For my son's first birthday, we wanted to create a special party here at home that also did not cost a lot of money.  We created a "Four Seasons Party" to celebrate the first four seasons of his life.  There were appropriate games and activities planned for each season.  A different corner of the yard was decorated for each season. You can use the following ideas or create some of your own.  Winter - We set up an artificial Christmas tree in the backyard and pre-strung the lights on it. The children colored and decorated pre-cut birthday-themed paper ornaments and hung them on the tree.   Spring- We had an Easter egg hunt.  Whoever found the egg with the picture of the birthday boy inside won a small Easter basket with some prizes in it (e.g. a small stuffed bunny, a bottle of bubbles, etc. (no candy!) Summer - We brought in a load of play sand and made a beach in the backyard.  We added sand pails, shovels, beach chairs, umbrellas, and beach balls.  (I think the kids liked this "season" most of all.)  Fall - We made a haywagon and pulled the kids around in it with the lawn mower! They loved it! The kids also painted small pumpkins and gourds. (In this corner of the yard we put some of our Halloween decorations to use.) I think this party was the best we have ever planned. Have fun!