Starting to make first birthday plans...

So everyone has been asking me lately what we're doing for their first birthdays. Yikes. Money is so tight lately and with their birthdays being around Christmas time, it's going to be hard to swing unless thiings pick up for my DH. We had a big Christening party for them when they were 3 months old, so I don't feel too bad if we don't have a big blow out for their first. But we went through a lot to get these two (struggled with infertility for years) and so this milestone definetly means a lot to us. I would really love to do something. Doesn't necessarily have to be a big affair.

We don't have the room at all at our place for a party (barely enough for just the 4 of us). Someone had recommended Gymboree for a party, but I'm not sure how much it would cost or any other place like that. Maybe we'll wait until after the holidays. But on the other hand, it would be a month after their actual birthdays. Does that matter? I can't quite decide.

Oh man....how do you win the lottery? I can't seem to get it right!

 

I think you should celebrate, because it is SUCH a milestone, but do something that you are comfortable with. Since you're in New York, the park (outside) option near the holidays is out, but what about a local city or county place? Our library has a party room they rent out for not much. Maybe there is some place like that you could rent just to get everyone together to party? Just mainly visiting and celebrating, not a big eating extravaganza... Good luck with whatever you decide to do! Whatever that is, enjoy it!

(and if you figure out the lottery thing, can you please tell me?)

 

How about getting everyone together for lunch? Maybe there is a place you love to go that has room you can rent? Definitely celebrate. We are in the same boat being close to the holidays. I really wish they would have stayed inside for another month for many reasons but this is truly one of them.

 

QUOTE(DATJMom @ Oct 28 2007, 09:59 PM) [snapback]471163[/snapback]
How about getting everyone together for lunch? Maybe there is a place you love to go that has room you can rent? Definitely celebrate. We are in the same boat being close to the holidays. I really wish they would have stayed inside for another month for many reasons but this is truly one of them.


I agree! Definitely celebrate...it's so worth it. Same situation here 12/20 for our dd. A restaurant is a great idea that way you can make it more intimate with family and friends. Gymboree has to be way expensive. The library was also a good idea if you are going to have some younger kids. Maybe your mom or very close family member with more room can let you use thier house for a few hours...that would certainly be less expensive. Let us know what you decide to do.

 

Do you know anyone who lives in a subdivision that has a club house that you can rent. They are usually very reasonable, you could maybe have a desert party.

Or Maybe your parents can host?

 

I'd see if a family member could host.. or see if you can rent a room at the library or community center. Then to save on food have it in the afternoon- like from 1-4 or something. Serve finger food (go to Costco, Sams or BJ's) that can be kept warm in trays over sterno. Then only serve, soda, water, and beer. This will cut down on food cost.. oh and of course have cake, but you can do a big sheet cake for everyone and cupcake each for the kiddos.

 

I agree with the family thing if it is an option. I know that I will be having the girls 1st birthday at my Moms or sisters - but that's an option for me. And also - if that is an option - how about pot luck?? If you have it during the day - say lunch time - Elect a few people to help out a little? That's what we do in our family - it helps out so much - and most people like to "show off" their cooking / creativity so it can be fun for all. Maybe select a food theme and have everyone or some - bring a certain dish ie main / side / desert / drink that goes with the theme. That might help with food items- if you want to go that way. Maybe a church hall? that may be inexpensive . or a resturant too where you don't have to rent anything - everyone pays for their own meal / appetizer etc. and bring cake with you??? Good luck and have fun - it is such a big milestone

 

We have a building that we always use. It costs me only $50 and I get $15 back-as long as the place is clean and what not. We don't have much money right now to do something big-but I try my best to make it spectacular. Even though the girls' birthday is 12/15 we are doing the party on New Years Day-it works out the best with DH's schedule.
We are doing the party at 2 in the afternoon so I don't have to provide lunch for everyone. I'll probably put out cheese and crackers and veggies. But not really much food. For drinks I am making lemonade and having little bottles of water-DH and my step-dad can get them from work for free.

 

I think you should celebrate too. A year with twins is a milestone for you, not to mention a special occasion for them! But I don't agree with big blow-out parties for babies who would probably be just as happy taking a nap! I think borrowing the party room at the library or community centre could be great. Or, if you have any friends in condos, you can often rent the party room of a condo for a really minimal amount of money - we rented one for a friend's shower for $30.

 

Thank you all so much! You are so resourceful. I'm such a bad consumer and that's always been my downfall. I still dirive my friends crazy that I don't know when all the sales are or have the latest coupons. I guess I was a millionaire in my former life!

Anyway, all your ideas got me thinking. I'll either a) use a church hall B) wait until after the holidays or c) ask my sil if she'd let me "borrow" her place. The last one may be a little, uh, not doable, but we'll see....

Thanks so much again!

 

I have to say that after my son's birthday party when he turned one, I wished it had just been me, dh and Aidan. I spent the party playing hostess rather than mommy and didn't get to love on him and enjoy the cake fiasco. So, in my opinion, smaller might be better!!

 

I have to agree with those who said go small. One year olds get overwhelmed very easily! I think just inviting your closest family and friends over for cake and ice cream would be PERFECT! (Skip the lunch/dinner, it costs more!)

 

QUOTE(mctwins @ Oct 29 2007, 08:35 PM) [snapback]472706[/snapback]
I have to say that after my son's birthday party when he turned one, I wished it had just been me, dh and Aidan. I spent the party playing hostess rather than mommy and didn't get to love on him and enjoy the cake fiasco. So, in my opinion, smaller might be better!!

Hmmmmmmmmm..........

 

QUOTE(becky5 @ Oct 29 2007, 08:44 PM) [snapback]472719[/snapback]
I have to agree with those who said go small. One year olds get overwhelmed very easily! I think just inviting your closest family and friends over for cake and ice cream would be PERFECT! (Skip the lunch/dinner, it costs more!)

Okay....now you've all got me thinkin'.....

 

QUOTE(becky5 @ Oct 29 2007, 07:44 PM) [snapback]472719[/snapback]
I have to agree with those who said go small. One year olds get overwhelmed very easily! I think just inviting your closest family and friends over for cake and ice cream would be PERFECT! (Skip the lunch/dinner, it costs more!)


This is pretty much our plan. We're having just us and our parents, and maybe another family member or two. No more than 6 or 7 people, not counting the boys, and all people they know well and are comfortable with. The last thing I want is them overwhelmed, and me busy playing hostess. I'll designate grandpas for video and camera, grandma for helping with food, and dh and I will just get to enjoy it. And because the boys will know everyone and be in the comfort of their own home, hopefully they'll enjoy it also.

But just because it's small doesn't mean it can't be a great celebration. So we're going to still go all out with decorations and cake, etc. so it is not just like any other day at our house. But it will be very low stress kind of special day.

 

We're doing it at our house, just a few friends with children close in age. We're having the movers come 2 days later to pack us up to leave the US and it's "Thanksgiving Weekend". We did my oldest's first birthday party at home too. Her 2nd we went to some indoor play area, but that costs a couple hundred $ (like Gymboree). This year we did her 3rd birthday party at a clubhouse of the local park district ... $60 ... bring your own food and drink. Perfect for what I wanted (not in my own house, many kids, place to play, not too expensive, etc.)