what to do for Baby's first birthday

Posted by s11mas (165 days ago)

Hi there, any ideas what to do for my daughters 1st birthday?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by cara (165 days ago)

first b-days are more for the parents than the children. she won't have any memory of it at all.

for my son's we had a party in the park. we got pepperonis pizza to cater it and we had about 40 adults and 7 or 8 kids come.

for my daughter's first, we had a party in our home (she shared the party with her brother). we had about 30 adults and about 13 kids. i made a cheese and a chocolate fondue and served fruit and veg.

i baked a cake at home for each of the kids for each party.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (165 days ago)

Agreed with Cara that the kid will never remember. As with #1, #2 (who turns 1 next week) will probably get a cake and wonder why mom, dad, big sister and helper are laughing and smiling and taking pictures. ;)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by crj (164 days ago)

Our son - first birthday, dad was on a business trip, mum was 8 months pregnant and sick, a week or two later we went to a family photo session at Moments Gallery to celebrate.

Our son - second birthday - dad came home from work early, and dad, mum, 10 month old and 2 year old went swimming together

Our daughter - turns one this weekend, just planning to have a nice family day, and schedule some family photos soon (waiting till she can stand up on her own!)

Once they start having a clue as to what a birthday is, we will continue to have simple family celebrations, and maybe include a few friends when they are a bit older. In my family, growing up, you got to pick the meal of your choice for your birthday... mine was lobster :)

I think there is a lot of social pressure, especially in HK, to have these huge celebrations.... so as a result, I kind of shrink from it all and keep it super simple. But there is probably a happy medium, like Cara having a lot of people, but simple and at home/park. Or the ever popular 'one friend for every year of age' rule - which is a good one!

BTW - Happy birthday to all the March babies!!!!

(I am based in Beijing)

Posted by axptguy38 (164 days ago)

"I think there is a lot of social pressure, especially in HK, to have these huge celebrations.... so as a result, I kind of shrink from it all and keep it super simple. But there is probably a happy medium, like Cara having a lot of people, but simple and at home/park. Or the ever popular 'one friend for every year of age' rule - which is a good one!"

Wise words in my opinion. I think that a lot of the big birthday parties (and big weddings for that matter) are more for the parents than the kids. Let it be the kid's day and let them decide. Some kids really want 25 of their closest friends having a blast, with clowns, tugs of war and other games. Some kids just want one friend there and a quiet afternoon opening a few presents.

"In my family, growing up, you got to pick the meal of your choice for your birthday... mine was lobster :)"

Same in my family. A very nice tradition. Typically I would choose breaded veal cutlets (Wienerschnitzel or Cotoletta alla Milanese depending on where you are from) with spinach.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Wheelymate (164 days ago)

first birthday - hosted regular playgroup at ours and a small cake cutting session, that's all. the next day, we took the leftover cake to the botanical gardens for a run around and picnic. it was great!

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by cara (164 days ago)

last month, we pretty much HAD to have lots of people. we live in a village in Sai Kung and everyone knows everyone. so if we hadn't invited someone, the rumor mill would have gotten going...

still it was nice, kids had fun... adults had a chat. we had it from 2-4, but everyone cleared out by about 5:30 or so.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by crj (163 days ago)

Cara - you moved from DB! Wow, SK must be great for your dogs and the kids too - congrats !!

(I am based in Beijing)

Posted by cara (163 days ago)

we moved last summer. we LOVE the space. the commute is a bit much... we miss our friends in DB tremendously... but the space....oh the space!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by shabu shabu (162 days ago)

I would recommend you order your cake from Truly Scrumptious, I had a really good experience with them! Another lady posted about them too, she got a quote half the price of deelite for the same cake. The website has loads of cakes to choose from:
www.trulyscrumptious.hk

(I am based in Hong Kong)