1st birthday advice.....

Itsa - posted on 11/15/2010

Why bother? He's not going to remember it...

We just had a nice walk in the park, got some new toys and made a nice dinner for the 3 of us, mind you we were living in Scotland at the time and hubby's folks live in SA, mine in Canada so it was just us.

But still, I don't get the point, it's just another day to him, he won't get it!

If all these people want to throw a party FOR him, let THEM do it! You're raising a baby, you're not a party planner!

Renae - posted on 11/15/2010

I hired our local playgroup room. It was the perfect choice because it was only $45 for the afternoon, it was a very big room, had an outdoor play area, a kitchen, toilets, parking etc. We had about 20 kids and 30 adults. I did the catering, because I love cooking especially for big things like this, so I did about 7 dishes for the adults, some sweet and some savoury, things like stuffed mushrooms and marscapone tarts. Then I also did a table of food for the kids, chicken nuggets, hotdogs, etc. I also made the cake myself so we didn't have to pay for that.

The only game we played with the kids was pass the parcel because they were a bit young for anything else, but that was fun. I also used to do balloon art for a job when I was at uni so I did the decorations myself too. We also had take-home bags for all the kids with a few lollies and little toys like a bouncy ball, bubbles and a few other things.

It was a really fun afternoon. People still tell me how awesome his party was. I didn't have birthday parties growing up so I am living through my child - I love it!

As far as the MIL goes, I totally understand, mine wants to decide everything and be involved in every infinit detail. For goodness sake for my wedding she went and bought different cake boxes because she didn't like the ones I had bought and insisted we use hers! Who does that!

So now, the more she tries to be involved the more I exclude her and she has finally gotten the message. I appreciate her help, but if she wasn't helping I could do it just fine on my own and that is what I want her to see. So now if she goes and does something without asking I outright turn it down - "no, thank you, but I already have that organised / I have already bought that you will need to return yours". So she has learnt to discuss things with me before she does them. Just put your foot down, your baby, you are the mum, you are organising the party! Hope this helps! :)

Good Day! - posted on 11/13/2010

Any public parks or playgrounds nearby? It should be cheap/free and the playground will keep all the kids busy and entertained during the pary. Bring cupcakes and ice cream and drinks (you'll need a big ice chest!). Don't worry about feeding everyone a meal. You can get away with that by having the pary mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Good luck, and just have fun with it!

Kimberly - posted on 11/13/2010

I remember this problem on my daughters first birthday...I invited alot of people but not everyone could come so unless they've already said for sure theyre all coming, I wouldnt stress 2 bad...All the kids are goin to worry about is cake and ice cream so as long as that is on the menu, ur good lol...Its about the kids anyway and I dnt know of many adults that eat a whole lot at a kids birthday party... Many restaraunts have party packages...i.e. Mcdonalds has a package that comes with happy meals, cake and ice cream (and a hostess to bring it all out) just have to let em know ahead of time n have a headcount and they can give you a price...That way if the adults are hungry they can order something for themselves...Many pizza places (if theyre roomy enough) can reserve areas for you and have a little games for the kids to play...If u decide to have the party at Chuck E Cheese, just add a lil friendly note/reminder for the children to bring quarters to play games...Many parents have an understanding when it comes to the costs of planning a party so it shouldnt b a big problem...If u decide to have it in a church hall or community center, u can assign your mother in law the duty of bringing food for the adults so u dont hurt her feelings and she feels involved at the same time...Grandparents tend to try and take control unintentionally cuz theyre just as excited about doing it as you will be...If she still tries to decide everything for you after the fact, you can just explain to her that your not trying to be rude or anything but you have an idea of how you want your childs first party to be like and hopefully she's understanding...Good Luck and Happy "early" Birthday to the lil man!!!

Corinne - posted on 11/05/2010

I agree. Rent a church or sports hall and ask everybody to bring a dish. Also, with regard to your M.I.L, thank her for her contribution but remind her that this is your child and you'll be doing things your way. :)

Ricky - posted on 11/05/2010

If you are having it around lunch (which is better for a 1 year old seeing as most sleep rather early) you can do sandwiches, salads, cheese/cracker platters, etc... easy simple things that aren't super heavy and filling. You can always see if there is a room you can rent in a church or community center. Talk to your mother and law and tell her how much you appreciate the help but you would like to plan the party because it is a very special occasion for you because it is your only sons 1st birthday. If you do rent a room plan games and activities to keep the children entertained, and have food that doesnt need to be kept warm or cold.

You can always send out invites early and ask people to rsvp by a certain date so you can rent the right sized room or place.

If you are short on money you can always do a potluck style dinner ask everyone (or certain people) to bring something.

Timna - posted on 11/05/2010

I don't know if you are members of a church, but most church have some kind of a function hall that they will rent out. You could try taht option Since most of the people that you are inviting are family then you could make some assignments for them to bring food and that should save you some money. Good luck. I have a large family as well and birthday parties are hard.