15 Tips For Planning An Awesome First Birthday Party On A Budget

15 Tips For Planning An Awesome First Birthday Party On A Budget

Planning a one year old's birthday party can be an exciting yet daunting task. Not only do you have to make sure the little one has an amazing day, but you also need to find ways to keep costs low. With the right tips and tricks, it's possible to throw an awesome first birthday party without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we'll share 15 tips for planning an awesome first birthday party on a budget.

1) Get organized
One of the most important steps to planning an awesome first birthday party is to get organized. Making a list of all the tasks that need to be completed and setting a timeline can help ensure that nothing is overlooked or forgotten. Start by creating a budget and deciding on a theme. It is also important to make a list of all the supplies you will need, such as decorations, food, drinks, paper products, etc., and a list of any vendors you may need to hire. Once you have your budget and lists organized, you can start thinking about the other details like venue, decorations, entertainment and favors.

2) Set a budget
When planning your first birthday party, one of the most important things to do is to set a budget. This will help you make sure that you stay within your means and don’t overspend. The key is to know how much money you can afford to spend on the party and then stick to it.
Start by making a list of all the items that you need for the party such as decorations, food, favors, and entertainment. Once you have this list, you can research prices and get an idea of how much everything will cost. You may want to include some extra money for unexpected expenses like last minute additions or supplies that you forgot about.
Once you have an idea of how much money you need to spend, you can start looking for ways to save. Try shopping around for the best deals on items like decorations, favors, and food. You can also look into doing a potluck if your budget is tight. Also, consider taking advantage of freebies or discounts offered by local businesses in your area.
By setting a budget and finding ways to save money, you can throw an amazing first birthday party without breaking the bank!

3) Make a guest list
One of the most important steps in planning a successful first birthday party is making a guest list. Who you decide to invite will largely depend on the size of your budget and venue, so it's important to consider both of these factors when creating your list. Start by deciding if you would like to invite close friends and family, or a larger group of acquaintances.
Once you have an idea of how many people you would like to invite, it's time to make a list. Make sure to include phone numbers and addresses for each guest. You may also want to add special notes or details about each person to ensure that all invitations are accurate.
Finally, consider adding a few extra people to your list just in case someone is unable to attend. This will give you some flexibility in case of last minute changes or cancellations. Don't forget to follow up with guests that have RSVP'd to ensure that everyone who wants to come will be able to join in on the fun!

4) Choose a theme
Choosing a theme for your one year old's birthday party is a fun and easy way to add personality and character to your special day. To start, consider your child's favorite colors, activities, hobbies, and characters. This will give you some ideas to choose from. If you're looking for inspiration, there are plenty of party supply stores and websites that offer a variety of themes, from princesses and superheroes to under the sea and dinosaurs. You can also go with a classic theme like polka dots or primary colors. Once you have some ideas, narrow it down to the one that fits best with your budget and space.

5) Pick a venue
The venue you choose for your child’s first birthday party will depend on the type of party you want to have and how many people you’re inviting. If you’re throwing a large party, you may want to consider renting out a venue, such as a hall or a park. For a smaller, more intimate gathering, you could consider having the party at your own home. No matter what venue you choose, make sure it is clean and safe for all the guests attending.
If you’re planning to host the party at home, you can still add some fun elements to make it special. Consider setting up a play area with age-appropriate toys for the little ones. You could also use balloons and decorations to transform your home into a festive atmosphere.
Renting out a venue can be costly, but there are ways to save money. See if you can find a place that offers discounts for parties. Some venues may offer packages with food and decorations included. If you know someone who owns a restaurant or bar, see if they would be willing to rent it out for your event.
No matter what type of venue you decide on, make sure to ask questions beforehand and review all the policies associated with using the space. Doing this will ensure that your child’s first birthday party will be an event to remember!

6) Send out invitations
Sending out invitations for your one-year-old’s birthday party can be a fun and creative way to get your guests excited about the event. Here are a few tips for sending out the perfect invitations:
1. Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute to send out invitations, as you want to give your guests plenty of time to plan ahead and make sure they can come.
2. Use colorful design: Make sure that your invitations stand out by using bright colors and fun designs.
3. Include all the details: Make sure that you include all of the important information on your invitation, such as date, time, location, and what type of clothing is appropriate.
4. RSVP: Ask your guests to RSVP so you have a good idea of how many people will be attending the party.
5. Choose the right medium: You can send physical invitations or use digital tools such as e-vites or social media to send out your invitations.
By following these tips, you can make sure that your guests are aware of your one-year-old’s special day and ready to celebrate!

7) Decorate
When decorating for your one-year-old’s birthday party, it’s important to keep things simple and safe. Use decorations that are made of materials that won’t cause a choking hazard if they break. Keep balloons out of reach of small hands, as these can also pose a risk of suffocation.
Choose decorations in coordinating colors that tie in with your chosen theme. Consider making your own paper decorations to save money and create a unique touch. You could make bunting, paper chains or garlands, or paper flowers.
If you’re feeling creative, you could make your own giant birthday cards using large pieces of paper or foam core. You could also make a cardboard cake stand or cupcake stand to give your cakes and cupcakes some added flair.
No matter what decorations you choose, have fun and get creative! Your decorations will add to the fun of the party and help create a great atmosphere.

8) Choose the menu
When it comes to a first birthday party, the menu is one of the most important aspects of the planning. When choosing a menu, it’s important to keep in mind that many 1 year olds are still in the process of learning to eat solid foods. So make sure to include some finger foods that babies can pick up and eat on their own, such as puffs, mini sandwiches, veggie sticks, fruit slices and other bite-sized snacks.
You also want to make sure there is something for everyone. Make sure to include some heartier options for the adults and older kids like mini pizzas, hotdogs, mac & cheese and mini quiches. It's always a good idea to ask family and friends if there are any special dietary requirements that you should be aware of.
Finally, be sure to include a sweet treat! Whether it’s cupcakes or a cake, you can’t go wrong with a sweet treat that’s fun and festive. Don’t forget to include an option for guests who don’t like sweets.
With these tips in mind, you can be sure to have a delicious menu that will please all your guests at the first birthday party!

9) Have entertainment
When it comes to having entertainment at a one-year-old’s birthday party, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. In fact, some of the best entertainment can be free or cost very little.
Think about what kinds of activities your baby enjoys and plan accordingly. If they love to play with musical instruments, why not make an instrument station? This can include things like rattles, shakers, and tambourines. Another great option is a DIY art station with different paints, markers, and coloring books. You can even have a puppet show or story time for the younger guests.
If you want to step it up a notch and go for something more interactive, why not have a dance party? Put on some music and have everyone dance around. Or set up some physical activities like a treasure hunt or balloon pop race.
Finally, if you do decide to go for something a bit more costly, there are plenty of options. Why not hire a character entertainer, like a princess or superhero? Or you could hire a clown or magician. Whatever kind of entertainment you decide on, make sure it’s age-appropriate and enjoyable for all your guests!

10) Give favors
Favors are a great way to thank your guests for celebrating your little one's first birthday! They don't need to be expensive, but they should be special and meaningful. If you’re on a budget, consider DIY favors like jars of homemade jam or honey, little potted plants, or even personalized keychains. If you’re looking for something more unique, you could also put together a goodie bag with special items related to your theme like coloring books or mini toys. Whatever you decide, make sure the favor is something your guests will treasure!

11) Take lots of pictures
The day of your child's first birthday party will come and go in a flash, so be sure to take lots of pictures to remember the special event! Having a professional photographer is a nice touch if you can fit it into the budget, but you can also just ask a friend or family member to take photos for you. Make sure to take lots of photos of your little one interacting with the guests, as well as playing with their new toys and enjoying their birthday cake. Also, don't forget to snap some group shots of everyone that attended the party - you'll love looking back on them when your child is older!

12) Keep it short
One of the best ways to save money and time when planning a first birthday party is to keep it short. An hour to two hours is usually long enough for a one-year-old’s attention span. Anything longer than that will start to tire them out, and your guests will get antsy. If you have a lot of family and friends that you would like to invite, consider having a small gathering earlier in the day and then a larger celebration later in the evening. This way you can keep the party short and still include everyone.

13) Set up a play area
Creating a special play area for your one year old’s birthday party is a great way to make sure everyone has fun. When setting up your play area, there are a few things to consider.
First, make sure it’s a safe space for children. Be sure to have mats or blankets on the floor in case any of the little ones take a tumble. Keep dangerous or sharp objects away from the area and make sure the toys are age-appropriate.
Second, choose a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. Soft blocks, colorful balls, and ride-on toys are all great choices for a one year old. You can also set up stations with water, sand, and other sensory activities. It’s best to avoid anything too noisy or complicated that could overwhelm the kids.
Finally, if you’re having the party at home, create a “no-go zone” for certain areas of your house. Make sure to set up gates or other barriers to keep curious toddlers from wandering into off-limits rooms.
Having a designated play area is a great way to keep your little guests entertained and having fun at the party!

14) Skip the goodie bags
When it comes to a child’s birthday party, it can be tempting to get caught up in all the fun extras. Goodie bags are a popular addition to any birthday celebration, but they can also quickly add up in cost. If you’re looking for a way to save money on your first birthday party, skipping the goodie bags is an easy way to do it.
If you’d like to send guests home with something special, consider a few inexpensive alternatives to goodie bags. A small activity book or coloring page related to your party theme makes a great and affordable favor. Another option is to give out personalized treat boxes or labels that can be filled with treats or snacks from home.
At the end of the day, your little one’s first birthday is about celebrating with family and friends. Skip the goodie bags, and put your focus and budget towards the food, decorations, and activities that will make this day extra special.

15) Enjoy!
It’s time to kick back and enjoy the party! After all the hard work of planning and preparing, it’s important to take a step back and enjoy the moment with your little one. Relax, take some pictures, and have fun! This is a special time that you and your child will remember forever. Make sure to savor the moment.
It’s also important to remember that your child won’t remember this day, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to make it perfect. All they really need is you and your love! As long as you are all together, you will create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.