Time seems to escape us at the best of times, life gets in the way and before you know it, it's the end of the year again... but as soon as you add a little one into the equation, time seems to zoom past even faster! Therefore you’re more than likely looking for ways to document your little one’s first year with you all, and it can be difficult to find ways of doing so that are fun and original...
I've scoured the net to find some of the best ways in which people have used regular items to do so in really unique ways. The bonus is that a lot of them can also be used as perfect presents for grandparents, too!
Personalised Gifts
Photos are of course the best way to document...well...anything really. However, if your fireplace is buckling under the weight of all of your photos & artwork of your toddlers, you may want to try a different approach. Why not create photo-upload everyday items? You can personalise lots of things these days, like mugs, phone cases and canvases using sites like My Photo Gifts. As well as brightening up everyday objects, again, they also make lovely presents, too. We have a gorgeous canvas up in the living room of Abbie, Ben's parents loved it so much we got them one last year too, they really make a room extra special too!
Photo of the month frames
We did this with Abbie, we took a photo of her each month in relatively the same position so you can really see the difference each month, it is such an easy way to illustrate their progress, from the first smile to sitting up and even the first time they stand! My first year photo frames like this one are perfect for showcasing your favorite snaps all at once without having 12 photo frames on your wall (unless you want that of course!)
Capturing your baby next to a visual of how old they are
Another great idea I've seen done recently, very similar to the one above by taking a picture of your little one but adding something next to them that states how old they are. You can be as creative as you like with this – from spelling out ‘2 Months’ in magnetic letters, to positioning them on a calendar or even writing it on a blackboard behind them. Turn to Pinterest for some great ideas and inspiration! You will be sure to find something perfect for you!
Capture their ‘unique’ moments Speak to any parent and they’ll be able to confirm the fact that it’s not all coos and cuddles. Although you probably won’t forget the time your little bundle of joy projectile vomited in the supermarket over the cashier, or screamed their darling little head off for the entire bus journey, remembering these moments will provide you with some funny memories to look back on. If they’ve spilt their dinner all down their brand new outfit, take a snap and have them hold a piece of paper holding up a sign with something humorous on it, such as ‘The last time mommy gave me spaghetti Bolognese when I was wearing a nice dress’, followed by the date. They also provide hilarious material to embarrass them with when they’re older! We have a few photos of Abbie mid tantrum over silly things like taking a plastic cup off of her...it was traumatic let me tell you! Perfect for showing her first boyfriend! Muaha!
Hand and foot prints
If you like something a little more abstract, hand and foot prints are a lovely way of showing your baby’s development. You can do it yourself with baby-friendly paint or by purchasing complete kits that come with everything you need to create beautiful prints of your little one’s teeny toes and fingers. It might be a little more difficult if you're trying this with a toddler, as we discovered...we managed to get one good foot print and one good hand print so left it like that, but why not try fingerprints too, we all know toddlers like to touch everything and anything, show them how to do it first and they'll have lots of fun making mess and copying you too! What have you done to document your little one's first year?
