When your child’s birthday lands on or close to Halloween, it is almost inevitable to have a Halloween themed party, or even an “Autumn” themed party. if you have only a few little ones attending, your child will not be overwhelmed. Most often, one year olds are dressed in a little soft pumpkin outfit as their costume…so, I don’t think that will be too much to take in.

One year old parties are really about the parents and the family there, your child will have a wonderful time playing with his little friends in free play activities, eating some cake, and taking it all in. Decorate with orange and black streamers, balloons, and table ware, put on some spooky music. Boo, Cackle, Trick Or Treat is very suitable for this age group.

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The baby’s first big birthday party is almost upon you, and the whole family, of course, wants to come together to celebrate. In this very familiar scenario, everyone usually lives close to one another and certain sides of the family or particular people just don’t get along. Yet, everyone gets an invite to this important celebration.

Now planning a party ~ especially a first birthday party ~ can be very stressful to begin with. Throw in family politics and feuds and the party scene becomes that much more complicated. So, what to do? Here are some guidelines to help navigate the situation for you.

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I just celebrated my daughter’s first birthday party. We don’t make a huge celebration out of this year because it is more for us that for her. Rather, we go all out for #2. Anyway, we simply had some cake and ice cream and our immediate family over for dinner. What really upset me, however, was that none of our extended family bothered to remember her birthday. I wasn’t expecting presents, but I did think people would call and/or send a card? Am I wrong to have had this expectation when we didn’t celebrate in a BIG way?

I definitely get that you didn’t want to have a huge birthday party to celebrate your kid’s first birthday. Really anything goes when it comes to that year, especially since the celebration is more for the parents than the kid. Sounds like you were very happy with how you celebrated. Great!

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Although I would love to throw a big party for my kid’s first birthday, we do not live near family nor do we have many friends with kids who would be interested in attending a first birthday party. So, it will simply be my husband, me, and my kid for the celebration. How can I make it special?

One of the BEST kept secrets of the first birthday is it really is more about the parents understanding the extent of the celebration, rather than your kid. This should take a lot of pressure off of you as you plan a small party with your family. The MOST important element of any first birthday is the special cake and that first picture capturing him eating his first bite of yummy birthday cake. This will be a moment that you will love to look at in all of the years to come, and takes little more than a camera and cake. Beyond that, a bright bunch of balloons, a hearty singing of Happy Birthday, and a present or two should top off the day nicely.

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Let’s say baby’s first birthday is fast approaching and you don’t want to offend any of your family and friends, but you also want to limit the number of guests you invite. No matter the reason, it is perfectly acceptable to have a very low- key first birthday party for your kid. However, you may get calls from friends and family who are expecting an invitation or want to be included.

How to handle telling them they have not been invited?

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You are planning your kid’s first birthday party, and you have always heard what a great place Chuck E Cheese is for kids’ parties, and you are thinking of booking your party there…think again! 

Unless you are having a bunch of older (than 3 years) kids attending your baby’s first birthday party and your main concern is to entertain this group, hold off on the Chuck E. Cheese for a few years. 

A place like this may overwhelm your one year old as there is so much going on and most, if not all, of the fun is for older kids…So, as the older kids are off here and there playing, much of the focus will be off the baby turning one. 

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So, what is the best outfit for a baby’s first birthday party?

One caution is that, most likely, cake will get all over it so definitely keep this in mind as you consider the outfit and your budget for the outfit.

B. Swanky, Children’s Boutique has some really cute outfits for the first birthday party. Have a look.

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