Our Family Birthday Traditions and the Kids' Birthday Wishlists

Post updated as of January 3, 2020.

Birthday season is in full swing in the Goldwater house! Miri turned 4 on Jan. 3rd, we have our big party next weekend (stay tuned!) and then Azi’s big 3rd birthday (and first haircut) is on the 17th — big stuff! I thought I’d share some of the birthday traditions that I’ve started with my family, and I’d love to hear some of yours too!

Birthday shirts are a must! This is from last year (January 2019).

Go through their baby box

I started this tradition last year with Miri. The night before each kid’s birthday we take out their baby box, and we go through it. I keep almost everything — hospital bed card, hospital hat, first curl, umbilical cord (yes, I know, I’m gross), etc. I get all nostalgic, but really enjoys seeing herself when she was a baby. I don’t think she fully understands the concept that she used to be in my belly just yet, but it’s really special to do nevertheless.

I keep special things — like this monogrammed onesie M got when she was born!

Decorate the house

This is probably the thing I was most excited to start. I had always wanted this growing up, but it never happened. I want my kids to grow up coming down the stairs to a magically-decorated downstairs every birthday morning. It’s something that doesn’t have to cost a lot of money that makes them feel extra special and excited for their big day.

It’s now a tradition for me to go to Party City the night before their birthday, and pick out balloons based on “this year’s favorites”. For the third year in a row, I’ve really grown to enjoy it. I kind of feel like Santa Claus! LOL I will say that Party City balloons are a bit pricey, so if you’re in a budget, Dollar Tree has great, helium balloons as well!

Birthday outfits

I buy a special outfit for the birthday kid to open on their birthday morning, as one of their first presents. It’s either a “happy birthday” shirt or a special out I know they’ll like. Miri got a full blown unicorn outfit this year. She was thrilled!

Present and cards at breakfast

My dad started this with me when I was a kid, and I’ve continued it with my own family. In the birthday kid’s breakfast spot, I put the cards they’ve gotten in the mail and the cards that we give them. I also let them open one present to start the day in an extra special way. We display the cards for everyone to see. I think as they get older and can actually read the messages in the cards, it will be a really nice start to their birthdays.

Birthday Picture

I took the same picture of my kids in a chair in our home every month from the time they were born until they turned a year old. Now, I take the same picture, in the same chair every year on their birthday. I love doing it, and it’s so fun (and emotional!) to look back at the pictures every year.

The hardest thing about getting a new sofa was the fact that we would not have our special chair for the annual birthday photos. But we still have our windowsill and staircase. I think they do the trick!

I also take a picture of the birthday kid on our staircase. Just another annual photo to have in my memory file!

This was Azi’s staircase picture on his 1st Birthday!

Re-telling the story of “The Day You Were Born”

I got this idea from one of my good friends. She told me that her mom used to snuggle up with them and tell them everything about the day they were born. What she was doing, eating, the story of going to the hospital, and then the big miracle of YOU happened! Now her mom still calls up my friend and her siblings to tell them the story, even though they don’t live at home anymore.

I thought that was adorable and really special for me to do with the kids. Miri thought it was funny. Azi is probably still too young to understand, but when he gets older I think he’ll like it…until he’s too embarrassed for me to tell him stories. I sure hope that never happens!

We can’t forget about the birthday wishlists!

Gifts are tough. Even for the parents of the birthday child. It’s all about, “What do they need?”, “What do they already have?”, and “What won’t drive the mother insane?” Amiright on this last one?!

I didn’t have time to make wishlists for this year, but check out the ones below, and head over to my Gift Guides for Toddlers from this past holiday season!