It’s normal to want to go all-out for your baby’s first birthday. While they may not remember it, this is your first chance to celebrate your baby’s birthday. A first birthday is just as much about the parents as it is for the child. But it’s easier said than done to plan a child’s birthday. If you’re struggling to settle on a theme, consider one of these ideas that’s fitting for a first birthday. Now, your biggest challenge will be deciding which of these themes is best.
10 Wild One
At 1-years-old, your baby starts to recognize different animals and their sounds. So, a jungle-themed party is a cute idea that will appeal to your child as well as guests. Get animal figurines or stuffed animals to decorate the venue and give away as party favors. Source jungle-themed party supplies and utilize the color green to create the feeling of a lush jungle.
9 Teddy Bear Party
Another familiar sight to a 1-year-old will be a teddy bear, making it another great theme to choose for the first birthday. Catch My Party suggests picking up bear-themed décor and serving foods that are on theme, like bear-shaped cookies or treats featuring honey. As an activity, you can have young guests build their own bear by choosing an outfit and accessories from a predetermined selection. Give the kids an adoption certification to make it feel even more official.
8 First Fiesta
If your family has Mexican roots, consider throwing a “First Fiesta” party. Decorate the venue with fiesta décor and get your baby an outfit that’s just as bold and colorful. Serve a selection of your favorite Mexican dishes and treats, and incorporate classic fiesta activities that guests of all ages can enjoy.
7 Baby In One-derland
If you’re not afraid to go super girly with your baby’s party, consider taking inspiration from Alice in Wonderland. Create a colorful tea party that guests of all ages will enjoy, using the clever play on the words “Baby in One-derland.” Treat guests to a variety of finger foods and sweet treats to stay on theme.
6 One Trip Around The Sun
It takes the earth a full year to orbit around the sun, so celebrate your baby’s first trip with an adorable galaxy-themed party. Find décor with planets and spaceships to stay on theme, and serve foods with clever names, like alien-shaped cookies or galaxy ice cream.
5 A First Touchdown
If you’re looking for a sporty theme, consider settling on football, so you can use the cute saying, “First touchdown!” as Pop Sugar suggests. Decorate with football-themed decorations and treats shaped like little footballs or a field. If older kids will attend the party, consider hosting a casual football game. You can also gift footballs as party favors once the celebration ends.
4 Disney Movie Party
At 1-year-old, your baby is beginning to take an interest in television, and they may already have shown a preference in their choice of movies. If there’s one Disney movie they’re drawn to, consider making that the theme of the party. Serve foods related to the movie and pick up or DIY matching décor. If your baby doesn’t have a favorite Disney movie, consider choosing one that was important in your childhood or has some other significance to your family.
3 One-der The Sea
This is a great theme if your baby is a fan of water or just the Little Mermaid. Throw a “One-der the Sea” party, which is a play on “Under the Sea,” Mom-o-Party explains. Decorate with nautical décor and consider serving seafood to stay on theme. For a kids’ party favor, you can even consider giving out pet fish (or a stuffy if you think that will be better received by parents.
2 A Fairy’s First
For another feminine birthday theme, consider throwing a fairy party. You can instruct young guests to come dressed in their best fairy outfit. This is an excuse to go all out with your baby’s outfit! For kids that don’t want to dress like a fairy, suggest they come as their favorite character or superhero. Decorate the venue with faux flowers and whimsical décor to create a dreamy woodland backdrop.
1 Butterfly Bash
Another magical idea is to center your baby’s party around butterflies. As an activity, you can have older kids try to bug hunt with child-friendly nets. You can let them take the nets home as a party favor. Have face painting set up, so the kids can get butterflies or other designs drawn on their faces. This is something even your 1-year-old can participate in. As a final touch, consider baking a cake or cookies in the shape of a butterfly. You can even have the young guests decorate their own butterfly cookies as a game.
Sources: Camp, Catch My Party, Mom-o-Party, Pop Sugar, Queen of the Theme Party Games,