1St Birthday - University Place,WA

For my oldest, her first birthday was a backyard bbq. We asked people to bring a potluck side dish instead of a gift. We wanted everyone to help celebrate without breaking anyone's bank. I got a sheetcake from Costco and we picked flowers from our yard. I used plastic and reusable table cloths and then got coordinating napkins, plates, silverware. We've reused the silverware a couple times too. We didn't have any formal entertainment. Goody bags were $1 plastic buckets from Michael's with a $1 book from Target, two ziplocs of snacks that I'd bought in big bags, and a small bottle of bubbles from Party City. So, goody buckets were about $3 per kid.

For my youngest, we'll again do a backyard bbq type thing. We'll have our kiddie pool set up in the yard and chalk to draw on the deck and patio. We have some ride on toys also. Those three things should keep all the kids up to at least 4 or 5 entertained I think. Oh yeah, and beach balls. Put kids and balls in a yard, all is good. We'll probably do similar goody bags. Table decor will be some of the same table cloths.

One corner we cut was that we had plain plates for the meal and then cute plates for cake and ice cream. Much of our decor stuff was/is reusable so even though it was a little more the first year, we don't have to spend it again later.

Another cost cutter that I really love is for thank you's. Instead of getting cards, we choose a cute picture from the day and write our thank you on the back. Stick it in an envelope, done! It's much cuter and more personal than a card and most people keep the picture on their fridge so it's kinda a gift back to people.

My daughters first birthday was the best one so far (she is 5). we invited all of our friends that supported us during our first year of parenthood for a few hours in the afternoon and had some snacks (mediterranean food) and drinks and cake. It was mostly adults and a few babies. Since sarah was only 1 and not walking yet, it was mostly an adult party. We blew up a picture of her and let everyone sign it. We declined birthday gifts since everyone was already so generous during the showers etc and just spent the time thanking everyone for their support. It was low key and very fun without the stress.

The parties only get bigger and more stressful, so make this one easy on yourself and enjoy. We even got party platters so we didnt have to do anything. It cost less than $75 and we had a blast!

Is all boils down to budget.

www.orientaltrading.com has great party supplies and games etc. for parties at reasonable prices. Many teachers use this too.

Also plan the party when it is NOT nap time... otherwise your child and others will not enjoy it and they will be tired and/or fussy. And, at this age, parties don't have to be a long drawn out thing. Because they get tired or over-stimulated. And then it will NOT be fun for the child or parent.
Parties at this age or for young children are usually 2 hours, 3 hours max.
Be SURE that when you do the invitations... to SPECIFICALLY state a "start time" AND "end time"... to keep the party on a timeline... and not have it drag on and on.

Then, plan whether you will be actually opening presents at that party in front of the guests or not. Because opening presents AT the party will take LOTS of time and that drags on and on too... and it can be very tiring for the child.

Guests will understand it is a child's party... you don't have to customize it for everyone.

Also keep the invite list or number of people invited to a limit... because this will affect budget.

Also, keep in mind the timing of the party. If you make it at lunch time or dinner time... then you will be expected to provide lunch or dinner... and that is more expensive. Versus, making the party at an off time... in between those meal times... then you can just provide a snack type party... or cake/ice-cream sort of thing.

All the best,
Susan

I LOVE THROWING PARTIES!!! I have learned many of valuable leasons over the last 5 years. People always rave about how fun our parties are, they would be shocked to see how little we spend. My husband and I keep our birthday spending to $150.00 per kid, including presents. The less I spend on decorations/party the more I have for presents. I love this challenge. No need to buy all those expensive decorations just to throw them away!
1) to really save on money plan the party away from mealtime. Either mid morning or later afternoon (plan the party around YOUR son's nap time, not everyone else's).
2) If you dont serve a meal, have snacks for the kids. I love doing party mix at Walmart: Huge bad of animal crackers, a tub of raisins, a bag of pretsal sticks, and a bag of animal cookies (the frosted kind). Put all of this together in a bowl and have little paper cups for them to get a snack in. Make enough for 20+ kids (we have a HUGE family) and it cost around $10.00!!!! You can have a veggie/meat/cheese tray for the adults, but remember its not about the adults...they can wait to eat. :)
3) If you want to do lunch, get pizzas from Costco or Safeway and cook them up then cut them in bitesize pieces. They go farther that way.
4) As for gift bags: Keep it to less than $1.00 per kid ($2.00 if there is just a couple) I really think that kids love taking something home, BUT I hate all those little toys! They just get thrown away! I had enough money one last year to get Thomas gift bags with treats for all the kids...my husband asked me after they all left, what those bags were in the kitchen! Dang it!!! more money down the tube!!! Buy bubbles or something from the dollar store that you can get in packs of three or so and a couple sheets of stickers (cut them in half to go farther). Put some of the left over snack mix in a ziplock bag for them to take with them. OR get some brown lunch bags and let them docorate their own treat bag! We have done this before!
5) Pinatas are a waste of money! Each kid gets about 30 seconds with it and thats about it. Plus by the time you fill the thing its about $20.00 of your budget. Find crafty things for them to do together so they dont have to wait in line. At Walmart and the dollarstore, they have big tubs of foam stickers that kids love, for a couple dollars you can get enough from everyone.
6) Entertainment: We have a jumpy house, thats all the entertainment we need...You said you are in an apartment though, so that wouldnt work...Google sponge Bob party games, I am sure you will find a ton of ideas!!!
7) Keep it simple! Splurge on a couple Themed items (cake and balloons) and use budget friendly additions (plain colored plates and cups that match the colors of the party but not the theme). Don't plan on feeding an 8-course meal, 3/4 of it will be wasted anyway! :)
If you have any other questions, go ahead and email me! I love this stuff!! P.S. I also make photo invitations! :)

Invite your friends over, BBQ, and be sure to get plenty of pictures when the little one dives into that cupcake! Other than that, relax. Set up a play area where the older kids can be entertained and play. It is a first birthday so no need to worry about games or anything like that. If you decide you want to do some sort of goodie bag, just get each child coming a small toy and a snack of some kind (fruit snacks are always a hit). Put out some nibbling food like chips and fruit/vegis, and just enjoy the company of everyone who is there because they love your son.

Your son is too young to remember this birthday, and probably won't even realize the day is all about him (any more than every day is!), so focus on what you want your family to remember about the day. I personally like low-key parties for little kiddos, but you can have a gaggle of kids and adults if that's what floats your boat.

I find the most successful parties are kept pretty tight: 15 minutes for mingling, 45 minutes for food, 10 minutes for cake, 15-30 minutes to open gifts. You might even want to consider opening gifts after everyone leaves, if things seem to be dragging on.

Seriously, check out this site called www.pepperspollywogs.com, and search for 1st birthday ideas. It will give you plenty to work with. From what I recall, from planning my nephew's first birthday using that site was to keep it low-key, and pretty short in terms of time. I would say skip the goody bags; they had expense, and you can just have guests take an extra cupcake home (which also helps cut down waste).

Good luck, and take lots of pictures!

Well, we did my son' s first birthday at a park. It was in late June, so the weather was more cooperative, but you would have a chance in May. It cost some money to reserve the shelter 9in case of rain!), but then the entertainment was all there and free! We did it at lunch time, so we did a BBQ. Hotdogs and those premade burgers from Costco. I had the grandparents and aunties bring the sidedishes and they were happy to contribute! That really cut down on the cost. For the favors, I bought those balls that are in those big bins at Target, etc. They are around $1 or 2 and each kid got one. They were thrilled and it was cheap and appropriate for all ages! It really was a great party.
With my older child's first birthday, we did it later in the day (4pm) and that way we just had cake, coffee and juice along with a few little snacks. That cuts down on the food costs. Food can easily become the largest cost of a party! Just make sure to choose the time around your child's nap schedule or he will be cranky for his own party!
Good Luck!

www.rufflesandcream.com have cute personalized baby boy overalls and shortalls. These are excellent for perfect for birthdays and special occassions. They always fly off the shelves for Thanksgiving and Christmas too!

You are right, it's about your son and your family celebrating his birthday so I'm glad you are being focused on the 1st priority. I would limit it to two hours, any more than that and the kid guests get nutty! You can also limit the guest list to save some money... your call there.

*** I'd schedule it around your son's nap time as well - be sure he's awake. Then plan the food accordingly. Do what is easy and economical. Pizza or sub sandwiches are great because you don't have to cook them. You could also just do apps (make ahead), cake and drinks.... more than enough for two hours.

For that age span of kids, it's touch to "entertain them...". Opening gifts can be "entertaining" for them. Maybe they can watch a movie? We just went to a friend's for Easter brunch and she covered her coffee table in brown paper and had stickers, crayons etc out for the kids to decorate their table with. They had a great time, and it might provide a momento (even in picture form) from the birthday.

ENJOY!

Our theme for my son's first birthday last year was Monkeys. I decorated cakes when I was in high school for 4-H. I wasn't very good and it has been over 20 years :), but I did it anyways. I checked out wilton and found some cute very easy things to make. I made a big Monkey cake for the adults and I made these cute little individual monkey cakes for the little kids and my son. They all turned out really cute! His birthday is in the summer so we were able to have the party outside. I made chicken taco salad with chips and salsa for adult snacks. We had apple juice for the kids and water and soda for the adults. Easy enough to do, there was lots and people could help themselves. Much cheaper than pizza. I bought a coloring book and some crayons and ripped out pages for the little kids to color on. I also bought some ballons that I blew up and the kids could play with.. All in all I think I spent 50 dollars. One thing to remember is that this party is all about you. :) Your son won't care. At least that was our experience and what I have seen being at my friends 1st years birthdays. I wouldn't do goody bags. Those can get expensive and you have such a big age range of kids. You could do a book exhcange, ask everyone to bring a new or used book and then the kids can all leave with a new to them book. I would start the pary after his nap if he still takes one in the morning. Make it an afternoon party. I think for enterntainment the kids will entertain themselves especially if they have a bunch of blown up ballooins to play with. And the adults can all chat :) Hope this helps.

At my kids' 1st birthdays, they were the center of attention. The 'party' was more for the adults than any kids, as 1 is not a kid party. The rule of thumb for a children's birthday parties is that the guest list is equal to the number of years... so if your child is one, then one child is invited. The attention span of a baby is limited. At this party your son is going to be destroying his first cake, lots of pictures are going to be taken and he might be able to open his own presents, but that activity will probably be done by you. So....
keeping in mind that this is a party for you and not for him, that you and he survived that all important first year:

Cake: A small cake with 'Happy Birthday (your son's name)!' on it is appropriate. You can put the one candle on it for him to blow out and then he gets to tackle his cake. Cupcakes for the rest of your guests are perfect. You can make just enough without having leftover cake.

Meal: Pizza is great, again what do your adult guests like? Pizza is fine, green salad, a punch or soft drinks, coffee, etc. You mention kids, pizza is fine.

Entertainment: Your son will be the entertainment. He will be performing and having a great time. People come to see him and watch him react to his cake, his gifts. This isn't about having a clown, a magician, a themed party. Again, you mention having other children there. A 10 yr old is not going to interact with a 1 yr old, not when they're 11 and 2, 12 and 3, 13 and 4, and so on. Probably not until they're 35 and 25 will they interact and do things together. If you have children coming, depending on the age range plugging in a movie for them to watch while the adults are talking and watching the baby do his thing is appropriate.

Party bags: For a first birthday, not necessary at all. Why would you? These are more appropriate when your son has his friends over when he's around 4-5 for a party. And then the bags can be simple with some stickers, fruit snacks, crayons, a ball, a whistle, etc. You can coordinate your theme with the contents of your bag. But for a 1 yr party, totally not needed. Kids don't need to have a gift for showing up.

Grandparents, aunt and uncles, and very, very close friends would be on my guest list. Take lots of pictures. When you send your thank you notes for the gifts, enclose a picture of your son with that person, or a picture of him wearing his cake, as he will probably do a great job of getting it all over himself. Priceless 1st birthday pics!!

This is about your son. Keep the focus on him and make the meal and the day simple. Having this around a meal time, like lunch works best on a weekend. Adults don't leave like kids do at a party. They linger, especially family. But the key here is your son will go down for a nap in the afternoon and that's a great conclusion to the festivities. A couple of hours max. Again, you live in an apartment, you are limited in space and you shouldn't invite more than your home can hold comfortably. People are aware of today's economy and wouldn't want you to spend your son's college savings for his party. Again, as much as this is your son's party.... he isn't going to remember any of it. This is all about you, the parents and surviving sleep depravation and all the other challenges to get to this day. Congratulations!!!

For my son's 1st birthday we had a cars theme, cause he loves trucks and cars and his name is Hudson (like the Fabulous Doc Hudson). Anyway, the guests mostly consisted of family. There were five kids there and they were family. We served Pizza and bread sticks. I had goody bags for the kiddo's and let them do a pinata. If you are having young children there, you might consider doing an activity table if it is indoors. That way they can play, while you entertain. Make sure to have a special cake for your baby, so that you can get pics of him tearing into it! I made a special table for my baby with a little chair. This is where he ate his cake and opened gifts. All the other kids sat around and helped him at his table. Also, a special birthday pin for him would be nice to. You should plan the party to be no more than two hours and schedule it around his nap time. For the first birthday I think it is best if it is intimate and small, because otherwise your baby might get overwhelmed and not realize the occassion is all about him! Also, if you can schedule it to be at the park, becuase May is nice and that way you won't have to worry about cleaning up your house! Good luck, it will be great!

All I can say is keep it short and sweet and limited to small number of people. Try to do it at a time that is normally a really good time of day for him. It is soo much fun and you want to make sure that you focus on capturing the memories and having fun with your littl eman and the family. I would stick to maybe doing a decoration package from a party supply store and leaving him to be the entertainment. It is a very over whelming and emotional so just relax and have fun. I would make sure that you have a little cake for him to "eat" he will be covered in frosting and he will play with it but it will give you awesome memories. Just enjoy mama and have fun!!!

I would keep it simple and take pictures. The pictures are what will be special to him many years from now.

my older sons first birthday was way too big (at our house) and it was just chips, juice, cheese and crackers + cake(homemade) and ice cream. I decorated with balloons and streamer. There were no goodie bags.

My younger sons first birthday was 2 one year old twins and 2 older siblings. It was after dinner for cake and ice cream with parents too. We gave animal washcloths that I found discounted.

Both children don't remember, but had fun during it and have pictures to remember it.

Honestly, the 1st Birthday is more of a celebration for you. Keep it small and don't got too crazy. We have a July birthday for our first daughter, so we had it at a park and BBQ'd. I didn't do 'goody bags' for other kids, but just bought a pack of bubbles, for every kid to take a bottle. Cheaper, easier, and perfect for parents/kids at this age. I wouldn't worry so much about entertaining the other kids at that age. Honestly, if the BBQ'ing got a bit spendy, so I'd keep the guest list down.

When my girl turned 1 last year we had a bbq/potluck. We supplied the main food and everyone brought a sidedish. Not everyone did and that was fine. It was like a regular bbq with adults and kids all having a good time together. We made a big deal of the cake with lots of photos but other than that we didn't plan activities. The adults stayed playing volleyball till after baby was in bed. It was a great day. And we didn't have alcohol so there wasn't any mayhem.

Honestly? For my daughters first three birthdays all I did was invite family and a few good friends that would even care over for a bbq. The first birthday was about watching her dive into cake for the very first time and get it all over herself. Her fourth birthday is the first time I'm actaully having an actual party for kids. The first and second years she didn't really grasp what it was about. The third my immediate family took her to Bullwinkles where she grasped that its a fun day for her. This is the first one that she was aware enough to ask for a party and be excited for her day.

My point - the first party is more about you than it is about him. The big birthday card is great and all if you are someone that keeps that kind of stuff around in your house. I'm not. So he's not going to get a whole lot out of it. What will your son get the most out of? Just having people there that love him, want to pay attention to him, having you help him open presents, etc. So, my advice is for this year - don't go overboard into the birthday theme, especially if you're looking to save money.

Keep it low key and have a room on hand for him to go watch a movie and get away from all the action - your home may be easiest with all the strange people around. The birthday card idea sounds darling, esp. if you can keep it as a keepsake. BBQ or pizza, doesn't matter, so do what your guests enjoy, and snacks are great. Kids might enjoy a movie or playing video games, they also like to be part of the excitement. preschool age activities like a shallow bin filled with water and putting rubber ducks in there, (parent supervision, of course, to prevent drowning), and they may just be shy and sit with their parents. A friend of mine had a contest for everyone to build dunebuggies out of various snacks (oreos, icing, graham crackers and colorful candies and pretzels), you could have a spongebob building contest, that would be fun for adults too. In fact at her party the adults got more involved than the kids did. One or two activities, opening presents and having cake is a lot for a one year old. :o) Enjoy, and maybe ask someone to be a photographer.

May 9th this year is Mother's Day!!!

So, use that to your advantage. If you are having a big family gathering for Mother's day, at a relatives place, just bring a cake, some balloons. If you invite just family, I wouldn't feel the need to do goody bags. Just make the cake the dessert for the gathering. Just think of all the presents! To you from baby, to your mom from baby, to baby from your mom! Everyone wins!

Be sure to get him his own little cake so that he can go to town on it! Something that is always a hit is a sundaes station!

M.