Beckett's First Birthday

We recently had Beckett's birthday party, and it was so much fun! I really got into decorating (but, I did have to hold myself back from going too overboard...it was for toddlers.) I didn't really do a theme because, again, toddlers. But, I did go to town with pinwheels and those paper pouffs. In fact, I left them all hanging up for at least a week past the party - they're just fun. (and my house, not decorated.)

At our drink station we had tea, water and lemonade. For adults we had mason jars with fun straws (because $2 bought me a dozen pretty straws) and all varieties of sippy cups for kids.

The party was in the middle of the afternoon so I kept the food minimal (and also, I had a 20 lb ham left over from my last party....NOT doing that again). I tried to pick foods that were a) toddler friendly, b) easy for mom to eat as she chases said toddler.

Two plastic cups held Veggie Straws and Goldfish, with small paper 'snack cups' to fill for those kids on the go. Next up we had fruit, veggies and hummus, cupcakes, Palmetto Cheese (because it's not a party without that), chicken skewers and tzatziki sauce (thank you Costco) and applesauce pouches. It truly was a picky toddler's dream menu.

 I ordered small cupcakes for the kids (plain vanilla with white icing) and a larger assortment of delicious flavored cupcakes for the adults. I did this because these particular cupcakes are not to be smashed, picked at, and tossed on the floor - partly because they are expensive, and partly because they are the best cupcakes known to man. And to see a toddler destroy one is truly a travesty. (I did end up eating the one my toddler did not eat but merely defaced).

I just had to buy a birthday set. He hated the hat. Which sort of killed the whole theme, but it made for a few cute pictures.

Here is Beckett refusing to eat the delicious cupcake.

Best Child Toys

Buying toys for you child is like target shooting in the dark. You aim in the general direction, and hope you hit the target. Somewhere. Anywhere. Until a kid gets to the annoying  I-have-an-opinion-about-EVERYTHING phase, you really have no idea what will entertain your child. You just guess. We've had a few hits, and plenty of misses (that I'm constantly tripping over.)

So, here we go...


1. Alphabet Train - My mother in law has purchased a version of this train for every grandchild - it has superceded gender, and even age.  Its great as a sitting toy, but it also is a toy that can be ridden, pushed, and teach your child the alphabet! It's slightly pricey at $56 but it's not something they will outgrown very quickly.

This is the "Ultimate" Alphabet Train

You can opt for the slightly cheaper version, for $42.

2. The Cube - Sure, it's songs will drive you mad. And you'll find yourself singing 'The Bird in the Square" ALOT. But, from about 4 mos on, your kid will adore this toy. And it travels pretty well too.

Vtech Busy Learners Activity Cube - $15

3. Sit to Stand Walker - I think everyone I know has this toy. There's a reason - its perfect for teaching your toddler how to walk. Beckett recently started cruising, and this is the toy that started it all.

VTech Sit to Stand Learning Walker - $29.99

4. Ever Earth Garden Activity Cube - I needed to add in a toy to this list that was NOT plastic. We do like to choose some toys that don't make noise and are made of wood. While he has several,, this is by far the best one. 

$79 on Amazon.com

5. Table Toys - These save our life EVERY TIME we go out to eat. When we sit somewhere with a table incompatible to suction cups, we panic slightly. Not really, but still, these toys make life easier when you're out. We have 4 different onese we rotate out but he loves the Bee the best. Search suction table toys and you'll get a ton of options!

 

                                $18 (2 Count) Munchkin                  Sassy Illumination Station - $8

6. Any type of Ball - Here are two ball toys that Beckett just loves. His favorite game is throwing balls, and he will spend so much time just crawling around chasing a ball, throwing it, and so on and so on.

Early Years Pop and Play Sensory Ball

VTech Baby Little Critters Discovery Ball