[Dublin]

Okay, our daughters 1st birthday party is going to be on
Dec. 18th at our home. I have invited about 30 people, about 10 of those are children ages 3 -6. The thing is is that I have no idea what to do at the party to keep everyone entertained. Of course we will eat cake. Should I have our daughter open her presents, what if there are a ton though?! HELP!! What did youdo for your babies 1st birthday????

[Happy2Bhere]

You're very brave!
We just had our daughters one year birthday party October 19, but I wasn't brave enough to have that many people at our house. We had a birthday party at Chucky Cheese- bought all the tokens, pizza & pop for everyone- but didn't have to clean up the mess or entertain them all. :-)
As far as opening presents- my daughter just ripped the bows & played with them- so not a huge ordeal there.
I can't wait till 2 & 3 for parties- then the kids can have fun, but for a one year old- its hard to do much.
GOOD LUCK! :-)
Melissa
PS Just curious- will her birth parents be there? My daughters birth father is out of the picture- her birth mom is very much in the picture, was planning on coming to the party, but then got sad, and decided not to "dampen" the party by being there. It was rough for her the week before & after the birthday.

[Dublin]

We were really thinking about having the party somewhere else, but decided it was easiest to have it at home. I have invited her birthparents. We have gotten to know the birthmothers family quite well too, but have decided not to invite any of her family. We just think it would be too much. We may try to get together with all of them on a different date.

[nawlinsmom]

Just wanted to say that for my son's first birthday party last year, we went with a circus theme, we had baloon's strung everywhere, a small carousel, hot dogs, pop corn, cotton candy, and even snow cones. I realize your daughters birthday is in December so it might be a bit cold but the kids seems to love the theme and the carousel went over very well. Good luck and have fun.

[Support2Adopt]

Although it is your daughter's birthday, you're going to need to keep the 10 other children busy.
Here are a few suggestions, some of which your daughter could participate in and some she couldn't.
1. Decorating cookies or cupcakes
2. A pinata
3. Musical chairs (Instead of chairs, we use childrens' book on the floor.
4. Red light, green light
5. Hide an object
6. Finger painting
7. A birthday poster board. (Get a large poster board and let all of the kids decorate it with crayons, stickers, etc.)

As far as opening gifts, kids love to watch other kids open presents.
Also, don't forget the goodie bags for all the kids.

JJ

[Livingmydream]

We had a big shindig when my son turned one. I hired the kindermusic teacher to come and have a class for all the kids to participate in. Some where mommy&,e kids, olders ones did it independently. They all loved it and it kept them entertained. We had pizza (delievered) and a big salad ( I made). And of couse cake & ice cream (individual sundae cups from grocery).
I gave out musical instruments from dollar store in goodie bags and everyone left very happy!