The first birthday is a very special occasion that should include close family members and a lot of fun. It can be difficult to decide on the outfit, gift and decoration options, mainly because babies are too young to have an opinion. These tips will help you get started if you are planning to throw a party for your child’s first birthday.
Although I have two beautiful children of my own, I still struggle to buy gifts for friends when they have a new baby or celebrate their child’s birthday. This leaves me stumped because I don’t know what to get them.
My friend’s little girl turned one recently and I gave her a cute little pull-along dog as if it was the perfect gift for someone who had just begun walking. When we went to her first-birthday party, she opened the presents and three of us bought the same present. You can imagine our disappointment.
In my opinion, I should have stayed with the clothes and gifts that I usually buy for babies. These are fun, unique and can serve as memories for mum when her child grows up.
Choose a cool outfit
You’ll probably be taking many pictures of your baby, and nothing will make them more memorable than dressing them in cool clothes. Look around for stores that sell cool baby clothes online and pick something you like. There are many options, from matching baby and dad t-shirts to leopard baby grows. This is the perfect time to indulge. Funky baby clothes are great for gifts because they’re both practical and stylish.
Make a statement
Personalised gifts are a great way to express yourself. You can print your own slogan on a tee-shirt or babygro, something unique and fun that will be remembered. You want your gift to be appreciated and bring joy and laughter.
When I bought the little dog for my friend, I did something that was against my normal beliefs. I thought that because her daughter just started to walk, this would be a great gift. It never occurred to me that many other mothers might have felt the same way. I would have preferred to give her something that was so unique, no one else could have given it.
Select Baby-Friendly Desserts
Desserts are essential at any party, but you should make sure that they are baby-friendly. If you choose pudding or custard pie, it will be easier for your baby to eat and less messy. This is especially important if the outfit includes designer baby clothes.
The stress of baby showers
It’s not that I dislike baby showers, I just find them stressful. I enjoy spending time with friends and seeing their excitement at becoming mothers. But I am very particular about the gifts I give.
Three babies, that’s right! A few years back one of my best friends was blessed with triplets. It was chaos but I was able, with the new-born designer clothes, to give each baby an individual gift that made her smile.
Invite close friends
Invite only close family and friends. It might be tempting to throw a large party, but the focus should ultimately be on your baby. You will have more time if you have fewer people. You can also suggest more useful gifts, rather than obscure toys or items you won’t use. Personalised baby gifts are an excellent place to begin for most parents.
Keep your camera ready
It’s important that you keep your camera at the ready, whether you need to borrow one or you want to dig it out. Use a digital camera instead of a smartphone camera. The photos will be higher quality and larger for printing. This means that your baby’s photos will be of a higher quality than those taken with a phone. You may have spent time choosing the perfect outfit for your baby’s birthday or decorating the room.
While they weren’t identical, it was easy to tell which baby was whose at such a young age. The funky clothes were a big hit at the baby shower and I repeated the process for their first birthday. This time, they got T-Shirts in their favorite colour with their names on them. The fact that the prints were hand-printed meant they wouldn’t wash off. My friend still has her first baby clothes as a keepsake as she watches the triplets grow.
You may find it difficult to choose a gift for a baby, but many websites offer personalised gifts that will ensure your present is unique.
Decorating for your baby is minimal. You will only need to hang a ‘Happy First Birthday!’ banner and set up a table for guests with cake or snacks.
Consider shopping online for funky baby clothing if you’re looking to create a unique outfit for the first birthday of your child. Online, you have more options and your friends are less likely to see the outfit.
