First Birthday Party
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First Birthday Party
Oct 2005
My little boy will be one year old this November. I have NO
clue what to do for his birthday celebration. I know he won't
remember it really, so can't decide if I should have a party -
have it with just me, him & dad - go somewhere, etc.
I was hoping someone had a great experience celebrating their
child's #1, and could share that with me to help give ideas!!!
Thanks!!
Elizabeth
A baby's first birthday is really for the parents for surviving
the first year. Yeah!
We had our first birthday at Gymboree. It worked well for a
few reasons: it wasn't at home so we didn't have to worry about
the house getting trashed, it lasts about 90 minutes, which is
just about right, we had kids ranging in age from under one to
5 and they all can have fun.
Some friends are having an informal lunch at their house for
the first birthday for their kid. That's an option, too.
I have a 2 month old daughter, and cannot wait until her first
birthday. Her grandmother, (my mother-in-law), keeps telling
me that when she turns a year old, that I HAVE TO dress her in
white, and let her have her own piece of chocolate cake
(letting her feed herself), then take photos of the after-
mess. My mother-in-law has photos of each of her 4 children on
their first birthdays, in a chocolate mess!
Just a fun suggestion!
rsylv
I have been following the advice of a parenting magazine that suggested the
younger children are, the harder it is to control them in a ''party'' setting. Therefore,
it is best to invite the number of children based on your child's age. So if your child
is one, you should invite only one other child -- and the family, of course -- or, if
your child is two, then invite two children, etc. Last year for my son's first birthday, I
invited over a boy his own age and his parents. It worked out beautifully. We
ordered in pizza and ate birthday cake. The boys played together in my son's room
while the parents drank beer and watched TV. We all had a great time. This year, I
am going to have a barbecue and invite two children and their parents. It's a great
way to ensure that everyone has a good time and not feel like they are going crazy,
chasing after toddlers.
Elisa
Have a party - for your sake AND his. You gave birth to him a
year ago - that's pretty special. And, he'll probably love
looking at the pictures when he's about 3 or 4. (Mine does.)
Invite family or a couple of his ''friends'' and their parents.
Serve bagels and spreads, etc and a cake. Let him get his hands
and face all ''caked up'' - you can find organic cake mixes or
make pumpkin muffins or something else not too sugary. It's a
sweet memory for your family.
Celebrations rock!
How you celebrate your child's first birthday is completely up
to you and your family's style. There is no right way to
celebrate-- as long as you mark the occasion in a way that feels
special to you! I will say that for the first birthday, there
is often pressure to have a big celebration, especially if you
have a lot of family who want to participate. We did a big
picnic celebration for our son't 1st birthday party at a park
(Totland, Tilden, Temescal, Oakland zoo are popular parks for
birthdays) and brought a cake, and ordered snack and mini-
sandwich trays from Safeway to keep it easy. This was a nice
setting for the adults and also provided play space for other
tots, but this could be hard with possible rain in November. If
you want to do an indoors thing but don't want to host in your
home (esp. to cut down on prep/cleaning) consider Play Cafe on
Keller Ave. (they have a private room and can provide food/ tot
activity). I would not recommend an adult restaurant unless
there won't be many toddlers, who will not sit for more than a
few minutes, meaning your guests will be running around most of
the time. By the way, for our son's second birthday, we went
small-- my husband, my son, and I spent the whole day together
hanging out at the beach then had our favorite mint-chocolate
chip ice cream cake. It was low-key, full of love, and perfect.
debC
We recently celebrated my son's first birthday and had a great day. For us, it was
about celebrating the fact that we made it through the first year, and acknowledging
the great support network that made that possible. So we invited just a handful of
our closest friends; two couples who have babysat for us frequently throughout the
year, and our excellent childcare provider and her son, who is our son's best buddy.
We had no planned activities other than eating, opening a couple of presents, and
watching the birthday boy attack the cake. We also had a champagne toast to thank
our posse for their incredible support in helping us through the year. The whole
thing lasted just over two hours, and (this was key for me) prep and clean up were
easy.
I have also known families to have a great time opening their home to ALL their
family and friends on baby's first birthday, and have certainly had fun attending
those kinds of bashes myself, but we wanted something more low-key and intimate.
It was a lovely way to mark the milestone without overdoing it, either for us or the
birthday boy.
Katie
I went through the same dilemma and decided the best thing to
do that best suited my baby and me and my husband as well was
to throw a big party (well, it wasn't HUGE but all our friends
and family were invited). I have to say that we had a really
good time. It was outdoors so we had water balloons, a
football, and pinata. The adults started a game of football,
the kids played with the water balloons and pinata and everyone
else was playing with the baby. I feel like having all the
hoopla made the day really special and although she won't
remember it, my daughter had a really good time, she played
with everyone and never got cranky even without an afternoon
nap. I think all the people and things going on really
entertained her and distracted her from being cranky. I guess
you have to decide if your son likes being around other people
and kids or not. I think it's a great reason to throw a
celebration. Also, I didn't worry about decoration or themes.
Since it was mostly adults I just spent the money on good food.
good Luck and have fun!
party mama
For our daughter's 1st birthday we did a Time Capsule that she
will be able to open on her 16th birthday. We had only family
present and a couple of VERY close friends as we figured those
same people would be around for her 16th birthday (but that was
about 30 people), and in lieu of gifts, asked everyone to bring
something for the time capsule. It was great because everyone
interpreted it a little differently. We put things in her capsule
that were important to her in her first year (favorite books,
toys, etc.) some people brought things that were popular for 16
y.o. girls right now ie music cd's like brittney spears or
magazines, clothes that were in style for 16 y.o. at the time.
Some people brought stuff that they thought WOULD be important to
a 16 y.o. in the future. Some people gave serious gifts to put in
it (an inherited ring from grandma, and some beautiful birthstone
earrings) It was really great. We did the invites like time
capsules. it was a ''blast.''
I'd be happy to give you more details, if you want to email me.
anne marie
I was pretty clueless about baby birthdays. Actually, I was clueless about babies in
general until I had one. Around April of this year (my son was 1 in May) I kept
getting a lot of ''what's your THEME?'' questions. Theme? My son didn't have a great
passion towards anything besides sippy cups and empty boxes, so... since those
don't make great themes, I opted for the only thing he really liked that was
commercial, which was Baby Einstein. I just went and bought all of the crap they sell
at the party supply store and made adults wear hats and use little plates and
napkins that were all part of the ''theme''. I got a cake with the characters on it... It
was basically one huge bbq for my friends and family to celebrate my son. He liked
the attention, he got toys and clothes. I got to see my family and friends and eat
good food. It was a lot of fun... even the party supply shopping. I moved away from
my family's town soon after, so it was also a great last hurrah.
So, basically, it's a party for you and the fact that you made it through a year. Do
what you like to do... let the baby smash a small cake-like object (I made mine with
apple juice and stuff) and take pics, and focus the rest of the attention on a fun day
for you.
Sarah
As I recall, we got a nice cake(chocolate decadence)and took a
picture of us and baby with the cake. We all went out to dinner
with some friends, came home, put the baby to bed and the adults
ate great cake. I always feel that the first year anniversary is
much more about the journey the parents have made. . .Enjoy!
Bonnie
I think, for baby's first birthday, you need to decide what's
important vis. your expectations. Do you want to do something
quiet? Do you want a party? Because it's true, your baby
won't remember much. (Though, they might ask to see pics
someday!)
For me, I really wanted a full-blown party so we could
celebrate, take pictures, etc. (Plus, the first birthday felt
like a real milestone for us as parents, as well!) We decided
to have it at Gymboree, which was terrific. They ran the
party, it was totally toddler/baby friendly, and we didn't need
to organize anything or clean up.
But I think anything that makes you comfortable as a family is
fine.
Happy Birthday Mama
It's the pictures that matter later. I have friends who filled a
room with balloons and made a huge cake. They sat the baby in
front of the cake, sang happy b-day (a few of us came over - but
no other small children) and started clicking away. The baby had
a riot with the balloons and the cake, ohh the cake. He ended up
sitting in the middle of the cake after having taken it appart.
He was covered in it (did I mention they laid out a plastic
sheet underneath?) He didn't really eat much of it. We all
really enjoyed it and laughed which delighted him as did being
the center of so much adult attention. In all of the pictures he
looks so happy.
I wish I'd done that with my son. Parties always caused him
stress and yet we kept having them because it was the thing to
do. In my son's first b-day pictures he looks dazed and confused.
Warm and cozy.
I think the first birthday is for the PARENTS, much more than for
the child. The baby may just sleep through the whole thing!
What we did was throw a party for the baby, but invited OUR
friends, some of whom had kids, some not. We had adult foods,
along with a big cake -- we have great pictures of our tiny
little girl eyeing that giant cake. She had fun, being
surrounded by friends and family, and playing with the wrapping
paper that her gifts came wrapped in. We and our friends had fun
too, drinking wine and eating BBQ and other simple, adult fare
(we did also have age-appropriate foods for the few youngsters
who attended). Celebrate SURVIVING this first year (!), but do
it YOUR way. Soon enough, your little boy will be wanting a
super-heroes themed party, or dinosaurs, or Thomas the
Train...this year is for YOU.
Have fun!
March 2005
We're having our sons first birthday at the park in a months
time. The invitees range from age 5 to age 75. I would like to
play some fun, easy park games like Egg-in-the-spoon Race, maybe
3-legged-race. Can anyone recommend any other games that would be
appropriate?
Thanks,
Mom of a spring-chicken
A few suggestions:
Obstacle course (can do as a relay race or non-competitively)
red light/green light
treasure hunt or scavenger hunt
freeze dance
Simon says
duck duck goose
the Limbo
other ideas at the following sites:
http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/birthday/party.html
http://www.partygamecentral.com/
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/partygames.htm
--Have fun!
Nov. 2003
I would love any suggestions for a place (preferably in or
around Berkeley) to hold my daughter's first birthday party in
mid-October. my husband
and I did not want to host it at our house for various reasons.
I was thinking that a local park or restaurant would be nice,
but my problem is trying to find a place suitable for both the
comfort of the grandparents and entertaining enough for a few
infants and toddlers. I was also concerned that most of the
local park picnic sites seem to be on a first-come, first serve
basis.
We wanted a casual and relaxing place for about 15-20 people.
Any ideas or recommendations for a location is greatly
appreciated, since we're new to this birthday party thing!
Sharon
Try Wee Play on Solano Ave. in Albany. Pretty sure they do
birthday parties still. If so, it's ideal for a 1 or 2 year old
party. Small, safe and no nooks or cranies to hind from the
adults. Oh, best of all, very very clean and bright!
wee play fan!
I've never had good luck with a one year old at a restaurant, but
perhaps I've had particularly cantankerous one year olds. Have
you thought about reserving one of the picnic sites in Tilden?
Jan. 2003
My sons first birthday is in Feb. Does anyone have any good
advice for his party. I was planing on having something at home.
My extended family is big. I was hoping for something that can
appease everyone. The last thing I want to do is spend hours in
the kitchen.
Markel
Markel:
Just keep in mind that it is your baby's birthday and you should
do what is most comfortable for you and him. Remember that at
this age they do not understand much about the occassion so you
should keep it simple. My third child is about to turn one in
February as well and I have learned that we must keep it as
simple as possible is we want it to be sane. So something in
the house with a few of his playmates if he has any and your
extended family. If you do not want to spend a lot of time in
the kitchen ask family members to bring things. With a young
child your hands are full and I am sure they would understand
and be willing to help out. But above all, if you do not want
an overexhausted child and parents in the end, keep it nice and
simple. You are allowed to be selfish on this front. Enjoy!
Skay
We had our daughter's party at home. 10 adults and 6 children
attended and that seemed to be plenty. More would have been
overwhelming for her and for me. We kept the party to 2 hours
(4:30 - 6:30), which isn't easy to do if you want to
visit/play, eat, and open presents. We ordered pizza and I
made salad and cake. That way I could attend to our daughter
and our guests without worrying about the food. Someone said
they had never seen a one-year-old have such a good time at
his/her own party, which tells me we did something right! I
would try not to worry about appeasing guests. It is a party
for you and your son.
Liz
We just had a birthday party for our two year old and it was
simple! We had the party from 11-1PM, invited 6 kids (and their
folks - so, it was kind of big) and served brunch. The brunch
consisted of Noah's bagels, lox, cream cheese, veggie additions,
a fruit salad - everything but the bagels purchased at Berkeley
Bowl. And we made a cake and served it afterwards. The party
was a snap - unlike last year. We even have a friend who says
she is duplicating our party this weekend because it was so good
and easy! Good luck.
Signed, Easy-Way-Out Mama
Make it easy by going to Safeway and getting a free birthday
cake for you 1 year old baby. I did it and they seriously give
you a birthday cake for free. Order it a few days before.
For my sons 1st birthday I invited some of our close friends
to a local pizza parlor for pizza and soda. It was easy
because I didn't have to clean up. I was alone, my husband
was out fo town, so this made it easy. I fed everyone for
under $100, had leftover pizza and got the baby home in
time for a nap!
anon
I really think the 1st birthday is more for the adults than the
child, since they've never had a birthday before, have no idea
what it's all about and won't remember it. That's fine, but I
still thought I'd not have any parties for my children until
they were old enough to remember them. But...my mother insisted
that we have a 1st birthday party for my daughter at her house.
Considering the adult factor, it was a BBQ of chicken, hot dogs
and some fish, both non- and alcoholic beverages and pot-luck
side dishes. Considering the birthday girl and any other
children who came, we got 1st birthday party decorations and
serveware and of course personalized birthday cake. My daughter
played, ate and opened her presents (with help). We socialized,
ate, drank and took pictures. We had a good time and our
daughter seemed to as well. But perhaps the reason it was this
way for us is because we don't know a lot of small children. If
you do, it would obviously be much easier to have a child-
centered party.
Bottom line is that I think you should do whatever you want for
your child's first birthday! And have fun!
Jennifer
Jan. 2003
My son is going to turn one soon and I'd like to have a big
celebration. The problem is I have a very small house. I'd like
to have the party in the park but I can't count on good weather
in February. I'd like to rent a place that is big enough for
about 30 adults and a dozen or so babies and toddlers. The YMCA
baby gym would be perfect but they charge $150. Does anyone know
of anything cheaper? We don't really need entertainment but it
does have to be safe for babies.
Danielle
Try Wee Play, on Solano, in Albany. They have a space which
would be the perfect size, and I believe that their rental rates
are reasonable.
Melissa T
Nov 1999
I am looking for some suggestions on planning a 1 year old birthday
party. My daughter will be one in February and I want to get a jump on
planning it (I work full time and if I wait till the last minute it will
never happen).
Our son turned one last February. He only had a few neighborhood pals
and he wasn't walking yet, so it didn't seem like quite the time for a
full-on party with kids.
Instead, we invited both sets of grandparents and the two aunties to a
very lavish breakfast at Greens Restaurant in SF. We went early so we could
get a window table, brought our video camera, and a nice cake. Everyone
talked and laughed and ate, and we filmed the whole thing for posterity. It
was a really magical party and seemed to suit everyone, including the
birthday boy (who tried his first eggs that day!). The family felt very,
very special to be celebrating the first birthday and the amount of time and
activity was just right for a one-year-old. And we felt that it was
affordable enough and there was no mess to clean up. (I'm a working mom,
too.) I think this idea could be translated to any restaurant that you
like and that is kid-friendly.
Although this year we will have the children's party at our house, I
thought last year's get-together was pretty neat-o. I'm sure that anything
you plan will be swell, though. If you have a party at your house, just
remember to go with paper plates and have people help!
Have a nice time and congrats!
We had a very informal celebration in a park with our close friends (many
of whom who have young children). Having a lot of wide open play space was
great for our son who is very active. (We're a little envious of the
family who had their child's first birthday party at Greens--never would
have worked for our child!). For a winter season party I'd definitely want
a small group since it's likely you'll be indoors--I'd include family if
they are near by and a few close friends, in an environment (possibly your
home or a friend/familiy members) where your child and other little ones
can crawl and toddle and explore safely and happily. A time for each
person to offer thoughts about the child and his/her presence in the world,
community and their future would be nice. I think keeping it simple, sweet
and in tune with your child's personality and needs is the best approach
(of course time it around naps so your child will be rested and really try
to facilitate the child's regular nap schedule on the big day). Have fun!!!
Since one year old's have no concept of "birthday", but their parents
do, for both of our daughters we celebrated their first birthdays with a
cocktail party! Our children had not been baptised or had any other
ritual welcoming them to the world in view of family and friends, and we
wanted to do something that was public, involved our adult friends and
family, and acknowledged this first year as a rite of passage not just
for our child, but for us as parents. So we had a big open house with
adults and kids of all ages running around, and a cake for our little
ones. It was enjoyed by all. For second birthdays, we've had low-key
parties with two or three little friends - a ride on the Steam Trains at
Tilden for one, a "tea party" for the other. Same thing, more or less,
for the 3 year old parties - no more than 3 guests, and low-key. I've
seen too many little kids overwhelmed and crying at big parties with
lots of kids, clowns, pinatas, etc. By 4 years old the kids really look
forward to their birthdays and will want to help plan it, choose a
theme, and perhaps invite more friends. But till then, I'd recommend
taking it easy on yourself and your child, and do something that the
whole family will enjoy.
August 1999
Our son is turning 1-year old in a week (!), and we'll be having a
party to celebrate. We're urgently seeking advice (what worked for
you/ what didn't), and ideas to help us create a fun and perhaps
memorable celebration.
We're on a budget, and expect a modest
number of guests, the majority of whom will be adults. Thanks in
advance for your thoughts!
I have gone through two first birthday parties with my two daughters and
the main thing is that at one year of age the party is not for the birthday
child. The party is really for you, and your friends and familiy. You
made it through the first year!!!! My older daughter slept through her
first birthday party, but it was still a good time, and my second daughter
had a good time with some other kids we invited to her first birthday but
the party was mostly an excuse to get a bunch of relatives and friends
together and eat. So have a party that you will have fun at. Starting
next year or at age three your child will be more involved.
Congratulations!!!
We had a modest 1st bday party with mostly adults. The few
kids were somewhat older, and we let them help open presents, serve
others, etc. I don't think we had any real "plan" or theme. Just put out some
food and drinks and let people socialize and play with the baby. We made a
cake for adults, and the guest of honor got one made of mashed bananas and
some other stuff he liked at the time (I didn't want to start on the sugar
til I "had to." Took a bunch of pictures. Had a great time. It wasn't exactly
child-centered, but it was enough of an occasion for my son to be happy
with people, food, wrapping paper. Two of his best presents, by the way: a
box of kleenex all his own, the pull-out kind. And his very favorite truck,
all wrapped up for him to find and love all over again.
Sept 1998
My son is about to experience his first birthday, and although I realize
this is more for parents than for children, I would like to make it a
milestone. I have tried to find some good ideas for parties witha theme
or just different and fun, but I've found that most suggestions are for
older children. My son has about 12 children his age that we spend time
with regularaly and I'd like to have them all come, but what could we play
with them. Does anyone have any good ideas for themes, games, fun
decorations or traditions you've enjoyed? I'd love you hear some ideas
from you! Thanks! Eric
The first birthday is a special milestone, *especially* for the parent(s).
A small gathering is best for this celebration. I have read more than a
few childhood specialists that recommend limiting the number of children
invited to the number of the birthday child's age, i.e., if the child is 5
years old, invite 5 children. I believe this is very good advice.
In the case of a one-year-old I think it's OK to invite more than one
child, but 12 children would create an excess of stimulation, noise and
confusion. For each child there would be at least one parent....
Babies of this age are too young for any organized games and really don't
do a lot of interactive playing. They are just observing and beginning to
learn (with their parents' help) how to relate to others in a social
setting.
Every year before my child's birthday came, I went to the library and
checked out Ames & Ilg's "Your X-Year-Old" (which they have written for
each age up to 12, at least, and perhaps into the teen years). These books
are wonderful in helping a parent to know what to expect in the coming
year. As I recall, each book has a chapter on what to do for a child's
birthday at that particular age.
Linnea
My mom's group has a group birthday party each year (our kids just
turned 3 in April/May). A couple of things to consider for a one year
old group:
Location: I remember the first year very well because we had it in
Montclair Park. Not all that great of a location because at 1 year of
age the kids had a tough time walking around in the picnic area because
it isn't level, there are lots of rocks and it's not enclosed. The play
area of course was great. Try to visualize the area where you'll have
the party and how 12 kids will be able to move around at their will and
stay safe while parents are trying to have conversations that last more
than 1 minute.
Activities: We didn't plan any. Getting a group picture was the most
challenging activity that day. They move around too much to expect any
type of organized play. Having plenty of toys to play with and bubbles
seemed to keep everyone entertained.
Activities: We didn't plan any. Getting a group picture was the most
challenging activity that day. They move around too much to expect any
type of organized play. Having plenty of toys to play with and bubbles
seemed to keep everyone entertained.
Party favors: one of the mom's made FruitLoop necklaces with string.
The necklace was really long so it could easily be eaten while worn
around the neck. The kids really enjoyed this.
Presents: we exchanged gifts at this party so it was easy. I've been
to other parties and seen different styles of gift opening. I
personally find the one big event where the birthday kid sits down and
everyone watches to be tedious and difficult for the non-birthday kids
to sit through (my experience has only been with pre-schoolers and
younger, this probably works better when the kids are older). At one
year of age the kids don't yet understand that the presents and toys
aren't for them. I attended another party where the birthday kid opened
gifts as each guest arrived so it was more of a one to one exchange.
This is the best method I've seen.
"The Harlan Family"
Sept 2003
My son is turning one next month and I am looking for a nice
park in Oakland to have his party. I'm looking for something
that would have grassy areas, picnic tables and a play area for
the older kids. I've checked out Montclair, Joaquinn Miller,
and Temescal. Are there any others I haven't discovered yet?
Thanks!
Stephanie
Dimond Park
Roberts Regional Recreation Area (2)
March 2003
Our baby will turn one this summer. We want to have an outdoor
celebration picnic with about 50 family and friends in the
Berkeley/El Cerrito area. We are looking for a site that has
activities/interesting things to do for children ages 1-14. Any
ideas will be appreciated.
Parent trying to plan early
Recommendations received:
Arlington Park (2)
Tilden Park - Big Leaf (2)
September 2002
Hi,
I've read the archives on birthdays but didn't see much about
outdoor parties for babies. Our son is turning one in
October and we'd like to have a party at a park. We' re
having quite a few kids and our house is too little, so that
seems like a good solution (if the weather is nice).
Ideally, we'd have the party at Tot Land in Berkeley . We love
that place and it's perfect for little kids. But the party is on a
Sunday and I'm afraid it will be too crowded. Plus, it seems
like we'd have to get there early in the morning to claim a
table or two and since there are only three or four picnic
tables in the first place, it seems a little rude. But I love it
there and so does our kiddo.
So - does anyone have any ideas about other parks to have
a party? Or have you had one at Tot Land and had it work
out okay? We are not making much money right now, so
renting a space isn't really an option. With that in mind,
where is a good place to have a party and how do you make
sure you get a table or two?
Thanks!
Berkeley Mama
I had our son's one year party at Tilden (several years ago). We
were able to be close to one of the tot areas, and it gave us
room to spread out for fun. I also like Cedar Rose park since
there are two play areas and a big grassy field. I was never
brave enough to tackle Totland.
Bennett
We held our daughter's second birthday party at Tilden Park in
the grassy area by the Little Farm parking lot. It's a pleasant
spot for a picnic party. There is a little playground with sand
there, not to mention the farm itself, ample grass, a number of
picnic tables, typical park bathrooms, but also the more decent
bathrooms at the farm.
We've also done two other park birthdays out in Contra Costa.
My comment: just go early (maybe 7-8 am) and put stuff on the
tables you want. You can have someone guard the site, but you
could probably also just leave the non valuable stuff on the
table to claim possession and leave it alone (this works in a
more remote spot like Tilden, but at Totland you might need a
warm body there too). People are used to seeing reserved tables,
and will probably not mind.
The weekend or two before the party, I would drive over to the
picnic spot at 8 or so, and maybe again at 10 to see if people
have claimed tables. That gives you an idea of when to get there
to set up on your actual weekend.
My kid's parties have all been on Memorial Day weekend, and we
haven't had a problem in three years at three different parks
getting the table and spaces that we want. I would think that in
October it might be even easier--just get there fairly early, and
good luck!
Suzanne
Our moms group had a group one year old birthday party in
Montclair Park last June. it was a lot of fun, plenty of room to
set up the food on one or two tables, lots of grass for the kids
to crawl around and a playground not too far away. I think that
you have to reserve a table ahead of time and then get there
early to stake your claim. We all had a great time.
dawn
Hi. I don't know where you are, but there's a great
playground in the Alvarado Area of the Wildcat Canyon Park
up in the Richmond Hills (where Arlington ends at McBryde).
The reservation site with tables is called ''Acacia'' and right
next to it is a really nice toddler park with good sand. It's a bit
tricky to describe to party goers in the invite, but you can
direct folks to a map of the area and then a subset map of
the park and/or send them to the park website:
www.ebparks.org and you can always put signs or balloons
up to help get them there.
Contact that website for more info on how to reserve (free).
Good luck!
Just had a party
April 2002
hi,
My baby girl will be one year old in 6 weeks' time. I would like to throw a
party in honor of this joyous occasion - a picnic in a park (since our place is
way too small), inviting our parent friends and their kids, total of 14 adults
and 11 kids between the ages of 6 months-7 years.
I would appreciate any advice you have to offer - what kind of food should I
serve (budget is tight, and no meat or fish)? my husband said it's OK to tell
people to bring some dish to share - won't it be rude to ask them since I'm
inviting them to a birthday party? Should I also invite non-parent friends
(for a total of 25 adults)? Should I organize activities? which ones? anything
I didn't think of? Thank you for your help.
Anne
My daughter turned 1 last July. We had a birthday party for her at the
merry-go-round in Tilden Park, and it was fabulous. We reserved two
picnic
tables right at the site for $40 (I think), and invited both kids and
adults, a total of 20 people. We served cake and ice cream and drinks. My
husband and I designed and created a three layer carousel cake (complete
with plastic animals) and bought animal-themed tablecloths, plates and
cups.
The whole party cost under a $100, including tickets for everyone to ride
the carousel as many times as they wanted. Both the adults and kids loved
the event, and we videotaped it for posterity. I think a first birthday
party is really for the family members to remember (since I don't think my
daughter remembers it), and it was memorable for all of us, and the setting
was lovely.
Jane
We had a picnic at Willard Park for our daughter's first birthday and
invited baby friends and adults. We too wanted a celebration of this
exciting milestone. We had a great time and it was great to share it with
friends, but I have some regrets. First, make sure someone is taking
pictures, maybe not you if you are hosting. Also, make sure there is play
space for the children. We set up on the lawn under a tree, when what we
should have done was set up on the lawn *inside* the playground area.
That
may be a no-brainer for me now, but wasn't then...We served sandwich
fixings
from Andronico's and got a carrot cake from Nabalom. The cake was not
too
sugary. (Another friend reported her daughter going bonkers from a sugar
high from a first cake.) The party obviously wasn't *for* the baby, she was
sort of overwhelmed and cranky, but we wanted to mark the occasion and
thought it would be great to have pictures to show her later, and she would
have been much happier if she'd been able to play (duh!).
Charlotte
we had our daughter's first and second birthdays at our small apartment,
primarily because it has a large courtyard off the back porch for people
spillover, and it's in may. this year we've reserved a park site at tildne,
but that's $71! as far as food, we always make a large pot of beans (soaked
overnight with lots of garlic and onions, and cooked for a few hours the day
of the party) and a lot of rice--these are cheap and can be very tasty. If
you barbeque, you can buy some tofu hot dogs and (not too cheap)
gardenburgers, and ask meat-eating guests to bring their own. You can
also
ask specific friends to contribute bread or salads--in my experience, close
friends like to help out. for a one year old, i'd definitely make the cake
on your own--much cheaper and your kid won't care! we haven't done
games
yet (this year we might have to) except a pinata, and that was more for the
other kids in the past two years. i think that a one year old party is more
to celebrate that landmark as parents (and to have photos to show your kid
when they get a bit bigger) than to actually entertain the one year old!
jessica
I would suggest pizza as a good birthday party food. We did that with my
daughter's first and second birthday parties now that I think of it. The
first was homemade with yummy cornbread crusts that I can only find at
certain Andronico's, and the second was from Round Table. Just be sure
that
whichever route you take that you add two extra pizzas to the total. We
made the mistake of underestimating the pizza total the second time and
there wasn't quite enough for everyone to have 2-4 slices, which was kind of
embarrassing!
I agree with you that it would be rude to ask parents to bring a dish when
they are already bringing a gift -- it's too much to ask. If money is
tight, maybe you coud have the party at an off time so that you are not
feeding everyone lunch.
Angela
I feel that if people are going to host a birthday party, they should host
the food. There are so many potluck parties that it becomes burdensome,
and
people tend to bring gifts to b-day parties. It would be preferable to make
it affordable by keeping it simple. Serve cut up fruit and vegetables with
dip, etc. If you still want a potluck, suggest on the invitation that,
rather than bringing gifts, people bring a dish to share or drinks.
Hi there, Congratulations to you all! I just wanted to let you know that I
have been to a pot-luck birthday party (and had one myself at our son's
first birthday.) So, I think it's perfectly fine. Good luck and have fun.
A Mom
We had a similar size first birthday party to what you are talking about--
8-10 kids and about 20 adults. Here are some things that worked well:
HAVE A BRUNCH-- 10:30 or so. This allowed kids to come before
afternoon
naps or between morning and afternoon naps.
POTLUCK-- by all means! I made an EASY baked egg dish and baked
homefries
which I prepped the night before then stuck in the oven that morning.
CAKE was a simple banana cake-- no frosting. Big hit with young and old
alike.
PARTY FAVORS (not necessary, but I got into it)-- little kid toothbrushes
from Longs (about $1.59 on sale) and little stuffed animals from Ikea ($1
each).
Have fun!
Natasha H
A couple of families I know celebrated their child's first birthday in the
grassy area near Tilden Animal Farm. It was lovely and the kids can go
on
an excursion to feed the animals (you might want to provide some celery
and
lettuce). If your budget is tight, just do a cake and maybe some munchies -
it doesn't have to be a meal. One friend did a light brunch with bagels and
fruit. I would probably only invite as many guests as I could provide for,
rather that ask the guests to also bring food, since they will be bringing a
gift. Or maybe you could ask some of your closer friends or family to bring
food instead of a gift.
JJ's Mom
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