At 1 years old they really don't know whats going on, the party is more for the adults then the baby. Doing a BBQ at home would be nice. When you order the cake from some places, they will throw in a little one for free for the first birthday. If you make your own cake, make one just for the baby, it makes for a nice picture. I would also recommend that when you send out the invitations, you register somewhere, this way your guest will know what to get your sweet baby and you don't have to take things back to the store. I love to know what to buy rather then guessing and having them either throw out what they didn't want or have to take it back. They have a wish list on most online sites like, Walmart, Toys R us, Target and so on. So having on your invitations the following, Our precious baby has a wish list at the following stores, and give them the info to find your wish list. Hope this helps