It’s hard to believe, but my little Squish is already a year old. What. The. Actual. I cannot believe that her first birthday is here, and I have to host her first birthday party. Cue the tears. My little girl is a toddler now.
If your little bundle is approaching a year, you know how I feel! Time has flown by, and it feels like just yesterday we were navigating those sleepless nights. Now, your sweet little squishy baby is about to celebrate their very first birthday. Where did the time go?
If you’re looking for ideas for gifts for your baby’s upcoming first birthday, take a peak at my Baby’s First Birthday Gift Guide. I curated the best educational, experience based, and developmental gifts that will last. I strongly recommend making a wishlist for your baby’s birthday, instead of leaving it up to friends and family, so you’re more likely to get items that you actually want and need, without a bunch of loud and flashy electronic toys.
Whether you’re planning a big bash or a cozy gathering, it doesn’t hurt to have a little theme for decoration. I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to kids parties, even though I won’t use 90% of them between two girls. It’s ok. I’ve got some fun, memorable themes to make this special day one for the books. So, grab your party hats (and maybe a cup of coffee) and let’s dive into the world of first birthday ideas
Baby’s First Birthday Themes
Most of these birthday party themes have “one” in the name, but truthfully they could easily be adapted for any aged kiddo having a party. Like I said, I have an entire Pinterest board with kids party themes, so if you’re looking for more generic themes or party themes geared towards two or three year olds, be sure to give me a follow.
Wild One
A safari or jungle-themed party with animal prints, plush animals, tan table linens, and leafy decorations.
First Trip Around the Sun
Celebrate baby’s first year with a sunny, celestial theme with bright colors and sun/moon decorations. You could hand out sunglasses as favors.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Do you know how loved you are? A magical and dreamy theme with stars, moons, and soft pastel colors. This is what we did for my Big Kid’S first birthday.
Winter ONEderland
Perfect for a winter birthday, even though winter is basically over. It works for someone who doesn’t want to price tag of a Frozen party. Go for blue and white decor, glitter, snowflakes, snowmen, and cozy winter elements.
My First Rodeo
Highland cows are so popular right now. I don’t know if they are even found at rodeos, but that’s up to you. You could go for a standard cow print instead. Look for decor that has a cute western theme with cowboy hats, horseshoes, and a touch of country charm.
One Happy Camper
I really love the camping theme! Look for outdoorsy camping theme with tents, trees, and s’mores-inspired treats.
Under the Sea (ONE-der the Sea)
Dive into an ocean of fun with sea creatures, bubbles, and blue and green decorations. You could choose to go in a pink, purple, teal mermaid direction, or blue and red for sharks, or somewhere in between.
Some Bunny is One
This theme is perfect for springtime birthdays. (By the way, I have a list of baby names for babies born in the spring) If you want a bunny themed birthday party, go for plush bunnies as favors, carrots, and spring-inspired decorations.
Groovy One
A retro-inspired theme with tie-dye, peace signs, and funky music. This was basically my Big Kid’s theme last year.
One in a Melon
A bright and refreshing theme with watermelons, pink and green decorations, and summery vibes. I’m not a fan of Cocomelon, but this would be a good alternative to that.
Hole in One
A golf-themed party with golf balls, tees, and a playful “par-tee” atmosphere. Cupcakes with little flags would be adorable.
Berry Sweet First Birthday
I’ve seen the berry sweet first birthday all over social media this year. It’s so easy to do a sweet and fruity theme with berries, bright colors, and delicious treats.
Bee-Day
A few years ago we help my Big Kid’s party at a bee zoo, and I would 10/10 go back again. A sweet honey bee theme would be so adorable, with bees, honeycombs, and yellow and black decorations.
Little Monster Bash
Admittedly i only have girls, so I was trying to find potions for boys. Not that girls can’t have a monster themed party if they want, A little monster themed first birthday would be so fun with friendly monsters, colorful decorations and googlie eyes, and silly activities.
Time Flies
I saw a post with a photo op of an airplane and it was absolutely adorable. I think the newborn photos with flight goggles is also fricken cute. So why not a travel themed party? Especially for our air force families, although I doubt Ryan would want to have a sail boat themed party for our baby (as a navy sailor) Nonetheless, you can’t go wrong with an aviation-themed party with airplanes, clouds, and a vintage travel vibe.
Building Blocks
You know those giant blocks that say ABC that people put outside their venue at baby showers? I wish I had a picture. Recycle that for their birthday party, but paint them primary red, blue, and yellow. You could also pull in some construction themed decor like crane or excavator. Cue Blippi.
A Star is Born
Completely unrelated to Hercules, though I would love an Ancient Greece themed party, this one is vintage Hollywood instead. Think flapper era decorations or Gatsby speak easy celebrating the baby as the stat of the family.
Our Little Artist
This one is more for the kiddos with older cousins. Even if the little one year old can’t put Picasso to shame (yet), it’d still be fun to have an art-themed party with finger paints, crayons, and messy activities.
Little Explorer
Initially i lumped this one with the little camper, but I really like the idea of maps and compasses (instead of tents and trees). It would be really cool to frame twelve pictures, one from each month, with a map matte.
Donut Grow Up
A donut-themed party with a variety of delicious donuts. This is what we are doing this year, shouldn’t be a surprise. My gender reveal, her going home outfit, and our monthly milestone photos were all donut themed. Do tu theme was the logical choice for her first birthday party!
No matter which theme you choose for your baby’s big day, remember that this is about making memories, not perfection. Ultimately, you don’t even need a theme. Just get your friends and family over to the house, and spoil the heck out of the baby. I mean they’re literally a toddler now. The first birthday will be something you’ll cherish forever (even if it involves a little chaos and some cake-smeared smiles).
So here’s to your baby’s first of many birthdays, and to you, and me, for surviving the first year! Now, let’s go make some unforgettable memories and celebrate the magic of growing up, one adorable moment at a time.
