The Cake The blowing out of the candles The first cut The lighting of the candles The gifts The first bite of cake The guests as they arrive The whole crew of the party The games The Guest of Honour The Pile of presents Picture of each guest with the birthday girl/boy -- works best with kids (can send the pictures to parents in the thank you notes) playing games or doing other organized activity doing a pinata pictures of decorations and cake beforehand picture of the floor or other area after gifts are opened and there 's nothing but a mess left! 1st birthday-diving into their cake (or not diving into the cake) with a stuffed animal to show how 'big ' they are (repeat each year with the same stuffed animal) any birthday--preparing for the party (baking cake, decorating, etc)