First Birthday Bash: Ultimate Guide

First birthdays are not just a huge milestone for your child, it’s also a huge moment for mom & dad! It’s a celebration of bringing a child into the world and the village it takes to raise a little one. This guide will take you through 4 main things to consider when planning this big day: the priorities, the theme, the activities, and the food/decor!

Priorities for Your Little One

Amidst the planning and party prep, it’s easy to get caught up in the details. Remember, your baby’s comfort and happiness should be your top priority throughout the day. Schedule the party around your baby’s routine. This means planning nap times and feedings into the agenda to avoid meltdowns. Think about their usual wake-up time – morning parties can be a great way to get your guests home and settled early, leaving plenty of time for naps and quiet playtime afterward. Little ones have short attention spans, so a 1-2 hour party is perfectly adequate. Consider hosting the party at home to create a familiar and comfortable environment for your baby. This will help them feel relaxed and happy throughout the celebration, maximizing the smiles and giggles on their special day!

A Theme to End All Themes

Pinterest will surely be your best friend during the party planning process. First Birthdays historically have some of the cutest themes out there. Make sure to really lean into things your birthday kiddo enjoys to celebrate their unique personality. Many themes utilize ONE in a cute, fun way, such as Berry First Birthday, Wild ONE, One-der the Sea, My First Rodeo, First Trip around the Sun, One in a Melon, and more. With a little creativity, you can throw a bash that’s full of happy memories for your little one’s special day!

Agenda of Activities

The key to a successful bash is keeping the entertainment age-appropriate. For a littler crowd, active play is the way to go! A ball pit and a soft play area are timeless favorites that guarantee smiles and tired-out toddlers. A bubble machine and wands will have everyone giggling with delight! If your guest list has a wider age range, consider setting up a designated craft or coloring station for the older kids. The goal is to keep things simple, safe, and fun for everyone involved!

Food & Decor

Food is the highlight of all parties and little ones are no exception! Keep it easy with cut-up fruits, vegetables, cheese cubes, puffs, and Cheerios to keep their tummies full and happy during the party. Depending on your time of day, you can offer up appetizers, sandwiches, pizzas, or a brunch spread for your adults. Try to incorporate foods that parents can also safely share with their little ones, as well!

Embrace your inner DIY spirit and create decor that aligns with your theme. DIY a balloon arch and a painted sign on butcher paper to welcome your guests. You can often repurpose items you already have to make centerpieces or other decor or hit your local discount store for affordable supplies. All that matters is the memories you’ll make after all!

Your local Pump It Up is geared up and ready to host kiddos of all ages and can make your 1-year-old’s big bash the best day ever! Let the pros handle the set-up, clean-up, and everything in between. Get more information at www.pumpitupparty.com and find new ways to plan the best birthday ever at www.pumpitupparty.com/blog.