Need advice about planning 1st birthday party: please help!

[JFTB1177]

My baby is almost 8 months and I am starting to think about what to do for his 1st birthday party. He's my 3rd child; for my first child's 1st birthday party I went all out (he had a summer birthday) and had a huge bash at a park. It ended up being a disaster b/c it rained and I spent too much money.

For my 2nd son I invited much less people... had his at a childrens museum. A handful of people were no shows, it was upsetting.

I don't know what to do for my 3rd son's 1st birthday... I'm afraid of spending a lot of money and having people not show up, etc. At the same time we live in a TINY place that is crowded if we have more than 5 people over so a home party would be very limiting. Part of me is tempted to have a small home party with just family and close friends, but I feel guilty because I want my 3rd to get the same as his brothers, kwim? Another factor is everyone I know has multiple kids (including me) so I would want activities and space for older kids as well.

What did you guys do for your babies' 1st birthdays, what worked and what didn't? What did you do if you live in a tiny space? Or have a limited budget? When we had 1 child we could afford to spend a "lot" of money on a party but not anymore.

HELP!

Edited by JFTB1177 - 9/28/11 at 8:14pm

[Nicole730]

For my second child's birthday we rented out an indoor playground and bought $5 pizzas and sodas. We wouldn't have been able to have it at our house because of space issues inside and DD was born in the winter. It was definitely more money than our son's 1st bday party, which was outside in our yard. But, the cost difference made up for the stress involved with having a party at our house. I guess I preferred the financial stress.

[AnnaBees Mama]

My DD's 1st is coming up in a little over a month. We also live in a tiny apt, so any party here is completely out. Limiting the guest list is completely out too because all of our friends and family genuinely want to be a part of this celebration. We decided to hold the party at my SIL's house. She has a spacious yard and a large house that is party-friendly. If that wasn't an option, we'd probably have 2-3 parties at different times ands locations (family homes, our apt clubhouse, restaurants etc) to include everyone who wants to come, but to also keep the party size down. 

It is going to be a simple party. Good homemade food, party games, and socializing. 

I wouldn't worry too much about trying to give your 3rd child the same experience as your other two. You have different circumstances now then you did then. You have more experience, less money, and space constraints. I doubt it will matter much to your child in the end.

[Red Pajama]

 Part of me is tempted to have a small home party with just family and close friends

Listen to that part. First parties are for the adults, anyway.   By all means, do what you want and can afford. But don't feel guilted into doing for the 3rd what you did for the first. You don't have to be "equal" in all things, especially if you didn't enjoy the big bashes.  Save the big bashes for when the child is old enough to have a say in the guest list.

As for what we did, we've always kept parties to family get togethers.  The grandparents come if they can, some of the aunts and uncles, and if weather cooperates, a great aunt will visit from out of state.  We have a meal, the kids play, cake and ice cream, socializing, and presents. We have it at the house and the most expensive part of it is usually the food.

I'm not sure at what point we'll do kid parties.

[AnnaBees Mama]

Originally Posted by Red Pajama 

 Part of me is tempted to have a small home party with just family and close friends

Listen to that part. First parties are for the adults, anyway. [...]

Precisely. :)

[JFTB1177]

Thanks ladies! What is your opinion about an "open house" type party, where I could invite more people but they (hopefully) wouldn't all be here at the same time? Like I could put "come stop by to see the birthday boy between x and x hours", etc? Anyone done this kind of party before and how did it work out?

[tooraloora]

I did a smallish birthday party at home with friends and family for my DD's 1st. I don't think anyone enjoyed themselves but the guests. DD was cranky as there was too much going on. I spent most of the day getting stuff together and too little time enjoying DD.

I ended up starting a new birthday tradition for us, which is what I went with for DS's 1st birthday. We wake up early, birthday child gets his birthday crown, we all cuddle up for the birth story, then I make the birthday child's favorite breakfast, and we eat. Afterwards, I set up the birthday ring, we sing to the birthday child, the wish is made, the candles are blown out, and then the birthday child unwraps his presents (for us we stick with one handmade present from each immediate family member). The kids play for a little while, and then we meet up somewhere (usually the park or the beach) with our loved ones for a nice, fun day out to celebrate the birthday child being with us for another year. More just hanging out, relaxing, and enjoying eachother than an actual party. It works for us. The kids love it, I love it, and it's practically stress free. I like putting the emphasis back on the reason for celebrating and away from entertaining and appeasing guests, cleaning up messes, planning, budgeting, et cetera.