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Toddler Birthday Party

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Throwing a birthday party for your toddler doesn't have to be a headache. You'll want to reflect and marvel at how your baby is growing up - not to rush around doing the washing up or preparing complicated party food. Here we show you how to keep things simple for a fun, festive birthday that you and your little one will enjoy!

Unlike the first birthday, toddlers know what's happening when it comes to their impending birthday party and can actually communicate excitement about the approaching event. "My birthday? For me? Tomorrow? For me?" Believe it or not, your baby's first birthday will probably be the easiest celebration of all your child's future birthday parties. So, here are some fun ideas and survival tips for throwing a stress-free birthday party for older toddlers. Don't forget this is mainly about celebrating your little one's special day - as ever, keep the party simple so you can do just that!

games

The golden rule for successful parties for lots of young children is having plenty of fun games and activities to keep them occupied. Keep in mind that toddlers do not fully understand rules, have little capacity to wait their turn, have short attention spans and constantly want to move around! Despite this, here's some fantastic party activities that are not competitive - no winners, no losers!

bubble chase

Ask the grown-ups to blow bubbles into the air and let the children chase after and pop them.

edible play dough or clay

Most toddlers would rather eat their art supplies than create a work of art! Before the party, make up a batch of edible play dough or clay.

balls in bucket

An easy activity and one that will go on and on. Provide a bag of play balls and set up a target such as a large tub or bucket. Let toddlers toss or walk up and drop the balls into it.

go fishing

Set up a "fish pond" behind a blanket and have the children stand in front of the blanket. With the help of an adult, children drop their fishing lines (use sticks, rope and a clothes peg for a hook) in to the lake or ocean. Another adult behind the blanket clips a prize to the "hook".

sand treasure

This is a great outdoor game. Provide a large pail or rubber container filled with sand. Bury small prizes all around under the sand and let each toddler dig until he/she finds a treasure.

gifts

At this stage of development, it's hard to go wrong choosing a fun birthday present for your toddler. Here are more winning ideas for great gifts:

• Aural/visual toys that make sounds and have flashing lights are always popular with the one and over crowd.
• Colourful Ride-on toys are always appreciated by the newly mobile!
• Enjoy choosing children's clothes while you can! There are only a few years left before your child might not always let mum select her wardrobe!

Above all, remember to be flexible. All parents know that children and their behaviours are not predictable. Unscheduled rests, tears, accidents etc are to be expected at any children's birthday party. Just relax, go with the flow and enjoy celebrating the birth of your baby!

About the author:- This article is written and published by Blooming Marvellous. Please feel free to syndicate the content, but if you do this footer note must be included (unchanged) with all the links present and active. Blooming Marvellous publish articles like this on a monthly basis in our email newsletter called Baby Matters which you can sign up for here.

Blooming Marvellous provide maternity wear, baby clothes and nursery equipment.

Top Tip: Do not forget to prepare your camera for the event. Here are some great photography tips.