1st birthday - we have no mates!

[MayContainNuts]

Ok, DS will turn one next week... and we haven't got anything organised to celebrate his first birthday.
We've recently moved houses. We have no family, or friends with children, living in the area.
We have no money to spend on hiring a venue -I'm not working at the moment so totally reliant on DH's wage.
Plus we wouldn't have anyone to invite! The few people we know live out of town, and the children in that group amount to a grand total of 4.
On top of that I'm pnd, so I've lost touch with many people because I can't face socialising. I know, I know, socialising does me good, but I just can't take the stress of seeing anyone, nevermind inviting them round to my house with their brood.
DH is also a johnny nomates so he doesn't have any friends with children either.
I feel totally depressed for failing to make this day special for my baby. He's lovely and outgoing and it pains me to think he might be suffering from our -especially, though not exclusively, my- lack of social interaction.
I thought maybe I could invite the people we know for a meal at a child friendly restaurant but that sounds stingy and more of an adults affair. I think he deserves much better though I don't know what to do, and no ideas are forthcoming from DH.
Sorry for going on. Any suggestions?

[PurpleCrazyHorse]

Congratulations on the new friend, she sounds lovely.

We're taking DD to Folly Farm for her first birthday (just DD, DH and I). Not sure what she'll think but she loves our cat so hoping the small animals might make her day. We'll have a cake + candle and home for a photo and that's about it. We do have friends with kids but DD just won't get a party so not sure I want to bother with the stress. TBH, I'm not really into getting her a gift either, the grandparents will go crazy so will probably buy her stuff she needs later in the year.

Loving the idea of wine and nice food for us too!

[lovechoc]

we haven't given DS a 'proper' birthday party yet and he just turned 3yo last month...we have enjoyed quiet family days together - just the three of us! First time was at the aquarium, second birthday was at a safari park and the third was at a science centre and each one has been really special.

Also means no party organising for me! We just chilled out and had a good time, took photos and blew out the candles on the cake when we got home.

Next year we hope to organise a birthday party for DS when he's at the nursery and will have made a group of friends to invite. Before that they don't really get what a 'party' is.

[AdasMum]

Like thirdname, ate cake myself (DH was allowed one slice ) and got my DD a couple of presenst she could attempt to unwrap herself.
Am planning a BBQ with a few friends with children for her 2nd (we have no family here, so it will be quite small as well).
I really think it makes no difference to your baby if you have a b'day party at that age.

[Mumof2x]

I think it dosnt matter as long as you and are DH are with your DS.....

I really wouldnt go over the top on prezzys ither, when it was my DD and DS 1st bdays we spent a fortune and guess what... they really wasnt botherd at all lol.

Why dont you take DS out somewhere special for the day or even just do a little tea party at home for just the 3 of you?

I think it makes it alot more special when things are celebrated just as a little family!

The party stage will come when DS is in school and has made his own little mates!

xxxxxxx

[whensmydayoff]

Haven't got energy to read the other posters so sorry if it's a repeat!

I have lived in the same area all of my life so know loads of folk with kids same age or there abouts. I wouldn't have dreamed of having a party as it would have been us run ragged, him overwhelmed and not really letting us or him enjoy a special day together. Too much for a young baby/child.

For DS's first birthday my DH took day off work, we took him to a family farm/park thing, animals, ride on train/tractors etc and he loved it (until he fell asleep)!.

We then went to pizza Express for tea and it was fab. Just the three of us and it was so special.

2nd birthday we went to the same park then had grandparents around for tea. Again, he enjoyed having time with mummy and daddy more than anything else. (at the meal we announced I was PG with #2). Not relevant to this but had to get it in .

His 3rd birthday is next Friday and because of his 5 month old sister and her looooong feeds, it's easier to just have a few of his little friends round but I bet it won't be as good for any of us.
We will run around catering for everyone while he runs around fighting for his toys back!!

If I had the choice id rather it was just about him again.

Go out the three of you and have a lovely family day. No doubt by nursery age you will be catering for 15 kids on a sugar rush and wishing he was 1 again!

[lou4791]

HI,
Our little one is 7 months. I have chosen to not have a baby naming ceremony BECAUSE of all the people I would feel I needed to invite in order not to cause offence. I really can't be doing with the hassle of dealing with everyone being tactless together. Of course we can't avoid the 1st birthday, but i'd love a private family tea instead reminising over memories of pregnancy, birth and the first year. Funny how we both want the opposite to what we have.x