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November 07, 2024

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Baby’s Turning 1! Make the Birthday Plans

Your little one is about to turn 1 — no pressure! Enjoy planning an easy-going event so she doesn't get overwhelmed and so you can enjoy and take lots of pictures.

Planning your child's first birthday party is a BIG DEAL. You'll be thinking about fun, smash cakes  and photos. Let's do this thing:

 

PLANNING THE PARTY

PHOTO OP

Take a 1-year-old photo with a birthday feel of Baby BEFORE the big day. Enlarge it and display it at the party.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Plan for a brief hour-and-a-half event — and NOT during nap time! Remember, it’s about the baby, not the guests, so when it’s over, it’s over!

DON'T OVER DECORATE

Just use balloons!

HOLD IT OUTSIDE, IF POSSIBLE

Makes for good picture taking and older children can run around outside.

ENLIST A SITTER

You will want to have your hands free for your baby’s day and managing this or that. Have a friend over to watch your other children for you or to help you with the running of the party since your baby will need you!

BABIES LOVE BUBBLES

They’re always a pleaser, so go for it.

BREAK OUT THE PLAY MAT

It will really be a party if you let your baby play to his heart’s content — make an area for him and his little guests.

GUEST LIST

Invite your friends who have babies that are your baby’s age. Keep the number down to a reasonable head count so it’s not too overwhelming.

KEEP REFRESHMENTS SIMPLE

You don’t have to serve Cheerios all around, but don’t go crazy with appetizers and fancy items. Keep things easy with cut up fruit, cheese, crackers and beverages.

CREATE A KEEPSAKE

Make a card for all the guests to sign at the birthday party. Paint the bottom of Baby’s feet and press them onto your homemade card. Allow to dry!

TAKE PICTURES

These days will be over before long — have plenty of memories by taking pictures, making prints and keeping them organized from the get-go in a box labeled with your child’s name and year. Before long you’ll have 18 boxes!

SMASH CAKES

Bake cupcakes and let her smash one, or go for the whole cake for a fantastic photo op!

 

BUY PRESENTS LOCALLY

When buying for Baby’s birthday, support your local specialty shops! They have lots of goodies to please your little one.

DAVIDSON COUNTY

Brilliant Sky Toys & Books
2002 Richard Jones Road, Nashville | 615-800-7754 | brilliantskytoys.com

Parent-Teacher Store
4004 Hillsboro Road, Nashville | 615-292-3533 | parentteacherstoreusa.com

Phillips Toy Mart
5207 Harding Pike, Nashville | 615-352-5363 | phillipstoymart.com

Therapy in a Bin
4825 Trousdale Drive, Ste. 218, Nashville | 800-818-7107 | therapyinabin.com

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

Mimi’s Boutique
2615 Medical Center Pkwy., Ste. 720, Murfreesboro | 615-890-4232

Parent-Teacher Store
131 John R. Rice Blvd., Murfreesboro | 615-895-6131 | parentteacherstoreusa.com

The Learning Circle
2992A S. Church St., Murfreesboro | 615-904-1082 | thelearningcircleonline.com

SUMNER COUNTY

Parent-Teacher Store
780 RiverGate Pkwy., Goodlettsville | 615-859-3007 | parentteacherstoreusa.com

WILLIAMSON COUNTY

Brilliant Sky Toys & Books
1705 Mallory Lane Brentwood | 615-309-0557 | franklintoystores.com

Learning Express
420 Cool Springs Blvd. Franklin | 615-771-3434 | learningexpress.com/store/franklin

Nolensville Toy Shop
9895 Old Clovercroft Road Nolensville | 615-819-2949 | nolensvilletoyshop.com

Main Street Toy Shoppe
412 Main St., Franklin | 615-790-4869

Parent-Teacher Store
1113 Murfreesboro Road Ste. 203, Franklin | 615-599-3477 | parentteacherstoreusa.com

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