Our tips for organizing your baby's first birthday party!
Oh, joy — the apple of your eye is about to celebrate their very first birthday! This milestone also marks your entry into parenthood and therefore deserves a celebration worthy of the name. Charlie Crane shares all its secrets for blowing out that first candle serenely and joyfully.
(c) Fringe and Frange
Is it worth organizing a first birthday party?
Of course! Even if your child is still little and doesn't fully take it all in, they will still notice the festive atmosphere and the presence of their loved ones, gathered together for them. This celebration is just as meaningful for you as a parent, and will help create beautiful memories for your family photo album.
When to organize your baby's birthday party?
We recommend planning this party on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon at snack time, after naptime. Your child should be rested enough to see people, eat a slice of cake, open their gifts… and play with the wrapping paper.
How many people to invite?
You can invite your family, friends, or parents from the nursery.
Keep in mind: your child will be most comfortable in a calm atmosphere with familiar faces. Your home remains the best place to organize this party, as your child will feel more reassured in familiar surroundings. From a practical standpoint, home is also ideal, as you'll have your changing table and everything you need for diaper changes close at hand.
Our tip: the goal of this first birthday is not to throw the party of the century, but to have a successful celebration with your loved ones — stress-free and tear-free!
Where to find decorations for the birthday party?
A party means decorations. You can choose a theme (nautical, pirate, magic, animals, circus…) or simply a few guiding colors. We've spotted on Pinterest a few lovely ideas to inspire you. We've also listed three websites to find beautiful decorations. Don't forget balloons, which will always delight the littlest ones:
What menu to plan for a birthday tea party?
Of course, the cake is a must — just adapt it to your child's age. Say goodbye to hard elements like nougat or caramel, and hello to soft biscuits, mousses, fruit compotes, ladyfingers… Don't forget the candle to blow out, which will fascinate your baby. Plan low-sugar drinks for the little ones and a few glasses of champagne for the adults, soft drinks for expectant mothers… Add some fruit, compotes, and savory snacks. Watch out for sugar and sweets, which are not recommended for very young children. You're all set.
What activities to plan for a one-year-old baby?
Treasure hunts will come a little later… In the meantime, your baby will mostly need your arms and your presence. You can plan nursery rhymes to sing and mime, small activities like finger painting, play dough, salt dough, and building games. If you have the option, you could even hire an entertainer or a babysitter. Perfect for a little puppet show!
What gifts to give a one-year-old baby?
Gifts suited to their age group of 12–18 months: wooden toys, small stacking towers, construction sets, a ride-on toy, books, a little play kitchen… Don't hesitate to guide your guests so you don't end up with twelve thousand new cuddly toys. If you send out an invitation, you can even add a link to a few gift ideas. Guests will inevitably arrive with their arms full, so you might as well make it easy for them while making sure you receive what you actually want and need.
Head over to Pinterest to discover all our birthday inspirations.
