First Birthday Party Idea

Baby's very first birthday party is always my favorite of all the birthdays to come. Although your baby probably doesn't know what's going on, if that first birthday party is done right, your child will have fun and the memories will last forever. Whenever we have a first birthday party in our house, I like to make sure there is not only something for the babies to do, but something for the parents to do, as well as a way to look back and remember the party in the future. Congratulations on making it through the first year. Here's how to throw what I call the "Playful Memories" first birthday party.

Since babies aren't always going to be interested in other children at this age, we usually only invite a few babies and save the rest of the guest list for close family and friends. This way the baby will have friends but not so many that it's overwhelming. Also, be sure to schedule the party for right after nap time. This way, it should reduce some of the crankiness that can occur in babies.

The invitations are always fun to choose. We like to make ours by hand. Photo cards would be best for the "Playful Memories" theme. Click here for some easy card-making instructions. For invitations, you'll just need to make them smaller. We also like the birthday cake to be homemade. However, if you're not into baking, not even from a box, I would suggest the bakery of the local grocery store. Did you know that many of the chain grocers offer a free birthday cake for the first birthday party? I recommend having the cake ready the day before the party, or at least a good number of hours in advance. That way you don't have a stressed-out baby from a visit to the store.

On the day of the party, you're going to need to have a camera (for each parent if desired) and some fun toys and props. One year olds are not likely to follow game instructions for very long. It's much easier to give them some busy toys they haven't played with before. I like to create a fun play area near a wall. I cover the wall with something decorative - such as pretty paper or a thin blanket with a cute and fun design - and put down a coordinating blanket or rug for the babies to play on. This is where the memory part comes in.

While the babies are busy playing, the parents can take pictures. Make sure the snapshots are natural. Props can be used, such as birthday hats, but instead of getting the babies to pose, just click away as they play, capturing the laughter and smiles. As you'll later see in your pictures, the decorated play area, combined with the fun, can make for some great photos.

When continuing with the presents and cake, use the same photography ideas as before, being careful to capture the natural delight of the child, rather than trying for that perfect pose. A happy baby is always photogenic. A baby who is stressed from too much pressure for perfect pictures is not a happy baby. Remember that while you want lasting memories, this is still the baby's day, not yours. Lasting memories will come naturally if you just let loose and have fun.

As a parting gift for the parents, scrapbooking albums and scrapbook papers are perfect for the "Playful Memories" first birthday party. Once all the pictures are developed, each parent can get a copy of them and create their own scrapbook from the party. That could even be an idea for another get-together. Everyone could come together and create the albums.

Enjoy your baby's first birthday party!