1St Birthday - Washington, MO

When my son turned 1, we rented several of those ride toys like you used to see outside the grocery stores. One was a rocket and the other was a car (both of them had seats like in a cart and had seatbelts). These worked great for all the children. An adult sat next to each ride and instead of puting in quarters, we just clicked the trigger to start it. We had fruit smoothies and angel food cake with blended strawberries and low fat whipped cream so the kids wouldn't get wild and hyper. I believe you can also rent the inflatables, but with the weather so cold, that might not work well. The rides we got fit in my in-law's enclosed sun porch.

I agree with Melissa H. I think you would find it beneficial to have something for the children. As we know, they WILL find something to do and it may not be what you had in mind (wrestling match in the middle of the party, going through your underwear drawer, burping competition etc). With such a wide range in ages, is it possible to either ask their mom's and dad's to bring a toy or two for them, or if you wanted to go all out, you could make a small (inexpensive and age appropriate) goody bag for each child that they open when you notice the "energy shift." I would hold out as long as you could though and then be like, "oh I almost forgot! We have a little something for you too!" I love the $ Store for coloring books, bubbles etc. Just an idea! Good luck

We always did 1st birthdays at home and I always made a separate tiny cake for them to stick their hands in and play with for pictures/videos. We didn't do games, just let them play with their gift toys. If there will be older kids there maybe some kind of a craft would be fun or decorating cookies or something that the little one could help do that's non toxic and they would have something to take home too. :)

Well congrats on making it throught the 1st year.. well with my daughters 1st b-day last year I bought about 10 cheap water guns for the bigger kids to run around with and get one and another(outside). You know go to the dollar store and pic up something for them to do just so that EVERYONE eles can just focus on your BABY. b/c there kids will be busy outside running.. and Isn't the Birthday really about just celebrating that special child.
But even if you don't want to it is no big deal b/c kids can always find something to do.
good luck and just know it will work out well.

It's kind of is silly to plan activities that your daughter herself can't do. The 1st birthday is more for the parents anyway. They are so little they don't get the whole concept of what is going on. Let her rip into some presents, make a mess of her cake, take some pics for the scrapbook, and don't put the parents through activities they are going to have to help their kids do or od themselves. If it's mostly adults they would probably be happiest eating and chating.

This is so exciting and I hate to even come close to being negative. If you're concerned w/ the kids that will be there being bored, put them together a treat bag that is age appropriate w/ things they can play with.