Entertainment
There will be so much going on at your baby's first birthday party that you may find there is not time for any set activities. Even so, it is always a good idea to have a few activities prepared ahead of time in case your younger guests get antsy. If your child and her guests seem ready for some entertainment, try a few of these fun party activities:
Story time: Read or tell the children one of your child's favorite stories. Capture their attention by using props like a stuffed animal or toy train to tell the story.
Home movies: Show a home video of baby's first year (just be sure you've edited it to no longer than ten minutes!).
Art stations: Set out crayons and coloring books on a low table for children to color as the inspiration strikes.
Ball rolls: Have children sit in a circle with legs apart and roll a large ball, or several small balls, back and forth to one another.
Wagon rides: Decorate a wagon and pull children for rides.
Box village: Decorate several large cardboard boxes and allow children to climb in and through boxes.
Finger painting: Make up a batch of eco-friendly finger paints, and set up a station with old T-shirts for smocks and an old curtain liner as a tarp for the kids to paint.
Piñatas: Blow up a latex balloon and cover it with nontoxic glue and one-inch strips of recycled newspaper. Allow glue to dry, pop the balloon (be sure to discard properly), and cut a small flap in the piñata so that you can fill it with eco-friendly treats like small boxes of raisins, stickers, or organic candies.
Keep the atmosphere of the party relaxed and let your baby's temperament be your guide to the activities you decide to try. Don't try to force your baby through a lineup of activities if she is content to simply play with a toy on the floor.
