Baby's first birthday

[ivfbabymomma1]

I think this has been done before but I can't find it.
It's my babies 1st bday soon and we we have quite big families and large groups of friends who would all like to come, this isn't a problem but I don't want/nor have space for so many presents.

Can I ask for presence over presents but if anyone would like to get him something to tape a £ or 2 (no more) into a card for his money box?

Is that acceptable? How would you feel if someone said this to you? I don't want to offend... and if it's okay is my wording above ok?

Thank you!

Or collect money for a charity instead of presents? It's hard because I don't want to tell people how to spend their money!! But I don't have lots & lots of gifts we don't need!

I do want a party tho because he was an ivf baby so all our families & friends want to celebrate and see him etc (we are spread around the country)

Personally, I'd be relieved and think it's a lovely idea. Do people buy cards for babies though?

People will ignore it. Maybe ask for things that either dont take up much space (e.g. books - you could ask people to bring their favourite childhood book to build a little library for dc as they grow) or things that are useful (clothes, vouchers etc).

We got dd a charm bracelet and get her a new charm every birthday. Small and out the way.

I'm not so keen on the charity idea though. That doesn't tend to go down too well.

Just don't have such a big party. Have grandparents and any cousins round for birthday tea.
Or ask people for their favourite childhood book.

Thank you for your suggestions! Absolutely love the book idea!!! I might suggest both and see what people want to do! I was thinking people might just ignore it but hand on heart £1 for his money box or nothing would be perfect 😂

And now I think about it I don't know do people give cards for 1 year olds? 😂

I think it's a nice idea OP. And yes people give cards to one year olds, I've kept all of dds first birthday cards in a memory box.

You're basically just asking them to give you money.

I wouldn't do that. I'd let them spend it how they want and if you want to give anything to charity, give the presents you don't want.

Well yeah I suppose it is asking for money but a lot less that what a present would cost, but I see your point.

I feel bad giving presents to charity or re gifting cos I kinda feel like it says thanks but no thanks. 😭

In my experience people do give cards to babies.

You could try and ask for contributions to baby groups and classes?

I think your suggestion of £1 is fine and I wish I'd done this. My DD is having her 4th birthday party on Sunday and we have 20 kids coming, I feel a bit ill at the prospect of 20 presents.

I wouldn’t have a problem with it :) it’s easy to give money, so no skin off my nose.. You would probably find about 50% would still give a small gift as well though.

I think it's a great idea, will stop people buying unneeded plastic toys.

If people are rude enough to ignore the request, sadly you can't change that but I think it will dramatically reduce the amount of presents Bought as most will respect your request.

It's is a lovely idea, we have always bought card for 1st birthday and it's such a nice simple way to give a gift by popping a couple of pound in.

Ask for books as people always want to give something. They don't have to be suitable for a one year old either and then your child can have years of beloved stories

I think the suggestion of books is a brilliant idea 🙂
On the invitation you could have a picture of DS looking at a book and write something along the lines of “As you can see Bourbonbiccy junior loves books, if you would like to bring a present to the party a copy of your favourite children’s book would be a wonderful addition to his collection”

Oh and absolutely cards for 1 year olds. I still have both DC’s first birthday cards and they are nearly 30 and 33!

I adore the idea of everyone's favourite childhood book so I think I'll put that on the invite and suggest that or the £1 option! Saves all the plastic! Thanks everyone! ❤️

We asked for money for the first birthdays if anyone asked (which they did ) we explained that we were saving the money to buy climbing frame and slide in the garden. It worked out really well and 7 years later they still play on it!

@Bubblysqueak that's a great idea!! I think that's what I'll spend the £1 coins on!!

I’m going to be brutally honest here - asking for no presents is horrible. People aren’t actually as thoughtless as MN makes out. I used every single one of my kids’ first birthday presents. It’s when they get to 12 you can ask for money instead. Before that, they want books and toys so why deny that for them? I’m sure a 1 year old would love ripping open a present, and they’ll use a toy. What’s a baby going to do with £1?

I would just let people buy whatever they want, brightly coloured plastic toys are what babies want I don’t understand why there’s such a fuss about them. The book idea sounds lovely on paper but i can’t remember my favourite childhood book so you run the risk of getting tons of dear zoo etc and have to donate them anyway.

With the toys you could keep your favourites and donate the rest to a women and baby shelter, nothing to feel bad about.

Ivfbabymomma1
You could ask everyone to write a few words in the front of the book

I know it's nice to receive presents but Xmas has just been and he received plenty and i don't want people to feel obligated to buy another present but I want them to enjoy the party. I also like to be careful with plastic use. I love the idea of the book and everyone writing a little note! (Saves buying a card) I know kids like toys of course they do but like most people we have plenty! I will of course buy him things to open!

At my sisters baby shower everyone brought a children's book and then the odd person brought something extra but she was delighted. She had already bought everything she needed and those of us who'd had kids already gave her our baby stuff so she actually didn't need anything. She has 2 bookshelves full of books that get used all the time.