#First birthday planning checklist full

For baby party bags I recommend a little bath toy, a book, a healthy snack (bear paws, plum teenies or something similar) and a piece of cake.I have other no plastic party bag ideas here If you want to stay away from plastic toys then books are a great option. This is much cheaper, but I do have 4 kids so it is easier for me to bulk buy. Previously I have also ordered a large stock of party bag items from a wholesaler and then used them for multiple parties. I fully recommend the pound shop or Wilkinsons for these and if you are in the US Target has some great cheap bits and pieces. If there are older siblings also at the party remember this when it comes to party bags.That way you will be able to easily buy what you need and won’t have to make too much yourself unless you want to. However, if you do fancy a theme I suggest keeping it simple and choosing something easy to do like Pirates, Fairies or Princesses or a mix of them all. Don’t worry too much about theming the party the babies won’t notice if the napkins don’t say ‘Happy Birthday’.

If you do want to order a cake then check out your local supermarket as many of them offer this service and in my experience the cakes are awesome!.

Another really quick idea is to just make cupcakes and put them in the shape of the number 1. You can even get them personalised for an additional touch. It always seems to take longer than they say in the book 😉 You can always just buy or make a simple iced sponge and get a great cake topper to go on it.

Only make the cake yourself if you really do have lots of time.

Although a glass of Prosecco always goes down well! As they become toddlers a glass of fizz will be less feasible as you will be chasing after them so I say do it now! In fact I typically have not catered for the adults at all.

Remember its a kids party and don’t worry too much about the adults.

They last for ages so won’t be wasted if not eaten. If there going to be very little ones there you could also have some of the fruit pouches available. I still do the more ‘fun’ party food too. I go for fruit, wholemeal bread for sandwiches, homemade oat and fruit biscuits and humus.

Make at least some healthy food even though its a party other parents will appreciate being able to give their baby something nutritious.

My hints and tips for not going crazy and first birthday party planning are:

#First birthday planning checklist full

I thought was a fabulous idea and I was really excited about the bubble machine, but by the end of the party said machine was full of grass thanks to little hands and that was that! I learnt my lesson and now my kids 1st birthday party is all about simplicity and making memories. We had all kinds of things going on including a pinata and a bubble machine. I know I did exactly that the first time round. When planning a 1st birthday party it is easy to go crazy and plan all kinds of games and activities that your 1yr old simply can’t even join in with.