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Parenting

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Original poster

1st Birthday Party??

12 replies

WhatstheT · 22/09/2015 11:47

Its not long off my DDs 1st birthday, and my OH has been bringing it up quite often.

He is dead set on having some kind of gathering. And I wondered whether anyone else had bothered with this?

We don't know many people with small children, mainly all above 5yrs now, so I assume it is more a gathering for adults? She goes to nursery and there are 6 in her baby group... but since we don't know the parents I doube it's worth inviting them...

DD isn't christened and isn't going to be so I think he's seeing it as some kind of gathering to replace that... Family, friends, drink, buffet, chance to coo over DD...etc

But IF we did something, I wouldn't want it to seem grabby or braggy.

Has anyone had or been involved in a 1st birthday that went particularly well?

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Original poster

WhatstheT · 22/09/2015 21:10

Now I see why everyone posts in AIBU...

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HumphreyCobblers · 22/09/2015 21:13

I had a first birthday party for all three of mine, it is a nice thing to to. You remember it. All the doting relatives get a chance for a cuddle. There are photographs. People enjoy themselves!

I think you are too worried about being grabby, presumably most of these people would give your dd a present on her birthday anyway?

Original poster

WhatstheT · 22/09/2015 21:23

I just think people will feel inclined to attend because its a baby and will feel a bit mean if they dont...

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HumphreyCobblers · 22/09/2015 21:26

I think you are over thinking this. Feed people, give them a glass of something fizzy and some nice cake, let them coo over your gorgeous one year old baby - it will be great!

KLou1105 · 22/09/2015 21:28

We had a birthday party for our dds first :) just a small garden party with close family

HumphreyCobblers · 22/09/2015 21:29

I honestly don't follow why you think people would only come because they would feel mean not to? People would come because you have invited them and they can make it, if they can't make it they will say so. You are not putting a gun to their head and forcing them into it.

Sunshineandsilverbirch · 22/09/2015 21:33

You are way overthink this.

Most people like parties
Most people like babies
If they don't like either if the above they will make an excuse and not come.

Invite however many you feel comfortable with. Hold it at a time that suits your babies routine so they'll be awake.
Provide some food, something to drink, a cake and a few balloons.

Everyone will have a great time.

If you have a nice family it's possible that relatives might offer contributions to the buffet.

We did a tiny first birthday but then we did have a Christening with a big party.

TurquoiseCat · 22/09/2015 21:35

We did a small gathering for DD's 1st birthday - a few sandwiches, cake and other sweet things. It was mostly family with a few friends and neighbours. We're doing the same this year for her 3rd birthday.

It was nice in a non-pressure way of getting people together - we do t bother doing things for our own birthdays anymore, so this was a chance for everyone to get together. They all even got 'kiddie' party bags - my 36yo DB appreciated the plastic parachute soldier!

skankingpiglet · 22/09/2015 23:36

We had a BBQ (summer baby) for DD's 1st birthday. I had been against it as it seemed unnecessary, but I lost my DM a month earlier and we were all in need of a bit of cheer. I'm really glad we did We said specifically no need to buy toys as she has plenty of plastic noisy tat, but that she would like gin instead (a joke obvs) and to bring something to chuck on the BBQ. We had far more positive RSVPs than expected particularly as it was very short notice, and everyone still bought her a present Plus two guests kindly bought her the gin. Love them, they'll be invited back in future.
She won't remember it, but we have some lovely pictures and it was so nice to have all our favourite people in one place. It was a fantastic day. Definitely more of an event for us than her but she still enjoyed herself! (Particularly the chocolate cake!)
If you can afford it, then go for it

Original poster

WhatstheT · 23/09/2015 09:14

Thanks everyone :)

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StormyBlue · 23/09/2015 09:31

My friend combined a 1st birthday party with a non-religious naming ceremony because they weren't getting their DC christened. Maybe that would work for you?

We're just having a quiet day doing things DS will like (his birthday is in 2 days!) but would perhaps have a small gathering at home if we didn't live hours away from all our family!

IsabelleEberhardt · 24/09/2015 14:11

Friends of ours held a half birthday for their firstborn. I believe the plan was to do so every year but I imagine it dawned upon them that their pfb was not the first baby ever made and it has not been mentioned again.

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