I am torn as to what to do. Our family is very small and I would like my kids for their 1st birthday to have as much family/friends celebrating with us. I am not looking for gifts but mainly so everyone, if they want, can participate in their special day and also for us to see everyone (as we don't see people too much) and for them to see the kids. What have you done/do about who to invite/not invite to your kids parties? Also, I feel that if I invite one person from one of our friend groups (mainly cause I am a little closer with that specific person) how do I handle not inviting the others - or just invite them? And YES, we all know the 1st few parties are for the parent's so no need to comment on whether or not to go overboard. My plan is NOT to go overboard so please refrain from commenting on that respect. Thanks.
Thanks everyone for your comments.
We also have had the same problem...rarely see people, including family, and want to invite everyone without obligation on their part. So we do.
On the invitations, I say "Presence is gift enough". That sends the message that we really just want people with us on our son's birthday.
Hope the day turns out well for you!
We invited everyone to our daughter's first birthday that was invited to the baby shower. It was a great way for them to see her as a big girl. We also included new friends we made since then. It was a big party, but it was a good time. We kept it to only a few hours long and avoided having the party during her nap time. She had a great time with all the kids and the parents/grownups liked the short but sweet party.
I'm all for a party!! My boys 1st birthdays were very big! I invited lots of family, close friends and all my neighbors (about 60 ppl). It was hectic but fun! There were probably 15-20 kids! I did a simple BBQ. Had a big cake from Costco (Cheap but yummy) and a bouncy I rented! Yes, the party is for you and your husband more than your children at 1!!!! Make it fun for you! Enjoy!!!
For my daughter's first b-day, I invited grandparents, great-grandparents and the women and children from my La Leche League group (there were about 4 of them and their children) and we pulled a lot of toys outdoors and let them play and took lots of photos. It was exhausting and I wish I had kept it a bit simpler as she only wanted to cry from over-stimulation and then took a VERY long nap afterwards!
Give them cake and a present or two and they'll be happy! :) Don't worry about having "enough" people. I've heard the logical rule is to invite one child per year that your child is old.
Happy Birthday to your babies!
'M.
Just something to think about.... I too for my sons first birthday insisted on a huge party. I invited everyone so not to hurt anyones feelings. There were almost 60 people there. I rented out a beautiful clubhouse with a pool. Spend hundreds on dollars on food and a cake and decorations. I did this against the advise of several of my friends who already had grown kids. Only to find they were right. My little one year old was completely overwhelmed and cried almost the entire party. There was just too much going on for his little mind to absorb. Not to mention everyone wanting to hold him etc... For my second sons first birthday I had a much smaller party and he enjoyed himself with people he knew and were familiar with.
just something to think about
We invited the grandparents, myine and my husbands siblings and family and all of our closest friends and thier families. We also invited three of her closest buddies from daycare. We had about 55 people show up which was hectic trying to entertain and record the memories. Having the close friends there helped out alot as they helped with the little details. But it was still hard to enjoy the moment with our little one as there were too many people to entertain. My advice, its the first one, keep it small and enjoy the memories.
This party is essentially for you, because the kids have no clue what is happening at 1 year old. Invite whoever YOU want to celebrate with. You have your hands full enough with 2 little ones, the last thing you need is to spread yourself even thinner to worry about planning an overblown affair. Keep it to the nearest and dearest so that you can have some fun instead of accomodating the masses. If it's only close friends and family, you can make it potluck style and just do some cake. The key is to keep things easy so you can take pictures, vists with guests, and truly reflect on this past year. Enjoy these first couple of years when you have the say how to celebrate, before you enter the years of big blowouts with all the classmates and their parents who you've never met.
I think the important thing is to do it at you home and no matter what, when your kids get tired put them down for their nap!!! Its not rude. They are kids and when they are tired they want to sleep. so if you are at home, there is a better chance for less melt down. if your kids usually sleep noon to two. Have people arrive at one. this way you can relax with your friends and family, everyone can eat then the kids wake up, and then do the bday festivities. and just invite people who actually care about the kids bday. We have some friends that dont care about kids. They are great close friends, but I dont feel bad not inviting them. or have the party later in the day so if your kids go to bed at 600. have the party start at 4. then the kids go to bed and you can relax with family and friends you dont see often. and on the invite you can let people know that. and say you wont mind if they come for just the after party. so you give them the option.
This is what I did for my son...I invited all family, close friends and neighbors we socialize with. Not everyone will be able to attend.
And basically with neighbors, if you invite one, you should invite all that you socialize with because they will talk to each other.
The first birthday is really for the adults to get together, but if you have adults with younger children attending, you should have some games and treat bags for them. Otherwise it's not fun for them...and it is a "kids" party.
But if it's just adults attending, then don't worry...gear the food towards adults, no kids activities needed...and you'll get great gifts for your kids...especially if they need clothes.
