What did you do for baby's 1st Bday

Question

My son will be turning 1 in September. I was going to have his party at a local zoo, but then I found out we couldnt bring cake or food or anything from outside the zoo. My son LOVES animals. I thought about the park but we live in FL and without any shelter, it would be unbearable. Any ideas? There wont be too many kids, maybe 3 or 4. The rest is all family. What did you do for your baby's 1st?

Answer 1

My son turned one back in March.  I found that keeping the affair SMALL and SIMPLE was best.

We did the party at home (and our home is not huge by any means) and it was close immediate family only.  All together there were about 12 people, if that at the party.  We did hamburgers on the grill and set out different condiments (pickles, mustard, ketchup, onion, tomatoes, etc.), buns, chips, cheese slices and a bowl of fruit salad.  It was simple and easy and everyone could find something to much and enjoy.   I had everyone over from 11-1 so it was during lunch and didn't interfere with nap so my son wasn't cranky or overwhelmed.  I did a themed cake (it was trains) and some balloons in coordinating party colors (I used red, yellow and blue).  

I didn't plan games because besides my son his cousins were there (they were 7 and 2) and the backyard is decent sized with a fence, swings, sandbox and things to play with out there. They were fine with that.  the only thing I did for the kids that was extra was I bought a package of "punch balloons" at the store and blew them up so they could play outside in the yard with them.  They had big fun playing with them.  

We at lunch and visited from around 11 - 12, then we did cake at 12 and had cake and icecream.  About 12;30 he opened up his presents that he got and then went around the room with mommy to hand out a party favor to everyone (it was cute, we gave out train whistles with the date on them tied up in a bandana).   The party was over at 1 and it was easy clean up and a relaxed day without stress for everyone concerned.  

Don't forget the camera for pictures- and don't forget to get one of the "cake face" as those are always priceless. :)  I also had little decorated note cards (I just used themed stickers and border to put on 4x6 plain index cards with no lines) and had each guest write a happy birthday message to my son for his first birthday scrapbook when they arrived.  The entire party, including our gift to our son (a ATW Radio Flyer wagon) came to about $150.  Don't feel you need to go large or "keep up with the Jones'"  when it comes to birthday parties. It really isn't necessary to do all the elaborate things to have a good party.  Trust me, kids will remember the parties at home alot longer than they will remember "we went to chuck e cheese" or some other amusement park type complex with substandard suagary eats.

My son turns 2 in March and I'm working on a jack in the box theme for this year's party- which will also be at home and kept simple and small.

Answer 2

Lola turned 1 June 18th and we went to a swimming pool/park and had a BBQ. We did pinatas for the kids (there was a lot of them).

As for the shelter I would bring one of those tents that you can set up (that's what we did).

Answer 3

My son's first birthday was just my hubby and I and the little guy. We baked a carrot cake, decorated it, made a special macaroni and cheese w/ hotdogs and broccoli in it. decorated the house with balloons and streamers the night before. we listened to kids music, had lunch, ate cake, played together, and opened all his presents. my hubby filmed it all and took pictures. we then played with the new toys until bedtime.

Answer 4

My daughter just turned 1 last month (july).

We picked a theme, which ended up being Minnie Mouse because she loves disney! And we had a pool party for her, a bbq as well. We had lots of balloons and a banner that said Happy 1st Birthday! we had a HUGE minnie mouse balloon (bigger than her!) lol and i told everyone i wanted things to be all pink and white or minnie mouse! I had pink and white streamers and balloons all over the place, up high enough so she couldnt get to them though..I had bought a bunch of hot dogs and hamburgers and we just barbequed by the pool, everyone enjoyed it :)  

Answer 5

my son turns 1 in october, but i already pretty much have his birthday planned.

we are just going to have a bbq at our house with family and friends. nothing to crazy

he will have his own chocolate cake to play in (a family tradition for all babies on their first birthday!!)

Answer 6

We started out at the local rescued animal petting zoo for an hour, and then we went to my house for cake and ice cream and catered b-b-que.  

Answer 7

We did Sesame Street for my son's 1st, he was really into it at the time. Now he is obsessed with animals and we are going to have a dog party for his 2nd birthday. We are having it outside with friends and family. We are having a few people bring over their dogs, just the ones that we know get along really well. Does your zoo have picnic tables outside the zoo? We are going to have a zoo party in a few years and that will be the plan for us, since our zoo does not allow food either. Good luck.

Answer 8

Just had family and friends over for cake and food. If your son loves animals decorate using an amimal theme. Have fun.