First Birthday Ideas / Suggestions

Starting to put a list together and scout out a location for the girls first birthday.
Thought I would ask those who have already thrown one what you did that was
memorable and fun and what may have ended up being a waste of money or time.

 

I just had a little playdate for our first bday (and a family bday dinner as well). I invited their "friends" over (my friends with kids the same age), had food for the moms and a few things for the kids. I made rice krispie treats with cheerios! I just brought toys down and let them all play.

 

We had their first bday at home, since it was more for us {since we survived the first year } then for them, since they won't remember it. We just had family and friends over for some food and cake. Good luck on your search for a place.

 

QUOTE(TwinLove @ Jan 30 2008, 08:50 PM) [snapback]597961[/snapback]
We had their first bday at home, since it was more for us {since we survived the first year } then for them, since they won't remember it. We just had family and friends over for some food and cake.

This is exactly what we did too. And pretty much the same thing we are doing for their 2nd b-day as well.

 

We rented a local community "lodge". It was inexpensive. We did simple food like veggies w/ dip, fruit, cheese & crackers and cake. I set up lots of those foam mats (you can get 'em at costco cheaper) for a play area for the little ones. We had a "big" 1st bday party, because I don't plan on having any more bday parties until they are atleast 3 or 4 or can understand it. The 1st bday party is really for the parents and family (the kids don't get it). This year we don't have anything planned for 2nd bday. DH is going to take a vacation day and we'll just spend quality time together as a family. haven't decided what/where yet.

Also, I asked my babysitter's boyfriend (an aspiring photographer) to take pics for us so I didn't have to worry about that. My MIL helped w/ the food. The only big drawback I'll say was transporting everything from house to location and setup/cleanup. Having the babysitter there as an extra set of hands helped too.

 

We did something simple at home for family. Simple food, cake, and ice cream. We had an Elmo theme and had one of those big "walking" Elmo balloons (which they loved).

This year we are thinking of having their party at a place called Jungle Java, which has a little mall-like play area for kids their age, plus a bigger climbing play area for some older cousins who would be there. This will be really simple, some veggies/dips, pretzels, coffee, cake, and ice cream. We're going there on Sunday after church to see if they like it, and if so my planning will begin.

I make the cakes, I love to decorate cakes!

 

We had a b-day at home too. We had a Baby Einstein theme and had goodies for the older kids that came. We just grilled out and had a backyard barbeque. It was a beautiful day and a lot of fun. I think we're just going to do the same for their 2nd b-day too, with a different theme.