Any suggestions for an affordable 1st birthday party??

Cecilia - posted on 01/17/2012

Hmm...well, if he likes the zoo, maybe he's like my grandson and loves anything animal-themed. My husband and I threw a great party for our grandson Scott with some adorable [url=http://partytimebr.net/party/Birthday_su...]jungle animals[/url] party decorations. They have cute little cartoon lions and zebras and monkeys on them, and have matching party favors to boot! The kids absolutely LOVED them!

Nelly - posted on 05/30/2010

make it simple. he is turing 1 so he won't know what is really going on.

Randie - posted on 05/30/2010

For my daughters 1st birthday we had a BBQ cookout, and asked if anyone could bring things would be nice :) Went to the dollar store and got some little decorations. For her second we're having a little pot-luck dinner/lunch. It's fairly inexpensive (one income household) and a great variety of food! The most expensive thing will be the Elmo cake! Good luck & relax and enjoy it :)

Christina - posted on 05/30/2010

I think that is a great idea!!! My daughter just had her second birthday and when we started singing the happy birthday song, she freaked. My hubby has been opposed to having bday parties for her til she's in school cuz they're really just for the family. Your son will be happy he's getting presents regardless of whether or not he gets to have a party. Aside from that, he'll probably have more fun seeing all the things a zoo has to offer. If your family insists on having a party, get a small cake, some cheap balloons, and tell them it's not going to be a big thing. I'm thinking aobut doing something like that for my daughters' third birthday, which is 51 weeks away, mostly because there is no neutral ground for a birthday party. Aside from my family in Utah, his family and my family live an hour and a half apart. Most places we could have a party, we'd have to pay to use, and uh, we are the same as broke.

Best of luck to you, and maybe a relative can host the birthday party if it's not something you want to do. There's an idea, let them go all out and foot the bill. haha!

Regina - posted on 05/30/2010

Hi Tesa my name is Regina and your question caught my eye due to your sons birthday being the same day as mine. I have had 5 kids now ages 17,15,12,10 and 9. I have come to figure out that they really do not care much for big birthday parties untill they are around 5 or so. I think taking him to the Zoo would be nice for him. The good thing about a one year old is that they really do not understand the whole birthday party thing just yet. I would wait till he understands that a little more. If anything maybe a little bbq and a b-day cake after the trip to the Zoo.

Lexi - posted on 05/30/2010

We don't have money to spend on a big party and I figure my son wont remember it any ways so we are going pretty simple. I think a family trip to the zoo sounds like a fun intimate way to celebrate his special day. Maybe for the family that is expecting more you can send out and email invitation (or dollar store stationary and snail mail) that says something like "Baby is turning one! We are celebrating the day with an open house. Join us in the fun by dropping in between 12 and 5 for a soda and a visit with the birthday boy. That way it will give family and friends a chance to say hello, drop off presents and chit chat, without having the pressure of a big party, snacks, games, favors, etc... Buy a couple cases of pop and maybe a bag of chips and your good to go. You could specify a specific time frame or just leave it open for the whole day.

For Torsten we are just having a BBQ Potluck and inviting family and a few friends. We are going to get juice and soda, cheap hotdogs and hamburgers, buns and condiments, but ask that a couple of the immediate family members bring chips, fruit or a side dish of some sort to help out. I'll probably set out sidewalk chalk to let the kids decorate the patio, a bottle of bubbles and a tupperware bin full of sand and plastic cups but no organized games or party favors. I want it relaxed, stress free, cheap and fun. Oh I am still doing cake though. I'm going to make him and apple carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. I can't quite bear the thought of letting him gorge on a sugary store bought cake (I'm one of those weird health nuts *wink*) but I've got a really healthy recipe for the carrot cake. =)

April - posted on 05/30/2010

i did decorations from the dollar tree and the party at pizza hut and bought a feww pizzas that are on special..cookouts at the park are pretty inexpensive too...the zoo sounds nice too~

Jamie - posted on 05/30/2010

Just go to a local park and throw some hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill.

Linda - posted on 05/30/2010

My friend told me she brought her little guy to mcdonalds...they only charge you for the children who show up and the cake is good. She was on a very strict buget and she did that. Call and see how much it cost you. The kids played in the mcdonalds play ground!

Elizabeth - posted on 05/30/2010

We are doing a August party too. Since her birthday is on a thursday we will have her party on the weekend. We are renting out a park pavilion (Park and rec $85), getting a cake ($30), and then doing a pot luck thing (Salads, hot dog hamburgers, etc). There is a grill there and a play ground for the older kids. And a pinata ($20, +$5 for candy) again to entertain older kids. Although, on her birthday we will probably take her to the zoo or aquarium, to the beach, picnic, etc.

Gina - posted on 05/30/2010

have it at your home. make it a candy party...make cupcakes and let them have fun and run around. it does not have to be huge but decorate it fun and just enjoy the time together.:) good luck

LaDonna - posted on 05/29/2010

Yes you are on the right path that would be great with some cake and ice cream at the house. Take it from me i had a huge cook out for my baby 1st b day and spent 1000 dollars, not knowing she was going to fall asleep during the party! lol But i know better next time, take it from me save your money because he isnt gonna remember it.

Tammy - posted on 05/29/2010

everyone thinks for the first bday they need to go all out but really do u think ur kid is gonna remember it do wat is good for u i had it at a small hall invited some friends but mostly family an my fiancee an i cooked the food at the age of one its hard they really dont do much but run around

Bri - posted on 05/29/2010

mY daughter is almost 4, but for her 1st bday we went to a place that had inflatables and let her and her cousins/friends have at it!!! It was about $175 but in my family, on the maternal side alone she has 15 cousins.... and they vary in age from birth to age 13 so I wanted something that the older kids could participate in as well other than having their parents cop out cause they couldnt find sitters or bringing the older ones along and they feel left out... Also it was part of the decision b/c her bday falls in the beginning of Nov & u never know wht the whether outdoors will be like ( my initial plan was a park party, but the forecast called for cold rainy weather which finalized my inflatable decision)
You can also try Chuckee Cheese, its another great place...
I say try and figure out what the weather will be like, find out how many ppl are coming and wht ages their children are and go from there... with him being a leo (like myself) you could prob go to family dollar/roses/dollar general/walmart--get two $15-20 pools (based on how many are coming) some water balloons/guns from the dollar tree and a $10 slip n slide & call it a day.... hot dogs n burgers and whala-- nice affordable outdoor summer bash and its not too much to clean up and i'm sure with all the running around your little one will be good for the night and other moms will thank you too!!!
Good luck and i hope tht whatever u decide works out & that his first bday is a hit!!

Mary - posted on 05/29/2010

and also... its true the party is for the adults more so, but you need to have a 1st birthday. Youll get tons of presents for the child haha!

Mary - posted on 05/29/2010

The dollar store!!!!! right now they have TONS of beach stuff.. you could def do a little beach theme. Get a cake of the babies fav character and some balloons of their fav character and make the rest a beach theme. Have a baby kiddy pool, a sand box if possible and youre set!

Tarina - posted on 05/29/2010

Your son is going to be 1. Any party you throw for him isnt really for him, its for you and your family. He is too young to care, and will probably be cranky and/or sleep through most of it. If your family expects a bash, let them throw him one. Dont let them pressure you into spending the time and money on something you dont want. If you want to go to the zoo, go to the zoo. Tell them your plans, and maybe invite them over for a small dinner to celebrate with cake on a different day (maybe zoo the weekend before/after, dinner on his actual birthday) so they can see him and give him gifts, but then you dont need to really plan anything big. Have people bring food, make it a potluck, and just buy a cake. Again, your baby is only 1... take some pictures but dont feel the need to go all out to impress family, cuz it sure wont make any difference to your son.

Nicole - posted on 05/29/2010

just keep it simple. the child is too young to remember it anyways. balloons and finger food and cake. a family trip to the zoo is a great idea if you dont want to be inviting a bunch of kids.

Angela - posted on 05/29/2010

the 1st birthday is a celebration of you 'surviving' their 1st yr. they won;t really remember it or appreciate a huge party. for my sons 1st we had time just us as a family on the day and then at the weekend we had a party at home with both families and a few freinds. sandwhiches, cake etc. and a few ballons. we'll do the same when our daughter turns 1. save your money for when he a bit older and is asking for birthday parties like ice skating, clowns, etc like my nieces do now they are 5 and 8. keep it simple, you'll still have a fab time.

Monique - posted on 05/29/2010

A big bash is fine but he is only turning 1 and he doesn't have that many friends at this age so going to the zoo with mom and da would be great you will have plenty of time to throw those big parties ..............

MONIQUE

Rebecca - posted on 05/29/2010

dollar stores, you can find alot of stuff

Susan - posted on 05/29/2010

Do what you feel is best financially. I really think that the zoo is an awesome idea. I just want you to know that whether you decide on a small or a big bash, Yyur son is not going to remember his first birthday.

Monica - posted on 05/28/2010

if u want it at home, rent a bouncy house for the kids and bbq for the adults

Micheal - posted on 05/28/2010

my daughter is turning 1 in July and we are having a big bbq at a local state park . . the girl is already there play ground is already there and we are just having hamburgers and hot dogs easy cheap stuff i made the invitations with card stock paper and a stamper simple and get some decorations from the dollar store best stuff you can throw it away and dont feel like omg i just spent so much money on that for 3 hours and i am making her a cake . . doing a cupcake theme so just making a cupcake shaped cake with some small cupcakes around it good luck!

Sheila - posted on 05/28/2010

For my daughter, we just had a small party at the house. Her birthday is in November though. Since it's in August, I think a barbecue outside or maybe something at a park would be nice.

Beth - posted on 05/28/2010

i did my first sons at a park, my mom made my cake so it was alot cheaper and you can just get snack or fruit to put out nothing major bc it still warm, or just let them know your going to the zoo n there more then welcome to meet ya there,

Mathilda - posted on 05/28/2010

We had a small one at home we got him a cake and decorations we had some friends and family.
We also thought of a Potluck, but we ended up not serving food just snacks.

Tiffany - posted on 05/28/2010

For my son's first birthday party, it was just me, the hubby, my son, and my sister because she was staying with us. We just had a small cake and 3 small gifts. That's all we needed. It's really just fir the parents because you know your kid won't remember it!

Sarah - posted on 05/28/2010

we had a small family party at home a few days after his birthday on the saturday (i say small .. but he has like 9 aunties and uncles then grandparents etc etc .. not all were able to make it though)
we just got a lot of buffet food and a cake and did pass the parcel. didn't want to make too much of a fuss.

on his actual birthday which was 28th jan me and his daddy took him to a sea life centre which he loved.

Anna Marie - posted on 05/28/2010

the zoo is a great idea especially if u live near by make sure everyone knows in good time what your plans are and maybe leave it open to anyone who wants to ta join you for a picnic there GOOD LUCK!

Kristina - posted on 05/28/2010

My son will be one in November.. and I looked online for ideas and the bests one that I have found is a ball pit idea along with if you have other lil kids around have poster boards and crayons and markers write their name on the poster board and let them color away.. hope those work..

Jennifer - posted on 05/28/2010

It is your child's birthday, do what you want to do and what you would consider special. They only turn one once and yes you do want it to be memorable (for you) but going over the top for a birthday party is just crazy (in my opinion). You little one will only care if they are surrounded by the people that loves him and not clowns, bouncy houses and people he barely knows. Make it fun, for you and him.

Dominique - posted on 05/28/2010

A COOKOUT PARTY!!!!

Caroline - posted on 05/28/2010

something personal like a trip to the zoo would be much nicer than a huge party my daughter is 1 next week and were just having a small Bbq (depending on the weather) with me her dad and brothers

Miranda - posted on 05/27/2010

I think the zoo idea sounds great, if the rest of the family wants this big bash than they could help foot the bill! Money is tight for everyone right now, and I think that there is no reason to go overboard. If the family really starts to preasure you about his birthday, than consider a BBQ potluck style, and people can bring various dishes, drinks, etc and you can make and/or buy him a b-day cake! But ultimately it is your decision about what you want to do to celebrate the birth of your child. Good luck, and enjoy every minute of it! :D

Shauntell - posted on 05/27/2010

My daughters 1st birthday is June 1st. Her party is June 5th, and I invited a bunch of friends with kids, and family. We are going to be bbqing burgers and i'm having my mom and mil make a few salads... I'm also making the cupcakes and cake myself. I ordered her decorations from orientaltrader.com I've probably spent $150 total....

Ashley - posted on 05/27/2010

I am going to have my sons at a local pizza joint and rent the back room. I thought about having it at my house, but I have a large family and don't really want that many people at my house at one time :/ I'm also planning on doing Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Karmi - posted on 05/27/2010

I think that is a great idea! But if you did want to have a party parenting.com has a lot of great ideas. they have TONS of cakes to make that are easy and really cute. Plus they have a ton of decoration ideas also. But if you do chose the zoo, that would be great.

Sarah - posted on 05/27/2010

I did a picnic for mine I rented a cabin bought some food a lot of people brought food also and I spent maybe $200 and we had about sixty people. I only did for my kids first year then after I just did me kids and dad. Grandmas still did something for them too because they wanted to. But if you don't want to spend that the zoo seems like a great idea I'm sure he would love it. You will love it too watching his reactions to seeing different animals. I f your family is expecting something big tell them they can do it then. I didn't have any monet when my daughter turned 1 so my mom did it for me and invited everyone. Good Luck!

Miranda - posted on 05/27/2010

A little gathering at the home is not that expensive. I had some relatives bring things to serve and play little kiddle games.

Darliss - posted on 05/27/2010

we just had a picnic at the park with everyone. we made it a potluck so everyone brought some food and got to soak up some sun!

Emerald - posted on 05/27/2010

If you're going to have the party at home buy all your cups, napkins, plastic forks spoons from the dollar store. Make the cake and and cook. My daughter Chloe's birthday is June 6th. I will probably do barbecue chicken potatoe salad and macaroni and cheese and some green beans...lol.

Stina - posted on 05/27/2010

The small trip to the zoo sounds fabulous!

In my family, first birthday's are family affairs- At home with whatever extended family is in the area invited for dinner, cake and ice cream. Can't get more affordable than staying home and cooking some dinner for family.

Amy - posted on 05/27/2010

The zoo sounds like a good idea! If family is expecting some big party, have a cookout and ask everyone to bring something to eat. So that way you wont have to do all the cooking. Paper plates and napkins are pretty cheap. Insteading of getting a 'smash cake', a smash cupcake is good too, and everyone else can have cupcakes!



Ashley - we're doing the same thing! Having a cars themed bbq!!!

Anna - posted on 05/27/2010

I think the 1st birthday thing is more for the family of the child. I felt the same way as you did. The zoo idea is a great idea! And if your family wants to be involved, maybe go out to eat somewhere kid friendly, then you don't have to feel obligated to decorate or make a huge cake for everyone. Then it can be done when everyone is done eating. The best part is you don't have to CLEAN!!! :) Remember, have FUN! Good luck!

Kailey - posted on 05/26/2010

just make it simple. he wont really remember it anyways. the party is really for you because it is celebrating the day this wonderful person came into your life. my sons birthday was a couple of weeks ago and we just went to gordan foods and bought some food in bulk, not real big but enough food to where it would cover any unexpected guests or people with big appetites. the only thing he is going to be interested in is seeing everyone, mashing cake all over himself and the boxes the toys came in. we did the cars theme, from the movie, and it was so much fun.

Ashley - posted on 05/26/2010

Oh ya and we are setting up a little baby pool that we got him for his birthday(weather permitting) he will open it up before the party begins..its from 12:30-3:00. .
:)

Ashley - posted on 05/26/2010

August is perfect to have a pot luck BBQ, just your/his closest friends and family. U provide a couple packs of hot dogs and the cake and drinks . super cheap and super fun for everyone to enjoy.

For my son's 1st birthday we are doing a "Cars theme"(the movie) have about 40 people coming. . and we are bbq'n up some hot dogs, serving fruit and drinks and the cake of course.. got cars plates, and napkins and a cars cake! cars balloons and thats about it. !!!
Good luck..U do whatever you want for your little man!!

Dayna - posted on 05/26/2010

my daughter's party was four days ago and there were about twenty people there.. I had it in my parents front yard. We set up a small inflatable pool for the little ones to swim and we had hotdogs, chips, potato salad, fruit salad, and drinks.. My mom made the potato salad and my inlaws brought the chips.. oh and i made cupcakes for the guests and a small cake for my daughter. it turned out great and was really cheap to do.. We hung up some balloons around the tops of the easy up canopy they have and put out some tables and chairs and we just kicked back.it went way smoother than i had anticipated. The party started at four and last til about seven..

Natalie - posted on 05/26/2010

I just had my 1 year olds birthday last weekend, my mom made him a cake and we went to the picnic park and sat him a couple of his baby friends(the moms are girls I've known since high school) on a blanket with some toys and a bubble machine and his older brother and a friend of his entertained them, it might have cost $20 in total and he had a great time, I did it between the end of afternoon nap and suppertime so all the kids were happy and loved being outdoors.