To think these things don’t matter and you should save money for dc instead?

[leapgro]

Genuinely interested as to whether it affects them etc.

DC coming up to 1, lots of people having big parties, even balloons costs 20 quid let alone everything else. Hiring venues etc. Same with expensive baby clothes, trips to legoland etc. Surely unless you enjoy this yourself/have enough money to waste, it’s not actually beneficial for the child? Or is it? Am I wrong?

I had a hall full of people, soft play, food, drinks and it was an absolutely wonderful celebration with family and friends. Surely its each to their own? I would love a small get together in a friends garden just as much if that was their preference. Your post screams jealousy otherwise why would you care what anyone else does?

Doesn't have to be helium does it? You do know people inflated balloons with their own air for decades?

And I have seen lots of discussions about the helium in balloons is not the same as the helium you are talking about.

And even if it is, wouldn't your energy be better spent on campaigning to effect change in the helium industry (if there is such a thing) rather than anonymously attempting to make people who make different choices than you feel bad?

I get that you feel superior but who is that benefitting? Other than you for a few minutes? Do you really feel good shitting on children's parties? For families that you know nothing about but want to judge?

My children didn’t have a ‘party’ until they were 4. Previous to that it was just family popping by for some cake.

You could argue parties are most ages are pointless but they do seem totally daft for a 12 month old, like you OP, I would rather spend £300 on the child.

To each their own.
If you invite me to a 1 Yr olds birthday, I wouldn’t be going.

I agree with you @leapgro

I see so much absolute waste and I don't get it, particularly with those I know are far from flush.

I'd stick pumpkin 'picking' with young toddlers into this. It's all about the photo op.

Days out as they get bigger, fantastic. But I think while they are happy with very little make the most of it.

One day I will take my kids on fancy holidays but at the stage they could not be more excited if they tried over a caravan, I'll take that!

I can get the appeal of soft play parties for ease but the very big ones don't add much to the birthday child's experience. I've had my kids ask whose party is was at the end because they all go off and do their own thing at the pre school age.

If you have the money and want to, crack on but for anyone struggling they should feel no guilt their kids are missing out.

So not allowed to celebrate baptism or first birthday with anything more than a cup of tea? Righty ho.

Balloons in an arch don't contain helium...

@Hogisies your house for Halloween sounds brilliant!! 🎃

The dozens of balloons and fake flowers are for social media, and I hate to think of the environmental impact. Not just used for birthday celebrations though.

The trips and expensive clothes I understand more, and those were for ourselves. It was a rare person who could spot the more obscure designer brands I used to buy the DC. We had a lot more disposable income then, though.

@MattyTeddy ,

’And I have seen lots of discussions about the helium in balloons is not the same as the helium you are talking about’.

I would love to read those discussions!!

Helium is Helium, 2 neutrons and 2 protons in the nucleus, 2 electrons orbiting in the first shell. There are isotopes with one less and one more neutron, but these are unstable and far rarer.

Balloons with air are rarer these days, and I think the arch relies on the balloons being buoyant. But, yes, those are far better (although we have a massive micro plastic and plastic waste problem that they still contribute to).

Wow, that’s defensive. I don’t think the OP was criticising, just asking for opinions on whether the child would get any benefit, or whether it’s more for the parents.

It is for the parents... but I think that's okay, really. I certainly felt I deserved a party for surviving DD's first year! (As it was, we only did a small family tea with a cake etc but still, I enjoyed it, and I wouldn't judge anyone who wants to go all out if they can afford it!)

Also regards expensive baby clothes. Depends on income..

Personally designer Burberry etc seems ludicrous to me.

Mainly buy next, M&S, jojo etc

Would not touch primark etc.

The reason being - the clothes don’t wash well, fabric isn’t that good quality and I can afford to pay more.

Secondarily - The mid range clothes and above you can sell on eBay/Vinted. Sometimes for more than you bought them when they were 70% off! 😊

If you can buy good quality clothes in sale at same price point, why on earth wouldn’t you?!

I agree, all a waste of time and money and is probably just for social media.
But I also think that of parents who take small children on holidays abroad... like they will ever remember them.

I do definitely think if you have a house and garden, parties are better at home than having the stress of carting everyone to a venue, setting up and packing away within your timeslot, etc etc etc. And the cost of bouncy castles, hiring entertainers and so on - no need, say I - small kids will be very happy with some small organised games and maybe a willing relative to "entertain" or get out the face paints! It does take slightly more thought, maybe, but on the other hand you are saved all the back and forth with venues, service providers etc.

It's like how babies prefer the wrapping paper to the present 🤣

I'd say - spend money if it's to save you stress and flapping around, as happy parents should = happy baby. Otherwise, take baby's lead to appreciate the small things in life!

OK be totally honest what actual benefits would a 1 year old get? Even the ones who can read Homer's Illiad at 6 months

This is hardly the point but balloon arches don't use helium. They are made of air-filled balloons fixed to a frame. A balloon 'cloud' attached to a wall or ceiling will again be air-filled balloons, affixed to a reusable strip of plastic punched with holes.

I'm not suggesting this makes for an environmentally responsible decoration but several pp seem to think that balloon arches are formed of hundreds of helium-filled balloons.

Of course they can matter. Why wouldn't they be "beneficial" to the child? It's fun, there's loads to see often to do - even if it's just a massive ball pit, it's often a sensory heaven.
Of course normal life, and parties, are important in a child's development.

Chill.

Life is too short not to have parties when you can have them, or to take the kids on trips when you can! Change of scenery is good for them. And yes, it's for the parents too, but you know what they say, happy parents make happy babies!

Haven’t read everyone’s replies, but I didn’t do parties for my kids until reception age. Before that we would have close family and friends round our house for a buffet and cake. Had a few balloons, but nothing fancy. Started going to theme parks when my oldest was 4 and youngest was 2. They are 7 and 9 now and have only been to 4.
I would say that for babies and toddlers they might enjoy these things, but there are cheaper alternatives which they would enjoy just as much.

The week my 3rd child turned 1, he was ill. So I cancelled the house party planned. The next week, my mate came round with her 2, my sister in law was there and a cousin and one younger sibling. We put some bunting up in the room and took a picture of him with his cake with the one candle in it and had lunch together. He has absolutely no idea that this was the case. My other kids who had house parties with loads of guests, similarly have no idea what happened on their first birthdays.

It's for the parents mostly but to be honest I think that's completely valid if it makes people happy.

You could Google. Or just search helium balloons on MN.

I am completely fascinated that you don't consider close family and friends coming to the house for a buffet and a cake with balloons to be a party. What would you call it?

DS turns 1 in December and we'll be having a big party because we survived the first year of parenting and feel like celebrating. Will DS care either way? No, will he remember? Also no but he will enjoy himself in the moment and it will also bring us all great joy to come together as a family to celebrate.

Of course it isn't necessary but it's fun. If we only did necessary things with our DC, it would all be very dull.

At 1yo went to the zoo and had cake at home with grandparents.

At 9 and 6 now I ask the kids what they want and do it if within reason. This year DS wanted to play football at the park with his friends and some cake - cheap. DD wanted a play centre party with most of her class - expensive, whereas last year she wanted a party at home with 5 friends which was cheap but more work for me. If we couldn't afford it I wouldn't do it, but we can so I don't overthink it and don't feel I need to justify it.

I don't know anyone doing anything more extravagant than a play centre or village hall with entertainer.

My post? I was making the point that for a 1st it’s the memories that count, the child doesn’t remember but I treasure the picture. Ditto memories of a big soft play event.