THE BIG ONE: FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY TIPS

Congratulations, you’ve made it past the difficult first months of being a first-time parent! Towards the end of your baby’s first year it’s time to decide if you’re having a first birthday party.

Let’s be clear, your baby doesn’t know it’s their birthday so if your free time, finances or energy are low then skip the party and celebrate however suits you best, it will still feel significant and nobody will think anything of it. 

However, after nearly 12 months of disrupted sleep, endless nursery rhymes, buggy walks and babbling chats, you might think ‘actually, it’s time to let our hair down!’ and throw a party.

If that's you, read on for our tips on throwing a first birthday party...


Who to invite to baby’s first birthday party?
This is the chance to say thank you to your village: the friends and family who have helped you through the first year.

Keep it intimate to close family and friends or share the invite far and wide, but try not to feel obliged to invite more people than you're comfortable with. Decide whether you want to host at home or hire a church hall or similar venue and take the guest list from there.

On that note, if your party venue is up some steep steps or in your own home, let guests know to opt for the baby carrier rather than a pushchair if possible. 

Be sure to let anyone with older children know whether they’re ok to bring them (and plan entertainment accordingly: fun music, balloons and room to dance will likely suffice, bonus points for a craft or colouring corner if you have space)

If you can't accommodate siblings, that's fine too, but expect that some people may not be able to make it.


What's the best time for baby’s first birthday party?
Your baby's wake windows are probably going to be your guide here: with the best will in the world a tired baby isn’t going to have a great time (even a rested baby might be hit and miss with a load of extra people, sights and sounds to process.)

Try and find an hour or so when they’re not due to sleep or feed, and be prepared that you may miss some of the party trying to settle them for a nap or a walk around the block if needed. 

We'd also recommend not throwing the party on the baby's birthday itself but keeping that as a special day just for you. Parties always take more prep than you think, and time wrangling bunting and balloons is time away from the birthday child.



What food to serve at baby’s first birthday?
Cake! You could have a bigger cake for singing Happy Birthday and serving to adults, then plain butterfly cakes for the littlest guests. Be prepared to clean up a lot of mushed up cake. 

It helps to remember this is a party largely for the adults, and kids will probably be too distracted or overstimulated to eat much even if it's at their normal meal time.

A buffet of a few simple sandwiches, sliced pizzas and some sausage rolls, hummus, low-salt breadsticks and veg sticks that people can help themselves to is ideal. A charcuterie or cheese board and some fruit will probably disappear quite quickly too. 

Kraft paper boxes or bags on the side mean parents can make a little grab bag for their child to take home if they're not eating at the party, and less food will go to waste.

If you are serving food, please do ask guests about any allergies or intolerances and then mark anything that's safe to eat. You can do this when you share the invite or when they RSVP.

Serving some wine and beer is a nice touch, but it’s not expected and most people will have one drink at most. Teas, coffees and a soft drink option would be appreciated with weak squash for older kids.

For a large number of guests consider renting an urn so they can make their own hot drinks and you're not stuck on barista duty. Also, check if there's a reusable party pack rental near you, some suppliers even do the washing up for you - dream!



First birthday present etiquette
Some of our favourite first birthday gifts include board books, bath toys, balls, instruments, weaning and feeding items, puzzles and sensory toys, so expect plenty of these. If you're worried about space in your home, you may want to request no presents, or ask for a contribution towards a bigger special gift such as a ride on toy or even a charity donation in your baby's name.

As a consciously-curated children's retailer, we're thrilled that preloved or handed-down gifts are becoming increasingly normalised. If you're happy to receive something second hand let people know, they’ll probably be thrilled. 

You may also have a list of things your little one needs for their new nursery or childminder, or even something for their bedroom that you have an eye on. Don’t be afraid to ask for gift vouchers for somewhere specific that you can put towards something you want or need, when you need it.

Do try and send a thank you to guests for their presence as well as any presents - printed card, handwritten note or a WhatsApp message all work.



How long should a one year old’s party be?
As short as possible but with enough time for all the latecomers to arrive!

If you struggled to get anywhere on time with a baby, it doesn’t magically change when they turn one. The same will be true of your friends. Two hours, or even 90 minutes, should be more than enough time for people to catch up without disrupting naps, stretching wake windows or overwhelming the senses. 



Do I need to give party bags at a first birthday?
Do what feels right for you. You can give token gifts or a second hand book to older children but they’re not expected. Baby guests definitely don't need a proper goody bag and will be thrilled with a small piece of cake and a balloon.



Decoration ideas for a first birthday party
There's no need to go over the top with balloon arches and big decorations, but a fun way to decorate the space is to print out pictures from baby's first year: stick them on the walls directly or thread on string and hang like bunting.

Pop a foam playmat or soft quilt down on the floor with some toys to create a safe space for pre-walking babies. Some twinkling lights strung well out of reach or a bubble machine will keep them captivated. A baby ball pit is fun too. Expect kids of all ages to want to play in the baby area, so consider if a baby gate or play pen will make it safer for little ones.



Tips for hosting a first birthday party
You'll probably be too busy with your baby and guests to take any photos so ask a few friends to do that for you. Let them know if there's any specific people you'd like captured such as grandparents and don't forget to ask for pictures of you and baby. Ask at least two people to video the cake and happy birthday song. It's a moment you'll treasure forever.

On the subject of photos, let people know if you're not comfortable with pictures of your baby being on social media.

Put another guest on greeting duty - listening for the doorbell and letting them know where to put presents and where babies can be changed or milk-fed if needed (if at home, make sure you've got a space that you're comfortable opening to guests.)

You don't need to provide too much entertainment, but you could ask guests to share wisdom or a hope for your baby's future. If you've completed a baby's first year book they could add them in here or ask someone to get a quick video message from their fellow guests.



How to reduce stress of hosting a birthday party
Got a gorgeous party outfit ready for baby? Make sure you have at least two changes that you like too, not just the spare clothes at the bottom of the changing bag.

Try and go with the flow: people will probably be late, or cancel last minute, others may turn up unexpectedly. Friends without kids may make only the briefest of appearances. Approach it with an 'open house' attitude and make it clear guests can drop in at any time, and don't have to stay for the duration.

Share a quick reminder and the address or a map link with friends on the morning of the party, adding in any parking information too and if you plan to cut the cake at a specific time. If you've got a friend who can volunteer to be the contact for last minute enquiries then share their number now too.

Don't feel like you have to make all the food yourself, and make sure you eat and drink something, including a piece of cake. It's a good idea to have something easy ready for supper or a takeaway planned.

Remember, as parents, it's your party too
Wear something special if you want (have spares ready for yourself too,) and make sure you take a few moments with your baby to celebrate getting through the first year together.

Even on such a happy occasion a few tears are normal - from your baby, other babies and also possibly yourself! Be kind to yourself if you're feeling a bit wobbly.

Looking for a thoughtful first birthday gift? We've got plenty of inspiration here