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