Children birthday parties etiquette

[OneLittleBabyGirl]

Both DH and I are foreign and we never had birthday parties like the ones you have here.

With a child, obviously came the birthday party invites. What is expected of those that attend? The babies are turning one. Are we expected to bring a gift? If so what kind of money do I have to spend on one? I assume gifts are usually toys? We arent planning to have a party for DD this year because I don't think she will remember. Are these reciprocal?

(I don't know where this belongs. But I guess it's part of being a clueless new parent).

Oh and is only one parent expected to accompany the baby? Obviously I don't think we are supposed to just leave a 1yo for an hour while they are entertained?

Yes, usually you will take a gift - something for about £5 is fine. But feel free to spend less if things are tight - a toy, book or music cd would all be fine. Most of my friends had parties and I did for my dc and invited the same people back but is totally fine to attend parties and not have one yourself. Re accompanying the baby - at weekends both me and dh went and during the week just me, but if you're unsure about taking dh just mention it to the host before that he's coming so they know what to expect.
hth.

You should bring a gift, £5-8ish. Toys or a book.
You dont have to reciprocate.
Usually one parent would come. You would not be expected to leave a 1 year old at a party.

Exactly as catsareevil said - I don't think my DH has ever had the dubious pleasure of attending a kids party, and mine are 5 and 3 now.

Value if the gift for me would depend on how close I wad to the family. I would spend £5 on an acquaintance but more on a close friend. Have often bought clothes and things for a little ones birthday.
Also whether dh grudgingly comes along again depends on how close we were to the family. One of my mum friends who he doesn't really know I would probably go alone with dc but have been told to bring dh along for a beer with the other dh's . If it was a close friend that we usually socialise with anyway we would both go.

Yes, bring a present, nothing too expensive, just a toy for £5 is fine. Also attach a birthday card to the present so that they can figure out who gave what.

You are not expected to leave a 1yo at a party. In fact, to actually leave a 1yo would be considered bad manners. You can leave them from 3/4/5 yo depending on how well you know the host/what you think of the environment safety wise.

You don't have to have a party for your own child when they are aged 1/2/3 unless you want to. By the time they are 4 and/or in school/preschool, they will be aware that other children are having parties and will probably want to have one of their own.

Thanks for all the help. We will wait until we can ask what she wants for her birthday. And if she wants a party then we will do one. I'm expecting it might be next year, but it seems it could 3 or 4!