Baby’s First Birthday: Should You Go Big or Keep It Simple?

The first birthday. Can you believe it? You made it through one whole year of parenting! Sleepless nights, teething, growth spurts, first giggles—it’s all led to this milestone moment. Now comes the big question every mama finds herself asking:

Should I throw a big first birthday party or keep it small and simple?

The Motherhood is here to help you ditch the guilt and make the choice that works best for you. Whether you're the queen of party planning or someone who prefers a cozy afternoon with cake and cuddles, there’s no wrong answer here.

Let’s break down what regular moms just like you are saying.

What Do Other Moms Do?

We asked The Motherhood, and here’s how it broke down:

• 33% said: Go big!

• 67% said: Keep it simple.

Let’s look at the reasons behind both options.

Why Keep It Simple?

Less stress, less mess. More peace.

If you’re leaning toward a low-key celebration, you’re not alone. Many moms feel that a smaller gathering has serious upsides:

• Your baby won’t remember it. Let’s be real—they're more excited about tissue paper than the gift inside.

• Waste is a real concern. Think: single-use plastics, balloons, food waste… it adds up fast.

• It can be overwhelming. You spend more time hosting than enjoying. It's hard to be present when you're running the show.

• It can get expensive. Even a small party can snowball into a big price tag if you're not careful.

A simple picnic, a cake smash in the backyard, or brunch with grandparents can be just as special (and way easier on your mental load).

Why Go Big?

Because you want to—and that’s enough.

For many moms, planning parties is part of the fun. And a big bash doesn’t have to feel over the top if it brings you joy.

Here’s what we heard from the big party mamas:

• You’re celebrating YOU too. The first birthday isn’t just for baby. It’s for you, mama. You survived the hardest year. You deserve to be celebrated!

• You love hosting. If themes, décor, and backyard vibes light you up, go for it!

• It’s a chance to reconnect. With young kids, it’s hard to see friends. Birthday parties can become beautiful reunion moments for your village.

• There’s a lot to celebrate. If this first year included fertility struggles, health scares, or other hardships, go ahead and mark the milestone in a big way. You’ve earned it.

What If You’re Somewhere in the Middle?

You’re not alone there either.

Many moms told us that they wanted a small party… but with big families, it’s almost impossible to keep things small. Even “just family” can mean 30 people and a buffet table.

Others shared brilliant ways to compromise:

💡 Hot Tip: Seasonal Birthday Parties! One mom shared that her friend group hosts two birthday parties per year—one for all the spring/summer babies, and one for the fall/winter babes. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to celebrate together without planning separate parties for everyone.

Ways to Lighten the Load (No Matter the Size)

If you do want a party, big or small, here are some simple ways to make it easier:

• Outsource where you can. Ask friends and family to bring food. Have your sister-in-law bake the cake. Order pizza. Done.

• Use a venue if it helps. Whether it's a community hall or grandma’s backyard, picking a location that doesn’t require deep-cleaning your whole house is a win.

• Ditch perfection. No one cares if the napkins match the balloons. Really.

One Regular Mom’s Take (Aka Me!)

If you want the honest truth—I’m a go big kind of mom. I love hosting. I love our backyard, the decorations, the themes, the games for the kids, and seeing everyone together. I live for that joy and connection.

Do I get overwhelmed the day before? Every. Single. Time. One of my kids usually gets sick, the house is chaos, and I wonder why I do this to myself. But afterward? I’m already daydreaming about the next celebration.

That said, this year I’m taking some advice from The Motherhood. I’m outsourcing more. I’ll ask someone else to bring chips. I’ll use paper plates (even though I know it's wasteful—still working on that part). I’ll simplify wherever I can, but I’m still throwing that big party because it brings me joy.

Still Not Sure? Ask Yourself These Questions:

1. What will make me happiest that day—hosting or relaxing?

2. What’s my budget, and am I okay with spending it on a party?

3. Will I have help, or will I be running the show solo?

4. Does having everyone together feel exciting or exhausting?

5. Is this party more for me, my baby, or both? And what do I want it to feel like?

Final Thoughts: No Guilt Allowed

Whether you plan a cozy celebration with just your partner and baby, or you go full Pinterest board, remember this: You are a good mom either way. You can love a big party. You can hate parties. You can order pizza or bake an organic, gluten-free cake from scratch. It’s all okay.

Your baby’s first birthday should be a celebration of your journey too. So go big. Or don’t. Just do what feels good.

You’ve already done the hardest part—you made it through the first year. 🎉