Printable Colorables

• Consider pre-designed printable first birthday thank-you cards from the Web. Printables have an advantage over store-bought cards in that you can customize them, create as many or as few as you need, pick your own paper and even chose a different card for each guest. There's also a much wider variety to choose from. For a first birthday party, chose black and white cards that your child can color himself. The coloring skills of a one-year-old child will make for a unique and interesting thank-you card. Consider including a message with a blank spot left for your child's age; try to have your child draw a 1 on each card. Even though the success of this will likely be hit or miss, any attempt will be treasured by your guests.
  
  

Personalized Photo Memory Cards

• These thank-you cards are more personalized and require a digital camera. Create a special photo backdrop featuring a large "1," or use a prop, such as a commemorative first birthday teddy bear or party hat. During the course of the party, try to take a photograph of each party guest with the birthday child at the backdrop or holding the prop. Use your photo-printing software to create a thank-you card for each individual guest that features the photo you took as the cover. This way each guest not only gets a thank-you card for attending the celebration, but also a photo keepsake of the event.
  
  

Personalized Gift Thank-You Cards

• This printable first birthday thank-you displays your gratitude for the gifts your child received at the party. Make a card template that says "My very first..." at the top. Take a photo of your child using or playing with each gift she received. Use the photo as the cover of a printable thank-you card. Match each photo to the gift giver, so that each party guest gets credit for one of your baby's milestone firsts. If you'd rather not make individualized gifts, use one cute snapshot featuring your child standing in front of all of her gifts.