1st Birthday Party Themes & those damn cartoon characters

I hate hate hate cartoon characters. I hope I'm not hurting anybody's feelings but really they kill me. Now don't get me wrong- my kid watches them (when he takes a break from running around my house and destroying it-which is hardly ever) but as for attire he is not allowed to wear Winnie the Pooh, Scooby Doo, or Spider Man. Now I know he is still young and doesn't really fight me on what to wear yet.... I dread the days when Spiderman will be number 1 and a Polo shirt will be "just a stupid shirt with a horse on it" I know it's coming. That goes for birthday parties too. His first birthday party was a farm theme and let me tell you how freaking cute that was..... hayride, barnyard cake and everything. ( Of course it was so damn hot that I look like I had run a marathon by the time we were opening presents- pictures, not so cute of me.)

His second birthday-thanks to my husband- was a fish theme and because my other infant son was colicky and screaming every five minutes- it was very low key. But we did manage to make it cute with a fish cake and little baggies of goldfish crackers and fishing hats for the favors. I had full intentions of doing a fun fishing game but like I said "screaming infant."


So what's my point you ask??? I hate going to websites for kid birthday party ideas and getting an entire list of stupid Bratz Dolls or Thomas the Tank Engine crap. And I guess that's ok for most mommies but I just like to put a little more originality (and cuteness) into my babies parties.

So below is my list of all time favorite first birthday party themes WITH NO CARTOON CHARACTERS. Keep in mind that first birthday parties should be pretty lowkey because you are dealing with a 1 year old (and normally more than 1) I think games should be kept to a minimum and everything should be done pretty quickly. My son's hayride was the highlight of the party and we didn't do anything else very flashy.

1. Farm- need I say more- hayride (you can use a riding lawnmower if a tractor is not available, barnyard cake, red and white plaid table cloths, haymaze. Perfect for fall birthday parties.


2. Doggy- My good friend CC is doing this for her son's 1st birthday party. So freaking cute. Everything is black and white polka dots with red accents. Doggy tatoos (yes kids absolutely love tatoos) There's so much other stuff you can do with this theme too- like having a big doggy bowl for your baby to eat ouf of and having him wear little doggy ears.


3. Football- I love football and you can make a football birthday party very cute if it's done the right way. Best time to throw one? Right after the superbowl when ALL of the football stuff is marked 1/2 off or more. I know this from personal experience. You can get great banners, serving platters, football stickers everything for almost nothing. And your little guy (or girl if you want I guess) can wear this shirt from Celebrate Express.


4. Fairy Princess- Different from the typical "Princess party" The Fairy Princess Birthday girl gets to wear supercute wings, have a wand and there can be sparkles everywhere.

Introduction

I am a married ( I would say happily- but you know honestly it depends on the day- most of the time though happily) 27 year old mother of 2 sons. My oldest is 2 and my youngest is 5 months. And yes, I am very sleep deprived. I live in the suburbs outside of Richmond VA and have a pretty comfortable life. My husband is a teacher and I work for the State Government. I don't have too many hobbies because my kids, since they were born, have invaded my life!! As my husband puts it "They are my hobby." Funny though, they don't seem to stop him from his hobbies (which I will not get into today- I will just say he believes that he is "One with Nature" and should spend as much time outdoors as possible. And that doesn't mean cutting the grass either ladies)

Anyways.... I am in that transition from selfishness to total selflessness motherhood/wifehood-whatever it's called.

I am a fulltime working mother so I am obsessed with short recipes, time saving tips and anything that will make my life easier, my husband less grumpy and my kids happier.