Did anyone NOT give their DC a 1st birthday party?

[Mummy2022FT]

Money is tight. He'll only be 1 so he won't understand it's even his birthday.

(I am going to do a small 'get together' of family and close friends at home. But not an actual proper party with bubbles and a bouncy castle and whatever else.... )

Anyone else not hold a 'proper' party for their baby?

We went on holiday then had family round for tea and cake when we were home

It's really not that big deal if you don't have a party like many mentioned babies won't even remember, around 5 years is when I think ideally birthday party's will be enjoyment for kids.

inviting childless friends to a first birthday party is also a nightmare for them. They’re going to have to bring a gift and come to spend the afternoon awkwardly hanging about trying to look like they’re making a fuss of your child. I was at a 1st birthday party in a community centre way before having kids and I’ve never felt more awkward, just standing watching kids I didn’t know on a bouncy castle and acting really interested. I took a present but the mum was so busy running about that she didn’t have time to take it so it was just dumped under a table with the rest. We didn’t ever get a text or thanks for coming/the gift etc.

I’ve since been to 1st birthday parties with my son and it’s only slightly less awkward. The last one I was at was at the family’s house. They didn’t offer anyone a drink the whole time and I was soooo thirsty! I think the whole thing is just generally stressful for all involved 🙈

We had a bbq for our friends and family, with balloons and cake.

She got fussed over from start to finish, which I think she probably enjoyed more than a bouncy castle, which having since tried her on one... she's petrified of.

At one, it's entirely for you not them. Do what you want to do 👍🏻

How awkward!

Nope we didn't either
On her 1st birthday we had a family gathering with just parents & siblings at home
2nd birthday we took her to the zoo for the day and did the family gathering again at home and will most likely do that again this year!

I'm making the most of doing this until she is big enough to ask for a party! 🤣

We didn't. We were actually invited to a wedding on his first birthday so happened to be seeing family anyway and that was that. For 2nd and 3rd birthdays we've had a nice day out just the 3 of us. When he's old enough to care he can have a party. I'm sure he's preferred a special day and our full attention to a party and all the expectation and overwhelming and attention from everyone singing etc. Depends on the child I guess but I think its too much for most little ones.