A Secondhand Birthday Celebration

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A Secondhand Birthday Celebration

February 4, 2021

A first birthday should be a celebration for both the parents and the baby(s). With the current COVID restrictions in BC we were unable to host a party or celebrate with our families. This was harder on me than it was on Evie and Poppy! A first birthday is so special. It’s a time to reminisce about the first year, see how far you and your baby(s) have come and to be with those you love. Why not throw a secondhand birthday and still make it special?

I had an idea for Evie and Poppy’s birthday but kept going back and forth on whether I should do it. It felt like, what’s the point. Then I realized their first birthday will never happen again. This was a time to celebrate, for joy and love. Even if it was only the four us it could still be special.

The best thing to do was a secondhand birthday, budget friendly but still adorable. I wanted to sent up a little area for a “cake” smash and another for their birthday present. First I made a list of everything I needed.

Children’s Tent
Floor Cushion
Material for a One sign
A Cake Stand
Banner
Dresses

Where to Shop for a Secondhand Birthday?

DECOR: There are a few good places to shop for secondhand birthday pieces. The Salvation Army Thrift Store is a great option for material, pillow cases and cake stands.
CHILDREN’S GIFTS: Secondhand children’s items like a tent I would suggest Facebook Marketplace. You can easily search your area and also add a notification for any new things posted.
FABRIC: In Vancouver we have a wonderful shop for fabric Our Social Fabric it’s actually material that has been donated by various industries, such a great idea! I emailed an inspiration photo and they put together a package for me that was perfect.
CLOTHES: You know how much I love secondhand clothes! Kids clothing is even more fun. I was able to find these matching dresses from a local North Vancouver consignment store Wide Eyed Wondershop. There are so many wonderful options for secondhand children’s clothing, the Salvation Army Thrift Store, Consignment Store, Poshmark, Online retailers. Search your local area to see what is available.

I did buy two new baby dolls which were our gifts to the girls. I found a seller on Etsy who sold the brand I was looking to purchase. Even though these were new I was happy to support a small business.

Breakdown Cost of Secondhand Birthday:

Beige Canvas Material – Salvation Army Thrift Store $6.99
Purple Glass Cake Stand – Salvation Army Thrift Store $4.99
Children’s Tent – FB Marketplace $40
Pink Floor Cushion – FB Marketplace $5
Large Pillow Covers – FB Marketplace $10
Material for Hearts – Our Social Fabric $15
The two decorative pillows, letterboard and satin material I already owned

TOTAL COST – $81.98

Instead of serving Evie and Poppy cake we opted for banana muffins with creme chantilly (which is whipped cream with very low sugar). This was a huge hit! They eat muffins all the time but never a full sized one or with a huge dollop of whipped cream. They were so excited and definitely ate the whole thing.

Here are a few tips if you have an upcoming celebration.

Shop secondhand if you can, this will make your celebration budget friendly and unique!
Film your celebration. We didn’t have anyone to take photos of us or the girls or them eating their cake. I set up a tripod with my phone and made a 7 minute video. It’s easy to grab still shots from and fun to rewatch.
Go for it! Even though you might not be able to host a party, have fun and enjoy the moment.

Even though Evie and Poppy’s first birthday was only the four of us, I will always remember it and be happy we took the time to celebrate. Most of my secondhand pieces I will be able to use again next year because let’s be honest TWO is the new ONE. Am I right?