First birthday partty snacks

Be sure to ask all guests about food allergies before the party. Here are some yummy snacks that your guests, both young and old, will enjoy.

Finger foods:

• Cheese squares or a cheese ball and a variety of crackers
• Applesauce
• Raisins
• Graham crackers and yogurt dip
• Fresh vegetables and vegetable dip
• Mini sandwiches made with rolls, deli meat, mayo and mustard, sliced cheese (this one will be better for the adults to enjoy)

Beverages:

• 100% Natural, no sugar added apple juice
• 2% milk
• Water

Remember that babies should not have anything that is highly allergenic, including: peanuts, strawberries, and shellfish. Make sure that each parent has an eye on their child- especially when they are eating.

First Birthday Presents

Here are some ideas of what a 12 month old, and his or her parents, would like to receive.

• Clothes, in one size larger so it will last longer
• Toys, preferably one that has an off button if it is noisy
• CDs or DVDs, the ones that have music and dancing
• Books, the kind with large pictures that the child can easy to identify

Creating a Birthday Theme

There are literally hundreds of themes you could use for your child's birthday party. Here are some ideas to get you started. The decorations don't need to be elaborate unless you want them to be. To save money, you can get a few things that go along with your theme (like wrapping paper, invitations, and a table cloth), and decorate the rest (balloons, streamers, cups, plates, and a banner) with coordinating solid colors. The decorations will set the mood of the party and will look great in pictures.

Theme Ideas

• Dora the Explorer
• Bob the Builder
• Strawberry Shortcake
• Disney Princesses
• Tinkerbelle
• GI Joe
• Hawaiian/surfing
• Tractors
• Sports
• Barbie

What I wish I would have known before I threw my child a first birthday party:

"The 1 year olds didn't care to play the games I planned, the adults were the ones I should have planned them for!"
Sharon, South Jordan

"Don't have your 1 year old in his or her special birthday outfit when she eats her cake! It will be ruined!"
Becca, Salt Lake City

"Don't plan on making your party last longer than an hour or an hour and a half. The kids will get too tired and cranky!"
Angie, American Fork

"Take as many pictures as you can!"
Jenna, Provo

"Don't stress about the small stuff."
Trent, Smithfield

"My daughter liked playing with the wrapping paper and box more than the toy that was inside!"
Bethany, Syracuse