Winter 1st birthday party ideas

[meadowkoa]

Hi all,

It will be my babies fm1st birthday towards the end of November and we'd love to celebrate it. With it being winter I'm wondering what to do. If it was in the summer time we'd be doing a little garden party but obviously with British weather that wouldn't be a good idea come November time!

I've been twiddling my thumbs about what to do... a function room? Maybe everyone meet at an aquatic centre and a meal? If anyone has any ideas please could you give a response!

TIA xx

Honestly whilst it's lovely to want to celebrate I'd just do something small. I've been to a handful of first birthday celebrations and at every one the child has been overwhelmed.

Just stick to a nice day out with you your daughter and her dad would be my advice.

Thank you!! This did cross my mind to be honest, I don't want her being overstimulated and leaving early from her own party! 😅

I agree with something small. They can get overwhelmed and tired and they have no idea whats going on lol.

Maybe a small family thing at your house like a cake smash with photos?

You and dad take her to the aquarium and have people round for cake after?

With my kids I just had a few family members come round for cake and nibbles x

It's definitely best to stick to something small and focus on what she would enjoy. Honestly as lovely as the idea of a huge party with all her extended family might sound it's not something many 1 year olds would find enjoyable and at the end of the day it's her birthday so it would be a little unfair to not make it something she would find fun. 🙂

My daughter was 1 in January and we went to the zoo on her birthday, she loves animals and enjoyed it, bonus that if was quiet being winter but she was wrapped up nicely in the sling no issues
We booked the week off work and also went to the aquarium, swimming and had one side of the family round for a baby friendly buffet and cake

I went to a 1st birthday recently with my DS who's 2.

The child who was 1 was so overwhelmed. Cried the whole time which made all the other little ones cry (except for my DS who chased and kicked a balloon around the hall and had a blast haha)

For DS birthday we had a few family members over (about 5 total i would say) did some presents and a cake.

We then went to the beach for a few days just me dad and him and it was beautiful. He loved it!
Obviously the beach is probably out in November but as you suggest maybe aquatic centre? Maybe the zoo (not too bad when it's cold and plenty of indoor spaces?)

Baby will love it whatever you do im sure.

Didn't see PP also suggested the zoo! I think that's a great idea

Just go for a nice lunch somewhere. This is for you to celebrate. Your baby has no idea what a party is and will have no memory of it. Its lovely to celebrate but save the function rooms for a few years.

Yes, save your money. Dd1 we had my parents and brother round to open some presents and eat cake, she cried and had another nap. Dd2 we went to the zoo and she slept for most of it. Dd1 who was by then 2.5had a great time though!

Close family/friends, cake, couple of presents, done.

How many people are you hoping will attend? That would be my starting point. I’d do something completely different for 5 people vs 50 people.

You’re very organised thinking so far ahead!

Remember you don’t know what her nap schedule will be like until nearer the time and you don’t want her to be grumpy so you probably won’t be able to plan fully yet.

We just had a little family party for my DS 1st birthday. Maybe aquarium or zoo on the actual day and then a little party at the weekend.

I have a winter baby too. For his first birthday (and for the foreseeable!) we had a small family gathering at home. It’s mainly for the parents at this age as obviously they have no clue! We had food, drink and cake and just had a nice time with family and his cousins. On his actual birthday we took him to a soft play just us.

Ours was during COVID and we were only allowed six people, so we had us plus grandparents with a party lunch and presents at ours, and that was more than enough. DD was flagging quickly with so much excitement. For that reason, I'd also advise nothing elaborate!

AQUARIUM! AQUARIUM! I did this for mine’s 1st and she found it so stimulating she slept through the night for the first time.

Agree the aquarium is perfect at that age. That is what we did. They loved the bright colours and movement. Then had cake back home. By two they can manage a few friends at home. I wouldn't hire a hall until they are about four or five.

I'd do a small tea party at home. Agree with the advice that a big do is too much for very small children

Well I'll put an alternative position to others, for my DD first birthday we hired a village hall, put on a bit of food and few drinks and had a nice few hours with friends & family, not loads but more than we'd want in the house. We set out some toys for little ones and the younger ones had fun playing and having cuddles. DD wasn't overwhelmed and whilst she of course has absolutely no idea it was her birthday she was happy all day. It was all very laid back (no ott balloon arches etc) and everyone had a lovely afternoon. I do think it probably also depends on temperament of your child, DD was always super chilled and was still bf so could always settle her quite easily. We did the party a few days before her birthday then on the actual day we took her to the zoo, the zoo has stuck as an annual tradition and we've been every birthday (around the date not always on) aside from covid. Her birthday is in January.

Thanks so much for your advice. I think from this we will do a nice day out. My little one is a rainbow baby after many losses so obviously we went to celebrate her soooo much which meant I was getting a little carried away with the party planning haha. Yes, I already had a board on Pinterest! 😅

A nice day out and small tea party at home sounds lush 🥰