Throw your child an American Idol party at Citibabes! Guests can participate in dance contests, sing their favorite songs and enjoy their own personal Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell or Randy Jackson.

When my daughter Mamie turned one, her daddy baked her a big birthday cake smothered in white icing and fancy flowers. He knelt with it on the floor as Mamie, wide-eyed, toddled over to see it.

Instead of bringing a gift, ask each guest to bring a copy of his or her favorite book for a birthday book exchange.