A baby's first birthday is a special occasion that deserves a special celebration. My son recently turned 1 and I chose to throw a 'beary first' birthday theme for him. Not only is it adorable and sweet, but it also allows me to create a unique and memorable day for my son and our family and friends. This post will explore how I went about planning his beary first birthday and the different details I included to make it a day to remember!
1. THE INVITATIONS
Start the party off right with cute invitations featuring a bear motif. You can create your own invitations or purchase pre-made ones online. I chose to purchase a pre-made invitation that I could personalize. I love supporting small businesses when I can, and this company makes some really cute invitations:
2. THE SETUP
Decorations: Set the scene with decorations that are both festive and bear-themed. Hang a "BEARY FIRST BIRTHDAY" banner with cute bear illustrations, and scatter teddy bears and bear themed prints throughout the party area. You can also incorporate brown balloons and beige balloons to add to the theme. Here's what I bought for decorations:
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Food and Drinks: Keep the food simple and kid-friendly. Serve bear-shaped cookies or cupcakes, gummy bears, and bear paw-shaped sandwiches. For drinks, consider serving bear-themed beverages like "Teddy Bear Tea" or "Bear-y Juice."
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CAKE: The cake at a party is one of the main features so to me, putting a little extra effort into this makes the party that much more fun! CLICK HERE to see a video of how I made this cake!
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Outfit: For young kids, I like getting two outfits for their birthday. Their 'birthday outfit' and their 'cake smashing outfit'!
CAKE SMASHING OUTFIT
BIRTHDAY OUTFIT
CLICK HERE FOR BEAR HAT CLICK HERE FOR BEAR PANTS
3. THE ACTIVITIES
Keep the little ones entertained with bear-themed activities. Set up a "Bear Cave" play area with blankets and stuffed animals for the kids to crawl around in. You can also have a "Pin the Nose on the Bear" game or a teddy bear scavenger hunt.
I decided to get a ball pit as there were some young kids that attended the party and I thought that would be a safe activity for them!
Don't forget about the adults! Have prizes for adults to play a few games themselves, like guess how many gummy bears in the jar!
4. WINDING DOWN
Party Favors: Send your guests home with a sweet reminder of the party. Consider giving out small teddy bears or bear-shaped cookies as party favors. My recommendation? Sugarfina's Rainbow Gummy Bear Boxes!
5. GENERAL TIPS
Remember to take lots of photos to capture the memories of your child's special day. With a "Beary First" party, your little one is sure to have a birthday celebration that is both cute and memorable.
Choose a Theme: A theme can make your child's first birthday party even more special. Consider choosing a theme based on your child's interests or favorite things. Some popular themes for first birthdays include animals, princesses, superheroes, and favorite children's books.
Keep it Simple: Your child won't remember the party, so there's no need to go overboard with decorations, food, and activities. Keep it simple and focus on the things that matter most - spending time with loved ones and creating memories.
Invite Close Family and Friends: Your child's first birthday is a special occasion, so invite close family and friends to celebrate with you. Keep the guest list small to avoid overwhelming your little one.
Serve Kid-Friendly Foods: Keep the menu simple and kid-friendly. Finger foods like sandwiches, fruit, and cheese are easy to serve and eat. For dessert, consider a smash cake for your child to dig into or cupcakes for guests to enjoy. Remember to ensure that none of the kids have any food allergies!
Create a Fun Activity: Your child may not be interested in traditional party games, but there are plenty of fun activities you can do together. Set up a ball pit, bubble machine, or sensory play area for your little one to explore.
Capture the Moment: Take lots of photos and videos to capture the memories of your child's special day. Hire a photographer or ask a friend to help document the party.
Party Favors: Send your guests home with a sweet reminder of the party. Consider giving out small toys or personalized keepsakes as party favors.
Remember, your child's first birthday is a celebration of the first year of their life and the joy they bring to your family. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a memorable first birthday party that will be cherished for years to come.