My baby is turning 2 this October and I really don't think it's necessary to throw a huge birthday party. I'm thinking of a small gathering. Can you share your thoughts and experiences on this?

I guess it's not really that necessary. My partner and I have plans to throw the usual first birthday party celebration for our child but not for his second. I think it's just more practical to save whatever the supposed expense will be. And besides, it's not only through grand parties that we can celebrate our child's birthday, IMO :)