Little Explorer's 1st Birthday Party

First birthday parties are so much fun to plan. Once you decide on a theme, the rest is easy! Since one year olds are so curious about the world around them, build off this idea and host a Little Explorer's 1st Birthday Party!

Here are some age-appropriate activities for a Little Explorer's birthday: 

  • Fill a plastic pool with lots of different textured items—soft toys, smooth and bumpy balls, squishy blocks, squishy sponges and whatever else you can find that can be safely poked and put in little mouths. The more you add the more fun it will be!
  • Tag certain balloons with big stars. Have the 1 year olds search for the star balloons to win a prize. Make sure there are enough star balloons for every child and sibling.
  • Find fun safari hats and play binoculars. One year olds love to put things on their heads and it will make an adorable photo opportunity.
  • If you’re not afraid of a little mess, make fun individual sized dirt cakes (see recipe below) served in plastic terra cotta flower pots. Write each child’s name on a pot and let the little ones can dig out the gummy worms with their fingers. Fun!

Dirt Cake Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 package cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies
  • 6 mini plastic flower pots
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 packages (3-1/2 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • Silk flowers, gummy worms, new plastic “exploring” tools 

Directions:

Crush cookies until they resemble potting soil. Divide the crumbs between the pots. Set pots and remaining crumbs aside. 

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. In another bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Fold in whipped topping. Gently fold into cream cheese mixture until blended. Add filling to pots, top with reserved crumbs. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Decorate with silk flowers, gummy worms and tools. 

Roll up your sleeves and open the door to your child’s imagination for a fun 1st Birthday of exploring, digging and discovering.   

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