We did a small party for DD, we also don't have family in the area or a ton of friends. The party was 3 of my friends, 1 of XDH, his dad, my parents (all came into town for the party), and her daycare provider and her family. It was small, with a tray of sandwiches and cake but it was a good way to get everyone together to note the occasion and meet each other.

We invited family and close friends. Around 15 people came, only 2 other kids. We went to a friend's 1st birthday party and her parents invited all the kids from her room at daycare. It's whatever you want to do!

You could start a tradition for his birthday like going to the zoo or aquarium or a museum, then out for a cupcake somewhere. First birthday is really for the parents, so do something you and your spouse will like. As long as you do something slightly celebratory, it’s all good!

Nobody. Just me and DH. I tried to give him some cake and he didn't like it.

I missed my child's 1st birthday because my DH was in a wedding and I attended too. It's all good. My DS is now 27 and seems to have no ill effects. The point is: Your child will not remember their 1st birthday. Do whatever you want to celebrate.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why can’t you just celebrate it yourselves? Go out for a fun activity, have a special treat. He won’t know the difference.

Because I want to have a celebration, even a small one. His older sister is excited about his upcoming birthday as well. We don’t plan to do anything big but just to go to a local park/playground.

So just invite your close friends to have coffee and bagels at the park or something. It's not like you need other babies there. We invited the people we felt close to, who had supported us in our first year as parents, for an open house/brunch. Very low-key, pretty easy, and fun.