Ideas for 1st Birthday…

[NavigatingAdulthood]

I know I’m waayyyy in advance, but I’m a serial planner as it’s how I deal with my anxiety. Sorry not sorry.

I know many people will say the first birthday isn’t really as important as people make out and I’m not in the mindset to do a huge event, but I know I’d love the opportunity to experience this milestone with all of those who supported me through pregnancy and postnatal; heck, even those who were there pre-conception during all of my ongoing surgeries and fertility investigations.

Does anyone have any ideas for how to celebrate a 1st birthday? My partner has a difficult family situation and I don’t want to upset anyone… so, help? Any suggestions; or even ways to incorporate people who have been heavily involved with my DS?

We went to the zoo on her birthday, it was January but we just wrapped up and she was in the sling. We did stuff that she would enjoy that week, swimming, usual play groups and they sang happy birthday and had photo opportunities
Then at the weekend I did an afternoon tea with all baby friendly foods and cakes so she could eat as well as I was quite strict about her diet, just at home and it was really cramped as we have a small house but my side of the family with cousins came. Partners side aren't very interested sadly
To have more space I'd maybe hire a village hall or something if you want to get a lot of people together, could be fun decorating it yourself with sons favourite animals or whatever :)

I've said this before but honestly low key is better for your child. Many 1 year olds find a huge gathering of people very overwhelming and therefore don't actually have a very enjoyable day.

A series of day trips to soft play, the zoo, parks, aquariums etc with smaller groups of people would be more enjoyable for your child and in turn more enjoyable for you.

@Bunny2006 That sounds lovely! My partners side aren’t as involved and have never really done anything for us but their family dynamic is weird. I’m thinking of a little tea party but the idea of building the week up sounds cute!

@GrumpyCactus I like the idea of doing things separately, and the aquarium is definitely a good shout!

Little party at home, balloons, presents, cake. A few people close to you. Don’t go big party. Don’t invite the whole family or certain people just to keep the peace. Low key. Birthday parties are stressful and not very enjoyable as a parent once they get old enough to have a proper party. Enjoy this lovely time now without the stress.

I had to work on my DD first birthday as it didn’t fall on a weekend or holiday. She got the birthday hat at nursery and they made a fuss of her and took pictures - was very sweet. Then we went for a special day out the following Saturday with both grannies. Nothing huge - time will come for parties and she is too little to appreciate it.

I am the same as you OP, a huge advanced planner and incredibly excitable!! My little boy is one next month and we've organised:

A smash cake first birthday photoshoot (we're really not "photo shoot people" lol but he will have such a blast smashing the hell out of a wonderful cake and we'll enjoy watching him!
A lovely themed balloon arch - lots of balloons and giant balloon animals, they were pretty cheap and he'll love them. We've also got a ball pit and lots of balls ready!
On the day of birthday we'll do presents and a lovely breakfast then we're going to head to a local place that has animals, tractor rides, playground and a Santa at the moment!
The weekend before his birthday we'll have each of our families over on two separate days so they can send time with him and so he doesn't have loads of people fighting over him!

Hope your little one has a fantastic birthday! Doesn't that first year go quickly 🥹

We had a little family gathering at the house, nothing too fancy.
1st birthday is more about the parents really because the baby won't remember anything!

When I say I’m planning in advance… my DS birthday is next year! We’ve had some huge family drama on my partners side so I wanted to try and think of some options to discuss with my partner ahead of time so we can see what may or may not work! My DS has a spring birthday so I’m leaning towards spending the day doing something he might like at that time. Part of me worries that my partners family will just be a bit more of a hassle. I want to keep the peace and keep everyone happy! But, more importantly- I want my DS to be celebrated as opposed to dealing with any drama.