When it comes to throwing a first birthday party (or any party, for that matter!) the best part is that, truly, anything goes, from the food to the activities to goodie bags to 1-year-old presents. As you’ve likely seen — and will note in the variety of styles on this list — party ideas can include anything from a "pull-out-all-the-stops" event, complete with catered food and a long guest list, to at-home festivities in the playroom to just a great meal, where you surprise the little guest of honor with their very own smash cake.
And the same goes for incorporating a particular theme into the festivities. That’s especially true when the abundance of options out there can feel overwhelming, to say the least. But whether you decide to stick to a particular color scheme, spotlight a beloved animal (penguins!) or take inspiration from the season — all of which are featured here — there are plenty of fun and creative ways to mark this momentous occasion. Once you’ve decided on the overall theme, you can build out what else you need: food, favors, drinks, even games to impress the older siblings and friends at the party. With that in mind, we found of the best first birthday party themes to honor that very first year. Because, before you know it, you'll be planning a birthday parties for teenagers.
Rocket Theme
This “To Infinity and Beyond” space-themed features tons of on-themed details, like rocket ship cupcakes and even a Toy Story book for guests to sign. Buzz Lightyear and Woody would surely approve!
Surf Theme
Whether you live by the beach or are just dreaming of catching some waves with your baby one day, this "The Big One" birthday is beyond cute — and filled with inspirational details, from the orange-and-blue color scheme to the way they used their backyard play house as part of the décor.
Safari Theme
Break out the cheetah and leopard print for a safari-themed fête that your "wild one" will love. Along with some great décor, like these DIY rosettes and palm leaves, you can dole out jungle animal headbands for little — and big! — guests alike.
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Beach Theme
While this adorable beach ball-themed party was done for a second birthday, we think it would be a great fit for a first birthday, too. Set up your own ball pit (or opt for a venue that already has one!) and put up some handmade paper beach balls as décor, and you’re set! To continue the beach theme, you can give out neon sunglasses as favors.
Sunshine Theme
A “Brighter Than the Sun” sunshine party is a cheerful way to mark your little one’s first year. Up the fun with pretty plates, sunny tablecloths and other décor — like a sun-themed banner with photos from each month of your baby’s life.
Puppy Theme
Your newly minted 12-month-old will look cute-as-can-be in these DIY dog-ear headbands for their puppy birthday party, which can also include on-theme desserts, like cupcakes with doggie faces or cookies cut out to look like canines. Fun favors options: Stuffed animals or dog bone-shaped cups!
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Pajama Theme
Look no further than your baby’s bookshelf for a great birthday theme idea, like this party based on the classic book Pajama Time by Sandra Boynton. Decorations and desserts were displayed on doll-sized beds, stars permeated the decor and some of the cake pops even looked like the characters in the illustrations. They may be too young for a real sleepover, but a PJ-themed party is a great excuse to let the birthday kid — and even the guests — don their pajamas, like they did here!
Berry Theme
All the yes to a “Berry First Birthday” berry-themed party! The well-decorated cookies, splashes of red and white and other great berry touches make this party as cute as it is sweet.
Hot Air Balloon Theme
Sky’s the limit for your little one, and a hot air balloon theme is a wonderful way to celebrate just that. This tutorial for making your own Circuit cake topper is a great start, with additional décor, like paper lanterns and color-coordinating plates rounding out the experience.
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Cookies and Milk Theme
Nothing goes better than cookies and milk — except maybe when you design a whole party around this classic combo. A brown, blue and white color scheme, personalized milk bottles with striped straws and a show-stopping cake are just a few elements that can come together to make this a stand-out party. Other fun dessert ideas: Having lots of cookie varieties on hand or serving cookies and cream ice cream.
Farm Theme
If your little one is learning to “moo” and “oink” then a barnyard animals party could be in order. Simply add some red-and-white gingham, pretty cupcakes — themed toppers could also be a fun addition — and the brilliant idea of a “vegetable patch” sign in front of the crudités to help encourage kids to gobble them up.
Sweet & Simple Theme
Proof that over the top isn’t necessary: a “simple and sweet” themed birthday. Choose coordinating colors — the coral and turquoise shown here work well together and offer the right amount of color — coupled with some cute elements, like a banner with photos from your baby’s first year.
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Western Theme
There are lots of creative ways to play up a “Little Cowboy” themed first birthday, from making a personalized banner, like the one shown here, to handing out cowboy hats for guests to wear and getting the baby’s high chair ready for its smash cake with a garland of rodeo-ready ribbons.
Winnie the Pooh Theme
Who better to party with than Winnie the Pooh, Piglet and the rest of the friends from the 100 Acre Wood? Get guests in the mood with "Hunny" pot centerpieces and themed games. (Pin the Tail on Eeyore, anyone?) Send them home with Pooh-inspired goodie bags filled with stickers and other trinkets is another way to add to the festivities.
Outer Space Theme
Go less cutesy and more fun with a space-themed “First Trip Around the Sun” birthday, complete with printable cake toppers and favor labels. And don’t forget to deck out the guest of honor in a thematic bodysuit or full outfit to match the galactic theme.
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Winter "One-derland" Theme
Calling all parents of winter babies: This silvery theme party lends itself well to cold-weather celebrations, starting with the abundance of snowflakes and white-and-silver colors on details like tinsel trees and cake pops. Adding in some pink or blue, like on a glittery highchair banner, could also be fun, as would a snowflake-themed crown for (even just a few) pics.
Apple Theme
In the same way that a "Winter One-derland" party is great in the cold weather, we love how this “Apple of My Eye” party took place in the fall — not to mention the inspirational list of fall foods and apple treats one can serve at such a party. (Caramel apple nacho bar, anyone?) Other autumn-esque touches: Consider small hay bales or fake leaves in your décor.
Ice Cream Theme
Who doesn't love ice cream? Stock up on lots of different ice cream flavors, toppings and then add in some fun DIY décor — like this hand-painted sign — and you’ve got the ingredients to host a sweet ice cream-themed first birthday.
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Penguin Theme
There are so many cute and easy-to-do details incorporated in this inventive penguin-themed birthday party, from the balloons to the penguin cookies (peanut butter cookies covered in chocolate!) to the penguin stuffed animals for little guests. Anything black-and-white fits the theme, like striped straws, and don't forget the penguin favor bags!
Bee Theme
A bee-themed birthday is a bee-dutiful (we couldn’t resist!) way to celebrate your baby on their "bee=day," and this party takes lots of cues from these buzzy creatures and the flowers they love. We love the handmade highchair banner and the “thanks for bee-in here” favors, which in this case featured decorated Oreos. Cute honeybee soaps would also make a great take-home.
