To think birthday parties for 1 year old son are a waste of time?

[SeahorsesSwim]

Today I received an invitation for a 1 year old birthday party. A hall has been hired, guests are expected to turn up and coo over the oblivious one year old . I never bothered with this for my kids, I waited until they could understand/enjoy their birthday before bothering with a party. I did take them round to see close family/grandparents on their birthday though.

I called 1yo mum and asked whether I could visit on another day as they live two hours away so I'd get more chance to chat and catch up with her then, also play with her ds. She said no, she wants everyone there for the party, she'd like everyone to enjoy seeing her ds open his presents and she doesn't have time to see me on another day. She's expecting 30 or so guests.

So aibu to be a bit about the point of a party for a one yo?

An excuse for presents - what a load of rubbish. It is an excuse for a get together with friends and an opportunity for parents to celebrate the first year. Of course the DC won't know but that isn't what it is about. I'd be really pleased to be invited whether I was able to go or not. They obviously consider you a good friend. I had one for all 3 of mine and it really was an excuse to get old and new friends together.

And TBH maybe they just haven't the time to host a separate visit around the same time so are limiting it to that event. I am sure f you went a month or so later it would be fine. On the back of organising a party I wouldn't want a stream of separate visits or even one necessarily

God, some people are so miserable, aren't they? I have to presume that you know the parents, and so they're inviting you to a party! How could you possibly complain about that?

I live in a country where this is totally normal, and why wouldn't it be? It's nice to celebrate with my friends and their babies. We all get together, have cake and some drinks, etc. and everyone has a good time. Usually the babies at least have some fun getting lots of attention, even if they don't understand why.

Expecting you to travel 2 hours is ridiculous

Wow. If I was having a party I would absolutely invite my friends, even if they lived a fair way away. What's the alternative - not invite them? How rude would that be!

As has been said, there's no expectation! It's an invitation!

Some people love big parties & get togethers. I personally do. My house parties for dsd's birthday will often have 30-50 people and involve catering & soft play etc.