Recipe: Some first birthday party ideas for Suzanne.

Birthday Party Theme Ideas for a First Birthday
Source: Ellen Neuborne @ www.americanbaby.com

Hard to believe it's been a year! And so much has changed. Your enthralling and mysterious infant is now sitting, crawling, maybe even walking and full of personality. As the big Oh-One approaches, your family may begin to ask what you've got planned for the festivities. Keep in mind the tender age of the guest of honor and any similarly sized guests who may attend. Stick with familiar situations and themes to avoid an unintended fright.

Firefighter:

Many a baby loves the big red noisy fire truck and will thrill to see a birthday bash in this theme. A firefighter party is easy to put together. And firefighters appeal to a broad age range, so this is a good pick for a party that will have older siblings in attendance.

Party favor: Red plastic firefighter hats. Many party stores carry firefighter-theme party hats. Or a major discount chain may stock this popular item. Look for hats that will fit little heads without dropping down over the eyes.

Game: Firefighter's Parade. In addition to rushing to fires, fire trucks are known to roll through town in holiday parades. Enlist the parents and older kids to don fire hats, ring bells, and toot horns for a firefighter's parade. It can be around the block or around the living room, depending on your guests' enthusiasm.

Superhero:

Okay, this theme is twice as much fun for the parents and a good one to pick if your guest list is going to include a lot of dads. But the setup is easy, and the memories are priceless. Ask your guests to bring their little ones dressed as a favorite superhero, past or present. This theme works well as a family party because of the broad appeal to a wide age range.

Party Favor: Magnet picture frames, suitable for use on a refrigerator. Check major discount or drugstore chains. Also, photo stores may carry a good selection.

Game: Photo op with a Superhero. Using a Polaroid instant camera, capture mini Superman and Wonder Woman on film. Superheroes can pose alone or in groups.

Making the Band:

Be sure to invite the neighbors -- this party is a noisy one! Babies love to make music and you can plan a party around that activity that'll be a blast. To make sure everyone has fun, have duplicates of some favorite instruments, such as drums, tambourines, and maracas.

Party favor: Musical instruments. Keep it simple. A maraca or bell or mini drum works just fine. So long as it can stand up to a good banging from baby.

Game: Music performance. Get your future rock stars out into the middle of the room. Put on some music and encourage the little ones to play along. Pick some baby favorites for the background music so kids will recognize it and want to join in.

King/Queen for a Day:

This makes a good choice for an event where many of the guests will be too tiny to truly party. The mood will be festive and the party favors fun, but the little ones won't have to do much more than sit around and be cute.

Cake: Make your own princess castle cake.
Princess Castle Cake

Party Favor: Picture frame.

Game: Photo Op wearing robe and crown. Use a Polaroid instant camera and set up a "throne" in a safe, comfy easy chair.

Sesame Street:

An easy baby/toddler favorite. Sesame Street provides baby's first celebrities, and a party devoted to Elmo and friends is sure to be a hit. Place a "Welcome to Sesame Street" banner on your front door and you're good to go.

Party Favor: Elmo and other character stickers. Look for big stickers than make a big impression (and are harder to accidentally squeeze into a sticky ball).

Game: Sesame Street sing-along. Switch on the VCR or fire up the CD player and encourage big and small party-goers to belt out their favorite Sesame Street tunes. Set aside a special prize for the adult who has best command of Sesame Street lyrics.

Barney and Friends:

For a party with lots of love and hugs, you can't beat the big purple guy. Babies love him and adults, well, it's not like the Barney phase lasts forever so you may as well enjoy it while it's here. Soon enough they'll want to borrow the car keys. Barney is a surefire baby pleaser.

Party Favor: Refrigerator magnets, to help display party guests' creations.

Game: Finger painting. It's a Barney favorite -- so roll up those sleeves and paint the colors of the rainbow. Everyone's an artist.

Planning Timeline:

One month before party day: Make guest list, plan menu, send invitations.

Two weeks before party day: Shop for party favors, paper goods. Ask a friend or relative who has RSVP'd to act as your assistant on party day.

One week before party day: Shop for menu items.