Ask the Party Expert...

Dear Party Expert:

"My daughter is going to be 1 on September 12th and her party is the 15th.
We are having a first birthday/teddy bear theme. I need ideas for games and decorations for teddy bears. I think I want everybody to wear brown and bring their favorite teddy bear and why it is special. Any other decorating or theme ideas? We are going to do a photo scavenger hunt. Thanks for the help in advance."  ~Jennifer

Dear Jennifer:

A First Birthday is such a special one. And using the teddy bear theme is 
perfect considering November marks the 100th anniversary of the first Teddy 
Bear.

You needed a few décor and game ideas. Well, here are a few just for you.

EASY DÉCOR 
Decorate outside with a large bear in a high chair or on a chair with helium balloons tied to the back. Attach a "Welcome To The Party" sign.

Or line a wheelbarrow with a red-checkered tablecloth. Arrange bears wearing 
party hats inside. Affix a "The Gang's All Here." sign. 

Group together teddy bears and presents (wrapped empty boxes) in displays 
throughout the main living area. Add white Christmas lights around the displays for a festive look. 

Cut nine-inch squares of red gingham fabric, stuff with tissue paper, tie and 
hang at varying lengths from the ceiling. Hang pots of honey and bees made 
from poster board. 

GAME PLAY
Penny toss. Tape paper-made bears or honey pots on a flannel-backed tablecloth. Give each guest a cup of pennies to toss onto the targets. Winners receive prizes.

Dress the bear. Supplies: crayons, basket, six index cards, paper. Cut out a bear shape for each child. Write on the first card: eyes. Follow with the remaining five cards: nose, mouth, shirt, pants, and ears. Put cards in the basket. To play: Players take turns picking a card from the basket. If he picks eyes, then he draws the eyes on his bear. If the next player chooses mouth, she draws the mouth. Each player takes a turn until everyone has selected a card. Repeat. If a player chooses the same item again, his turn is skipped. The game moves to the next player. The player, who completes his bear first, wins. 

Bear Jar. Fill a clear jar with Teddy Bear Graham Crackers or Gummy Bears. 
Give each guest a slip to guess the number in the jar. The correct or 
closest guess wins the jar.

ACTIVITIES FOR ALL
Bear Necessities. Make accessories for the guests to dress their bears. Cut 
lengths of felt, gingham or leftover fabrics into sashes, scarves and ties. 
Use three-inch or larger ruffled lace to make skirts. Wrap a piece of lace 
around the bear's middle. Cut. Glue Velcro on the ends. String small beads 
onto elastic cord for jewelry. Put pre-made items in a basket on a card 
table. 

Wagon Rides. Give wagon rides to each child and his or her bear. Borrow a 
wagon if you don't have one. 

Enjoy!
Till next time, Mary Jo
"Every day should be a party day."

Party Expert, author and mother-of-two, Mary Jo Rulnick, has planned, 
prepared and hosted parties for all ages from toddlers to senior citizens. 
Her experience includes the position of Girl Scout Day Camp Director, Party 
Coordinator for a local Elementary School and YMCA, and Events Planner for 
Senior Living Services. If you have a question for our Party Expert, contact 
Mary Jo Rulnick at party@mainstreetmom.com.  

Back to Main Party Index