My son will turn one next month and I had planned on having a big party for him, but now I am rethinking the whole idea. My first son's 1st birthday party was very small, just close family, but he is also a quiet and shy little boy and didn't like crowds at the time. My second son is a lot more outgoing and loves being around people. He, also, spent the first week of his life in the hospital, so we didn't have the exciting first few days like we did with my first, so I thought I would make up for it with a big first birthday party. However, as the time nears, I'm beginning to think a small party with just family at our house would be much less stressful on everyone, especially me. This way we could just have a cookout and spend time with family and my boys could nap and play whenever they want. On the other hand, I think that you only celebrate your first birthday once, so maybe it is worth the stress. I want my husband and myself and my son to enjoy the day, which do you think is the best idea? If we just do a small party maybe there is some other way to make the day even more special than usual, any ideas?
Thank you for all the advice! I went with what is going to make myself and my husband happy since my son won't remember the day, except through photos of which we will have lots! We're going with a small party for family. I, also, thought I would have each family member write a special birthday wish or some advice for the future to go along with all the photos I will use to make a scrapbook of his special day that he can look at over the coming years. I'm looking so forward to our special day together to celebrate this milestone in his life!
my opinion is that a kid is ONE - he won't remember a thing about his first birthday for more than a few days. a big party at a year is not for the kid, it's for the parents and family. I never actually had a "party" for any of my 4 until they were about 5 years old, before that, they just didn't understand what it was about, and it becomes more of a bunch of crying kids, overloaded with sugar and excitement fighting over this or that.
Have a fun party at home or the hall at church or even Chuck e cheese. the other kids will really have fun and your 1 year old will get lots of attention from the guests.
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At one, a child doesn't get the idea or realize it is a first birthday, so if everyone would enjoy and have less stress, don't worry about a big party. He may actually have a better time without a crowd that he isn't old enough to (visit ) with anyway. Do what you feel like, but I wouldn't worry about a big bash on a first birthday. A big one is for 16 or 21. ha.
Do what's comfortable for you, so that you can enjoy it and not feel crazy overwhelmed. Bigger doesn't equal better or more special. He won't remember the event, but you will, so make it something that gives you a warm fuzzy feeling! Enjoy!
We did very big birthday parties for both of our kids...my oldest who is 4 1/2 now STILL LOVES looking at his birthday pictures! We had 2 ponies at his party and we did a cowboy theme. Everyone had a blast and it wasn't really stressful - it was GREAT FUN! I think you have to decide what works best for you, but there is NOTHING wrong with make birthday's big! They will only be 1 once and soon - they won't want us planning their birthday's any more! We had a great time at all of our parties and they were all pretty big - I learned to just not stress about them! People's biggest fun at the 1 year old parties is seeing the birthday boy/girl dig into their 1st cake! We always do a matching smash cake for the kids! Have fun and enjoy this very special day! It is their birthday, but also proof that you as parents made it through the first year of his life with 2 boys! That's a cause for celebration in and of itself! (P.S. - I am the mom of 2 and soon to be 3 boys!)
I would do what is least stressful for you but still have some sort of little celebration. You could always do something a little fun, but that doesn't overwhelm or break the bank. For my twin's second birthday we did just a very small get together with cousins and a few friends but rented an Elmo costume and their uncle played Elmo for a bit. Will the girls remember it? Probably not, but it will a neat story to tell them and they'll have pics of their special day to laugh at when they are older. Have fun!
My thoughts is it doesn't matter if they won't remember it you want that memory of whatever you do. I show my kids pictures of what we did on their past birthdays when they were too young too remember. Sometimes a big birthday is a good way to get all your family together which is truly a blessing. If you can afford I say go for it. And if want small, get a cake some, hot dogs, your digital camera and have a good time just enjoying your family. It's whatever you feel in your heart..
You should consider hiring a party planner. I am a party planner with 12 years experience. Not tring to get a gig, or pub my business...just offering sound advice.
I've witnessed it over and over again, anytime a host/hostess takes ownership of planning their own event, they usually get stressed out with all the details and too busy to enjoy the special moments or the comany on event day. Most hosts/hosetss regret not investing in a party planner. It may cost a little more but it's highly worth it. Event Planners can conjure up great ideas and alleviate unnecesssary stress.
Thank You,
D. White
D. White Cre8tive Luxury
www.Dwcre8.com
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My take on it is that its a SPECIAL DAY and there are no promises of how many special days you get. My daughters first bday was big and fun and crazy! I dont want any "what ifs".
