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A child’s first birthday is oh so sweet and an exciting time for everyone as they come together to celebrate baby’s very first year of life. While some may say that first birthday parties aren’t worth the time and effort because a 1-year-old won’t remember them anyway, we disagree! Children and adults alike love to look back on all the firsts—first cake, first gifts, first big celebration. 

One of the best parts of a first birthday party is planning it out! Below we will help you dive into this exciting venture as we talk about unique first birthday party ideas, activities, food and drink ideas, and party favors ideas. After, we will share some final tips for planning a successful 1st birthday party at home or at a venue so that the party runs smoothly for all ages. 

Unique Theme Ideas for First Birthday Parties

Unique Theme Ideas For First Birthday Parties

Photo: Vidal Balielo Jr.

When it comes to 1st birthday party themes, there are many themes to choose from. Some first birthday themes are a play on words like ‘one happy camper,’ ‘little one,’ and ‘wild one.’ Some simple first birthday parties are character-themed with characters like Peter Rabbit, Paw Patrol, or Mickey Mouse. While these classic first birthday party ideas are great, we know some of you are looking for unique first birthday party ideas. Here are a few to consider:

  • Holy Cow I’m One (cow/farm theme)
  • Free Bee-Day Party or Fun to Bee One (bee/flower theme)
  • O-Fish-Ally One (fish/fishing theme)
  • First Down (football theme)
  • Hole in One (golf theme)
  • Berry First Birthday (berry/fruit theme)
  • Breakfast Birthday Party (great for afternoon nappers)

Fun and Interactive Activities for First Birthday Parties

First Birthdays

Photo: Shikin Malek

After deciding on the 1st birthday party theme, you can start thinking of unique first birthday party ideas regarding themed activities for your guests. Of course, a cake smash is always in order (and it’s the best photography opportunity). Here are some other activity ideas that are fun for children and adults:

  • Photo booth
  • Soft play area/sensory play area
  • Each guest adds 1 item to a time capsule
  • Bubble station/chalk station
  • Ball pit
  • Tablecloths that can be colored on
  • Water table play
  • Trivia (guests guess how many months old baby is in 1-12 month photos)
  • Backyard games
  • Indoor games (e.g., Minute to Win It games)

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Food and Drink Ideas for First Birthday Parties

Food And Drink Ideas For First Birthday Parties

Photo: Vidal Balielo Jr.

Another fun aspect of themed first birthday parties is that even the food can match the theme! Even sticking a toothpick sign in the food or setting a label in front of the food with a ‘play-on-words’ name is a unique first birthday party idea (ex: dry honeycomb cereal for a bee-themed birthday). Whether you’re sticking with classic-themed cupcakes, cookies, and finger foods, or want to do something more unique, we have some more first birthday ideas for you:

  • Themed charcuterie boards
  • Fruit skewers
  • DIY taco bar
  • Strawberry shortcake station
  • Sundae station
  • Donut pops (in lieu of cake pops)
  • Sandwiches cut into themed shapes
  • Small individual cups of fruit, veggies, or dry snacks

Of course, it’s important to consider your guests’ dietary restrictions and preferences if there are any serious ones. Hopefully, if it is something life-threatening, such as a peanut allergy, you will already have knowledge of that. If you’re unsure if anyone has gluten sensitivity, incorporating at least one gluten-free dish and one gluten-free dessert could be helpful. 

First Birthday Party Favor Ideas

First Birthday Party Favor Ideas

Photo: cottonbro studio

At the end of the day, it’s a wonderful way to thank your guests for coming by handing them a party favor. The trick to good party favors is to give guests something practical and useful so it doesn’t become another item in the trash. Any way you can incorporate the first birthday theme into the party favors is the cherry on top! Here are some unique first birthday party ideas for party favors:

  • Tiny custom picture books of baby
  • Garden or flower seeds
  • Coloring book & crayons
  • A themed treat or snack
  • Custom cookie cutter
  • Small bag of crafts or Play-doh
  • Balloon for inflating at home to play ‘keepy uppy’
  • Themed keychain
  • Thanks a Hole Bunch (with a donut or donut hole)
  • Smores kit

Tips for Planning a Successful First Birthday Party

Tips For Planning A Successful First Birthday Party

Photo: Pavel Danilyuk

When it comes to unique first birthday party ideas, you may already have a good idea by now of what theme you want to do. But maybe you are struggling with the party planning part or knowing where to start past deciding on a theme. Avoid falling into some common first birthday pitfalls by planning beforehand. Here are some tips for planning a first birthday so that it will hopefully run as smoothly as possible on the day of your little one’s celebration:

  • Send invites out 1 month in advance
  • Decide on the first birthday theme first
  • Purchase all that you need (other than food) for the party at least 1-2 weeks in advance
  • Order (if you’re not making your own) the smash cake at least 3-4 weeks in advance
  • Pickup food a few days before
  • Ask others to help you decorate and prepare for the party
  • Aim to have all the decor, activities, and food (where you can) ready 45-60 minutes before the start of the party (you may have guests arrive early)
  • Check bathrooms for toilet paper, soap, and hand towels
  • Ask someone to take photos so that you can enjoy being in the moment

Conclusion

To help your little one’s first birthday party to be a success, decide ahead of time what your theme will be, what activities you want to do, what food and drink you want to offer, and what party favors you want to send home with your guests. Once you have made these decisions, you can start planning when to order the cake, pick up items, and more. 

One of the best pieces of advice is to ask at least one other person to help you out. Your child’s first birthday party shouldn’t be a stressful one! Instead, it should be memorable and fun for everyone, including YOU!