You have to keep in mind that he will not remember any of this, only from the pictures and stories you tell him. I would just go with a gift, and let the other people that you invite get the other gifts that you want. The cupcakes and decorations sound nice, but don't over spend. Try to get creative and save money.

its first birthday it should be special, cuz when he looks back at it he'll love what you did

That's a bit much for his 1st birthday, he won't remember it at all. It's all up to you and how much you can afford. Quite frankly, I'd get a few little toys and some clothes for him and then do the party stuff.

mmh to tell you the truth.. i always spend less on parties…so i can spend more on gifts. Most of the time my mother insist on making the food, so I just buy the cake…and over spend on gifts!!
At the end of the day, thats what they really enjoy!! All the toys, cake, and being over loved by every one in the family!

Personally, I think you are overspending, but that's your call. He's not going to remember a thing and the only surviving photo will be of him with his face full of cake.

i wouldnt suggest buying so many toys especially exoensive ones b/c they will play with them for a few days and then get bored with them and then you sell them for 10% of what it cost you. for my daughters 1st b-day i spent over $300 on her b-day and no gift so try to buy sas much as you can little by little before the party b/c it does get expensive as little as you make the party. i only invited part of the fam and it was pricy so be carefull

well to be honest w/ my first I thought we had to but him a big gift but then I learn first of all everyone else buts them SO MUCH STUFF that you just spent so much money in something that they will probably not play w/ that much so until my younger 2 boys are old enough they get one small gift like my 2 year old got a mini thomas the train from us this year and he still plays w/ it his birthday was in july and it cost me 5 dollars on clearance.. my youngest will be one this month 2 and we probably going to buy him a ball becuz that is what he likes and I think I will spend 3 dollars lol

Buy a pacifier. 30cents.

Hey, you celebrate your child's birthday the way it makes you feel happy…BUT, your child will have a very happy birthday whether he opens $20 worth of toys or $100. I bought my little girl things she needed. New clothes, sippy cups, pull ups, hair bows, books, new socks and shoes etc. You've got to buy those anyway, so it's not like you're spending a ton on "just birthday." Then we go her a rocking Tigger on clearance from Wal-Mart. And that was it, and that was enough. She played with the bows and boxes more than the toys, anyway!! We did this her first couple of birthdays, Christmases and Easters and Valentines….etc. Just remember, one day, you'll HAVE to get all the cool toys and gadgets because they'll be old enough to ask for them.