How to celebrate a child’s birthday…simply cake and presents, right? These days children’s birthday parties have taken on a life on their own. Big bounce houses, professional face painters, live animals for heaven’s sake! I admit I’ve fallen victim to this in a small way when celebrating my oldest son’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd birthdays. Nothing super extravagant, just a home party for the first two years and a beach party for the third, but they were fairly large with lots of details that took me weeks to prepare. The good news is I truly enjoy entertaining and putting parties together. However when it came time to celebrate my youngest’s 1st year I felt like taking it down a notch. I didn’t want to be obsessing over Pinterest posts on chic baby birthday party ideas or glazing through Etsy shops looking for party printables. I wanted simple, inexpensive (not cartoon-y) decor. Look no further than Oriental Trading. This online party supplier has been around for years. It used to be the place PTAs went for all their school carnival needs but now the quantities are smaller (think 8 dinner plates in a pack vs. 50). I was able to get cupcake toppers, personalized water bottle labels and party favors to satisfy any young partygoer.
This birthday was extra special due to the fact that my son had dealt with a health issue a few weeks prior and was hospitalized for two nights. Instead of gifts for him we had friends donate toys to the children’s hospital for children who would truly enjoy something new. Now that indeed was a very Happy 1st Birthday.
Lifestyle File 