First Birthday Messes- How to make it

The First Birthday:

For most parents our child’s first birthday is a big deal. While our baby isn’t likely to remember the birthday experience, there is some burning desire to have this be a perfect moment. I guess maybe because it is a snap shot moment. Pictures of the smash cake and the ensuing mess and clean up. Then there are the gifts from parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, and friends. A lot of time and money can be invested into first birthday event and believe me it is easy to go overboard.

Focus on Memories

Many people are OK with excess, but I tend to like memories and gifts that last. Believe me the memories you have of your child’s first birthday you don’t really want to be of you pulling your hair out trying to be ready for it. I am not the queen of social events nor do I strive to be, but I do have a knack for realizing what things are important and I’ve lived long enough to know the things we remember.

Choose a Theme

Honestly, I am a procrastinator so me sitting here telling you to prep weeks ahead would be hypocritical. Therefore, I am going to give you my best effort at being real. If you happen to be someone good at planning, picking a theme is always helpful. At one year of age your baby likely hasn’t fallen head over heels for a character but if they have, go with it, if not, look at a seasonal theme or something generic. These tend to be less expensive for decorating. Some examples; St Patrick’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer, Beach, Woodland, then the usual boy and girl themes or character themes. I am about saving, so the stuff you can find at the dollar store are the ones I would choose.

Choose a Menu

Many first birthday parties are just the family getting together to celebrate that first year. If your family is like mine, we take these events as an opportunity to catch up on each other’s lives. Mostly this takes time and eventually someone is hungry for something other than cake. There are lots of cute, simple, and tasty recipes to be found on Pinterest as well as other sites. Pinwheels, muffins, fruit, finger foods of any kind make for a casual dine with generally less clean up and can usually be prepped in advance.

Choose a Gift

Because I am a pediatric nurse, I tend to like developmental toys. These are also called STEM toys on most web sites. I will put some links below with some toys I particularly like. Some other toys I like besides STEM toys are toys that encourage activity between you and your child. Some examples of these would be wagons for you to spend time walking with your child. Balls, swings, toys for building are just a few. While these are not necessarily educational toys, they are relationship building toys. The nice thing about those toys is that they tend to last over the years and can be used for other children.

Take Pictures

Your baby will not remember this event. However for your older child looking back on it, pictures will be important. Our children are provided self esteem through life’s experiences. Realizing that they were important to you and have been throughout their whole lives is often just what they need during the years when they are struggling with who they are. Realizing as teens that they were priceless as babies helps them know how important they are now. Besides its really fun to bring out those pictures when they start dating.

Wrap Up: Keep it simple

Memorable doesn’t mean elaborate. At this age, memorable means pictures of them with the people who love them most. Doing things that make them part of the family.