Birthdays 101: Tips for a First Birthday Party

Organizing a birthday party is never an easy task, but throwing a first birthday party is always more demanding.

This is one of the most important birthdays in one’s life, and even though your baby probably won’t remember it, it needs to be memorable for you and your family.

If this is your first time organizing such an event, here are some tips that will make the process much easier for you.

Create a birthday theme

Kid’s birthdays always deserve a theme to make them bright and happy. A theme is not only fun for the kids, but it also allows parents to escape reality for a few hours.

If your kid has a favorite cartoon, TV show, or character, go with that. Or you might consider something more abstract by organizing a cotton candy party, circus party, or underwater theme. You know your baby best, so opt for something you know will make them laugh.

By using their favorite characters, you can make the party unique and memorable. Custom inflatable characters can be used in a variety of ways to decorate the space, including as a backdrop for photos, as centerpieces, or even as hanging decorations.

Custom inflatable characters are a great way to decorate the space corresponding to the theme of the kid’s party.

These characters are also a great way to get kids excited about the party. By having custom inflatables at the party, you can ensure that the kids will have a great time and will always remember the party.

Streamline your guest list

Streamlining your guest list is always important, but especially today when you have to be careful with whom you and your family come in contact.

Also, there are certain social gathering rules you need to follow. No matter how many people you’re inviting, make sure to have a guest list to follow so you can keep track of RSVPs. Make sure the date works for your closest family members and friends.

Pick out a convenient venue

Most people today choose to celebrate their kid’s birthday at home, especially if they have a spacious backyard that allows good distancing. But if you don’t want to bring people into your home right now, you can book a venue.

A larger party will work just fine at a local park or restaurant with outside seating, just make sure to get all the permits and check the current laws. Make sure to book your venue well in advance, because you might be left empty-handed.

Go all-in on the cake

Your one-year-old might not know much about the birthday party, but one thing is for sure, they will love the cake. This is the best part of every birthday, especially for kids, so make sure to make it special.

Order a creative birthday cake that tastes amazing—chocolate and plenty of icing are always a hit with little ones. And make sure that the parents like it too.

If you want to provide something more mature and intricate for grownups like champagne cake or fruit cake, order two pastries and everyone will be blown away.

Send out invitations

All invitations should be mailed about three weeks before the party. Even if you can distribute invitations at your kid’s daycare, it’s better to do it by mail. This way, kids and parents who are not invited won’t feel too embarrassed.

When it comes to invitations, make sure to include the date, location, beginning and end times, and RSVP information. If you want the parents to bring anything, make sure to mention it (towels, swimsuits, change of clothes…).

Also, state clearly whether you’ll be serving lunch and mention specific entertainment. If certain parents didn’t respond a week before the party, try calling since invitations can get lost in the mail.

Go vibrant with the décor

All standout first birthday parties must have vibrant and colorful decorations and an interesting table setting.

You don’t need to spend too much money on overly-expensive decorations because certain things might be dangerous for young kids (for instance, latex balloons might be a choking hazard).

Colorful plastic plates and fun sippy cups are all kids need, but make sure to provide some overhead decorations kids can’t reach just to keep things extra festive.

Keep it short and sweet

Young kids can’t handle too much fun and they will get fussy and throw a tantrum, so if there are other kids at the party, make sure to keep it short—two or three hours is plenty of time for little ones to have fun.

You will have time to bring out the cake, check presents, play, and chat with other parents without anyone getting too tired or bored.

You probably know that your kid won’t care whether you spend $100 or $10,000 on their first birthday party, so make sure to keep it moderate. How much you want to spend is all up to you, but safety and fun should be your priority, and keep the stress out.