non-Pinterest birthday tradition ideas.

Hi friends!

Listen, I love Pinterest, but sometimes we need to dial it back, am I right? My mind is on birthdays because I am writing to you on the eve of my oldest’s 15th. First of all, let me just say, I don’t even know how it is possible that my first baby is 15!! It has all gone too fast. She was born early at 32 weeks and spent a full month in the NICU. It was scary, and suffice it to say – by the time we hit her 1st birthday, we were ready to celebrate!

SO…we kinda had a huge first birthday party, and a number of big birthday parties every year after. It was way back before Pinterest, but I definitely could’ve posted all the activities we did. I’m sure my girls will remember their birthday parties to some degree, but I really think that when they look back – it will be the little things that will stick with them. Simple birthday traditions are what set their big day apart from other days and have helped create a string of memories year after year.

Simple birthday tradition ideas to make your child’s day memorable:

1. Let your child choose dinner.

Whether you eat in or go out to celebrate – let your child choose the meal! They will love having a little control, and will feel special eating a meal prepared just with them in mind. Let them know any choice (within reason of course) will be honored! Also, healthy eating rules are made to broken at a birthday dinner – no veggies required! Dessert is a definite “yes”!

2. Make a homemade birthday cake.

Yep, you heard me right momma. Make the cake. Involve your child – let them help and build memories with you in the kitchen. No shame in your game if you buy a boxed mix, tub of frosting, 13×9 pan, sprinkles and…done. If you want to get a little Pinterest-y (I know, I said non-Pinterest), buy a Wilton cake pan to fit your theme and teach yourself to decorate a cake. This one is so cute with years of re-use possibility:

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I had ZERO cake decorating skills when I started, but I knew I could follow directions and learn – so I read the directions that came with the pan I had purchased and made cakes for years when the girls were young. This is something they have loved!!

3. Wrap their presents.

Like…in real wrapping paper – not a gift bag. Listen, I’m not a gift bag hater – for sure they have saved the day numerous times. However, birthdays come around once a year…we can SO handle actually cutting paper, wrapping it around a box, and taping it. Let’s be honest, opening a wrapped package is totally more fun!! You can be eco-friendly with re-usable gift bags when your child attends other parties!

4. My favorite: decorate the door to their bedroom.

Nothing too crazy, but after they have gone to sleep the night before their birthday, steathily post a happy birthday sign on their door and decorate it with balloons or crepe paper. This is a simple way for your child to wake up feeling loved and special. I have done this every year and will continue until my kids leave the house! They always leave it up for a solid week after their birthday! ♥