9 Birthday Traditions to Start Year One

9 Birthday Traditions to Start Year One

Your baby turning one is a huge milestone worth commemorating. As my baby’s first birthday was approaching, I found myself searching high and low to make sure we celebrated him well and started traditions this year that we could carry on for years to come.

Birthday traditions are a great way to add fun and create smiles among your family members, strengthen family bonds, create precious memories together and create traditions that are carried on for generations to come.

Read on for 9 birthday traditions you can start year one with your kids and family.

Related Post: Time Flies and Hot Air Balloon Birthday Theme 

1. Create a Video

A video is a beautiful keepsake and something that your family can watch together later on in life. In your video, consider asking them questions like:

• What’s your full name?
• How old are you?
• What do you want to do when you grow up?
• What’s your favorite toy?
• What makes you happy?
• What do you love most about yourself?
• What’s your favorite memory from this past year?
• What are you looking forward to?
• What’s your favorite food?
• What are you thankful for?
• Is there anything else you’d like to add or say?

This is a great way to see how your kids answers change each year and how they develop!

2. Eat Dinner on a Birthday Plate

Consider buying or making a special birthday plate that your kids get to eat on each year. This is a simple and fun way to make their birthday meals a little more special and celebrated!

Going to a local craft studio to DIY your own plate is a great bonding birthday experience, or, you can always make your own at home!

3. Birthday Tradition Letter

After doing the video, have both mom and dad write a letter responding to their answers/what they shared and add extra details about what the family has been going through the past year, as well as prayers, hopes and dreams for the next year.

You can give all of these letters to them at an age you find appropriate for your child such as high school or after graduating.

4. Morning Gift

A lot of times, gifts are done in the evening after cake or even at a future birthday party. To make the entire day more exciting, consider giving one gift first thing in the morning upon waking up. You can even doing all of the family gifts in the morning as a way to start the day with a whole lot of celebration!

5. Take a Photo

Snap a photo of your child in the same spot so you can see how they grow! Consider taking the photo in front of the same door or spot on your wall each year or better yet, you can purchase a growth chart wall decal or wooden sign that you pull out each year.

6. Decorate Bedroom Door

What a fun way to wake up in the morning! Imagine waking up and seeing streamers and balloons as you exit your bedroom to start your birthday. Decorating a door is a simple tradition that would make a kid feel super special and smile ear to ear.

7. Pick the Birthday Dinner

Let your kid pick dinner! Whether your plan is to go out or eat in, let them choose the meal. Giving your kids the power to choose is a sweet way for them to feel celebrated on their birthday.

8. Birthday Countdown 

What better way to build anticipation to your child’s special day than a birthday countdown? About 5-7 days before your child’s birthday, you can start a countdown and give them a small treat or tiny gift leading up to their day!

9. Birthday Compliments

Especially as your kids get older, it’s so nice to hear the things you love about each other. Take some time over breakfast or dinner for each family member to share what they love about the birthday girl or boy.