When I wrote about Gabe’s first birthday party, so many of you commented on the blocks that I wanted to share why I did it, how, and how it turned out.
Why:
First birthdays are exciting! Gabe got to eat chocolate cake, play with lots of his cousins, and skip his afternoon nap. However, he won’t remember it. Sad, since it was lots of fun. I didn’t have the time or money to go crazy with his first birthday party, but I knew I wanted to do this at his party. (And, happily, it requires little effort!) A mix of a toy and a guest book, these wooden blocks with love notes from his family and friends are a classic toy that he’ll play with for many years. And he’ll see how much they love and care about him. And that makes my heart happy.
How:
The supplies:
Sharpies in lots of colors. (I borrowed these from work…heh.)
A set of natural finish blocks. (I got these. Ages 3+, psh.)
An 8×10 frame.
A print out of this: “[Baby's] Blocks: Take a block and write a wish, hope, or dream that you have for [baby] on it with a Sharpie. Be sure to write your name. [When s/he's playing with the blocks, s/he'll be surrounded by loved ones!]”
The doing-it:
I set up a table near the entrance with a basket of Sharpies, slid the instruction sheet into the frame, and had Mike do a sample one to get things started.
Most people noticed the table when they first came in, but I made sure to badger everyone if they didn’t see the table.
The Result:
I was honestly surprised at how awesome it turned out. We got funny, we got creative, we got sweet, we got scribbles. A few of them even made me tear up (I know. I am a loser.) I hope so much that they don’t fade much over time, but in case they do, I took photos of each one to share with Gabe. And, with you:
I hope Gabe takes this to heart.
Clockwise from top left: My grandpa is adorable, TJ‘s block made me smile, tic-tac-toe, and our (adult) friend drew famous landmarks from around the world on his block…and tried to blame it on someone else. (It looks great, Stephen. Be proud!)
My dad and sister. :)
Let music color your life!
These blocks are like little nuggets of wisdom: “Make sure to be your own person.”
Gabe is lucky to have so many awesome people in his life. (As are we.)
I seriously SERIOUSLY love this idea Ashley – I’m totally doing it for our yet-to-be-born future children’s birthday parties.
this. is. brilliant!!!!!!
Hi Ashley! I don’t ever comment, but I love reading your blog! You could always cover the blocks in Modge Podge for a protective coating, it would just make them shiny. These are so cute though, what a great idea! =)
This is such an adorable idea it made me tear up a little! I love it so much, I pinned it on Pinterest–you know that’s true love ;) Someday…
The block with three balloons is my favorite. I can’t remember now who made it (a young kid), but someone said something about it and he said, “those are balloons…because it’s a PARTY! It was so adorable!!!!
I am so borrowing this idea. Brilliant girl!
such a freaking fantastic idea. Something useful and meaningful. I love that everyone wrote a sentiment and he can play with them. It’s so much more useful than a book.
what a great idea! I’d love to do this at a birthday party or even a baby shower.
Do not let those get faded! Paint them with something or spray them so the writing stays. I am sure he will want to pass it down to his kids. :) A great keeper.
I absolutely LOVE idea, and I’m thinking this is a good idea for my nephew’s first birthday in February. Hope you don’t mind if I borrow the idea! ;)
I think this is the greatest idea ever and I am totally doing this (someday)!
I am so doing this for my sons first birthday
This is the best idea ever! And I totally just teared up reading your son’s blocks, too! And I don’t even know you! LOL. Thanks for this; just in time for our little man’s 1st birthday! :)
-gayla
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Can you send me the wordfile to print off an instructions list just like yours! This is such a great idea. You are sooo creative!~!~ :) If you don’t have it anymore I completely understand. Can you tell me how to get the top of the page with Gabe’s name like that? Thank you!!
Sincerely,
1st time Mom
I LOVE this! Im so doing this for my son’s first birthday next month. I was hoping to find a creative spin on the traditional guest book/frame and alas here it is!! Thank you so much for sharing your creativity! Amazing idea – especially since my son (and yours) will be able to pass these blocks down to their future children!
Yay! Enjoy! :) Happy early birthday to your son!