First Birthday

Philippines
October 13, 2008 1:24am CST
I have experienced how to plan and celebrate the first birthday of my daughter. I don't mind the expenses it incurred for my priority at that time is the happiness it will bring to my daughter. But as times past by, for almost five years, I reminisce the times and ask myself, Is it practical nowadays, to spend so much for the first birthday of your son or daughter due to the economic crisis of today. What do you think?
5 responses
@kblakley (247)
• Loveland, Ohio
14 Oct 08
For my son's first birthday we just had a house party with friends and family, I made the cake and he had a really good time. Now I'm getting ready to celebrate my daughter's 1st birthday in 2 weeks and I plan to do the same. Nothing major, friends and family and simple decorations. I don't think it really matters whether you have a big expensive party or a simple inexpensive party as long as you put the love into it and the child enjoys it. As far as my son's party went I'm kind of glad we didn't try to do anything huge because he only lasted like 2-3 hours and he was tired. I intend to maybe save the big parties for when they are older and can enjoy them more. I feel when they are young, home is the most comfortable place and with a lot of people it helps to just be in a comfortable place.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
15 Oct 08
You are right the most comfortable place also for me to celebrate is at home especially if the whole family is around. Expensive or inexpensive parties are nothing compare to the joy it will bring to our children. Hope that the birthday of your daughter will bring so much joy to her and to your family......
@mommyfied (243)
13 Oct 08
when my daughter turned 1 instead of a full blast party we opted to travel and we went to Davao. we did eat dinner with friends though. my daughter still can't appreciate a party. when she turned 2, we gave her a Jollibee party because she loved jollibee. now that she's 3, she had a party at school because she is now a preschooler. i really don't care if it's practical or not because my daughter's happiness is irreplaceable and i don't want the economic crisis to mar her experience. there is a limit in how much you spend though but it doesn't mean you leave your daughter with nothing to remember.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
14 Oct 08
Yeah as I always say that happiness of our children is priceless..
@jammyt (2818)
• Philippines
13 Oct 08
We were not able to give our daughter a party for her first birthday because she was going to have an operation. So what we promised was a grand party for her 2nd birthday which she immensely enjoyed. Also, since she was already two, she understood the concept of party and all. She had so much fun. I spent a lot and at a point, I did feel guilty about spending on money for a party... but it was also a thanksgiving party for her life. My husband (who is very frugal) even gave me compliments that it was so worth it.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
13 Oct 08
In some point we will really feel guilty of so much money spent but if we think of the immense joy it bring to our daughter everything will be put aside. Because the happiness for our daughter is priceless even dads can appreciate and accept those extravagant parties as long it is for our children....
@marisriel (1156)
• Philippines
13 Oct 08
Hi, I've given my eldest daughter a party in McDonald on her first birthday. Now that she's turning five on December, I am planning to give her a Jollibee party. Yes, it's true that it may seem impractical to do those kinds of parties but I thought, expenses are always there but the happiness that the party it will bring to my child is priceless. I think it is a case to case basis. My daughter's McDo party was a very memorable party and it always bring us a smile whenever we watch her video. Now, she has more friends and is very excited of the affair. In my opinion that is impractical are the kinds of parties which are exaggerated in cost, such as having diamonds on cakes, or too extravagant venues and clothes which do not matter on kids actually.
• Philippines
13 Oct 08
As long as it is for the happiness of our children, the expenses, is really priceless. You are right we can celebrate parties today that will cater only to our budget not that so extravagant because what matter most is the happiness it will bring.
• United States
13 Oct 08
For my first daughter we had a giant house party. We invited all our friends, family and neighbors. It was a wonderful time but expensive. I have had four other children and had simpler family parties for them. A first birthday is special but more so for the parents then the child. The larger the party the quicker and easier it is for the child to become overwhelmed. I learned that the parties with such close family were more intimate, more loving and less stressful.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
13 Oct 08
Yap close family are more intimate and less stressful because they are always there to help on all the chores you need. Like cleaning the house,washing the dishes after the party.