Here is some info that some of you know and some don't. One year old birthdays are a big market for puppeteers. In many cultures (Philippines, Taiwan, China, Malaysia, and I think, Mexico) the one year old party is a great celebration. For many years it was likely that a child would die before reaching their first birthday, so that became a milestone. The birthday itself remains a reason to celebrate.
At one year old birthdays ventriloquists are actually the best choice. They won't focus on puppets behind a stage because of the distance. They don't understand magic at all. But if you bring out some cute and cuddly puppets to give hugs or let the birthday child pet, you will have the camera flashing away.
Think of it more as a family reunion. Yesterday I did another one year old party (I get more calls for it than any other age) and everyone else was 7 or older. I would let the birthday child touch each puppet then I went into the full routines for everyone else. The Axtell baby was a big hit.
One word of caution: You may want to let the parents know that you use latex puppets because they are unique and very cute. But if they happen to know of a guest that is allergic to latex you would like to know. (It's also a reason I give for not doing balloons at parties. I don't blame those who do, but I don't want to spend the extra time it takes.)
The foam birthday cake that appears in a dove pan (also available in chick pan size, which I prefer) has one candle for the one year old.
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