To not invite family to first birthday party?

[NewUmberSloth]

advice needed please! We are having a first birthday party for my son at a soft play, but we are only inviting friends with babies/toddlers. I feel sooo guilty we’re not inviting family but the venue is quite small and we both have big families! 😩

Can you do a separate family party. Even if it's just a few family members round for tea and cake.

We’re seeing all our family the weekend of the party so they will be seeing him just not at the party

I’d do the same, nobody wants to be at soft play, especially if you haven’t a small child. If they’re local, just suggest they come over for tea and cake one afternoon.

To be honest (with my time over again) I wouldn’t invite all the family to an early years party. Infact I wouldn’t even bother with a party til the child is old enough to enjoy it!

would much prefer a quiet celebration with hubby, a nice meal perhaps. Keep it simple.

Don’t feel guilty. Most people who have young children hate going to soft play places, let alone people who don’t have children.

Also, a 1 year old obviously has no concept of birthdays or parties - it’s just some babies going to soft play.

The party element is for your benefit when they’re one, so arguably having your relatives round for tea and cake IS the party.

We're having a small family party (my mum and nephew have their birthdays in the same week as DD) and then a "babies and friends" party at the weekend.
It'll mostly be networking for me. DD will have started nursery a few weeks before and it'll be a chance to meet some of the parents. We'll keep it as a little "drop in" party for those, who would like to pop by. I'm also inviting some of my non-baby friends and some friends from baby group.

I think you’ll find absolutely no one who doesn’t have to wants to go to soft play for any reason!

I really don't see why you should feel guilty OP.
I would never have invited family to a party at a soft play area which is specifically suitable for babies and toddlers and their parents.
If you are seeing family as well,seperate from the child friendly event, then that's more than adequate.

Honestly I would love not to be invited. They are one, they have no idea what is going on or can even remember it. Anyone kicking off about is crazy

Just do a separate party with family at home. I doubt many would want to go to a soft play place anyway!

Exactly, why would family want to go to a kids party!?