Inviting Coworkers to First Birthday

I would only invite any that you are really close with at work if you wanted to invite some... maybe one or two. If it were me though... it would only be family.

First birthdays are so....boring to anyone that is not family that I wouldn't even invite extended family.

I say if they ask then say "well come on over" if they don't ask then don't worry about it.

Unless there is a history of attending each other's special home events I'd say no don't invite your coworkers or boss. There's a huge difference between friend, family, and work family. Sometimes it's better to keep it all separate.

We didn't even invite our best friends for 1st birthdays, just strictly family until they start turning about 6 or so, then friends were invited. Unless a friend was major close,. then I would invite them, but going out and being "adult friends" wouldn't warrant an invite to a kid party unless they had children the same age that was friends with your child.

I'd say it's a very personal decision, based solely on your personal relationships with these people. Are these people your co-workers or your 'friends'? Do you talk to or visit any of them outside of work? Have any of them invited you to their family celebrations? If one of them invited you to their child's 1st birthday, would you feel honored and happy to be invited, or a little put out? I'd also say it would have a little to do with the size of the party you plan. If you are having a huge celebration, then opening it up to co-workers might not be so bad, but if it would otherwise just be family and 'close' family friends, then I'd probably stick with just family and friends.

Personally, I work with several people that I consider my 'friends at work' which to me is a little more than just a co-worker. But I don't feel the need to invite them to anything outside of work, even though we've done girls nights out, and stuff like that. And I think I'd prefer NOT to be invited to any of their family events, because I don't know their families, and would probably not feel comfortable going. Just my opinion.

I am the "boss" at my job with 4 other employees (all women). We were all invited to one of the employees' kids' 1st birthday party. I was honored to be invited! All of us showed up, at least for a little bit. I thought it was exciting to celebrate the first year of mommyhood with our co-worker, but that could just be me (I get sentimental about this stuff, and always try to show support for my employees and their families. It's good for company loyalty, as well!). We didn't get invited to the 2nd birthday party, and I think that was appropriate, as well. I get a little uncomfortable inviting employees to my own events, or bringing my kids' fundraisers into the office, etc. I don't want to make them feel like they have to buy me something or support the boss' kids. I think your situation would be appropriate to invite your co-workers and boss, but it depends on what you are comfortable with, and what you think your co-workers are comfortable with. A first birthday is a special celebration. If you think they agree, then you should go for it! Congrats on you making it through the first year!

first birthdays are different than any other, so think it is fine to invite your coworkers if you can afford the extra food and drink, make sure you have fun toddler games for the kids but I think it is fine. Ask for clothes that are size 2 and 3 so you are stocked up and not overloaded with toys

Yeah! I've invited my coworkers to my wedding. My boss invited us over for her son's bday. If they're busy on the day of, can't find a kid to borrow or feel uncomfortable with little ones running around... don't take it too personally. Happy first bday to your little one!

I personally think it's too much. I don't even know that they would want to come. To be honest, if one of my co-workers invited me to their child's birthday party, i don't think I would go unless we were friends outside of the office. By inviting them, you may be putting them on the spot about coming. I seriously doubt that anyone will get their feelings hurt by not being invited to a birthday party.

When I was working I would invite the coworkers who I was close with and who had kids around the same age or kids who would enjoy the festivities.

Do they invite you to their kids bdays or other intimate family events? If yes then invite them. If you feel awkward inviting them then maybe you shouldn't

M.,

In my opinion first birthdays are for immediate family, Godparents and only the closest of friends who would actually enjoy a 1st birthday and not consider it an obligation to an invitation.

Not knowing just how close you are to your co-workers, only you can make that determination. Judging only from my past experience...yes it would be a bit MUCH to include them all.

Blessings....

I think if they've been with you through the pregnancy and you've worked with them through the first year, then yes, invite them. I feel like the 1st bday party is for the people who have gone through it with you, as much as it is for you or your child. If you have the money to throw a huge thing, then throw a huge thing! If you don't, then ask people to bring food rather then gifts!
Best of luck and congrats on making it through the first year!

I am not a fan of huge first birthday parties myself, so my answer would be no. My DD just had her first birthday and we had immediate family, grandparents/aunts/uncles and a few friends. There were under 20 people there and even that seemed like too much. But - if a big bash is your style then why not?

M., I know that my sister has a grreat relationship within her office. When ever any of them have a baby or special event they all get invited BUT no one's feelings get hurt if someone says no thank you. You even say in the invitation something about becasue they were such a support from the beginning that you want to have them and their family come and celebrate the 1st birthday( gifts optional or please no gifts).
Where I work only those close get together unless its a baby shower and as I am hving it at my house we have invited 60 people to a drop in garden party figure that only 25 may come but at lest the others can feel that they were welcomed. Good Luck and Happy Birthday for your sweetheart!

I would give an invitation to those who are very close (second family). Anyone else at the office would seem like you are looking for gifts. Only invite the boss if he/she is close to you outside the office.
I'm glad to hear that you survived a difficult pregnancy and are able to celebrate your child's birthday.

A select few of my coworkers are some of my best friends. We have formed huge bonds and I absolutely include them in my family events. It's a personal choice.

You make the decisions on who you feel comfortable inviting. I think the question about co-workers and boss depends on how close you really are. Your statement that they are "like my second family" makes it seem that you are close enough that inviting them might be good. Does the rest of your family (hubby at least) feel close to them too? That may be important to consider.
One other thought is how large do you want the party to be? In my opinion keeping all children's birthday parties smaller is good. You may want to consider the actual party being just close family.... invite grandparents, yours and hubby's siblings and their children. Then let workplace friends know that they are welcome to drop by anytime to wish your child a happy birthday. That's assuming they show such an interest and it won't come off as you hinting for gifts for your child.

I would post an invitation with a request to sign the sheet if you plan on coming so you have a head count. That way, everyone can decide for themselves. No one is left out, and no one feels they have to come if they aren't interested.

You mentioned that they are like a second family. Many times the family is invited to the baby's birthday party and since they are like family I see no reason why not to invite them. And if you have good relations with your boss then by all means invite the boss along as well. Are these the people your child will be growing up around ? Then it makes perfect sense to send the invites and just think of all the stamps you'll save. And if you are worried about it being boring or an imposition, then called a Birthday potluck. The 1st birthday is celebrated more for both the mother and the baby, then just the Baby. Enjoy being a mother and making the rules.

Have fun and Happy Birthday to your Baby!