Creative Ideas for a Memorable First Birthday Party

The smile on this little guy's face says it all! Your little one’s first birthday is a milestone worth celebrating. It marks the end of a year of many changes and the beginning of many more. As the first birthday party, we all want it to be memorable, but it can also be overwhelming to plan. Here are some tips to help you celebrate your little treasure’s first birthday party:

1. Choose a theme and decorations: A theme can help tie all the party elements together, from the invitations to the cake. One great way to select a theme is to pick three ideas summarising your child’s first year. Perhaps they loved cars, dresses, a particular book or colour or had a favourite toy – pick the best idea and let your creative juices flow. Other popular themes for first birthdays include animals, princesses, superheroes, and characters from children's books. Once you've chosen a theme, you can start selecting decorations, such as balloons, banners, and tablecloths, that match the theme.
2. Decide on the guest list: The guest list for a first birthday party should be limited to close family and friends from a mums group. Your child is unlikely to remember the party, so you don't need to invite everyone you know. Keep in mind that young children can become overwhelmed in large groups, so you may want to limit the number of children attending.
3. Plan the menu: The menu for a first birthday party should be simple and easy to eat. Finger foods such as fruit, cheese, and crackers are good options. You can also serve a simple lunch such as sandwiches or pizza. If you’re more adventurous, match the food with the theme. There are many great ideas on Pinterest and the interwebs for making clever and quirky, yet simple, menu items. Make sure to have various options to accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences.
4. Choose a time and location: A first birthday party is usually held during the day and lasts for a few hours. Choose a time when your child is well-rested and alert. After a morning or afternoon nap would be ideal. The location can be at home, a local park or community centre. Make sure the location is child-friendly and safe. This is not the time for a pool or theme park party. :)
5. Plan age-appropriate activities: Your child and their friends may not be able to participate in traditional party games, but there are plenty of age-appropriate activities you can plan. Here are some ideas:

• Set up a sensory play area with different textures and objects for the babies to explore. Use soft toys, balls, blocks, bubbles and other materials such as rice, pasta, and water beads with bowls and utensils for them to play with.
• Have a baby art station with washable paints, shapes, brushes and large sheets of paper for babies to make their own art. This is a fun way for babies to explore different textures and colours, and you can save their creations as a keepsake or as party favours for the guests.
• Photo booths are always a good time. Set up an area with a backdrop, balloons, streamers, hats, sunglasses and other fun props for guests to wear.
• Time capsules. Create a time capsule for your child's first birthday by adding personal items and asking guests to bring a small item that represents the year. Ideas may include a newspaper of a significant event, special memory of your bub, a toy, a favourite outfit or a growth chart of the first year. Seal the items in a box and open it on your child's 18th or 21st birthday.
• For the book worms, why not set up a cosy story time or reading area with books and soft blankets for babies and kids to enjoy. You can also hire a storyteller or children's entertainer to read stories and lead interactive activities if you don’t feel up to the task.

6. Don't forget the cake: The birthday cake is the highlight of any birthday party. You can order a custom cake from a bakery or find your inner baker and make one yourself. A great photo opportunity is a cake smash! For this you’ll need a small cake that your little one can smash and eat with their hands. What a fun way to introduce your child to cake! After the fun of smashing cake, don't forget to have enough cake for all the guests.

With all the gifts and preparation that come with a first birthday remember that your little treasure needs your presence more than your presents. You only get one first birthday party so amongst all the planning remember to enjoy the moment and take lots of photos to remember this special milestone.