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What did you end up doing?

Some really good ideas have been posted here already, hope you’ve found something to work with now.

It will depend on how much you are willing to spend as well! Sound good!

It depends a bit how many relatives you are inviting, and close friends if you wish too.
How many other babies, toddlers and older children. Other babies and toddlers will probably be happy to just paly with each other. Older children will probably be looking for an activity of some type. If the weather is good, other children may be able to play outdoors. Your baby won’t remember any of it. Unless you have a big budget just find things to amuse everybody. Adults are more likely to enjoy conversations, especially if they aren’t all able to meet very often and watch their children from a distance. Ensure you have safe areas, that none of the little ones can “escape”. They can be next to you one second, and gone the next.

Baby’s first birthday is really more for adults, however I wanted the kids in our family to have fun too. As my brother has a house in the countryside we held it up there. We got everyone to bring a plate of food instead of presents (although family are stubborn and spoil my son and brought gifts anyway).

We hired a ball pit and small jumping castle from the local toy library (I live in SA and Tea Tree Gully Toy library hire out some party equipment for really cheap, I think it cost us a total of $35). I organised a few games for the kids. I made my own banner (you will be surprised what you can find on the internet) and made my own one highchair label.

The adults just really socialised and after a while my son had his nap in a porta cot we brought. Everyone enjoyed themselves and it was cheap.

so many great ideas!

Wow thank you so much for all the ideas!
There’s so much inspiration here.
I love the idea of the predictions that can be re read at his 21st!

in august, if where you live is warm weather by then, have an outdoor party and let the kids paint or fingerpaint.

If he’s a leo you could make a lion cake.

First birthdays are more for the adults than the child. So do something you would enjoy. We just organised a small lunch with a few other couples and then a cake at the end.

He’s not actually going to remember it, so don’t get too carried away.

my kids just had a minnie mouse party goodluck x

Our youngest grandson just had his 1st birthday in the Botanical Gardens & his parents hired a ball pit for the kids to play in & that kept all the kids entertained & the parents were able to enjoy the sunshine & the scenery. Make it easy on yourself so you can enjoy the day too!