My son Owen is going to be turning 1 in about 4 months! (can't believe it!) I procrastinate big time so im trying to get some ideas! Any thoughts you have would be much appreciated! ( i have already decided on cupcakes instead of one big cake.)
I would keep it pretty simple. Plan it around his naps. Family and close friends. A few hours...and have your camera ready for his cake smash!
ALWAYS plan a party, around his naps... as the other poster said.
Otherwise, the baby will be fussy/too tired/over-stimulated and not have any fun and it will be bad timing.
Keep parties, only 2 hours max. That is a long time for a baby. Then you have to factor in clean up time... and putting away etc. Try to have the others help you with that.
On the invitation, STATE the party start time AND end time. That way, the party won't drag on and on and on. And you can keep it more organized that way. And especially if your baby is tired.
Cupcakes are good. Good idea.
At t his age, a baby does not 'party'.... its mostly for the adults.
Take lots of photos...
Keep it simple.
If you plan the party for a "meal" time, ie: lunch or dinner... then it will cost more, because people will expect that you are serving a MEAL. If you plan the party for off hours, then cake and ice-cream is enough. And maybe simple finger foods.
For drinks, just juice boxes or water bottles...
If you open presents there at that party, that will take even longer (it can take at least 1 hour just for that).. and can be SO tiring for the baby... much less the parents. So, I always open presents at home. And keep a log, of the presents and who gave what. So you can write thank-you notes.
all the best,
Susan
As others have said, it is more for adults at this age, and I think that's fine. You should be commended, especially if this is your first, that you have successfully made it through your first year as a parent and your child is adorable, healthy and growing up! So, big or small, it doesn't matter, do what you want! I personally enjoy an all-out bash. Pick a theme, plan around his nap and go crazy if you like! Cupcakes are great. Invite a few kiddos his age and their parents, your family and fun will be had. Good themes for his age are balloons, farm animals, balls, bubbles, trucks...etc. Depending on the time of day, you could just offer snacks and dessert or go all out and do lunch too. Have fun!
K.-
Happy Birthday to your sweet baby!
Simple, simple, simple! If you're busy hosting a boatload of people you will the party and you don't want to have that happen.
S.
For a 1 year old, I'd keep it simple and at home. Your son can stay on his nap schedule if you're at home... and with all the excitement, he's going to need his naps!
We had our daughter's first party at a park because we invited a ton of people. (I know, everyone says keep it small, but it was her first - we just had family for her second.) Schedule it around his nap and best mood time (So what if that means you're having cupcakes at 10am? We did, and it was fine). I actually just did a polka dot theme, brown and pink, chocolate cupcakes with pink frosting. Since it was early, I had some brunch-like snacks - quiche, fruit, juice and milk. Don't forget to bring toddler-friendly snacks like puffs and Cheerios no matter what time you have it. And a travel high chair or something for him to sit in if you aren't at home. For favors, in keeping with the dot idea, I had bubbles and 12" bouncy balls. Basically, people snacked while we waited for everyone to arrive, then we opened presents and ate cake and then the kids were free to play on the jungle gym or head home. It lasted about an hour. Whatever you decide, enlist in help so you can help your son stay relaxed and have fun!
Cupcakes are perfect. I always do cupcakes. Like everyone else said--simple, close family/friends, plan around his nap and limit the amount of time. My son's first birthday party, I only invited grandparents, aunts/uncles. We had a simple lunch (sandwich/salad) and did cake. He passed out immediately after. He was pooped! A lot of people do huge blow outs for first birthdays, but I personally think that is pointless. The child will not notice if you do not invite 50 people and have a clown, bouncy house, face painter, etc. I would save the effort for a milestone birthday when your son is old enough to really enjoy it. Have fun and happy birthday to your little guy!
