Seeking Advice on Giving a Birthday Party

I would definitely give separate parties. The one year old won't know the difference but the 5 year old will. You should make their birthdays special for each one. The five year old will be far more interested in the party and friends and the one year old will have a much shorter attention span. Other mothers seem to worry more about the 1 year olds day being special but she won't have any memories about it.

I think you should have one huge party. Not breaking the bank, but it will be cheaper to do one big one then to do two parties. I also think Dec is a hectic month anyways, so I would have the one party. You could defintaly seperate it thought,"theme wise"...Like Tea/football party...

I would think that you could do a party together. I know a one year old party is a big deal, but in the great scheme of things, is she really going to know what's going on? She's going to be so excited about all the people, balloons, etc. My opinion would be to find something neutral for them as a theme, like some kind of movie that's out (cars, the wild). I would focus more on your son maybe as the theme though and possibly get your daughter a separate cake and make that girlie. Birthdays are so stressful when they're children and in my opinion you might as well have together while you can still get away with it because in another year or two you're going to have to be throwing 3 birthday parties a year!

I have ran across this problem now for awhile because my sons is in April and my daughters is in May. I have talked them into having one together a couple times now and it worked. with them being so young i would do it. Now like the teenage parties like when they get to be a teen the first year have a seperate one if ya want but it runs into money. Believe me it does. With your daughter turning one I would have a seperate one this year because it being her first birthday party then after this year have them together then. My opinion its what you want to do. Good luck with it.

I would do seperate ones just becuase it is your daughter's first birthday and that only happens once in a lifetime. I have the same problem because I have a son that was born in june and one in july and even though i thought about having their parties together it has worked with having them have their own day. i think that makes them feel special and that they get all of the attention for at least a few hours

Well I think for your son a Build-a-Bear Workshop party would be good. For your daughter a one year party at home is good. I suggest separete parties forever. Me and my brother were five years apart and sharing the same day for a party. I think every person need there one seprate day for their party.

I recomend doing the parties together only use seperate guests.
You do not want them to "share" friends or feel like they have too throw them a party together but seperate. Invite family friends and younger kids as well as older. Of course party favors will be different and party games but with the holiday's you do not want to have to throw two parties along with christmas right behind. This most likely will bring more stress your way.

I currently have 2 daughters (5 and 8), both born in the month of May. We have done both joint and separate parties. Having a party together is fine, especially while your daughter is still very young. At this age, the guest list usually consists mostly of family and close friends. As the children get older and their friends and interests are more specific and individual, you may want to have separate parties. But there are times when even older children can come together and agree on a theme or location (like a skating party or a party at the zoo).
I am also struggling with having a little one in December (I'm due on the 20th). I think that time of the year is so hectic for everyone that the last thing on their mind is a birthday party. I think it will be more convenient (and you will get a better turnout) if you have one party.

I think it is ok to give them a party together but since it is your daughters first bday you might want to do it separtely. The 1st bday is so special but I think next year I would do it together. Just my opionion though

Birthday parties are stressful enough so just throw one party. Family and close friends will want to come to both so it is easier on the guests as well.

My suggestion is to carve out a seperate part of the room with a few balloons and decorations for your daughter and the rest be all about your 5 year old. At one point during the party you stop focusing on your son and bring out the little cake that you can get free for a one year old at the grocery store. You already carved out an area that is focused on her and so you are ready for pictures. It is commemorated for the scrapbook of life.

A one year old's party is more for the parent than it is for the baby to enjoy. Presents for her are opened after the party.

Hello my name is M. and I have two children. My oldest is 5 years old and my youngest is 2. I personally would recommend having seperate parties. Your daughter wouldnt know the difference however your son will. It will make it more special if he had his own special day.

I would do 2 seprate parties. They don't have to be huge parties where you are breaking the bank.

I LOVE to plan parties for my little guys! But the past couple of years I have teamed up with my Sister-In-law to have her Daughter & my Son have their parties together. We thought at this busy time of year our Friends and Family would be happy to have one party instead of two to plan around. We are planning a Boy/Girl party now. One of our options was at a firestation because all kids like firetrucks and the cute girly side could be cute dalmation puppies and the Boys like the hats and little trucks. Or if you are just having it at home,making it a mix of pink & Blue and give party favors that are girly to girls & all Boy to the Boys. Make it easy for you to have all the crazy on one day.

Hi M.,

I don't know where you live but if you live near a JW Tumbles, that's a great place to have a party! They do it all for you! It's a two hour private party and they entertain the kids the entire time. You can bring the food yourself or have them do it! AND....the kids don't wreck your house!

D.

I would have 2 parties - this is your daughters first birthday, it would be nice for that to be seperate. Birthdays are a child's special day and only happen once a year. Once they get big enough and if they want to have them together - then that could be their choice.

Me personally would do seperate parties this year. Its your daughters first bday and thats always a special one. Next year I would try a joint one, but for the special milestones years I would do it seperate.

I definately think seperate parties would be best, because one party takes away the importance of each individual child's special day! Besides, your children are different sexes as well. A joined party wouldn't be "boy enough" for your son, or "girl enough" for your daughter:) I recommend going to kidzone.com for ideas on your party preparations. This site is an amazing place to explore for ideas on cool activities for children! Good luck, and most important have fun with your kids!!