Stay away from latex balloons (above). Stick with Mylar instead.
When throwing any first birthday party, the foremost important aspect is to keep it kid-friendly and safe. Include bright colors that the kids can enjoy. When planning a tropical-themed party for your one-year-old, keep it short and stress free. Both the children and their parents will thank you. Does this Spark an idea?
Invitations
The invitation sets the tone for your event. Many parents like to include a photograph of their child on the birthday invitation. Find a template online and print out an invite with your child's photo, or have this professionally done. There are also many underwater-inspired invitations at party or greeting card stores. For a free or cost effective option, send invites online. When choosing or designing an island theme invitation, look for images of beaches, palm trees and beach balls.
Decor
When choosing decor, find pieces that are kid-friendly and safe. Begin with a color palette. Choose bright, solid colors. Brilliant blue and green are colors of the ocean and the sky. Yellow is reminiscent of the sun. Also, include colors that can be found in tropical flowers or fish, such as red and orange.
Some tropical or underwater theme ideas that may resonate well with your child and other children include: "SpongeBob Squarepants," "Lilo and Stitch," "The Little Mermaid" and "Finding Nemo." Choosing a theme based on a television show or a movie makes it easy to find matching decor. Party stores often have coordinating decorations that can take care of the entire party.
Toddlers and small children are often fascinated by balloons. They also help instantly create a festive atmosphere. Look for helium-filled Mylar balloons in the shape of fish to match the tropical theme. These will not deflate as easily and they're less likely to be a hazard by ending up in kids' mouths. Have inflatable palm trees as standing decor. Let kids play with inflatable beach balls.
If you feel crafty, get some butcher paper and draw an underwater mural to hang on the wall. Otherwise, find a ready-made mural, also known as a scene setter. Find pictures of fish and other underwater creatures to hang on walls.
If you're having your party outdoors, throw a pool party and have a shallow wading pool available. If you're throwing a pool party, make sure that someone is watching the kids and that your pool is safe. Consider pool alarms and child safe fences. Be certain that all children are wearing safety flotation devices, but do not rely on these in place of constant, responsible adult supervision.
Food
Parents.com recommends two snack tables. Have one with kid-friendly snacks, such as goldfish-shaped crackers. If you choose tablecloths, have a tropical print. However, you may want to avoid tablecloths, especially if there are mischievous children that may want to tug tablecloths down. Have a table that's higher up than the children's table with food for adults. Avoid food for children that can be choking hazards, such as carrots, popcorn, nuts and more. For dessert, make some ice pops out of tropical juice. Include a colorful cake that is in a shape of a fish or corresponds with your chosen theme. Have plates, cups and napkins reflect the tropical theme, with prints such as Hawaiian flowers or underwater images.
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