattle or other small baby item.
Write the details on a plain wooden building block and tie with a ribbon to represent a gift.
Decorate plain card invites with pictures of your baby or images cut out from magazines. Sprinkle with a little glitter and baby talc to give that nice fresh baby smell.
Top Tip:
Don't invite too many unfamiliar faces and try to keep the numbers quite
small. Too much attention could lead to anxiety and fretfulness.
Your baby is never going to have so many phtos taken of him/her so you want to make sure s/he looks as cute as can be. Baby costumes have never been so cute and you have a mammoth choice. How about these for starters:
Don't forget you can also pick up bargains on . Most have hardly been worn.
Depending on whether you have a first birthday theme, balloons and streamers always go down well with the younger kids but there is no need to over do it. A special feature could be a growth wall whereby you have a frieze with photos of your child from birth to one. You could also highlight milestones such as first tooth, first step, and first word and so on.
Set up a soft play area and also a quiet room/space for those that will need a nap or some quiet time.
TOP
TIP:
Burst balloons are a choking hazard for children and babies. Make sure
that you throw away broken balloons straight away. Babies will put anything in
their mouths that looks bright and interesting so be on your guard.
One year olds don't eat that much and they don't have a hugely varied diet – adults do though! Therefore cater mainly for the grownups and any older siblings that will be at the party.
One year olds are not tidy eaters so make sure you have a dedicated food area and try to avoid too many foods that are 'fun to play with' such as jelly. If it is a nice day, it might be an idea to eat outside. Set up a big picnic rug so the kids can eat and move about as they wish. If the weather is cold or wet, you could still set up a picnic area in your house.
TOP
TIP:
Some babies will have a mouthful of teeth and others maybe only one or
two so make sure you cater for both.
Cake shape ideas
Prepare a basic cake using a packet cake mix or my all-in-one cake recipe. Fill a cake tin and decorate in your chosen colours. Simple.
Name that Baby
This is a game for the adults! Ask them in advance to bring a photo of their baby and of themselves as a baby and then see if you can guess at whose baby is whose.
Hand prints
Have the baby guests make a hand print on a large sheet of paper and then have their parents write a few words for the birthday child. Roll it up and keep it safe until their 18th birthday!
TOP
TIP:
Keep the party fairly low key and simple. Too much activity and change
can be rather overwhelming and frightening for little ones.