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Original poster

What did you do for your baby’s 1st birthday party

29 replies

MummytoTM · 08/07/2025 21:32

My baby is turning 1 soon and we want to do a little party for him but realistically we only have 2 babies to invite - the other babies we know are from antenatal classes so will likely be having their parties on the same weekend.

So I just wanted to get some ideas on what others have done for their little one’s 1st birthday ? I think we would have about 30 people in total but obviously it will mainly be adults going. I was thinking of hiring a village hall but worried it will be boring for the adults and the babies !

OP posts:
Olika · 08/07/2025 21:39

We invited people to our flat and it became so full as extra people decided to join. Mostly adults. Had food and drinks and some of the men decided to go out afterwards. One of them got so wasted he ended up throwing up at our drive way. So yeah, it was interesting. 🤦🏽‍♀️

frozendaisy · 08/07/2025 21:40

babies don’t care OP

how about a teddy bear’s picnic and all the adults have to bring a “teddy” guest and a game of rounders

Rituals1 · 08/07/2025 21:42

We just had family over for a few hours and did a buffet style lunch. I’m glad as DS was very grumpy that day and completely overwhelmed. I would save my cash for their second birthday!

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shellyleppard · 08/07/2025 21:42

Had all the family around so about 15 people. His grandma was terminal so it was a bittersweet day. Plus the birthday cake stuck to the tin so we had to make a quick one with Swiss roll and a lot of icing 🤣🤣

frozendaisy · 08/07/2025 21:43

We took our youngster to get both parents antibiotics at Tesco pharmacy because we both had strep throat
baby didn’t care
bought a cake lit a candle took a photo told him he had a great day (which he did to be fair being spun round by dad in a supermarket trolley is great fun)

CarpetKnees · 08/07/2025 21:45

For each of ours, we invited Grandparents (and great grandparents for eldest), and those of our siblings that lived locally / weren't at work / weren't out for a little tea party on the nearest weekend afternoon.

LindorDoubleChoc · 08/07/2025 21:46

We invited both sets of grandparents and her one cousin and his parents (bil and sil) to tea at our house. Was sweet and memorable.

mondaytosunday · 08/07/2025 21:48

Just invited the in laws and my parents for lunch. Got cute birthday cake.
For my DD’s knew a few more kids so invited neighbours (four kids ranging from one year to five) plus the few kids from post natal group. So about nine kids total and four adults.

PlantDoctor · 08/07/2025 21:49

It was COVID and we were only allowed 6 people inside, so we had two grandparents and an auntie in the living room. I put on a small party tea and she opened presents. Even that was quite overwhelming for a 1yo, so 30 people sounds a bit too much, at least for our family.

Eastendboysandwestendgirls · 08/07/2025 21:51

Went to feed the ducks (her most favourite activity at the time) then drank champagne when she was in bed to celebrate surviving the year.

Ruthietuthie · 08/07/2025 21:52

We don't have family in this country, but we invited some dear friends, plus our neighbors (who we also love). We had a nice mix of people at our house, had some buffet type food laid out, cut the cake and sang happy birthday, and that was it. The day was lovely but low-key. I do treasure the photograph a neighbor took of me and my husband with our little boy as we blew out the candles. Easy and relaxed is the way to go, I think, as it isn't as if the baby remembers any of it.

ExitPursuedByABare · 08/07/2025 21:54

Just a family and close friends round for tea.

Recently heard of a first birthday that had a cowgirl theme and 130 guests.

PatchworkOwl · 08/07/2025 21:56

We hired a church hall and invited friends and family, including about six children, I think. We did buffet food and had music on. The church hall ran a weekly baby and toddler group so they put all the toys and things out. It was low key and good fun for a first birthday.

PenguinLover24 · 08/07/2025 21:57

We invited family/ friends to our house (it was a gorgeous day so we were mostly in the garden). Only one baby (only mum friend I've made at baby classes). Put out some food, balloons and banners etc. It was a "berry first birthday" strawberry theme!

Headfullofbees · 08/07/2025 21:59

Went for a walk in a local country park with extended family and anyone who wanted to come, then for a roast after. Did that with both children, one in the depth of winter and the other early summer.

Honestly feel like 1st birthdays are more for the adults. My best one yet was where the parents hired a mixologist and everyone toasted keeping the baby alive😂

mindutopia · 08/07/2025 22:00

We just did a little tea at home with babies from our NCT class and a few family members. Sandwiches and nibbles and cake.

Blurrywateryeye · 08/07/2025 22:02

The baby is one and will not remember or even care. A party seems more for the parent’s benefit especially if they’re posting it on social media. Save the money, the child literally won’t care.

Blurrywateryeye · 08/07/2025 22:03

ExitPursuedByABare · 08/07/2025 21:54

Just a family and close friends round for tea.

Recently heard of a first birthday that had a cowgirl theme and 130 guests.

Cringe.

Icanttakethisanymore · 08/07/2025 22:16

We did nothing. If you want a party throw one but it’s neither here nor there to the kids

Anon501178 · 08/07/2025 22:24

We hired a village hall for DD1- did a hungry caterpillar theme with buffet, soft play and a music and movement entertainer.It was fab but we did know alot of young children.
For DD2 it was abit of a smaller event- private hired a local play cafe which has soft play etc and they did buffet food.Did a similar theme.Less people came as we knew less young children and sadly quite afew couldn't make it due to illness!
If you don't know many children I'd save your money and do a celebration at home with key adults, if you have a home big enough.If not could you do similar at the grandparents?

NW3Lady · 08/07/2025 22:24

PlantDoctor · 08/07/2025 21:49

It was COVID and we were only allowed 6 people inside, so we had two grandparents and an auntie in the living room. I put on a small party tea and she opened presents. Even that was quite overwhelming for a 1yo, so 30 people sounds a bit too much, at least for our family.

My first was a Covid baby too so we had a family tea at home.

My second is now coming up for that age and I’m honestly thinking the best plan is just to do the same.

Latenightreader · 08/07/2025 22:34

I hired a village hall type room and had a party. There was a soft play corner for the babies and wine etc for the adults! We share a birthday and the it was an excuse for me to have a big family and friends party, partly so they could meet my baby and generally to celebrate a year of parenthood.

Didn't do another party until she was four, and it is a lovely memory, even if she can't remember it!

Screamingabdabz · 08/07/2025 22:38

We had family around and had a few drinks. Baby didn’t know or care.

HeddaGarbled · 08/07/2025 22:39

Grannies for Sunday tea.

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 08/07/2025 22:41

Each one has had a family party. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and some close family friends have been invited around. It was a nice excuse to get people together for some food and chatting. My three all loved having people around giving them endless attention.