First birthday ideas?

[radiowave]

Hi,
We are having a get together with friends and family to celebrate Mirah's first birthday. We have requested no presents, because we really want it to be about being together and celebrating rather than opening lots of stuff, and many of our friends are broke right now--(grandparents etc. are allowed to give her presents, just not as part of the party). I am wondering about some kind of all together ritual we could do (other than the song and the cake, of course)...like maybe a blessing (non-denominational, non-christian) or some other activity...any ideas??

[ckmannel]

I was at a first birthday party with a lovely blessing ceremony that is similar to what you are talking about, I think. They had a printout so everyone could read along and it basically stated a bit about the birth, her growth, and how much she meant to her parents (there were also some spiritual lines in there) and their hopes for her future happiness. I would say maybe ask for wishes, comments and stuff in the birthday party invitation and compile the loving comments of all of the important people in DC's life.

[accountclosed3]

ours is just family. i told my sister and SIL that they are welcome to not do gifts; my ILs and my parents i asked for specific things; and i'm making the cake.

simple and that's it.

[tjjazzy]

something we had

we had a picture of our son framed inside a large mat that everyone signed and wrote well wishes on for the birthday boy.

[SamanthaPankey]

Have a simple tea party.

[skycheattraffic]

We did baby friendly food (hummus and guacamole were both huge hits) and really just visited while the babies played. We had a low sugar cake and baked appetizers. I did little loot bags for the LOs and gave them out early so they could play/share/trade. If you can swing it, a few helium balloons are excellent for little hands to mess with and bop around. It was very informal but so much fun. I'm looking forward to planning the second one in March.

ETA: I just realized this is an old thread.