1st bday party, need advice please

Molly - posted on 12/28/2009

Quoting Jennifer:

I'm doing a football theme since my LO's bday is the weekend before superbowl. I am renting a rec center in a park because I think I will also have about 50 people. Buying a ball pit from amazon.com also. Something to keep the kids busy!

We did a WTP theme for my boy's first birthday. There was tons of stuff to chose from and it was a cute theme.

Molly - posted on 12/28/2009

I say maybe at someone's house. If yours isn't big enough, then go with maybe your parent's house or your in law's house. Well actually, it's going to be cold outside so everyone's going to be inside, so nevermind, LOL. I would maybe set something up at an indoor playground place. It also depends on the age of the other children. And if you really want to invite the extended family. We had at least 60 ppl (husdband is italian - says it all LOL) at my twin boy's first birthday, and this year we are going to have it here at my house (it has been at the MIL's house previously beacuse it's in september and they have a nice inground pool and big yard, etc.) just a smaller thing. I think the fact that our babies' birthdays are in January is going to change a lot of things.

Danielle - posted on 12/28/2009

my son will b 1 on the 2/1/10 im just having a gathering at home with family and friends... with thomas the tank engine as the theme...

Rabia - posted on 12/28/2009

My little man is turning 1 on the 30th of Jan. I have hired a big pergola in a reserve with a playground right next to the pergola, i will be having BBQ and drinks with about 50 ppl including kids and adults, i have also booked a party host that will be doing face painting and animal baloons and games with the kids for 2 hours and the Bday boy gets a special present from them for just $220(that is for 20 kids, its $170 for 15 kids). i will also have lollie bags for the kiddies, As for my cake well my sons name is Jet so i will be getting a custom made cake of a Jet. I know it sounds like abit too much but i would rather have his very first Bday special and the rest to come can be simple Hungry jacks parties.. all up should cost about $1000 which is money spent well for me..

Rebecca - posted on 12/17/2009

Planning a party at dave and busters, Since i work there i know exactly what i can afford. The theme may be either jungle animals or target had plates and stuff that are just bright colors that have "1st birthday" on them.

Sarah - posted on 12/16/2009

Oh and I found a really cute 1st birthday dinosaur theme on orientaltrading.com

Sarah - posted on 12/16/2009

For my twins first birthday on 1/6 we're planning a barbeque with family and friends at our house. At this age, I prefer to keep them home in case they get too tired.

Marianne - posted on 12/16/2009

My son will be a year on Jan 14th also. Seems like a lot were born that day. We are having a Winnie the Pooh themed party on the 16 with about 50 adults and kids at our house. We are hoping it all works out well. Sometimes I feel like it's too much for a 1st birthday since Jeremy won't remember but after reading Danielle's story, I am sure about having the party. My son had RSV also but at two weeks old and was in the hospital for two weeks part of which were in ICU. It's a nasy virus which I was not even aware of until Jeremy got it. My heart goes out to Danielle and family for her loss.

Charlesley - posted on 12/16/2009

We are using a club house of one of my relatives apartments (which is really nice - pool tables, free coffees and teas for the adults and other children), and hired a clown to come in to do face painting, magic tricks and balloon animals for the smaller children. We are keeping it really simple and low key (budget) for this 1st party - she doesn't know what's happening yet...We'll wait until she can enjoy it to increase the budget.

Christie - posted on 12/15/2009

I went to a party at the weekend where we just met at the local indoor play area, with big soft play and climbing frames etc. If you book it for just you, the adults can run around and act like big kids, with the children! Then just call everyone together at he end to sing Happy Birthday to the little man and blow out the candles!!

As for a theme, have a look at websites etc for tableware, party bags etc and see what you can afford! Then plan the party around that!

Precious - posted on 12/15/2009

I'm doing Chuck e Cheese for my daughters 1st birthday on 1/10. I picked that because its cheaper then renting a hall and you can get everything there like food, games, candy bags ect. You just bring the cake and the kids lol!

Michelle - posted on 12/10/2009

Quoting Danielle :

First birthdays are very special, My oldest daughter passed away from RSV at the age of 15 months on Christmas Eve of 2003 , I am so happy we gave her the biggest 1st birthday party, she only got one party so I am very into giving very big parties all the time.

I'm sorry to hear about your daughter, but I do know how it is to go through the RSV yet we were fortunate.  I can see from your point of view of having a giant first birthday.  I said what I did before, but I am sure it will be WAY bigger then I expect and WAY out of all contents of a normal 1 yr olds party lol

Danielle - posted on 12/10/2009

First birthdays are very special, My oldest daughter passed away from RSV at the age of 15 months on Christmas Eve of 2003 , I am so happy we gave her the biggest 1st birthday party, she only got one party so I am very into giving very big parties all the time.

Danielle - posted on 12/10/2009

How about an "I Dig being 1" party??, I am not sure where you live but... if you have snow, great party favors are small buckets and small shovels, they can make snowmen, or if you are not so lucky to have the blistering cold and snow, try it with the same idea but with dirt. Fill up small tonka trucks with dirt and gummy worms, and don't forget the construction hats. Have it at home if you have the room!!!

Michelle - posted on 12/10/2009

Ok, My LO will be 1 yr old Jan 8th which is also Elvis' B-day. He is very into music as I am so we may go that way. We have also considered Superman since he almost died during his 2nd month os being on this earth and in ICU with RSV and the H-flu right behind it, he is our LiL Superman for being so strong and making it through. So we have a few choices for themes.

As far as Parties, I know he's my one and only, but honestly, I do not see why a HUGE party is really necessary considering he will not remember it. I suppose the party is more for the parents then the child, but I feel it should be close friends, family who is around him, and their kids. i don't see renting a place unless you have a HUGE family like Laura there....lol And even then, if they don't come around much or you are not close to them, why waste the money accommodating them when it's for the baby.

Anjoli - posted on 12/06/2009

I didn't know if u were in chi. or if that was someone that replied to ur post. But i am in chicago and keni will be 1 on jan 26th. We have the indoor waterpark in Gurnee called Key Lime Cove. and i had the idea of getting a suite and having food and what not there with family having the option to indoor swim. takes the pressure off of entertaining EVERYONE the whole time and has something for all!! best of all NO CLEAN UP and parents can enjoy the suite for the night!! With soo many ppl. put the pressure on someone else to feed, clean, entertain so that u can enjoy one of the biggest and rewarding milestones in both of your lives. U made it a YEAR!!!

Cassie - posted on 12/01/2009

My son was born on january 13th and our theme will be the pixar film "cars". I chose this theme because i noticed he is fond of red and orange colors but thought it would be too boring just a color theme so I choose cars. I have red balloons, streamers, cake, cars etc. We are having about 50 people as well but our living room held our baby shower of 50 people so I'm hoping this will be a better success as well.

I did go to a 1 year old birthday party a couple months ago at chuck e cheese and it wasn't that bad, but the baby had nothing to do, so it wasn't that good for him. but for the kids that are coming from ages 7-15, you can order a pinata, make up games and bring party favors for them. That will keep them entertained.

Sara - posted on 11/30/2009

My baby book advises against such a big party because it is too overwhelming, but do what you want. I can say that when we took our child to Chuck e cheese, it was insane and overwhelming and my daughter clung to me and cried most of the time, so if you are planning on that I suggest you do a trial run.

Nichole - posted on 11/29/2009

I think one of the best things about having a baby in January is all the Christmas sales and after Christmas sales. While shopping for your babies Christmas gifts you can plan what to get him/her for their birthday. At least that is what I am doing......As far as the first birthday party, I have already started looking at theme's online and finding the stuff to go with it. My son loves ducks, so that is the theme I am going with. Where to have it depends on where you live. I live in California, but in the rainy part (yes it does rain in California.) So depending on what the weather is like I may have it at my house or the local park.

Annette - posted on 11/24/2009

I went all out for my 4 yr old 1st B-Day party. We rented miniature carnival rides and ponies! We had great turn out, but it was a bummer anyway! It was his special day and all I was doing all day was running around playing hostess! I vowed I wouldn't do that with my Violet who is turning 1 on 1/22. I want a small party with immediate family only so i can enjoy the day with my baby girl! Gabriel doesn't even remember his first B-Day party, so this one should really be for YOU! I say save the craziness for when he can enjoy it!

Danielle - posted on 11/23/2009

I was going to do a bowling party. I went through that, ice skating, roller skating but figured I would save those for later on. This year we are renting out a hall. I am getting a clown to come for 2 hours. I am doing winter wonderland theme, everything will be Tiffany blue and white. I'm going to serve hot cocoa!!

Kimberley - posted on 11/22/2009

my daughter also turns 1 on the 14th :)

were hiring a room and entertainer, then all fun for all......

Maricel - posted on 11/22/2009

Hi there, my son was born on the 3rd, which sucks cuz it's so close to christmas and new years, but since I'm in Miami I was going to rent a park shelter with a lil playground next to it so that the kids can entertain themselves. It won't be too cold. I would think that in ur case since it's so many people the idea of chuck e cheese is good one cause u have older kids coming too and there's always something 4 the lil ones 2 do.

DARCI - posted on 11/22/2009

My so was born on the 14th too!!
We are using our church for his party.. We are doing a Winter 1-derland theme. I am keeping it simple and sweet. For decorations I am using blue, silver, & white balloons and streamers and some hanging snowflakes (dollar tree). For centerpieces I have some photo cards of Noah at different times in his life. Food will just be a jello cake with cool whip topping and hot chocolate (& coffee). Maybe something snacky like chex mix. I am doing a couple games, but still working on those details.. One will be pin the snowball (cotton ball) on the mitten. Maybe some kind of spoon race balancing a cotton ball too... (any ideas?)

Laura - posted on 11/16/2009

we are having the same problem. My husband is the youngest of 5 and I am the youngest of 6-we have 26 neices and nephews and 5 great neices and nephews-parties are always big in this family!! When our oldest daughter turned 1 we had about 60 people to the house-it was very overwhelming for the birthday girl! I think this time we will have an open house type set up and invite people to stream in and out throughout the day. We will have food and people can come and Mary can open each present as the guest arrives and we will be much more laid back. I have spent lots of money and energy trying to please all of the guests in the past but what it boils down to is pleasing (in your case)the birthday boy!! The adults just really want to come see the baby and you could have a craft station with winter crafts for the kids that they can do as they wish. Don't stress yourself out too much!! Good luck

Linda - posted on 11/16/2009

hey Christy my son stephan will turn one on the 14th too! I was thinking a Winnie the Pooh theme, but I wasnt sure. its not easy planning a birthday in the dead of winter, especially out here in Chicago! I wish u the best of luck!

Jennifer - posted on 11/15/2009

I'm doing a football theme since my LO's bday is the weekend before superbowl. I am renting a rec center in a park because I think I will also have about 50 people. Buying a ball pit from amazon.com also. Something to keep the kids busy!