WE LOVE TO PARTY! But does a 1 year old? So many parents wish to mark the occasion but what is the best Birthday Party for a 1 Year Old?
When we talk about parties for babies there is such a mixed response. From “what’s the point, they wont remember it” to “it’s the most special birthday, you HAVE to celebrate” and then everything in between. No wonder parents are so confused as the whether to throw a birthday party for a 1 year old and if they do…. what type of party.
It is true, a birthday party for a 1 year old is not going to be remembered by the birthday girl or boy. But you can guarantee that their grown up will remember this special day forever. So we definitely want to make some extra special memories that can be cherished forever. Every family is working with different budgets and different family/friendships so there is no right or wrong way to throw a birthday party for a 1 year old.
Here at Wakefield Mumbler, we know budgets vary, so we want to share ideas that we hope would work for as many families as possible. Remember you can scale these ideas up or down based on your own circumstances.
CAKE SMASH SPECTACULARLets start small but special (and a little messy). If you would prefer to keep your party small, maybe just you, your baby and a few Grandparents. Why not consider an at home cake smash?
Head to your local supermarket and buy a cake (It doesn’t have to be fancy as it is going to end up in pieces anyway). Big supermarkets usually sell small celebration cakes for around £1.50.
Lay out a tuff tray, table cloth or old sheet and let your little one go crazy with a wooden spoon. A super sensory little party for your little one, with cups of tea for the grown ups.
So many families discovered the wonders of parties in the park during the pandemic. A simple get together in a local park or playground where your 1 year old can enjoy the swings and see some friends and family. Keep it casual with invitations by text. Tell everyone to bring a picnic and a blanket for their own little family. Let them know where and when to meet. Remind everyone to dress for the weather.
PIZZA AT HOME WITH PALSYour 1 year old may not be a fan of pizza just yet but you can be sure your grown up friends will be. Invite a few friends around for a simple get together with some favourite toys in the lounge and pop a few frozen pizzas in the oven or order a take away in.
A birthday party for a 1 year doesn’t have to be elaborate. A simple pizza party with your nearest and dearest could be just the right party for you.
Plan a little day out just for your little one. Check out the Mumbler Facebook Page to see what events or attractions are local and see if they may appeal to your tiny tot. From days at the zoo or aquarium, to dino spotting in a local city. A party doesn’t have to be a party.
There are lots of village halls, community centres and spaces perfect to be hired out for parties of all sizes. Ask on our Wakefield Mumbler Chat Group for recommendations in your area based on your needs. This awesome community will respond with ideas that may be perfect for you. Room hire costs may vary, but often start around £20 per hour and you can arrange your own catering and activities.
SOFT PLAY SESSIONThe beauty of a soft play birthday party is that someone else takes care of everything. The venue, the invitations, the food, the party bags and the clean up after. All you need to do is send the invitations out and bring along a cake. A softplay birthday party for a 1 year old is great because you can concentrate on having fun with your little one, crawling through tunnels and heading down slides. Prices for a birthday parties at a soft play usually range from £7-15 with minimum numbers of around 12. Check out our favourite soft plays HERE and message them directly for their most up to date party price list.
We are so lucky to live in a time where the majority of people have smart phones with great cameras to help is record these special moments. So don’t forget to take a few photos of the birthday girl/boy, then put down the phone and cherish the moment.
With any party, there is always lots of extra bits you can add on. Keep it simple or go extra. But don’t forget your little one wont remember whether you spent £1.5o or £150 on a birthday cake, so stick to your own budget and needs and ignore what everyone else is doing.
BalloonsSimple: Grab a 12 pack of colourful balloons from a card shop or supermarket. For under £2, your little one will be able to sit and pose surrounded by a array of rainbow balloons. Then crawl after the different coloured balloons for days and days after the party.
Extra: Plan plenty time in advance and arrange a personalised helium balloon display. Locally run businesses can create themed balloon centrepieces, arches and bags full of helium balloons to adorn your party space with.
Simple: No need to overthink this part of the birthday party, a simple text, a Whatsapp group or Facebook post will do the job at no cost. Don’t forget to include the details of where, when, how to RSVP and if your guests need to bring anything (e.g. picnics and blankets).
Extra: You can find anything online, personalised printed invitations can be designed, printed and posted straight to your door ready to distribute to everyone you want to invite.
CakeSimple: Supermarkets offer a whole selection of bakes that your little one will love to devour. From £1.50 simple Victoria sponge cakes to a traditional caterpillar cake for less than £10. Simple cakes can always be decorated with homemade cake toppers and name cards.
Extra: Local bakers can create elaborate cakes designed to your specifications. Personalised with names and ages. Often these can be frozen too of they’re too big to eat in one go.
Simple: Parents of 1 year olds will not appreciate a party bags full of tiny plastic toys. So why not keep it simple and old school with a piece of cake wrapped in a napkin. Inexpensive personalised stickers can be ordered from eBay if you want to add a little extra detail.
Extra: You can easily go crazy with party bags. Include things like books, wildflower seeds, crayons, mini sweets. Check online retailers for ready made party bags or cookie baking party bags for something a little different.
DecorationsSimple: A few balloons might be all you need, but if you would like to add a bit more décor. What about a piece of string around the room with photos of your little on pegged on. Guests can adore the beautiful photos and you could always suggest guests chose their favourite to take home with them.
There are apps available that offer FREE MONTHLY PHOTO PRINTING with a small delivery fee. Alternatively, grab your Xmas fairy lights for an instant party environment.
Extra: Decorations is something you can easily go crazy with. Tassel style bunting, giant paper pom poms, balloon arches and light up letters. Just remember to order in good time and plan time for set up and take down.
Simple: Yep, a 1 year photoshoot is a thing. And so it should be, we want to have an amazing photo to cherish as well as the wonderful memories of our little ones turning 1. If you don’t have the budget for a professional photographer, don’t panic. Just set the camera timer on your phone and squeeze your immediate family into the frame. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just all of you in one picture is what you need.
Extra: You can find photographers on social media and google. Ask friends on our Wakefield Mumbler Group Chat for recommendations. If you have booked a professional photoshoot, have a chat with your photographer to see what type of photos they can create. some offer amazing cake smash, bath splash, themed backgrounds or destination photoshoots.
What ideas do you have for a birthday party for a 1 year old? We LOVE to get your suggestions on our Facebook Page.
Or maybe you have a party venue, make birthday cakes or a create amazing balloon decorations? If you would like to sponsor our Birthday Party for a 1 year old article and your business be featured, please get in touch.
