First BDay, How big do you make it?

It's the first birthday, it only happens once .... I say go out with a bang!!!

But then again, you might be setting a precedent..... how will you ever beat a petting zoo for the 2nd b-day? And then the 3rd?

DesertMom
http://ppdsurvivor.blogspot.com

I originally intended to go all out for my son's 1st birthday and throw this huge carnival at a park that had a train, petting zoo, lake and rides. But trying to plan this huge party became extremely overwhelming not to mention the cost of this extravaganza was getting a little ridiculous.

I started thinking about it and decided that he was too young to truly enjoy a party of that size and that all of the people and activities might be over stimulating for him. I didn't want to spend all of that money for a party that he was not going to enjoy or remember.

I opted for a small family party instead and was very glad that I did! He tired out quickly and pretty much slept through most of the party.

Just some things to consider….

I think a family affair at home is best - first birthdays can be overwhelming for a child with all the people, activities, decorations, sweets, etc. And trust me, you'll be spending plenty of money on birthdays when your child gets older so save money on parties now while you can.
Splurge on a fun cake and some nice adult food and drinks for this one.

Susie is a discussion leader in the east valley for arizonamoms.com. She has two sons, ages 6 and 2.

I'm ALL for throwing big parties for my kiddos. I threw large, themed-style parties for both my daughter and son's 2nd, 3rd and 4th Birthdays but for their First birthday - I did it up big family style. We had a home birthday with all the first birthday traditions, simple with pizza and just close family. They honestly don't remember their first birthday - save the big fun exciting things for when they can enjoy and remember it.

JenM

Go Big! But...
I might save something like moonwalk or petting zoo for an older birthday when the child will really have a blast with it!

For our son's 1st, we invited everyone for a big backyard party. Not fancy, just sandwich makings and other lunch type stuff. Our single friends, work friends, new-baby parent friends, family, neighbors with older kids - everyone came! We did simple homemade decorations, and inexpensive outdoor games like bubbles and beach balls. Friends helped with food contributions like cake and cupcakes.

The best part is that we asked people to bring a contribution (if able) to our charity - The March of Dimes - instead of a gift. Our son had been premature, and their research and developments had been so important while in the NICU. From pocket change to big checks, we were able to raise hundreds of dollars for the organization that helped save our son's life. Having a fundraiser party added a wonderful element to an already special day.

As far as expectations for future years, I think my mom did a great job with my birthday parties: she mixed it up. One year might be many friends out for pizza and rollerskating, the next might be just one special friend at a family dinner. She always made me feel special, and I learned that bigger and more expensive isn't always better.

Kind of an aside - I'm confused and a little disturbed by the expensive, show-offy kids' parties I've seen and heard about. Seems to be more about the parents trying to impress others rather than about the birthday kid. Anyone else?

I agree with some of the others. While we want our child's first birthday (and any birthday, really) to be special, they won't remember it; I think it's more for us moms;). And a one year old can actually get more easily overstimulated than an older child, causing them to melt down.

For our son's first birthday, we kept it small and intimate; just close family. We went all out in terms of decorations, the cake, etc, and even had a shirt and hat custom made for him for the occasion. And we made sure to have the party after his afternoon nap, so he was rested and wouldn't get cranky because he was getting tired.

Good luck, and hope you're able to have the perfect birthday celebration that's special for you all!

I have a girlfriend who went all out for her son's first, a magician, bounce house, about 50 guests, etc. She rolls her eyes now as she remembers the madness of the day. Her second child had a great time with a few friends and a cake.

Enjoy whatever you do, but they won't remember. The important thing is the photo, of the first piece of cake and being around people who love him. The rest is just icing (so to speak).

Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.

I went all out for my son's first birthday but it wasn't as much for him as it was to thank all of the people who were involved in the first year of his life. I had sketched a mural on the block fence, and everyone painted it. We had great food and drinks; the kids played outside, and the grown-ups just enjoyed themselves. I say do whatever you think will be best for your family, but you may find - as I did - that your baby may actually sleep through most of it.

Karina Bland is raising her 9-year-old son in Tempe with a lot of love, humor and support from her friends and family. A longtime journalist covering child welfare and education issues for The Arizona Republic, she blogs about raising good kids.

We had a big party for our 1 year old last year. IT was really fun and he seemed to have a great time. I think whatever you choose to do is up to you because the 1st birthday is really for Mommy. Keep in mind, no matter how big or small, short is best! Good Luck and Congrats on your baby's 1st birthday!

Yes, for my oldest we did a huge party. At home with lots of family and friends. It was crazy, but fun. I would do it again the way we did because we have some great memories and great pictures.

Have a great time whatever you decide. You can celebrate you have made it thru the 1st year with lots more fun to come!

KarilouMomof2 is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Tempe. Her daughters are 9 and 6.

I guess it depends on who else will be there. My friends who have many other children in their families have done the zoo, pony rides, moonwalk, etc. for their children, but mostly to occupy the older children at the party, which works well. For my son, who was the only little one in the family at the time, we kept it small, but did special things- like taking cool themed pictures, having fun food, showing a special "movie" of his first year, and honoring his grandparents with presents. We are saving the other things for when he is old enough to have is friends attend.

The first one is special, but mostly to the parents & friends. Babies have no idea what all the fuss is about. You have plenty of time to overindulge with zoos, moonwalkers, etc as they get older and can actually enjoy those things. We had a small group of appx 15 people for my daughter's 1st at our house and it was perfect. She had fun with cake & wrapping paper but wasn't overwhelmed. Also, several of our guests were from out of town so they really spent a whole weekend spoiling her and celebrating the milestone.

I felt the same way. I wanted something special for him to look back on one day and to know that it was a very special day.
We had ours at Freestone Park in Gilbert with the train rides, and carnvial rides and I even got a huge banner that said Happy 1 Birthday Caden on it. It was so much fun for both the kids and adults.
I've been to 1st Birthdays at home too, and it was just as much fun. Just no rides, games, etc. But it was still special.
I guess it just depends on how many kids are attending. At the house celebration, there were not many kids but lots of family members. If you have lots of small kids attending, I would say go out and make it One Special Day. We had great memories by having elsewhere.

One Happy Mom in Arizona.

My family lives far away, so we always throw a party here with our friends and their children. We went to Peter Piper Pizza. The older kids were entertained, it was relatively inexpensive, and I could still decorate with lots of partyware. I also made the cake. It was short and fun and my son got pizza and cake - two of his favorite things!

Hobbymommy, 38, is a discussion leader from Mesa. She is a happy stay-at-home mommy to a 3-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son.

The first year is a huge milestone. Your infant is becoming a toddler and you survived the first year of sleepless night and feeding frenzies. I think whatever you do, do it because you want to. If it is huge (yes they dont remember) but its also a celebration for you, your family, and friends who may have helped you get through that first year. I did a small party at home for my older son and this year (in Nov) my second son will turn one and I plan to do a small party for him at home too. Just pizza and cake and lots of photos, of course.

LisaMommy is a 38 year old discussion leader for arizonamoms.com from the Paradise Valley/Scottsdale area. Her two boys are ages 7 months and 3 years old.

Thank you so much for all your comments. My mom was glad that you all backed her up! :)

I don't know a lot of people with kids my sons age so I will do as you all suggest and have a party at home. I will invest in some catered food(so I don't have to stress making it all) and I might try my hand at making and decorating a cake! That should be amusing!!!!

Hi, I say the party is for your invited guests and not really for the baby. He will not enjoy the party or remeber. I guess it all depends on the ages of the people you are inviting, maybe they will enjoy the petting zoo.
I personally think a family affair is much more memorable. You really just want to concentrate on taking lots and lots of pictures of baby with the loved ones, in his/her special 1 yr outfit, the cake of course, and lovely presents!
Just my point of view....
cb :)

cybermom :)