Ideas for 1St Birthday Party

S.,
Have the party at a Park (BBQ) - so the kids can run around and play. Also, since your parents are divorced - that's neutral grounds and it's big enough for both parents to attend.

For both my girls, we kept the party small with only immediate family. You could easily have the party at a park (the one behind the T.O. library is very nice)or a restaurant. Just remember to plan it around baby's nap time.

having a party at the park is a great way to celebrate a b-day. having a potluck or BBQ is a great way for family and a few friends to get together.

S.,
For each of our boys first birthday we kept it small. By having a family BBQ or even just a special dinner at home with closest friends. You can also move this to a park based on weather in your area. Have a family pot luck. This is a great way to turn the birhtday of your son into a family activity. Your son will not remember it but there will be lots of pictures to show him one day of his entire family coming together to celebrate. Whatever you plan, make sure you have that famous picture of your son digging into his first birthday cake. I baked a small one just for each of our sons (I even made it carrot cake to add a little bit of veggies).

Potluck gathering at the park would be a cheap way to celebrate. Or have the gathering in between lunch and dinner with just appetizers...picnic at the park? Since my daughter wouldn't remember her first bday, we just did it simply in our own home with our immediate family. We took pictures and gave her a cake. By the way, I heard Albertsons (?) might offer a free first birthday tiny cake. Worth looking into. Great for pictures. If not free, they are cheap!

Personally, I'd forgo the party and use the money to start a college fund. Wait until he's old enough to appreciate the expense.