| We all look forward to our child's 1st, 2nd and 3rd | | | | loops onto yarn to make necklaces. Organize a fish |
| Birthday celebrations. We see the special days as | | | | pond. You can use a large bucket or a small pool filled |
| markers of their huge accomplishments. What better | | | | with water and have the kids hook a prize with a |
| way to celebrate your child's growth and development | | | | fishing pole. Or, set up the fishing pond behind a blanket |
| than to have a party! A 1st birthday is really for the | | | | and have the kids drop their fishing lines into the lake. A |
| parents to celebrate - You made it through the first | | | | fishing rod can be made out of a stick, some rope and |
| year! Your one year old probably couldn't care less | | | | a clothespin. Have another adult hidden behind the |
| what you do but decorating for guests and pictures is | | | | blanket to clip on their prize or loot bag. |
| always fun and a great way to make memories. The | | | | Food: Think small, safe and simple. Its impossible for the |
| 2nd and 3rd celebration is definitely a kids birthday! | | | | excited young guest to keep sitting still for any length |
| Toddlers do understand whats happening when it | | | | of time, so none messy finger foods that can be |
| comes to their birthday and are able to communicate | | | | eaten on the go are always the best for toddlers. |
| their excitement. "My Birthday?", "For Me?", | | | | Consider things like: Animal Crackers, Goldfish |
| "Tomorrow?" is all you will hear for days before the | | | | Crackers, Pretzels, Cheese Cubes, Deli Meats, Cut |
| event! Believe it or not, your child's first parties will be | | | | Veggies, Pickles, Grapes, Banana Slices and Apple |
| the easiest celebrations you will throw. | | | | Wedges. Don't forget the juice boxes! The parents |
| The most memorable too! So Here are some survival | | | | attending the party will also appreciate having a |
| tips for throwing a stress free birthday party for | | | | selection of meats, cheeses and veggies to munch on. |
| toddlers. This day is all about celebrating your little ones | | | | At this younger age, small cupcakes for the young |
| special day so keep it super simple and you will be | | | | guests is always a little less messy and easier for |
| able to do just that! Activities: The Golden rule for | | | | them to handle on their own. A cake can be made or |
| successful parties for young children is having plenty of | | | | purchased for the traditional song singing, picture taking |
| fun activities to keep them occupied. Keeping in mind | | | | and candle blowing and then served to the adults |
| that toddlers do not fully understand rules, have short | | | | attending. Time Capsule: Its startling how many details |
| attention spans, want to constantly move around and | | | | and memories get lost along the way. To mark this |
| definitely do not grasp the concept of waiting their turn, | | | | special occasion prepare a time capsule to be opened |
| you should simply set up multiple play stations. Some | | | | in later years - on the 9th or 10th birthday when they |
| great play station ideas would be a play dough table, | | | | are all grown up! |
| bins of duplo & blocks, floor puzzles, ride on toys | | | | All you need is a shoebox or some kind of container |
| and a crayon colouring easel. | | | | and fill it with memories of the day. A piece of |
| Set up a bubble blower on a high surface so bubbles | | | | decoration, unused tableware, a copy of the guest list, |
| are constantly floating down for the kids to catch and | | | | a party hat - whatever is reminiscent of that day. |
| pop. Ball Pits are always very exciting for toddlers. If | | | | Have some paper and pens ready for guests to write |
| you do not have one or know anyone who might, | | | | a special note to your child in the the future. Seal the |
| contact your local toy library and borrow one. You can | | | | box securely with packing tape and give the time |
| also easily make your own with a blowup plastic pool | | | | capsule as a gift to your child on their birthday several |
| and a bag of plastic balls or several small balloons. | | | | years later. Most Importantly: Keep it simple, have lots |
| Games: Simple games like "I Spy", "Simon Says" and | | | | of help, keep the party under 2 hours and make sure |
| "Follow the Leader" are always a big hit for the | | | | to schedule the party after nap times! And remember, |
| younger set. If your little one loves crafts and making | | | | have lots of fun and take tons of pictures! |
| gifts for mommy, try stringing round cereal like fruit | | | | |