I do cookies for birthdays rather than cupcakes because it is less messy. I also tend to skip birthdays for one year olds because I believe it is a privilege of the parents to see the reaction to the candle and cake etc. Even with the older ones we don't do candles just a special snack time treat - usually sugar cookies with icing and sprinkles. Sometimes I also serve ice cream if they are all old enough to use spoons.