Party desk · 30 October 2026
Planning a first birthday party, calmly
A first birthday is really a party for the grown ups who survived the year. Here is how to make it lovely for everyone, including the one year old.
Keep it short
One year olds run out of energy after about ninety minutes. Book the morning slot, when they are fresh, and plan the cake for the second hour rather than the end.
Our 11am slot is the most popular for first birthdays for exactly this reason.
Keep it small
A one year old does not know most of the guests. Ten to fifteen children and their parents is plenty. The Jungle Room is cosy and calm for this size of party.
Invite cousins and close friends, and leave the big celebration for the fifth birthday, when they will remember it.
Up to 15 children, room hire from ₦85,000. Next to Toddler Town.
Think about the grown ups
Most guests at a first birthday are adults. Add small chops for adults, plenty of chairs and a spot in the shade for grandparents.
Ask your host to keep Toddler Town open for your guests only for the first hour, so crawlers have room to explore.
Plan the photo
The cake moment lasts about eight seconds. Decide who holds the baby, who takes the photo and who lights the candle before it happens.
A party photographer is worth it for a first birthday, if only so that both parents are in the pictures.
In short
- Book the morning slot, when babies are fresh
- Ten to fifteen children is plenty
- Look after the grown ups and grandparents
- Plan the cake photo before the candles go on
Wuse 2, Abuja
Plan it with us
Our party desk has planned over two thousand parties. Ask them anything.