The first birthday is a significant milestone, marking the completion of a whirlwind year filled with joy, growth, countless cherished moments and just a few (ahem) sleepless nights. You’re undoubtedly eager to make this special day memorable.
Planning a first birthday can be both exciting and challenging. However, with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can throw an unforgettable celebration without spending a fortune.
If you want the essentials when it comes to first birthday ideas, including cake ideas, decorations, activities and gifts that cater to any budget, then stick around.
First things first
You might have a million first birthday ideas but don’t know what to choose or where to start. When planning a first birthday party, following a party theme is going to make the day a little bit extra special. It will also hugely simplify the process of shopping for things like decorations and the birthday cake.
The birthday theme sets the tone for the entire celebration, adding a personalised touch to celebrate your little one’s first year of life. The first birthday party theme doesn’t need to be super outlandish. In fact, tasteful and simple is the perfect way to start, as your child is still in a phase where they won’t remember it.
First birthday party theme ideas
Stuck for great theme ideas for your party? Think about what your little one really loves exploring or doing, and then incorporate that into the theme. Do they have a favourite toy or game? Do they love the beach or garden? Are they drawn to bright colours and machines? If you’re really stuck, Pinterest can be your best friend.
By adding a simple touch that relates to your child’s current phase, the special day can be tailor-made.
Whimsical woodland adventure
- Transform your party space into a magical woodland filled with enchanting creatures (stuffed animals).
- Decorate with earthy tones, tree branches and woodland animal cutouts.
- You could even throw in a nature scavenger hunt for the little explorers.
Rainbow cheer
- Embrace the vibrant and cheerful spirit of a rainbow-themed party.
- Decorate with colourful balloons, streamers, tablecloths and food.
- Encourage guests to wear different colours for a little more fun.
Beach time
- Set up a little beach theme with some beach chairs, umbrellas and a little clam shell wading pool.
- Have some beach or water toys for kids to play with.
- Decorate with colourful balloons, fresh fruit and finger food to top it all off.
Animal theme
- Create a wild and adorable party by having a collection of stuffed animals and animal cutouts. Options are endless with farmyard, jungle and zoo animals being only the start.
- Include animal-shaped balloons and cake, with an inexpensive animal backdrop to set the scene.
- You can offer animal face painting or do a little pet parade with children doing a march with their favourite animal.
Food for thought
Simple is best when it comes to party food for a first birthday. Kids love fresh fruit and finger foods are great for little ones to feed themselves with.
The birthday cake is definitely the centrepiece and will match your theme well. Think about whether or not you want a classic cake, a tower of cupcakes or if you need a cake topper. Perhaps you want to try out the trending first birthday smash cake?
Rich and indulgent cakes are not ideal for your little one and they might also not enjoy it. Go with a milder, neutral flavour like vanilla, banana or weak chocolate. These tend to be some of the preferred first birthday cake flavours.
If you’re thinking about sweets, they need to be safe for littlies. Avoid small items like M&M’s and other lollies that could be a choking risk. Cake and ice-cream are perfectly fine for dessert, and remember your one-year-old won’t eat much.
If you’re giving out party bags, think about things that will be used and are safe for one-year-olds. A small bubble packet, a plastic animal or a little jar of playdough are some cool ideas that will actually get used.
Party decorations
Balloons are the ultimate decoration and kids love them using them as toys. If you have some balloons, streamers and a simple garland or bunting flags, you can’t go wrong. Your house is the best party venue for your child’s birthday party, with easy access to food, drinks, bathrooms and the much-needed changing table.
Fun and games
A first birthday is a big day and kids want to have fun. If all the baby friends are one-year-old or younger, you don’t need to plan any activities. Just let them have some fun in the play area (supervised of course).
If your guest list includes older kids or there are older siblings, you’d want to cater for them too.
Some fun options could include:
- hire a small ball pit for the little guests to play in
- buy a couple of clam shells, filling one with sand and the other with water
- make some bubbles or get a little bubble machine
- hire a photo booth for some funny pictures
- have a designated play area set up with toys, books and dress-ups
Final touches for your first birthday ideas
Anyone with a one-year-old knows that things can get out of hand pretty fast. Little ones need a nap, they get hungry and grumpy, have a smelly nappy or need an outfit change. Plan your party around the time when your baby will have finished their day nap so they are refreshed and ready to party. Have a cute first birthday outfit that will be OK if it gets covered with cake, or dirty from playing, and a backup if the nappy explodes.
When thinking about first birthday gifts, it’s great to buy things they can play with that will expand their learning and still be loads of fun. Items like puzzles (age-appropriate), kid’s musical instruments, books and sensory toys are great.
Remember you don’t need to feel under pressure. Create what’s right for your birthday boy or girl, and do it in a way that fits your family. The first birthday party ideas may seem endless, but simple is best. The priorities for the big milestone are being together with those you love, celebrating your little one and making lots of special memories.
What’s next? Here are some birthday cake inspo
