Party for 1yo

[Lollypop1983]

My pfb is turning one next month. My husband has now decided that we should have a gathering of some sort for him. That's fine, I don't mind organising something...

Except I have absolutely no idea where to begin!

I've worked out there will be about 12 children in total aged 6 months to 5 yo. I haven't counted the adults. To be honest, I'm more concerned about how to entertain 12 children!

Can I ask if you had a party for your 1 year old, how many children did u have and what did u do. Did u hire soft play area? Any advice would be much appreciated.

[ZingSweetMango]

nice idea, but I would not do a 1st birthday party when I have to entertain anybody, let alone kids as such.

less is more, have a handful of people, go out for a meal and enjoy the day.

you'll have plenty of time for bigger parties!

and happy birthday to your PFB!

[poocatcherchampion]

we are having a little party for dd's 2nd birthday on the weekend. it is from 11-1, I'm making nibbly party food and the kids can entertain themselves preferably in the garden. most are between age 1 and 4.

keep it short, offer food and entertain will sort itself!

[curiousgeorgie]

I had a 1st birthday for my PFB... Hired a marquee in the garden, hired softplay, ball pool & bouncy castle..

Had a magician and a clown.

Made a long tea party table and bought hundreds of butterflies and roses and wove them and hung them everywhere... Did a sweetie buffet and lots of cupcakes and biscuits and a more grown up buffet and lots of wine for the adults. Hundreds of all different colour pink balloons...

It was amazing

Doing the same for my DD2 this summer.

[curiousgeorgie]

Mine was 12-4, all my 'mummy friends' left around 4 and all my family and childless friends stuck around till midnight!

[whatsagoodusername]

For DS1, we had about the same number and range of children - we just had everyone over to our house. Didn't do anything to entertain, just put out all his toys and had lots of toys.

For DS2, we had a joint party with DS1 at a pub, next door to a museum with a free soft play/kids area. Didn't do anything to entertain apart from send the kids into the museum for a bit.

The party at the pub was much more fun and less stressful.

[Lollypop1983]

Lots of good ideas here. Thanks everyone!

I'll need to have a think.

[springbabydays]

I'd keep it short. Even with a small gathering it can be overwhelming for a baby so allow enough time for naps!

[Minnieisthedevilmouse]

10. 1.5hrs. Started at 1030-12. Buffet lunch. Balloons bubbles music. Had at home.
    
    Worked well
    
    Arrive
    Play
    Threw in loads of balloons
    Play
    Bubbles all round and a machine
    Play
    Lunch
    Cake/candles
    Home and party bags

[SweetPeaPods]

We went to a 1st bday party last week and it was at a company called bongo bongo. Not sure if it's just local here or nationwide but they come to your party to entertain the kids, whether it's at home, or in village hall etc.
another party was a sort of musical dance thing. With musical instruments and songs to sing along to well the parents did
Not sure what we are doing for ds yet, maybe a BBQ if weather good and just let the kids play in the garden.

[BackforGood]

Well, when dc1 was 1, he had 2 cousins,
when dc2 was 1 she had 1 sibling and 4 cousins
When dc3 was 1 she had 2 siblings and 6 cousins

but at one, its just 'family round for tea' in my experience so you arent looking after them, the parents are.

[Lollypop1983]

Thanks for sharing everyone!

Anymore ideas? The more the better

[attheendoftheday]

For dd1's 1st birthday we had a family tea with grandparents and aunt/uncle/cousin. That was everyone dd1 cared about and she wouldn't have liked a big party.

For dd2's 1st birthday we had a couple of friend's around for lunch and a play (3 other children plus my girls). I had it at home, had an indoor picnic and a ball pool. In the afternoon we went to softplay, not a party but just paid to get in. Dd2 was happier with lots of people around than dd1, who was shy at that age.

I would say it depends on your child and what they would enjoy. I have seen friends who held a big party with a marquee in the garden for their dd' 1st, he was shy and spent the whole day miserable on his mum or grandma's lap. The party clearly wasn't really for him, and it was a sad way for him to spend his birthday.