There’s a lot to celebrate when your baby turns one. As you and your partner exchange high-fives for making it through in one piece, you start thinking about commemorating the occasion. However, one-year-olds are too young to remember much so save the circus for another time and here’s how to plan an awesome birthday bash on a bite-sized budget.
Venue
Pick a place your bub is most comfortable at like your home, where things are familiar and within reach in case you run into any screams or spills. If you live in a shared space with a multi-function hall, use that! Make the event more comfortable for your guests by making sure there’s a quiet place for breastfeeding mums and napping babies.
Invitees
Electronic invitations like Paperless Post and E-vites are convenient, chic and great for tracking RSVPs while you’re on the go. Keep the guest list small, giving preference to family and friends with similar-aged children. Not only would you want your child to grow with his peers, but you’ll also be catering to needs you are already accustomed to.
Décor and Party Props
This is probably the only party where you get to pick a theme before your child is old enough to command his preferences – so go nuts! Popsugar and kikki.k have some great ideas for birthday parties. Find printable stationery – including invitations, envelopes, streamers and more – on Etsy for as low as RM30 a set. Alternatively, Pinterest has some adorable designs for free!
Logistics
Forget fancy tableware. Use disposable plates, cups and cutlery for the party instead. Since this is the first of many birthdays to come, invest in good quality, reusable plastic cutlery. Instead of renting canopies, move furniture around so that there’s plenty of space for your guests.
Food
Choose brunch or teatime for a wallet-friendly party. Don’t forget that your guests include tiny tots with special dietary requirements and limited cutlery dexterity. Instead of catering, rope in daddy and baby for a fun morning in the kitchen cooking up your child’s favourite easy-to-hold, wholesome finger foods to share with his friends, while taking allergies and preferences into consideration. The smart thing will be to stay away from hot soups and messy meals! Check out Rachael Ray for menu ideas or Kidspot and Taste for kids’ party recipes.
Cake
This one will make it into all the pictures so decide early if you want to bake a birthday cake yourself or if you’ll order up something special. For those who want to show off their dessert-making skills, Bagus and Cake Connection will cover your baking needs; check Betty Crocker or Wilton for inspiration. And if you’re looking to cater, Sugar Rush makes beautiful customised cakes just the way you like. Consider fruit- or vegetable-based, sugar-free and low-calorie cakes that are healthy yet delicious for baby’s big day.
Party Games
Your baby and his toddler friends won’t be able to play organised games for a few more years but don’t fret, this crowd is very easily amused! Assemble an early walkers station piled with your baby’s toys and let them loose. Make it more fun by renting bigger toys – from train tracks to slides – for as low as RM10 from Rent-A-Toy which you even get to keep for an entire month! Another crowd pleaser is a splash pool you can get for RM49.95 at Toys “R” Us for some outdoor fun.
Favours
Door gifts are a great way to say “Thank you for coming!”. Instead of splurging on expensive door gifts that might end up in the bin, make something edible like cookies or double an art activity into a souvenir your tiny guests can make and take home. And since parents will be busy chasing their little ones around, consider having a photographer on hand to take pictures of their tots and have printed versions ready by the end of the party.
Gifts
Birthdays are synonymous with gifts. And while you’re greatly appreciative of any gestures from well-meaning friends, you also know that some gifts might end up unused thanks to your baby’s ever-changing penchants. Instead, graciously mention in your invitation that gifts aren’t necessary – but if they insist, help them pick something out from a gift registry.
Birthdays are a time for celebration and the most memorable ones don’t have to be the most expensive. Centre it on baby having a good time and everyone will be in for a fun-filled day of laughter, toothy grins and lasting camaraderie.
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Image Credits: Potter Barn Kids, Khairun
