Any suggestions for 1st BDay party on the cheap

[Jnazurk]

DD is turning one in a little bit. Any suggestions on celebrating without going overboard?

I'm going to ask family instead of gifts to give $ that we will put toward getting pics done. She already has so munch. I've bought a dress on clearance from sophias style.

Her party will be mostly adults (our friends) so would it be cheesy of me to ask ppl to bring a small amount of munchies instead of presents so it's more potluck style? And I'm using "party" lightly-this is just more of a gathering. It will be in our house. Just friends as we live far away from family.

I'm also wondering about decorations. I haven't been in the dollar store-do they have plates, etc that are good enough for one day?

Thx in advance

[slayer_glade]

Yes, the dollar store definitely has.

I'm not a fan of being asked to bring food when it's for a specific occassion like a birthday or whatever. If it's a friend that's organizing a surprise, for sure I'll bring food, but when it's something else, I hate it. Not everyone feels the same way, of course, that's just how I am. Especially when I'm giving a present, too. It was a pet peeve growing up, lol.

Now, since you're telling them not to bring a present, I think asking for food would be okay if you're putting a supper together.

[Shwa Girl]

Yes, the dollar store definitely has.

I'm not a fan of being asked to bring food when it's for a specific occassion like a birthday or whatever. If it's a friend that's organizing a surprise, for sure I'll bring food, but when it's something else, I hate it. Not everyone feels the same way, of course, that's just how I am. Especially when I'm giving a present, too. It was a pet peeve growing up, lol.

Now, since you're telling them not to bring a present, I think asking for food would be okay if you're putting a supper together.

Good post.
I agree with what you suggested.

[gracesmommy]

i agree about the food.. you can do appys pretty cheaply.
what about:
a batch of meatballs (pretty cheap) in the slowcooker with a bottle of diana sauce then just pile them on a plate with party toothpicks
a couple frozen pizzas (or homemade) cut into strips to make like a "finger" for easy to eat food
mini burgers as sliders
mac & cheese

[corbinx]

I would definitely go to the dollar stores first...they have a ton of stuff and it's comparable to most party store items...$20 (or less) will get you all the supplies/decor you really need. I think my family would be offended if I asked for money...some of them really like to buy the kids "fun" gifts and I think that's okay. I always make a wish list of things that they might actually need (eg. bathing suit, socks, coloring book) and keep it handy to give to anyone who asks, so you could definitely add money for pics on the list. Most of the time my family offers to bring food and I have a list ready for them to choose ideas from. Sometimes if you are doing a theme it's easier to do it yourself though, especially if you can prep a lot beforehand. For friends I would definitely say no gifts though or you will be playing catch up for endless parties down the road. I say no gifts and hope that others will too so I don't have to end up wasting time, money, and effort buying a ton of presents for my friend's kids (we're up to about 25 kids now!) that they don't really need either. If you want to do something simple, just have a BBQ or do make-your-own wraps or put some stew/chili in the slow cooker. With some pop/juice (or a simple punch), a cake, and a few easy snacks you have yourself a party! You can even cheat and go to Costco (my favorite) and pick up most things you need for a very reasonable price. I'm sure the guests won't mind grabbing something from their favorite store on their way over or making their signature dish. Good luck!

[Jnazurk]

Thanks guys for the tips! It's nice to have other points of view so you don't get caught up in your own thoughts.

I normally wouldn't outright ASK people for food-I just find around here people want to bring something. And when you tell them no gift and don't give them an option, they bring a gift anyway and then we are back to square one (more stuff in the house, the gift catch up game as the other poster mentioned).

I'll be off to the $ store tomorrow.

Thanks!

[sweetproserpina]

If you are crafty, it's easy to make unique decorations with dollar store supplies. For my DD's 1st brithday, I had streamers (could make paper chains too) and used tissue paper to create these large poufy flowers I hung from the ceiling. (I think it was a Martha Stewart tutorial). I did a crockpot full of homemade soup, buns, veggies and dip, and cupcakes.

I just had DD's 2nd bday party today, and I'm thinking that for future parties, I'm going get a whole bunch of plates/bowls at the thrift store and pack a 'party' box that I can store away most of the time but when I have everyone over I always have enough stuff!

As far as asking people to bring food- I find my group of friends/family always ask if they can bring anything- usually I give them something small to bring- a drink, cookies, etc. Today one grandmother brought cookies, and another brought quiche- they were happy to help! You know your friends best, if they are dying to help and hate coming over empty-handed, I don't think there is any harm in letting them bring some food/drink- they can always say no

[cdnmom2010]

We did a sesame street them for our sons 1st bday in Dec. dollarama has plates/cups/bowls/cutlery/table cloth in the sesame street red, yellow, green & blue so matched well.

Also found sesame street banner/candle at dollarama!

[bargain_hunter_lola]

I like the suggestion of making decorations. If you're on a budget and it's not a formal party, you could spend a day making fun decorations with your little one. It's a two in one, a fun craft day and cheap decorations. People love seeing art work.

I agree on the food comments. I'd be a little put off if someone asked me to bring food to a birthday party. It would be different if it was more like a potluck.Perhaps you could plan the party at a time of day where people dont usually eat a lot. Like 2-4pm. That way most people will have eaten lunch already and be gone by dinner time. Just put out a few munchies but nothing major. Veggies and dip is pretty reasonable and yummy too!

Good luck on your party and have fun.