This party is for you and your family and friends who are coming to admire over your wonderful one-year-old! Remember that your baby doesn’t really have any expectations whatsoever.
In preparations for the party photocopy your baby’s first picture and use it as the front of a folded invitation. Using a computer, make your own baby birth certificate invitation, modeling it after a real birth certificate. Fill in some of your baby’s vital statistics along with the birthday party information, and send to your guests!
Select a number of pictures and mementos from your baby’s first year. Frame them with colored construction paper and tape them on the walls in chronological order. Don’t note the dates on the photos, as you’ll be asking party guests to guess when these events took place.
Plan a reasonably short party, not longer then hour to an hour and a half, and its best to plan it after your baby’s naptime so that they will be rested and in good spirits for the unique day. You don’t need to be concerned too much about amusing the adults, just make sure they have all been introduced to one another and they will chat and come together on their own. You can have a few parent-child games organized to break the ice and add some essence to the party besides the food and chat.
Take a picture of each guest at the party with your child, and combine the words and photos to create a simple but memorable birthday present - a baby scrapbook!
If possible, it’s recommended to hold 1st birthday parties at your own home or in an environment your baby is comfortable and familiar with. Play your baby’s favorite music in the background.
It’s also important you choose a theme that you are excited about. A theme doesn’t have to be elaborate at such a small age. A simple concept such as a shape or color, or a favorite Disney character or storybook can be the main point to focus on for your decorations and actions. For a child’s first birthday, a favorite outfit is appropriate party wear, as long as it’s comfortable.