Selecting the perfect theme for your child’s first birthday party is an exciting decision. While the birthday child won’t remember the party, your memories and the photos of the event last a lifetime. A theme allowing for engaging activities provides all of the young guests at the first birthday party to have an enjoyable and memorable time.
Box Party
Take advantage of the engaging quality that cardboard boxes have for young children. Appliance boxes along with smaller cardboard boxes transform the backyard or party room into a child-sized box city. Paint designs on the outsides of the boxes for added decorative appeal. Cutting doors and windows into the boxes turns them into playhouses. Children of all ages enjoy playing in and around cardboard boxes. This party idea keeps the kids engaged and costs you very little in material costs.
Petting Zoo
If the birthday child loves animals, a petting zoo offers a fun birthday celebration. Consider holding the party at a local petting zoo or farm that is open to the public. The kids enjoy interacting with the animals and you don’t have to clean up the mess that comes with hosting a party at home. If you prefer to host the party yourself, find a local farmer or petting zoo that will bring animals to you. Be prepared for animal waste in the backyard. Have the camera ready to take pictures of each party guest with the animals. The keepsake photos add a customized touch to the thank you notes.
Wagon Parade
Little red wagons are another popular toy for the one-year-old crowd. Invite the guests to bring along their own wagons so everyone can take a celebratory wagon ride around the block. Streamers and balloons tied to the wagons add a festive touch to the parade. Blowing bubbles along the way offers another fun activity for the older kids. If there is a park nearby, let the kids enjoy a little play time there before driving the wagons back home to finish the birthday party.
Cupcake Theme
Cupcakes are a popular dessert for birthday celebrations. The small size of these desserts make them ideal for the small birthday child on his first birthday. For a gourmet touch, serve several different flavors of cupcakes at the party. If older kids will attend, leave some cupcakes plain. Let the kids ice the cupcakes and add candies, sprinkles and other decorations to the top.
