First Birthday Party-AIBU?

[MissRja]

DD will be one in a couple of months. For her birthday, myself and OH were planning on a family day out - maybe to the zoo/seaside or something similar which LO will enjoy.

When visiting a friend recently , She asked what my birthday party plans were for LO. When I explained we aren't throwing a party as such, but having a family day she was rather shocked. Her actual words were 'but oh , don't you feel cruel making her miss out on such a special day?' Now, it seems all I am seeing/ hearing about are other people's first birthday parties, and I am starting to feel a bit bad about it. Is it really such an important thing to do for a first birthday ?

Hell no. She’s one. It’s ridiculous to throw time, money and energy at it. Save your money for when she’s older and actually demanding it!

No. I had a party for my DS because I wanted a party and to drink Prosecco whilst everyone else held the baby.

He had no clue at all.

Do what suits you and your OH.

What a load of crap, she won't be missing out on anything! A family day out sounds like a lovely idea for a birthday, especially a first birthday. We visited an activity farm on my DD's birthday as she loves animals, and we all had a lovely day

Baby couldn’t care less. It’s my baby’s first birthday today. We’ve been to the zoo (largely for the benefit of her big sister) and we’re having sandwiches and cake with grandparents tonight. In my experience once they’re in nursery and start getting invited to parties then they will want a party of their own. Enjoy the peace while you can.

I love, love and LOVE parties. Especially kids parties, but even I didn't throw my twins a first birthday party. I started at two when they could run/toddle around.

It will be a special day. And what you have planned sounds just perfect.

DS is 4, not had a birthday party yet and he's fine. He goes to friends parties with nursery but enjoys either going out with one friend or just us.
Looking at how horrifically expensive parties are, the later before we start all that the better.

When DC3 was one he got to go to DC1 and DC2's nativity play, then had a cake with candle in it at teatime. I've not heard him complain.

We were on holiday for my DS's birthday. Simply lounged around the pool and had a birthday dinner

Cruel? How did you not laugh in her face?

The baby will have no idea or memories of the event in either case.

We had dinner with the grandparents for our children’s first birthdays.

Yanbu. My 4yo won't be having a party for his birthday because he's not asked for one and I'm sick of throwing them for only 10 people to show up.

Save the stress for when they're requested and enjoy the lovely day out.

You are not being cruel at all! A family day out is s lovely way to celebrate.

We did have a small party for DD's first birthday but for the same reason as Merryoldgoat, good excuse for some bubbly and a get together with family and friends. She didn't know what was going on

Thank you all for giving me some perspective

I think it's just so easy to start being hard on yourself when other 'budget mums start making such negative comments to you!

We are very much looking forward to our day! And of course a cheeky glass of prosecco to celebrate surviving our first year of parenthood

**judgey not budget

My dd is 1 next week and we're not having a party. We're going to have a family dinner, some presents and that's it. A family day out sounds lovely..... And stress free

How exactly is she missing out on such a special day? Will you be locking her in the cupboard and going to the Zoo by yourselves?