20 Creative First Birthday Party Ideas

Tips for Throwing a First Birthday Party

Sometimes, the hardest part of planning an event as special as a first birthday celebration is getting started. Between scheduling, decorations and refreshments, the process can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to ensure a positive party planning experience:

1. Choose a Theme and Color Palette

Think about some of your child’s favorite toys, games and characters, and use them as a starting point to determine the perfect theme and color scheme for your party. This will give your party a cohesive look, and you’ll be showing off pictures from it for years to come.

2. Prepare a Menu Both Parents and Kids Can Enjoy

No first birthday party is complete without a selection of tasty snacks. This is your chance to get creative in the kitchen. Supplement the cake and desserts with a colorful veggie platter and baby-friendly finger foods.

3. Create a Tentative Schedule

It’s important to have an idea of the party’s meals and activities, as well as when you want them to start and end. This way, you can ensure your party runs smoothly and everyone has a great time.

4. Get Crafty

There are countless DIY ways to plan a fun, vibrant first birthday celebration. If it gets tricky finding party supplies that fit your specific theme, you can make them yourself. Explore our tutorials and templates that will help you spruce up your child’s birthday party with creative homemade decorations.

5. Take the Party Outdoors

Who doesn’t like a relaxing get-together on a warm, sunny day? If the weather in your area allows, you can set up tables and activities in your backyard or at a nearby park. An outdoor party can provide a lot more space to celebrate a first birthday, especially if there are games involved.  

6. Photograph as Much as Possible

Throughout all of the hustle and bustle of planning and hosting a first birthday party, don’t forget to stop every once in a while and document your hard work. If you find yourself too busy with hosting duties, you can either hire a professional photographer or designate someone at the party to take pictures of the festivities. You’ll be looking back on this day for a long time, so you’ll want to remember how special it was for you and your child.  

First Birthday Party Themes

Here’s your chance to incorporate all of your baby’s favorite things into their first birthday celebration. Think about what colors, characters and games have brought joy to your family over the last year, and use them as a foundation for your decorations and activities. This is where your creativity will shine through, and there are countless ways to showcase that.  

7. Add Pops of Color with a Polka Dot Party

Polka dots can provide a basic yet adorable theme that will bring a pop of color to your baby’s first birthday party. Decorate with themed balloons and streamers, and use sprinkles and food coloring to bake a polka dot cake.  

8. Host a Nautical Party

Celebrate your little sailor’s first birthday with a nautical celebration. This is perfect for a summer birthday. Use sea creatures and sailboats as starting points for food and decor ideas. You can personalize sailor hats and party favors for your guests. Whether your baby loves pirates or mermaids, this theme is versatile and can be used for any underwater endeavors.

9. Tell a Story with a Very Hungry Caterpillar Party

Put a creative spin on the festivities with a colorful tribute to Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Using the book’s bright colors and imagery as inspiration will create a pleasant and familiar atmosphere for guests and their babies. Incorporate characters from the book into your decorations and refreshments, especially the cake.

10. Create an Adventure with a Safari Party

Incorporate your baby’s favorite zoo animals into a wildly entertaining safari birthday experience. Use a mix of leafy green tones and elegant gold accents to create the perfect jungle aesthetic. Add a charming touch to your safari decor with stuffed tigers, lions, elephants, and other adorable jungle creatures.

11. Hit a Home Run with a Sporty Party

For athletes and fans, a sports-themed party can be a fun, vibrant way to celebrate your little one’s first lap around the sun. Decorate with patterns and objects related to their favorite sport, such as footballs, pennants and trophies. You can even play the sport as a party activity for parents and older children. Backyards and parks provide the perfect outdoor settings for these parties.

12. Throw a Barnyard Bash

If your baby is fascinated with farm animals, throw them a barnyard bash. You really can’t go wrong with a first birthday party theme that displays cows and horses. Create a party game out of guessing farm animal noises, and serve cute and funny barnyard-related snacks, like pigs in a blanket. You can even have your guests’ babies sit on a rocking horse for some adorable little farmer photos.  

First Birthday Party Decor

From balloons and streamers to centerpieces, there are endless ways to dress up your venue. Here are some of our favorite first birthday ideas to dress up your party.

13. Start with Brightly Colored Streamers and Balloons

The easiest starting point for first birthday party decor is balloons, streamers and other classic birthday decorations. Pair warm and cool colors that complement each other. Tie in leaves and foliage to add texture to the look.

14. Match Your Tableware to Your Theme

There are countless ways to set a lunch or dinner table that will impress. Search for plates and silverware that match your party’s theme. Or, for easy cleanup, use paper plates and plain plasticware as a base for crafty decorations that fit the theme of the celebration.

15. Turn Toys and Games Into Decorations

Repurpose the games and toys you already have at home. The presence of toys provides opportunities for activities and a familiar ambiance for your one-year-old and their guests. One example is incorporating a play tea set and stuffed animal “guests” into an elegant outdoor party.

16. Bring the Party to the Nursery

An elegantly-decorated nursery can serve as a great starting point for your party’s decor. Lean into bubbly and bright patterns in the wallpaper, and take advantage of fun figurines and art around the room. Incorporating the nursery into festivities will provide your baby an environment that they’re used to with easy access to their crib for a quick nap between all the excitement of the party.

17. Include Self-Serve Healthy Snacks in Your Menu

When decorating, don’t forget to find the right presentation for your food. For a first birthday party, self-serve and buffet-style usually work best since many of your guests will be parents tending to their babies. Plus, this allows you to focus on other aspects of the party while your guests help themselves to delicious and healthy refreshments.  

First Birthday Party Favors

One of the most challenging yet exciting aspects of a first birthday party is the party favors. This is an opportunity to memorably thank those who came out to celebrate your baby’s first year of life. Follow these party favor tips for creative ways to show your gratitude to your guests.

18. Customize Your Goodie Bags

Add a personal touch to your party favor bags with custom toys and treats that correspond with the theme of your party. Take your favors the extra mile by personalizing each bag to your specific guests. This attention to detail will show your guests that you appreciate their presence on your baby’s big day.

19. Include Matching Stuffed Animals or Dolls

What baby doesn’t love stuffed animals? You can even customize and decorate dolls to fit your party’s theme. Send your party guests home with a gift they can use over and over again. They’ll be a hit at future playdates!

20. Brighten Up Your Party Favors with DIY Pom-Poms

This simple tea bag pom-pom craft can be made using brightly-colored tissue paper and twine. Fill it with small treats and tie in a thank-you label for the perfect first birthday party favor. You can also modify the color or design of the pom-poms to fit whatever theme of your party is.

Once you have decided on the specifics of your party, you’ll be ready to host a celebration that you and your guests will certainly enjoy to the fullest and fondly remember for years to come.