DS's 1st birthday. Help please...

[Calluna]

I've procrastinated enough, now it's time I got my butt into gear and started thinking about Isaac's 1st birthday...
We're on a fairly tight budget. Below are my idea's so far. Please let me know what do you think ...
-a picnic/ bbq lunch in the park- byo food or we could do a bring a plate type thing.
- we could have it at a play centre (haven't looked up prices yet, but we may cover entry fee's) for arvo tea- with a buy/ bring thier own food.

Both options would mean we would not ask for presents as the guests would mostly be paying for themselves and I feel that would be rather unfair, not to mention rude.

Any other idea's? I'm not too keen on having it at home as I'd have to clean up lol (and if we're out somewhere it'll be easier to get rid of certain guests that dont recognise when it's time to leave, even though they've been hanging around for hours and everyone else has left... ).

[zwan87]

I like the bbq idea i did this for my one year olds party and it worked out great.

[Lulu]

I find the park a great idea. Stupid play centres are always exxy, very limited in food and you can't bring your own cake (usually).

Go the park! Rug the little buggers up and take a few balls. You can do a BBQ pretty cheap and it's nice and relaxed.

[ss_storm]

I'd go the park (provided the weather isn't going to be too yucky!). I think we'll do something like that. We won't be doing anything big because we don't really have any friends to invite so will just be family, unless a few of my friends from Wagga with kids decide to make the trip. they aren't going to remember the day anyway so I wouldn't go paying for something 'fun' like a playcentre when they aren't going to get much out of it.

[Calluna]

My main concern is the weather... Oh and ants *shudder*
aside from that I would go for the park no worries. If it wasn't for my gross housemates I'd just get everyone to come here if it rained. *sigh*

anyone know any other indoor places that are kid friendly? All I can think of is play centres, there's gotta be an alternative...?

[Mum2Romone]

What about a grandparents place. Do you have one close by?

[Calluna]

The gross housemates are his grandparents lol. good idea though.

[Laranna]

I'd go the park too but that's because I'm afraid of indoor play centres!
The only bad thing about the park in July would be the weather, but as long as it's not raining, you should be ok if everyone rugs up. Bring a couple of thermos' so the adults can have a nice hot cuppa. Try and find a park that has a big gazebo you can all hide under if it does rain.

[helle]

sausage sizzles all the way!!
You could get a heap of snags and buns for less than 30 bucks
get everyone to bring a salad to share...
then your LO can still get spoilt with pressies
It is a first birthday afterall... so much wrapping paper fun to be had!

[~Debbie~]

For my DS1's 1st birthday, i hired the room where we have playgroup. It only cost $40 for a few hours, and I also borrowed some of the bigger toys from the toy room. You could do something like this if you are worried about having it outside due to the weather. Perhaps asking at your local community center how much to hire a room, buy a couple of bags of balloons and have the blown up and scattered around the room. You can still do a 'bring a plate' type thing.

[ss_storm]

Nah I wouldn't worry about ants in the middle of winter!

Debbie's idea is great, are there any community centres/halls nearby you could hire for the morning/afternoon?

[Calluna]

Well we've decided on the bbq in the park. Just have to hope it doesn't rain! It's still gonna cost more than I wanted to pay but what can ya do. Probably shouldn't have spent so much on his presents .

[Mum2Romone]

Hope you all have a great day .. And take pictures after all its his 1st Bday Ever .....have fun !!!