Baby’s first birthday is the most momentous one! They transition from Baby to Toddler, can enjoy the sweets and fun, and are surrounded by friends and family who feel like there’s no way it’s already been a year. Celebrate your little “one” in style with a cheeky first birthday party theme that fits their likes and your aesthetic. Make sure to pick a theme that you love this year, because once your kiddo gets into cartoons and characters, you won’t have as much of a say in future parties! Here are some of the cutest first birthday theme ideas around.
One-Derland First Birthday Theme
Photo: @nurys_cake
Whether you take it in a fairy-tale direction with lots of Alice-inspired elements, or skew more seasonal for a June-August birthday with a “winter one-derland” of snowflake motifs and white faux fur, this is a luxe baby birthday theme with lots of possibilities. For a girl, we’re envisioning lots of florals, sparkle, and tulle. If you’re celebrating a “one-derful” little man, go dapper and storybook with little woolen overalls and a fun hat on him, and enchanted forest elements throughout the space.
One in a Melon First Birthday Theme
Photo: @sweetcreationspartydecor
There’s just something about fruit…and melons create an intrinsically bright colour scheme to work with. You might consider a full-on watermelon theme with bright pink details to match, as it’s fresh, fun, and easy to shop for. If your little “one in melon” needs could use more colour variety, a combination of melon tones (and snacks, and games!) would burst with fun.
Hole in One! First Birthday Theme
Photo & Decor: @TBBembroideryCo
The tiniest linksman is ready for their first birthday. This theme will score high marks with golf-loving parents and be a blast to plan. Oversized, squishy “golf”-look balls will be a must for the area where the babies are playing. Golf ball balloons and party favours are a must, and a soft palette of white and blue are the perfect backdrop for any pops of green you bring in.
One in the Sun First Birthday Theme
Photo: Elizabeth Doodah Blog
Your only sunshine is turning one! It’s time to have some fun in the sun. Sunny yellow, white, and coordinating pastels or brights are a perfect palette. Create a tablescape and balloon arch to match with a yellow sun at the center, get the kids outside to play, and serve lemonade and beach snacks. Yard games and a sprinkler setup would also be on-theme!
Sweet Little One First Birthday Theme
Photo: @balloonoccasions
For a lot of babies, the first birthday is also the first time they try cake. Why not expand on that idea to an all-out sweets theme that will charm and impress all of your guests? Poster-board-sized candies or cookies, lots of cheerful colour, and puffy white balloon bunches to create the feeling of “whipped cream” are some easy ideas. This is a theme that lends well to not serving lunch, too. Invite everyone over from 3 to 5 for a desserts party and don’t forget to include a candy display table and baggies as the favour.
Berry First Birthday Party Theme
Photo: @chelseagilbert1
Strawberries will never not make an adorable birthday theme, and for your little one’s absolute first, they’re “berry” sweet. Luckily, this birthday party theme is not super unique, so you’ll have no problem finding strawberry-themed paper goods. Consider a red velvet cake with strawberry icing to thrill and delight the littles.
First Bee Day Birthday Party Theme
Photo: @raisingbradfordsblog
A cute gender-neutral first birthday theme that plays on natural elements and can go boho bright or super minimalist. You choose your yellows and dedication to the theme — mini honey pots or honey candy are a sweet favour idea. This dessert table is flawless inspiration.
Wild One First Birthday Party Theme
Photo & To Purchase: Etsy/OhhHowCharming
It’s an open-ended idea with tons of possibilities from a jungle aesthetic to inspiration from the book, Where the WildThings Are. If you choose jungle, make sure to bring bright colours and faux greenery in, and add lots of sweet jungle animal motifs throughout the space and on the cake. A “lagoon” or blow-up pool for splashing in would also be sweet.
If you’re taking it in the literary direction, fashion the woods from the book with brown construction paper and simple line drawings or paint to create a moody tree scene. Dress Baby in Max’s all-white fuzzy outfit with a simple crown from Etsy to complete the look.
Baby’s Rookie Year First Birthday Theme
Photo: A Touch of Pink
Your little slugger’s “rookie” year has been a smashing success, so deck out the space with ballgame inspired elements and watch your guests gush over every detail. Encourage friends and family to come in the jerseys of their favourite athletes and the kids to come in their own sports uniforms if they have them. Serve stadium snacks and play fun, lively music. These details alone will knock this first birthday theme out of the park.
One-der the Sea First Birthday Theme
Photo: Hostess with the Mostest
An ocean-themed first birthday would make a splash your little guy or gal. Whether you stick with fish or add in sharks or mermaids, we’re seeing lots of blue, paper streamers as seaweed, balloons as bubbles for a sea-nsational soirée the kids will absolutely love. Pictured are some yummy food ideas to enhance the theme.
More first birthday inspiration:
- 13 Moments to Capture Before Your Baby’s First Birthday
- Virtual First Birthday Party Ideas
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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.
