Your baby’s first birthday is a significant milestone. It is just as much a testament to you and your partner as it is to your baby. As you brace for the special day, we want to ground you with some seasoned Joy tips.
Baby-friendly ways to celebrate
Don’t overlook simple experiences: If a simple outing/experience is more your style, don’t hesitate to ditch the party planning pressure. As your baby has shown you firsthand, the ordinary is extraordinary. A simple trip to the park with just your immediate family will feel just as magical to them as any elaborate themed gathering you found on Pinterest.
That said, it’s possible to go big and have fun! If you’re the party planning guru and love to bring people together, host your heart out. Just be sure to plan with boundaries that uphold your baby’s routines. It won’t be fun to try to host at 3 p.m. if that’s when your baby needs to rest, and don’t feel pressure to invite anyone and everyone–it’s okay to keep it small and intimate.
Hosting in your own home comes with perks, the main one being the comfort and familiarity of celebrating in your own space, as well as saving some money. Hosting off-site can often be more pricey, but some venues offer packages that take care of the food, setup, activities, and cleaning, saving you time (and time is money, too).
About those smash cakes…
Smash cakes–or giving baby a whole cake they can smash and smear–are a new trend in some families. Others say this is rooted in tradition within their families.
Whether it’s new or longstanding in your family, remember, it’s optional. If you think your baby would enjoy the sensory experience of exploring the cake and frosting, go for it. If your baby is more sensory sensitive, just offer a manageable, single slice. Above all, do not smash the cake or any amount of frosting directly over your baby's face, as that would be startling and not a developmentally respectful way of engaging.
P.S. Box-mix cakes are always “in!” In the era of picture-perfect splurges on our social media feeds, remember that it’s okay to keep things simple in line with your preferences and budget. This extends to decor, party food, favors, and even your baby's outfit. Practical will always win in this baby stage!
Minimal presents, maximum joy
Babies can easily get overwhelmed with too many presents. Keep it simple by focusing on a few thoughtful gifts. If you receive a pile of gifts from eager friends and family, it’s okay to let your baby open them over time rather than all at once.
Here are some more tips for gifts:
Make a wish list to give friends and family. Include practical things like a step stool for the upcoming toddler days or new clothes, shoes, and board books. You could also include experience gifts or memberships, like an annual zoo pass, children’s book subscription, or toy rental subscription.
If you would like to keep things minimal, it’s okay to ask your guests not to come with gifts. Here’s some sample messaging for the invitation:
"In the spirit of simplicity, we kindly ask: no gifts, just your company for [Name]'s birthday blast!"
"Your presence is the present! No gifts, just giggles at [Name]'s birthday bash."
"Wrap up your wishes, leave the gifts behind. [Name]'s first birthday is a simple joy to find!"
The key is planning to align with your bandwidth and preferences. Unlearn those people-pleasing tendencies and narrow things down to what brings you–and your baby–the most joy!