Birthday Traditions for Girls

My husband and I started this when I daughter turned one and she is now three. We each write her a letter on her birthday every year and then print and save it. The letter includes some of the things that we did as a family that year, small things each of us particularly remembers about that year, cute things she was saying, etc. It is really neat because at the end when we read each others, we both had different perspectives on the year. We plan to either give her the letters when she leaves for college or when she gets married, not sure yet, but for now it is something we both enjoy doing and plan to also do for our second daughter!

I read an article in a magazine that had a cute idea - a mom had an old bathing suit from the 50's or 60's, and every year she took a picture of her daughter in it, until she was old enough for it to actually fit. It was a photo journal, and I'm sure it would work with any outfit - maybe even a wedding dress or another sentimental clothing item.

This isn't specific for girls... but this is what I have done for both of my kids since they were born.
After they go to bed the night before their birthday, my husband and I decorate to the nines for them. We always put up the same "Happy Birthday" banner, along with their favorite colors (streamers, ribbon, and balloons). We always make their chair at the table extra special and all decked out. Then, I make their cake. They always tell me what they want decorated on there and I TRY my best to make it like they want it. It never turns out, but I have found out that they always anticipate what their cake will look like. They don't get to see it until it is time for them to eat it!
Since my kids have grown up a little, I asked them if they wanted a store bought and professionally decorated cake like other kids get, and they said, "NO WAY!".
Basically, we make the day all about them, and go out of our way to make sure they know how special they are to us.
Oh, plus, our non-birthday kid always gets a present on that day as well.
And, the birthday kid gets to choose what we do that day. It is usually The Science Place and a movie at the dollar movies. They also choose if and where we eat out for supper, or what I make special for their birthday. For my son, it is usually fish sticks and my homemade mac and cheese.
(After writing this, it sounds like they are really spoiled... they are not. They are good kids who actually appreciate all the fuss for the day!)

L.,
I started a tradition with my husband and son this year for our birthdays. I bought a journal and on my hubby's b-day in May I wrote a message to him. When mine rolled around in July he did the same. I have a seperate journal for my son who turned 1 in August. This gives you a chance to express your feelings about the day to them and it's something they can read and cherish and reread as the years go by. They have a tangible reminder always of the love you have for them. Hope this helps. Take care.
M.

My husband brings my daughters roses on their birthday-- one for each year. He started with their first birthday. At first, he gave our older daughter the rose on her first birthday. I started to stop him because she would "destroy" it. He said to me, "No, I just really want her to enjoy it!" She smelled it, took of petals, and really explored & enjoyed it-- it was precious. Now every year we have pictures of the girls getting their roses from Daddy.
A.

My ex buys our daughters pearls. He started this at Duff's Jewelry in Flower Mound. Its called 'add-a-pearl'. So every year, for Christmas and their birthdays, he gets them each a pearl. Ultimately, they will wear their pearl necklaces at their weddings... so sweet!!

Hi. Fun question and fun answers! :)

I have 2 boys and I've painted them each a canvas birthday banner. In the center is a large painted gift/present. Each year I paint the new number year on something that symbolizes the party theme and attach it to the banner. So, it is always hanging in the same spot and always something new to symbolize their current birthday year. I also take a picture of them holding their birthday banner - well I try to do that! They don't always cooperate!

I have 2 friends who have birthday table cloths for their girls. One adds embroidery on the same cloth each year with a picture of party theme and age. The other has everyone sign the cloth or write a message and then the grandmother sews over the writing to save the messages on the cloth forever!

Good luck and have fun!
-Krystal

What about starting a nice charm bracelet for her that you could give her a new one each year..I would wait to let her wear it until she is much older, but when she is 18 and heading off to college it could be a very nice daily reminder of how much her family loves her. Or maybe start a collection for her that she gets a new item each year. I hope that you get some other great ideas. ~A.~

I buy a collector Barbie for my little girl. She was born in 2000, someone gave me the Millenium Barbie at my baby shower and I have continued each year.

Don't know if this qualifies for a tradition, but I have professional photographs taken on my child's birthday in her Christmas outfits on her November birthday and then I begin shameless self-promotion by buying tiny little ornament frames at Aaron Brothers for the endless family and friends.
C. S.

Every birthday night, as I tuck my kids into bed, we look through thier baby book.

This is not really a birthday tradition for every year, but when my daughter was born my grandmother bought her a baby ring. Each girl in my family has gotten a baby ring when they were born and then on their 16th birthday they receive a charm that says "sweet 16" and a necklace. We put the baby ring and the charm on the necklace and give it as a gift. Usually, the aunt buys one of the items...it just depends on how you want to do it i guess. My sister is going to buy my daughters charm since my mother has passed away. For mine, my grandmother bought my ring, my mom bought the necklace, and my aunt bought the charm. I like the tradition! I still have mine from so many years ago!

you could buy her a charm for a charm bracelet to give her on her 16th birthday. I'm thinking about doing something similar for my daughter.

One of the most meaningful ideas I've ever heard comes from India (not sure what region or ethnic group):

Have her GIVE a present of some kind on her birthday in gratitude for the year behind.
When she's this small, you can do something fun like plant a tree (FALL is the best time of year to do that in N. Tx), and take care of it.
As she gets older, you can collect food for the food banks (we had those attending our party bring 2 canned goods; then we delivered), or pet food for the local shelter (and deliver)--there are unlimited ideas.

Next August, my older DD turns 7, and I think that we are going to bring some donated books to a shelter for homeless families or the organization that helps children w/ HIV.

This is in addition to her normal b-day celebrations, and I believe that it has already raised her awareness that what happens in OUR little world is not the limit of what goes on in THE world. I hope that makes sense.

Would love to hear what you pick!

~K.
Far North D

I'm so glad you asked this, because I've needed some ideas, too, and have gotten great ones from your responses.

This year, we are going to put together a short DVD of Zoe's first five years...from sonogram to whatever is current. I'll also get out our photo albums of when she was born and when we brought her home, plus other photos through the years. We'll talk about how God gave her to us as a special gift, and I'll read to her Psalm 139 (which talks about God forming her in my womb and knowing each day of her life, even before she was born). I'm also going to start a charm bracelet for her this year, either on her birthday or as a Christmas gift.

Thanks again for the qestion - I'm adopting some other ideas, too!

We decorate their door (hang streamers that they have to walk through to get out) and serve them breakfast in bed. Its messy, but we either put a towel down or plan to change the sheets right away. I always work hard to give them the birthday party that they want. I also get a charm to add to their charm bracelet that is symbolic of their primary interest during that time. Just be practical and have fun with it!

My only daughter just turned two, I'm doing the charm bracelet thing someone suggested. Started with mother/daughter charms (obviously I have one of my own already), year #1 is a Princess charm, and for #2 I think we're going with a Horse. I'll probably give it to her on her 13th birthday, since that is her "golden" birthday ;)