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Original poster

1 year old birthday - party or not?

12 replies

Tiredmamma123 · 07/10/2023 21:07

My first baby is turning 1 in feb which I know is some time away but I like to be organised

my plan was as a family go out on his actual birthday somewhere like an aquarium which he would like then on the weekend have a small open house etc. our house is only tiny so not much space, one set of family live abroad so can’t attend, other grandparents are on a cruise so won’t attend either.

I just wanted to put on a small picky table of food for the day and invite his aunties/uncles (don’t have kids) his god parents and just say come at any point during the day as in pop in.

I don’t want a big do as he won’t even remember it and seems a waste of money we don’t have and some family can’t attend. I do have the option of having it at my friends house which is much bigger but then it escalated into spending a lot more on food, then alcohol for parents, then more decorations it just all becomes a lot more.

I have told my friends my plans but they all think I should do the bigger party and are making me feel bad. I know he’s my first baby and it’s his first baby etc, should I do something bigger?? What did you do?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Ifailed · 07/10/2023 21:10

Do what's best for your child and you, ignore everyone else, it's none of their business.

Have a lovely day.

Normandy144 · 07/10/2023 21:11

What you have suggested sounds absolutely spot on. Do an open house, set a time so people know when they can stop by and provide some food and drinks and that is fine. We did similar. Went to the aquarium just out own family unit and then had a tea party at home with sandwiches and cake for family on the closest weekend. There's plenty of time to spend more money on birthday parties when they get to school age and appreciate it.

NuffSaidSam · 07/10/2023 21:51

The thing to remember is that the first birthday is your celebration for keeping this small person alive and thriving for a year, for getting through the sleepless nights and the worry and everything else. You do what you want to celebrate that achievement. Your baby does not know or care and will not remember.

If you want the small gathering at home do that. Or the big party. Or a trip away. Or a day at an aquarium. Or nothing. Or get a babysitter and go out to dinner. Literally anything that you want.

Blow up some balloons for your baby to play with and take some cute pictures for them to look back on.

Interested in this thread?

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1 year olds Events & celebrations Families General parenting

SouthLondonMum22 · 07/10/2023 21:54

Do whatever you like and can afford.

Mine turns 1 in December and we'll be having a big party because that's what we want.

readingmakesmehappy · 07/10/2023 22:08

A first birthday party is for you. Kid won't remember it at all so invite people you want to see in a format that works for you.

Summer2424 · 07/10/2023 22:09

Hi @Tiredmamma123
I just celebrated my daughters 1st birthday. There wasn't many of us, just family. I hired a beautiful backdrop, it had my daughters name, flowers, balloons, butterflies, it was stunning. We all took pictures in front of it and it looked like we had a really glam party.
I found out after that the backdrop can be made at home too, my friend does her own on birthdays.

Have a lovely 1st birthday! x

TheMousePipes · 07/10/2023 22:11

We just did a small family party. Dd had discovered noodles and went wild for them so we went to a china town canteen and everyone had noodles. They baked her a cake, it was ace 👍
Do what works for you, never mind other people and their opinions.

TeddyBeans · 07/10/2023 22:14

I did a family party for DS' first birthday and will do the same for DD's first - also in Feb (were you in the Feb/march baby group??) It's lovely for everyone to be able to see little one on their birthday, even if the baby doesn't remember it, everyone else will!

Lizzieregina · 07/10/2023 22:18

Do what works for you and your budget and don’t mind what other people think!

For the open house, I’d put a time frame on it so you don’t have people straggling all day.

Beachwaves127 · 08/10/2023 14:05

Do what suits you and your family there is no right answer.

My Dc turns one next month and we’re having a small do at ours. Immediate family only (mine and DH’s parents, and mine and DH’s siblings, ie DC’s aunts and uncles).

We’re doing a small buffet and cake!!

My main reasons was

A) my Dc gets overwhelmed at big loud things and

B) I know DC’s grandparents (and me!!) want to spend time with Dc which is easier at a smaller thing! I’ve been to big events where Dc is no where to be seen as everyone wants to play with them. I’m back at work when Dc turns one so really I want to be able to celebrate the moment intimately with only close family.

regardless, there’s no right answer just do what works for you! 😃

climbershell · 20/11/2023 20:26

We had a huge bbq party when our baby was 6 weeks. We'd had an extension the autumn before, lots of family had never visited, as live hours away. We wanted to show off our new home and new baby, and nice to see our 16 month old too.

I had a planned cesarean.

Had about 30 adults and 20 toddlers and children. It was absolutely lovely!!

OopsieeDaisy · 20/11/2023 20:37

The open house idea you’ve suggested sounds perfect, you should do exactly what you want and not be pressured into anything else by anyone! At that age it’s so easy for babies to get overwhelmed too so something nice and relaxed at home is ideal. Enjoy 😊

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