How did your parents make your birthdays special? Any specific routines or rituals that you loved?

My son’s first birthday is the last week of the year, sandwiched in between 3 different holidays and our wedding anniversary. I want to find a way to make his day really special starting in year one.

Question

How did your parents make your birthdays special? Any specific routines or rituals that you loved?

My son’s first birthday is the last week of the year, sandwiched in between 3 different holidays and our wedding anniversary. I want to find a way to make his day really special starting in year one.

Liz · Answer

Set a fancy breakfast table: After my girls are in bed, I take 10 minutes to set a fancy party table for breakfast in the morning. I put out nice napkins and plates, etc. I don't really buy decorations for this, aside from a bouquet of flowers sometimes. I like to put photos of the birthday kid on the table along with other little animal figurines/ toys/ candles that they like. I often hang a bunch of balloons and streamers chaotically from the light fixture above the table and tie balloons/ bunting on the birthday girl's chair. Both kids have a birthday crown (linking to a lovely Etsy shop), so I set that on their place setting. My daughters love this tradition and are always excited to help decorate for each other's birthdays.

Jessie Magee · Answer

An overnight gift: My mom would leave a wrapped present on my bed after I fell asleep the night before my birthday, so when I woke up I would have it waiting for me. Top-tier kid experience.

Rachael · Answer

DIY Party Hat Banner with their face: Not something my parents did, but that I’ve done the last two years for my daughter’s birthday.

I find my favorite photos from the year (VERY hard to narrow down), print and cut them out, then stick 2D party hats on them to make a banner.

My daughter LOVES it. Something about babies/toddlers loving photos of themselves haha and it brings me joy too!

I got the idea from Karrie Locher who also has great postpartum tips in general. (I linked to the banner idea/instructions from her site).

Jennifer · Answer

Streamers on the door: My mom would always put birthday streamers on my bedroom door before I woke up on my bday. Then my family would sing happy birthday as I came out! Gradually more embarrassing as I got older but an essential part of birthdays:) I do it for my kids now and it must not be forgotten! The premade ones now make it very easy

Kelsey · Answer

Balloons: Every year balloons!!!