Looking for some budget-friendly ideas for your baby’s 1st birthday party?
Take a look at this lovely party that Mary hosted for her daughter, Annabelle, on her first birthday. I spoke to Mary about the party, what she said shows that you don’t have to spend much money to make it memorable for your little one’s 1st birthday.
What inspired the theme of your child’s 1st birthday party?
Pinterest is my go-to place for party idea inspirations and DIY projects. I created a board for Annabelle’s first birthday party filled with some really cute ideas, but nothing was jumping out at me.
The light bulb moment came when I was shopping one day with Anna, and she kept pointing at those Mer Meri cupcake liners with owls.
It just clicked – the owl theme will be perfect for Anna’s party!
With this theme, I can also make many things myself to keep the cost relatively inexpensive.
What is one element of the party that you are particularly proud of?
The wall of photos and birthday banner was my favorite. I loved the process of making it.
Putting all the photos of Anna together reminds me of how much she has grown. The family and friends also enjoyed looking through them at the party.
I am also pretty proud of the invitations, which I DIYed myself.
Did you work with any vendors? If so, who? And what did you like about them?
No paid vendors per se. Instead, I used the talents of our family and friends. My brother-in-law was the photographer and videographer. My best friend made the cupcakes.
I purchased Annabelle’s party outfit on Etsy, which went smoothly.
Etsy Vendors:
- I got Annabelle a tutu from I LUV MY TUTU BY GG ($10+shipping). She looked SO cute in them!
- To go with the tutu, I also got a screen printed birthday onesie from Custom Shirt Designz ($14.99). The shirt served its purpose.
- I purchased a headband to match her tutu from Think Pink Bows ($8 + shipping). It was well made and the color matched with the tutu perfectly.
What was your favorite moment/part of the party?
This is so hard to pick. There are so many memorable moments!
Having my parents being there is definitely one of them.
My Mom and Dad live in a different state, so they don’t see Anna very often. They made the trip from Florida to Atalanta for her birthday, which was a super special moment.
Another moment I will never forget was Anna’s first taste of her birthday cup cake. She went from not so sure to can’t get enough. It was hilarious.
What was your birthday girl’s favorite part?
It’s pretty safe to say that Anna loved the birthday cupcakes.
She also had lots of fun ripping paper off the presents.
Can you give any advice to mamas that are planning a party for their little ones?
Planning a party for your little ones is a labor of love.
Focus on the memory you will create to celebrate this special milestone with family and friends. Don’t get caught up in the details and try to make everything perfect.
The planning process is also a way for you to reflect on the year (s) past – how you have changed and how your little one has changed.
Enjoy the planning, partying, and celebrating, but don’t forget to give your little one lots of hugs and kisses!!
Theme: Owl Themed (“Hoo’s Having a Birthday?”)
Guests: about 40
Location: My house
Food: No catering. Many guests brought dishes which helped cut down on costs!
Budget: $300 (Actual $286.5, including her birthday presents)
Food/Drink : (Total = $130 )
- Lunch meat and cheeses ($45 )
- Condiments ($12)
- 2x Fruit Salads, Sliced Watermelon, grapes for decor ($25)
- Deviled Eggs ($6)
- Cake and Cupcakes (Free- brought by guests)
- Cupcake Liners ($19)
- Chips and Dip (Free- brought by guests)
- Candy Bar ($23)
- Salad, other finger foods (Free- brought by guests)
- Beer, Wine, Soda, Water, Juice (Free: In-laws bought them)
Decor: (Total = $84.50)
- Tissue paper poms ($2 for tissue paper, everything else free)
- Banners (Rope $6, paper – free, photo paper for 8×8 monthly squares $13, 4×6′s $12)
- Balloons ($3)
- Serving Trays and bowls ($6)
- Table covers ($8)
- Etsy Purchases ($35)
- Streamers ($2)
- Cupcake poms ($2.50 liners, $1 for balls, $2.50 for vases)
- Ribbon ($4)
- Frame for guest book ($1.50)
Gifts: (Total = $72)
- Baby Walker and Activity Center $60
- Kids music mat $12
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Tim Thomas is a renowned writer and entrepreneur specializing in finance, investing, and money matters. With his extensive knowledge and experience in the financial sector, Tim offers valuable insights into the world of personal finance, stock market trends, and investment strategies.
