What to do for sons first birthday?????

Question

my son will be one on the 29 of Aug. i plan to make his cake a carrot cake most likely a small one. i dont know how many people will be there. i dont know if i will do anything important, his dad is overseas right now so it wont be too fun. we will have other kids and babies there. any games that i can do that will keep all of them busy and should we take the time to open gifts i know the big kids like it but i know the little ones just want to play with them. i plan to do give bags if i can what are some things i can put in them i dont want candy or anthing to make them worse for they moms. i know it shouldnt last over an hour cause of him being so young but he can stay up for five hours no promble. any thing would be great should i do it in my back yard or inside it is hot here in TN and i dont have that much room for parking any way. thanks so much. should i just have every one give money instead of getting a gift for him so kids wont want to play with them. thank for your help

Answer 1

Don't ask people to just give money... that is really tacky.  

In the goody bags you could do those small packages of goldfish crackers or graham crackers.  Every mom goes way overboard with the first birthday, as much as you don't think you will, you will find that you will.  It's more for you than for any of the kids.  What if you took some old newspapers and just started wrapping boxes (you don't need them to be perfect)  of all sizes and give them to the kids to unwrap.  They can be empty or just have a small toy.  Tell the parents what you're doing, ask them to donate a few boxes (or convince them to wrap them and bring them). Then everyone can be unwrapping on the floor along with your son.  I have a 4 year old now but I'm thinking at his first birthday he was the youngest so I was able to get gifts for older kids. sorry

Answer 2

I'm sorry that your hubby won't be there. Military? If so, thank you for the sacrifice you are making for us.

For a schedule:

*Craft - have something the children can do when they arrive; even if parents have to assist them. I usually have a teenager or two to assist with this.

*Games - play classic games for the older ones and your toddler may try to play or may do something else (Duck, Duck, Goose; Pin the Tail on the Donkey; Pinata; etc. - make them fit your theme)

*Food & Cake & Ice Cream

*Gifts - Put him in a high chair and ask all the other children to sit down. Tell them they can "help" him open the one they brought. Be prepared for this to be stressful. Parents generally don't make their children sit down. Asking for money would be tacky.

*Gift Bags- Just small toys, but make sure they aren't choking hazards. This is a great site to find cheap prizes and even the bags and party plates and decorations...

http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse...

It depends on time of day as to whether you do it inside or out. If you do it inside, move your furniture around or even out.

Answer 3

I had a cookout with a few friends over. We also had a little pool for the kids. It was nice and simple :-)

Answer 4

If the weather is nice, have a backyard BBQ.  Set out a bunch of out door toys, even a wading pool.  Send out invites saying to bring swim clothes w/ RSVP's so that you know how many people will be attending food wise.  

Let him open gifts in front of everyone.

For my sons first birthday that's what we did,  the kids age range was from 1-6 and all of them had a blast in the wading pool and outdoor toys.  I just had burgers and hotdogs very easy and kid friendly.  They sang happy birthday, I layed out a big blanket for him to open presents.  The older kids helped him unwrap.  Served the cake and everyone went home.... I didn't even have loot bags.

Kids are easily entertained especially with water :)

Answer 5

for my daughter's first b-day we had 75 people in my mom's backyard. we didn't play any games, the kids just played ball, and we put up a sprinkler so they ran around in their suits.

we let the kids 'help' open presents too,they enjoyed that. we made goodie bags only for the kids that were older (over 3) but if you want to make something for the babies, just buy a cute stuffed animal rattle, or some other baby toy and tie a tag on it that says 'thanks for coming' or something. we went to a local party store and bought pirate themed items for the boys (eye patch, tattoos, stickers, chocolate coins, bubbles, a squirt dolphin and a head scarf) and the girls little mermaid (tattoos, stickers, crown, necklass, bubbles, a squirt dolphin and candy jewlery)

Answer 6

My son's 1st birthday is just a few days later (labor day), and we're having 2 parties. One for my out of state family, and one for my husbands. A few days ago I was stressed and trying to planned this big 'theme' party, but today decided to take the easier/less stress route. We chose not to have any other kiddos come this year as he won't remember... I figured keeping it low key was the right direction for us. So, I'm just decorating a lot, going to do appetizers, pizza, and cake... and he'll open his gits in front of everyone. Making a big number 1 cake for the guests, and making a seperate little cake for him to dig into. I'd say if you're having a lot of people, a BBQ is the way to go. And even if he's able to stay up for a long stretch of time... no need for the party to last more than 2 hours or so. Just make sure you keep it about the birthday boy instead of getting too worried about everyone else. They all love him and just want to celebrate with him as well. Hope it goes well!

Answer 7

do a little mini-carnival in a park or backyard, make up little games and have little booths set up...ex:mini pie throwing, using whipped cream pies, or a stuffed animal dunk tank. have popcorn and candy etc. have fun!

Answer 8

My daughter will be 1 on the 28th of August!  Cute.

Anyways, we are NOT having anything big.  The baby is only one, and too much activity may overwhelm him.  I would just invite a few close relatives over, and maybe a few friends.  Nothing too fancy, there's no need to go overboard.  Just do a BBQ party and keep it short.  You can all meet at a local park, and the playground can keep the kids entertained.