How to Throw a First Birthday Party Without Going Broke
The "First Birthday" is a huge milestone—mostly for the parents who survived the first year! But social media has convinced us that we need a professional photographer, a catered meal, and a three-tier cake. Spoiler alert: Your one-year-old will not remember this party. Here is how to celebrate beautifully on a budget. 1. The "Smash Cake" Hack Don't pay $50 for a tiny cake just to have it destroyed. The Fix: Buy a box of cake mix ($3) and a tub of frosting ($2). Bake it in a muffin tin or a small round pan. Let the baby smash it. It looks exactly the same in photos, and you saved $45. 2. Time it Right (The "Sweet Spot") The biggest mistake parents make is hosting a 4-hour party. A one-year-old only has about 90 minutes of tolerance before they melt down. The Strategy: Schedule the party for 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM (between the morning nap and lunch). The Bonus: Since it's not "lunchtime," you don't have to serve a full meal! Bagels...