Need Ideas Trying to Plan Daughter's First Birthday

Hi M.,
I never really made a big deal out of the first b-days. It's really more for us adults not them. As least that's what I think. Don't get me wrong, we did a small party with family and maybe close friends. I don't think she'll really remember it. It's not that I don't think the first b-day isn't important. It's just that I can't see spending time, money, mind etc. on the first one. I hope you don't think I'm being mean about this. Like I said, it is a very important day, I just think more so for the parents.

Of course your child won't remember their first birthday but that doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate it :) For my son we had a party at my parents house because our place is too small. There were about 20 people total, he opened his gifts and had a blast tearing off the paper. He has his 'smash cake' and loved every minute of squishy and eating it. We made a video and took a ton of pictures and he LOVES to look at/watch them now. He thinks its funny that he was so little (he's almost 3 now) and covered in cake. So you;re baby might not remember her first birthday but she'll enjoy seeing the pictures later on. I also agree that a tent in Nov. is going to be too cold.

M.,

I have to agree with a few of the other posts, the first birthday is more for you than the child. That being said, it should still be celebrated! We kept the first birthday small with just family and a few close friends. Cake, ice cream and just hanging out. Our gift to our kids is an experience so we've taken them to the zoo or the children's museum, etc. Have you considered the Newport aquarium that is right there near Cincy? It's a lot of fun and although she may not grasp the entire experience it would be eye-opening for her and she'd probably love it. Happy Birthday to your daughter, have a great time!

M.,

I'm a little farther away from you, but I expect you've got about the same climate I do. I expect a tent in the park to be a little chilly in late November. Unless that's what you're going for. A 'Winter Wonderland' type of party, with warmed cider and a fireplace? Everyone will have to be wearing their winter gloves and hats and bring blankets for any little ones who get too cold.

If not, maybe ask your apartment complex if they have a community room you could hire to keep it indoors. Are you inviting enough people that you'd need a big place?

My daughter truly doesn't remember anything of her first, and we kept it very simple. Our theme was 'Pink'. Pink balloons, pink cake, pink punch, etc. Nothing fancy. We had a small two-bedroom cape cod and stuffed about 15 people in our living room. It was stress-free and fun for all. Cramped, but fun.

Good luck,
J.

I have to agree with the others that for a one year old, the birthday party is really all about the family and the cake. The only thing we spent money on was a "high chair decoration kit" to make things festive. The other thing that we did was to start a tradition of giving gifts to charity with the very first birhtday. Instead of bringing gifts for the birthday child, we ask guests to bring one unwrapped toy to be donated to a local childrens shelter. Then we take our child with us to drop off the toys the next day. Not only does this prevent the massive build up of surplus toys, but it teahces children the value of sharing our good fortune with others.

My baby's first birthday is today actually, but I'm not having a party. He doesn't even know it's his birthday. We did do cake with my parents this weekend, just to get the "first cake eating experience" pictures. :) Really, you won't be making it special for her (except for her baby book), you'll be making it special for you. Not that there's anything wrong with that--you've survived a year of parenthood and you can celebrate if you want to! :)

1 year old? Speaking from experience, your daughter won't really know too much that anything special is going on and definitely won't remember it so do what makes you comfortable to have a good time yourself. Don't stress yourself out over this.

Is the party for you or your daughter? If you want the day to be special for her, all you need is your family and cake and ice cream at your place. She won't remember it at all.

If the party is for you and your husband, then go all out. But just remember that most kids end up crying at their 1st birthday parties and have a rotten time because it's too overwhelming and they get tired easily with lots of people around (I've been to too many of that type).

My advice is to save the money and big parties for when they are older and can remember them and want to invite every kid in their class. Heck, just going to a bouncy house type place like Monkey Joe's where she can run around and jump (only if she's walking yet) would be fun for her (but she won't remember it!). No need to rent it out or have an 'official birthday party' there, though.

it all sounds like a good idea but just remember- she's going to be ONE....if you do a party like this- you're doing it for you...not so much for her. She'll not remember it and if it's a big, big event, she may not even enjoy it very much.

That said- You could pretty easily make really nice invitations on your computer, using card stock and special font, etc.

Also, lots of parks have shelters that are able to be rented (and then they have restrooms, water source, etc., also)

Hi M.,
I would suggest checking with a McDonalds in your area to see if they have parties there. The ones that have the playland usually do. Also a friend of mine had her sons birthday at Chikfila. They have a play room for the kids. She bought the kids a happy meal and provided the cake.