First Birthday Party

A first birthday party is a special celebration for family and friends to mark your child turning ONE. It is a great time to take photos for the little one when he/she is older..

Choose a time of day when your child is usually at his best so that he does not become over awed by the party.
Probably the best location is your home or a friend or relatives home..

Themes

If you would like a theme it can be based around the number 0NE or characters such as

• Winnie the Pooh,
• Teletubbies or
• A favourite teddy bear party.

Invitations

• Cut a large number one from bright coloured card. Write your child's name on the front of the nmber and the party details ( time, location etc ) on the back of the number
• Make reprints of a recent photo and tape or glue to a slightly larger piece of card. Write " Look who's turning 1 " above or below the photo and write the party details on the back.
• Tape a birthday candle to your bought invitations.

Decorations

Decorations can be simple

• Brighly coloured streamers around the room look great.
• Gather together your favourite photos and put them on display
• Have a 1st Birthday banner or poster for guests to sign and add their best wishes. This is a lovely keepsake.  Children can do handprints and write their names below.
• Decorate your party table in bright colours.

Activities

• For very little children have a collection of soft toys, rattles. balls and bigger toys with wheels for the toddlers available.
• Music is also a good idea for little children to dance to.
• Decorate large cardboard boxes and allow children to climb in and through the boxes.
• Story time- Read or tell a favourite story.
• Show a home video of your childs first year or a popular video for little children.

Food

To cater for the little children provide:

• Mini sandwiches,
• Picture biscuits,
• Cupckes,
• Ice cream and
• Plenty of milk, water or fruit juice.

A simple birthday cake with a large number one on it is a good idea.....

For the adults some platters are a good idea-

• A platter of sandwiches,
• A platter of hot finger food,
• A platter of savoury biscuits and
• A platter os sweet food- cakes etc.
• And your choice of drinks...
  
  

Party Treats

If you would like to send the visitors home with some treats try the following:

• Balls,
• Picture books,
• Squeaky toys,
• Party hats or
• Bubble wands.
  

Party Tips

• Keep the party plan very simple mainly with Free Play.
• In the party room, make sure anything valuable is placed out of reach!!!
• Do not serve hard lollies, nuts or anything a child could choke on.
• Have a friend on hand to help!!!!