I'm planning a first birthday party for my son in a few weeks, and was just wondering if anyone has any cute ideas for themes or activities. It's going to be relatively small, at home. I'm wondering what to do to entertain nine kids, ranging in age from 1 to 9. For my older son's birthdays, we've always been able to go outside, but indoor parties are new to me :) I don't need or want anything over the top, just maybe some activities or craft ideas to keep the kids busy for a bit. Thanks so much!
BALLOONS! We have always use a bunch of cheap balloons we blow them up and the kids love it! They act lie it's the greatest thing in the world! they just bat them around. SO much fun to watch! Good luck, and have fun!
So far I havent thought of any games really but my son is turnign one today actually... we will bw celebrating his bday later this weekend... BUT I have decided that we will at least have a dinner and in tribute to our one year old no of his guest can use silverware we are serving sppaghetti and meatballs hopefully it turns out to be a great time!!!
Try getting on familyfun.com--I just got their latest magazine and the cover says it has loads of inexpensive party ideas. You might also try Parents.com. They both tend to have lots of craft ideas--under the sea, racecars, trains, and so on. You might also try to think of ways to re-make games in an Olympic theme. Have the kids make their own Olympic torches out of paper taped into cones and colored tissue-paper flames, then have "snowball races" (remember the old egg relay race using spoons? Use a large white pom-pom or big cotton balls instead!). If you have enough room on a wood or tile floor, the kids can "ice skate" or "ski" in their socks or on dish towels. I can't think of anything else right now off the top of my head, but I bet you could find lots of ways to make an Olympic-themed indoor party.
for my second son's 1st birthday in December we also had an indoor party. I put out marshmellows and toothpicks(they can make lots of different things-snowmen,people,etc), play-dough(at the table), crayons and paper, and bubbles(obviously for outside). We were able to be outside some of the time so bubbles and balls were good if you're able to be outside at all. I also made sure that I had a kids dvd on the entire time so that if some of them wanted to watch it, they could, but obviously I tried to encourage the other activites. Hope all goes well!
We did a football theme for my son and called it "Will's 1st Down" and did a tailgate party.
I like the idea of the old fashioned games like hot potatoe, freeze dance and musical chairs if you have the room, also crafting is great for a small group - you could check out Michaels to get a cute craft project for them. When we were kids that was what parties were all about, being together and doing something fun! You don't need a whole lot of room, or spend a lot of money. Enjoy whatever you do!
You don't have to worry about the small babies, who will probably either just sit there, or want to play with the balloons. The older kids will be fine with face painting, music, pin the tail on something and a pinata. Good luck.
Hi K.!! I did a Winter ONE-derland for my daughters 1st birthday. I had 4 different stations 1) decorate cookies designed like snowmen 2) make snowmen with cotton balls and glue and had one already made on the table as an example. 3) foam snowmen crafts that I got on sale since we had my daughters party at the end of January and 4) a table with tons of winter coloring pages for the kids to color. Everyone said they had a ball. Good luck! Feel free to contact me for more details!
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Bubble machine! And as much as I don not like shopping there, Walmart has a small very inexpensive one that really pumps out the bubbles. Make sure you place it in a room that you don't mind a small accumulation of soapy residue. The kids of all ages like it. Good luck and don't go crazy. Kids really do have fun with the bare minimum (balloons, music, and each other).
I had my sons 1st birthday in December and had the same issue, we ended up having a Winter-One-derland party theme with some very inexpensive decorations, a hot chocolate bar and some games for the kids....since your age range is a wide range, since Spring is right around the cornor you could do a spring party, since your child is a boy you could do an invitation with some form of spring, dirt digging idea? And for the activities, you could create a sensory box (large/long rubbermaid container) and fill it will potting soil, garden tools, and fake worms and underground bugs. I know it may seem like a lot but very low key and the kids could play there for ever and for the older kids have them paint little planter pots and add a bag of seeds as their goodie bags? I would suggest the party to be mid afternoon 1-3 so it's not lunch time or dinner and just finger fods/snacks, cake and drinks. Hope this helps....
scavenger hunts are great at keeping kids occupied and you can customize the hunt for the different ages, color coding the clue cards or making the items to find age appropriate.
Really love this site, www.pepperspollywogs.com. It has tons of party plans and ideas, and lots for 1 year olds. It has ideas for every budget, and just is really top notch all around. Free by the way, no charge, in case that was a worry...
