First Birthday Party Theme: Surprise Party!

By: Lily Thompson

When it comes to my little Emma’s first birthday, I know that throwing a big party might not be the most practical idea, but hey, this is a milestone that deserves a celebration! There will be cake (a potential health hazard), a bunch of well-meaning strangers eager to hold her and, of course, plenty of alcohol because if anyone deserves a drink, it’s me—er, I mean Emma!

After some extensive research, I’ve discovered that the best 1st birthday parties are typically cozy gatherings held in familiar settings and at times that won’t mess with little ones’ nap schedules. Sounds sensible, right? But let’s face it: first birthdays are all about excitement and a dash of denial. So, I’m throwing caution to the wind and planning an extravagant bash, despite the potential chaos.

If you’re a fellow parent caught up in the dream of a fabulous first birthday bash, I’ve done some heavy lifting in the planning department, and I hope these details will inspire you. Because let’s be real, isn’t it part of the parenting experience to meticulously plan an event only to have it go haywire thanks to your unpredictable little one?

Invitation to Emma’s Surprise 1st Birthday Party!

Occasion: Baby’s 1st Birthday

Theme: Surprise Party!

Time: Sometime between naps—maybe 1 to 4? Or 3:30 to 6:30? Let’s just say I’ll confirm the exact timing as we get closer!

Location: Here’s the thing: I don’t want you in my home. Since Emma arrived, our place has turned into a chaotic mess that even the most optimistic real estate agent would struggle to spin positively. I’m thinking we’ll host it at a local café or bar—somewhere I can bail if things go south!

Logistics:

I’ll manage getting Emma to the venue by telling her we’re going on a fun adventure. Just a heads-up: please don’t yell “Surprise!” when we arrive. That might lead to tears and possibly a diaper disaster!

Guest List:

Everyone! Bring your significant others, friends, and even the kids if you must—just know we’re aiming for a 15-to-1 adult-to-child ratio. And yes, I’ve decided to extend an invitation to my husband’s ex-wife, but only as an extra pair of hands for the little ones. Generosity at its finest, right?

Gift Suggestions:

Emma has developed a keen interest in wine bottles (a little too much like her mother, if you ask me!). She seems to favor sauvignon blanc and dry riesling—who knew?

Party Games:

Emma’s current favorites include Hide-and-Seek with the TV Remote and a scavenger hunt for food on the floor. We might even have a bonus round of “Banging on the Computer Keyboard”—the first to accidentally delete a document wins!

Reminder:

Please, if you chat with Emma in the next two weeks, DO NOT mention the party or you’ll spoil the surprise! Also, if I start baking or buying decorations, it might raise suspicions, so let’s keep that under wraps.

Final Thoughts:

Just a reminder that Emma won’t remember this event at all. At the end of the day, this party is more about celebrating the fact that we’ve survived a year of parenting without major meltdowns (well, aside from the occasional bed-wetting and inexplicable crying). We’re doing great!

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you there!

If you’re interested in more insights on parenting or home insemination, check out some of our other posts, including this one. For those curious about at-home insemination kits, Make a Mom is a fantastic authority on the subject. And for further information on pregnancy and fertility, Medical News Today is an excellent resource.