Questions on Party Hosting for 1St B-day

Instead of favors, why not take some pictures during the party and then make copies of them to send with the thank you letters?
Anything else would, sadly, be junked. It is an important day for *you*, but not for everyone else. Even family. Honestly, can you really remember every kid birthday party you have been to?
Two parties is too much for a 1 year old's birthday. Just have the cake at the luncheon. It's like having two bridal showers or two batchelorette parties. Overkill.

If the luncheon is really just for family, and not a kids party, then their parents should bring something to entertain them. Having crayons on hand and some sheets of paper isn't a bad idea, and can be offered if they don't have anything.

For the first birthday, it is really just about celebrating with friends/family. The kid doesn't care yet. I also wouldn't do favors. I'm not a big favors fan to begin with, and I think it is a bit much for a 1st birthday.

I agree that the parents should bring something to entertain their kids but I also know that not all parents do that, so you might want to bring along some crayons and coloring books! Even though you have done that before - the location house vs. out to eat limits activities. It also depends on age of the children and what would entertain them (for example, bringing a laptop, iPad or iPod to have them watch a cartoon or short movie)!

For adult party favors, you could make some cookies in the shape of a "1" or candy shapes or something simple like that - a "take away" that won't end up in the trash! Again depending on the age of the other kids and location - it could be the place where you are having the lunch could set up an extra table and the older kids could decorate the party favor cookies while they wait for their meals! Make icing in a few colors then bring sprinkles, m&ms and other small items to put on cookies.

Good luck and have a great time celebrating your survival of the first year!
blessings,
Stacy

I like workinmoms answer.
When my first child was 1, we lived far from my hometown (as we do now). We had just a Mommy and Daddy birthday and he chowed down on cake in his high chair.
I don't think you should go overboard with a 1st party. However, it seems odd to have a luncheon and say it's not a kids party. It is a kids party. It is your child's first birthday. He will not remember any of it, but the pictures will tell all. Will there be decorations? Will he have a big cake and presents? Or will it be pictures of a non-decorated house with mostly adults with mixed drinks in their hands?
I wouldn't do party favors for the adults. Have fun =) and happy birthday to your precious one.

I agree you shouldn't go over board with the party. Oh how I wish I had the money back I spent on my first child's 1st birthday party. If you haven't already sent out the invitations, you may want to reconsider having two get togethers for his birthday. Why not have lunch and birthday cake at the same time? I think people might be a bit confused. Do I bring a present to the luncheon AND party?

As far as the three kids, I like the Crayola Color Wonder's. It's the markers that only color on the special paper they come with. My kids love those. I love them b/c there's no mess! Adults don't need party favors. If you send Thank You cards, maybe include a picture of your son from the party smashing cake in his face.

For my oldest's first birthday party, we just had a luncheon (like you) and had balloons on the ground for the kids to play with. They had a blast, and it was very inexpensive. We watched the kids to make sure than any popped ones were immediately cleaned up, but it was super easy. The older kids invented their own games, and our son had a fun time just throwing them in the air.

For our youngest son's first birthday party, we held it in a park so the kids could play on the playground. Adults took turns pushing him in the swings, and the older ones climbed all over the playground equipment. It was great!

For my oldest son's second birthday, we filled a kiddie pool with tissue paper and the kids were able to "dive" for buried treasure (things I found at the dollar store). They played with the toys and then reburied them so they could dive again.

For my son's 1st birthday, I ordered custom M&M's that had his name & birthdate on one color and 1st birthday on the other color. I made treat bags for everyone with the M&M's and other things.

If you are looking to entertain the kids, you could go to Michael's and get some of those foam craft pieces. You can get a container for around $7 and it would be enough to keep all the kids busy. These are foam pieces in a theme (Halloween, THanksgiving, etc.) that have a label that peels off them on the back and you can stick them to something, like a foam sticker. The kids could have a piece of cardboard and cut that in the shape of a frame and each kid gets to decorate the frame with the foam stickers. There is no mess because they are not using any other supplies. My son and I do this during the holiday time with the Christmas foam pieces and make everyones gift tags with these foam stickers.

I agree that whenever I take my kids somewhere, even to a restaurant, I always pack things to keep them busy. However, I think if you are having a gathering at your house then you should be somewhat responsible for keeping them entertained and not expect the parents to bring things to keep their own kids busy at your house. You don't have to spend a lot or even anything on activites but you should come up with things the kids can do. You could create a scavenger hunt around the dining area and the kids have to find all the items.

I'm sure whatever you do it will be great.