Daughters First Birthday...

I didn't really have any games or anything planned for my daughter's 1st or 2nd birthday. I did have toys outside for the kids for her first and for the second, I had a bunch of bubbles and a swingset (also an August bday).

This year for my son's 1st birthday (August also- so I'm a planner like you!), I plan on having it outside at our house, serving hotdogs and hamburgers, chips/dips, juice boxes/soda, a cake and pre-made sugar cookies that the kids can decorate. We usually have about 6 kids ages 1-3 and then 5 kids aged 9-12 plus family so it's usually between 30-50 people. I'm going to have the kids take home their decorated cookies as their favors along with a few other things - maybe candy and bubbles. I am also going to have everyone bob for apples!! I'm also going to have each child get their face painted.

For my daughter's 3rd birthday, *unsure of theme yet*, we are also doing it at our house, are having pizzas, cookies, donuts, soda, juice and I'm going to have each child do a Pudding Painting - where they can paint with vanilla or chocolate pudding. and then we're going to play "See who can eat the marshmallow on a string the fastest without using their hands." Not really a title but I don't know what else to call it! We'll also have a pinata!

Their birthdays are two weeks apart so I think we'll try to separate their birthdays three weekends apart just so it's easier financially for us and for others to come over. We may have our son's 1st bday double as a Labor Day BBQ and have everyone bring something for a potluck.

One year olds really don't care, so make it fun for you and your son. It's more about celebrating the day for you than it is for your daughter. Just have a fun day. She's not really going to care till she's 3. Have fun!

If you were going to do a joint party, a theme that you could get away with is Sesame Street. The have both '1st birthday stuff' and general birthday stuff for your 3y. You could also get away with a zoo babies, summer or swim theme.

check out 1stbirthdays.com. / birthdayexpress.com. They have a ton of cute themes for both ages.

I had a cupcake party for my 3 year old son with only a few friends, in which they decorated them with frosting and sprinkles (make sure they're nut-free). There were several babies there around 1 year old, and they had a ball.

Just keep it simple, put out a few toys, maybe some fun music (try Jim Gill), and short - no more than 2 hours. I also got a fleet of small ride on toys (4 or so) which you can get at tag sales for about $15-$20 to keep the kids busy outside (with all adults watching of course). I also had several bottles of bubble solution and a T-ball set. Don't go overboard with the food, just chopped up fruit, fruit juices, bottled water, veggie sticks, goldfish, or organic cheese puffs, maybe some Milano cookies and mineral water. Stay away from hummus in case there are any nut allergies.

For themes, you can't beat Target. Buy what you need less than a month in advance and return any extras.