BIRTHDAY TRADITIONS WE STARTED W/ OUR LITTLE💙,Save
✨ BIRTHDAY PAJAMAS- My little one saw these doggie 🐶 pajamas and with the most excited face started barking. We just knew we had to get them for him but I also thought it would be a sweet addition to our yearly traditions.
✨ A special BIRTHDAY PLATE-
This plate is so sweet it even has a place for a candle right on the plate.
✨ A special BIRTHDAY MEAL- Our little guy just turned one so he’s not big enough to choose his favorites yet but we decided to do something we never do and get sprinkled donuts for breakfast 🍩 to make it extra special. That evening we went out to eat.
✨Surrounded by BIRTHDAY BALLOONS- 🎈 When our little guy woke up we surprised him with these big (reusable) birthday balloons; every year we will get a picture with the number balloon of the age he’s turning.
✨A sweet BIRTHDAY BOOK- We want our little guy to feel so special bc well he is; so every year I will bring out and pack up the birthday books we collect. Next year he will have two books for his second birthday and every year we will continue to add a book.
✨BIRTHDAY OUTFIT- So everyone knows it’s their birthday and will wish them a happy birthday too!
✨BIRTHDAY GIFTS- We decided to give him a small gift at his party but on the morning of his birthday have some gifts sitting out for him to open.
✨Something FUN TO DO- Spending the day together as a family.
What are your birthday traditions? Post ideas in the comments below 👇🏼 I’d love to read them!
... Read moreI absolutely loved sharing our new birthday traditions, and it got me thinking even more about the heart of celebration: gifts! Beyond just presents, gifts can be woven into meaningful traditions that create lasting memories. When we first thought about our little one's 'birthday gifts,' we wanted something more than just a pile of toys. We decided to make a tradition of a 'Morning Surprise' – a few carefully chosen gifts waiting when he wakes up, as mentioned in the main article. Imagine the joy on his face, especially with those fun dog-patterned pajamas on, seeing his presents!
One of my favorite gift traditions we've started is an Annual Birthday Book. Each year, we pick out a new book that reflects his interests or a milestone. It could be something like the children's lift-the-flap book 'Where Is Baby's Birthday Cake?' for younger years, or a chapter book as he grows. We write a special dedication inside, noting the year and a little message. By the time he's grown, he'll have a cherished library filled with memories. This goes beyond just a present; it's a growing collection of stories and love.
We also love the idea of Experience Gifts. For his first birthday, instead of just more toys, we considered a family pass to a local children's museum or the zoo. These aren't just gifts; they're opportunities for adventure and learning together, creating vivid memories that last longer than any toy. As he gets older, we can make it a tradition to choose one special 'adventure gift' each year.
Another tradition is The 'One Big Gift, One Small Gift' Rule. This helps us focus on quality over quantity. Maybe one year it's a tricycle, and the next it's a special set of art supplies. Alongside this, we try to incorporate gifts that support our other traditions, like a new set of birthday balloons in his favorite colors, or a personalized white birthday plate that says 'TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY!' to use for his special blue frosted donut with sprinkles breakfast.
For older kids, a wonderful tradition can be Charitable Giving. Instead of receiving countless gifts, dedicating a portion of his 'gift fund' to a charity he cares about, or even sponsoring an animal in his name, teaches empathy and generosity. It's a gift that gives back and fosters a sense of community.
And let's not forget Homemade or Sentimental Gifts. A grandparent knitting a special blanket, a parent creating a photo album of the past year, or even a framed piece of his own Salem t-shirt from his first birthday – these are treasures. These gifts carry so much love and history, becoming heirlooms rather than just another item.
Thinking about these different birthday gift traditions has really enriched our celebrations. It's about building rituals that make birthdays truly special, not just about the items themselves. What gift traditions have made your family celebrations unforgettable?