This is written from my head with just memories to work from - if there is something you would like to add in the comments please do, and welcome.  Or if it is something that should be included in the article then please just let me know and I shall

edit.

Bubs is usually trying to explore more at this age, moving around, crawling, maybe even starting to walk.  So first off make sure all your safety features are in place, stair gates, electrical plug sockets covered and turned off, kitchen cupboards are kiddilocked, or even have a stair gate across the kitchen doorway.  So in no particular order:

Movement; Bubs will start moving around at this age and will likely start trying to get into places and trying to follow you around!!!  They will be into lifting their head, rolling over, sitting up and gradually learning to support themselves as muscle tone improves.

Colours; bubs can recognise colours now.  Encourage their fascination by naming the colours wherever you go - when out and about if they can see enough from their pram/buggy/car seat mention the colours of the cars you pass, the flowers in the garden, and numerous other places that colour is in our lives.  By about 7-8 months a child's eyesight is as good as an adults, from the fuzzy recognition that was previous.  They will also start to recognise shapes more easily. 

Teething;  There are many teething aids, most babies start teething in this time period, so have a few things ready if you can so that when bub is miserable you can quickly find a solution that will sooth and restore tranquility to paradise. 

Chatter; Keep talking to baby.  The more you talk and the better language you use the sooner they will learn to talk properly in the long run.  It is possible to teach a child sign language now, and they will recognise signs and be able to repeat them.  Babies of deaf parents can communicate sooner than other babies because they are used to signing, so check out some simple signs.  Makaton is a great system and easy for us as adults to remember as well!!!

Water; start teaching them to splash .  Pour water with them, in and out of tubs and bottles and pots. Maybe even starting swimming lessons if that is the kind of area you live in, or if you are an avid swimmer yourself. 

Games;

• Build a mini-obstacle course to encourage muscle development and feed that unending sense of adventure.  Make it from cushions on the floor and not too high.  With you sitting right by them they will have a wonderful time and it will be safe, so you will have no worries. 
  
• Teach baby to imitate you, peek-a-boo, smiling, and making funny faces are some of the things that baby will love to try copy.
  
• Build towers from cushions, old cereal boxes etc, and see them come tumbling down!!

First Birthday; Small is good.  Your baby is gonna love whatever you do because it will be a special day and they will appreciate that.  Extravagant gifts and parties will pass them by and they are not going to remember it, so go with what you want and invite those you want to have there to celebrate this special day with you. 
Wishing you lots of fun moments as they explore and you can see them learning - watch that grey matter storing information and making connections!!
Peace
EF.x