36 first birthday party themes and ideas for a one-derful party

It’s been a wild, memorable, amazing year since a certain special somebody entered the world—and now it’s time to party! Everyone wants to celebrate you and your little one, so how do you throw the best first birthday to do just that? The first step to planning a first birthday party is choosing your party’s theme, and we’re here with some ideas for adorable (and punny) themes for the party. 

Once you settle on the perfect idea, find sweet, customizable first birthday party invitations. All of our invitations include event management tools like RSVP tracking, guest messaging, and mailing address collection to make planning easier. After you’ve chosen the invite, you can fashion your decor, refreshments, and party games around the theme for a truly memorable occasion. 

Getting ready for the big day? Gather some ideas, themes, and activities to make your baby’s first birthday a truly special occasion.

What do you do for a first birthday party?

When it comes to your baby’s first birthday, there are endless ways to celebrate. Whether your party idea is a bonafide family reunion with tons of people, or an intimate get-together, don’t be afraid to personalize your first birthday party theme for a girl or a boy.

Here are just a few items and activities you can incorporate into your baby’s first birthday.

1. Start new traditions

There’s no better time to start traditions than your baby’s first birthday. Your child can claim they’ve been experiencing that tradition every year for their entire lives, and maybe even pass it on to their own kids years down the line.

Where do you begin? Perhaps you dress your baby girl or baby boy in their favorite color or bring out a special plate with their first handprints. It’s a wonderful time to look back on your existing family traditions as well and pass them on to the next generation. Sure, they can’t wear Grandpa’s watch quite yet; but maybe there’s an old family cookie recipe you can make, even if your baby’s only job is being the taste tester. 

2. Baby’s first cake

There’s nothing quite like the confused, delighted look on your baby’s face when they taste their first birthday cake, also known as a “cake smash.” It may even be their first dessert ever.

Make cake time even more fun by providing a smaller birthday cake your baby can smash their hands into. Watch Baby go wild with bewildered delight while the adults enjoy their own delicious cake on the sidelines.

3. Turning 1 photoshoot

Commemorate this big day with a fun photo session. Pick your favorite local park or deck out your backyard with streamers, posters, and hats. Then position the camera and let the fun begin. Adults and kids alike will love striking a pose and making precious memories on your baby’s first.

First birthday themes

The theme of your party can be anything your baby and you like, whether it’s a favorite food or the main color of their room. Even a favorite book can be a great theme idea—is there anything cuter than a “Corduroy” party, or a party based on “Pete the Cat” or another favorite character? From animals to outer space to pirates to tacos, we’ve got a theme everyone can get behind.

 

 

4. Wild one

If your one-year-old loves animals, throw them a “Wild One” party, or a party animal birthday. 

• Get the party started with cute “wild one” invitations 
• Bring in safari or jungle themes with trees, plants, and fruit
• Shop safari-themed party supplies to bring the jungle home
• Use lots of instances of the number 1
• Decorate with blue, green, and brown 
• Serve lion-themed cookies for an added treat

And if you’d like a literary lens, bring in some colors and images from “Where the Wild Things Are” to drive the wild theme home.

5. First trip around the sun

It’s the end of your little one’s first year on Earth, but it’s the very beginning of the next one. Blast into the stratosphere with a space-themed first birthday party. 

A delightful space theme invitation sets the stage for guests, so they know to look for an out-of-this-world experience. Find some starry and space party supplies, including:

• Planets, astronauts, and spaceships
• Cool black, blue, and purple decorations
• Some orange and yellow flames for a blast-off to remember

6. First bee-day

A bee-themed first birthday party is especially cute—even if you didn’t have a “Mama To Bee” baby shower. 

Show everyone that it’s fun to “bee” one with: 

• Bee-themed invitations and matching plates to get the “buzz” out 
• Black and yellow party supplies and birthday decor 
• Honey-flavored snacks and honeycomb decorations

 

 

7. Some bunny is turning one

Bunnies are a sweet way to celebrate a first birthday, no matter what time of year it is. Whether your one-year-old can hop or crawl, they’re some bunny special.

Play into the theme with: 

• Some-Bunny Is Turning One-themed invitations
• Woodland-themed decorations 
• Lovely decor based on “The World of Peter Rabbit & Friends”

8. Isn’t she (or he) one-derful

Turning one is a big deal—so focus your party planning on the number 1, itself! A number-themed party is not only fun for your guests, but it’s also a nice opportunity for your baby to prepare for their mathematical future.

• Use a first birthday invitation with a photo upload to show off your beautiful babe
• Add more pictures from the last 12 months to decorate your party
• Don’t forget the number 1 candle for baby’s first wish

 

 

9. One-der the sea party

Bring out all your favorite sea creatures (mermaids included) for an outstanding “one-der the sea” first birthday party.

• Send out a Sea Buddies invitation to set the stage
• Decorate in light blue, cream, and green 
• Use under-the-sea party supplies
• Consider adding fish and octopuses to the birthday cake
• Serve Goldfish crackers as party snacks
• Have a copy of “The Pout-Pout Fish” on hand for read-aloud entertainment

10. Unicorns

Unicorns have one horn, making them an ideal mascot for a celebration of one whole year of life. To bring beautiful unicorns—or narwhals, if you’d like a different one-horned creature—into your party planning, try:

• Unicorn party invitations to start the party off on the right horn
• Magical unicorn decorations, like festive balloons and horn party hats
• Gold, pink, purple, and silver decorations
• Rainbow sherbet as a tasty unicorn dessert—after the unicorn smash cake, of course

12. Winter one-derland

Winter birthdays are a special time of year. While they’re sometimes overshadowed by holidays, these birthdays deserve their own moment in the sun—or snow.

To plan a special first winter birthday:

• Send winter one-derland party invitations 
• Decorate with snowmen, ice skates, snowflakes, and polar bears
• Use white as the main color, with touches of icy blues
• Serve flavored ice or snow cones

12. Barnyard bash

Time for a hoedown at the farm! If your baby knows that the cow says “moo” and the sheep says “baa,” they’re ready for some fun down in the barn.

To hit the theme home, use:

• Farm animal invitations to let guests know that the rooster’s calling for a first birthday party
• Barn red-colored party decorations to put the “barn” in “barnyard”
• Tie in ideas from “Charlotte’s Web” for a literary twist

 

 

13. Rookie of the year

Your little athlete won every trophy this year—including your heart. Throw them a championship celebration with a sports-themed first birthday.

• Start the game clock with a sports party invitation
• Serve popcorn, cotton candy, and hot dogs for a stadium vibe
• If you’re focusing on a particular sport, like football (first down), golf (hole-in-one), or baseball (home “one”), decorate with sports party supplies like ball-shaped napkins and give every guest an on-theme cap

14. My first rodeo

Yee-haw! Everything about last year was the baby’s first rodeo, so host a Western-themed party that celebrates that wild, wild ride.

• Cowboy or cowgirl party invitations let guests know you’re planning a rodeo-worthy hoedown
• Bring in rustic party decor and bandanas to set the scene
• Have guests wear their Western finery, boots, and all
• For a cute touch, add bucking horses to Baby’s cake, table decorations, and hanging decor

 

 

15. One-ce upon a time

Treat your little prince or princess like the royalty they are with a fairy tale-themed party.

• Use general royal protocol—or their favorite fairy tale—to send out princess-themed invitations or prince-themed invitations
• For a special “happily ever after” party, decorate in gold, purple, and plenty of sparkles
• Incorporate royal birthday party supplies, including magic wands and regal crowns

16. Time flies

It seems like yesterday that your babbling one-year-old was a squirming newborn. Celebrate how quickly time “flies” with a plane-themed party, just right for those babies who point at the sky when they hear an airplane.

To stay on theme without any delays:

• Check out plane-themed invitations that feel like a first-class ticket to your dream destination
• Decorate your party with lots of blue and white to make the venue feel like the sky
• Glean color or decor ideas from “The Little Airplane” board book 
• Serve pretzel packets and ginger ale in small, clear cups

17. First stop: Baby’s party

All aboard the birthday train! 

Help your baby at their very first stop with a train-themed birthday. You’ll find lots of cute ideas for this birthday party theme, including:

• Train birthday invitations to welcome birthday passengers on board
• Decorations with bold colors and metallic touches
• A cardboard train with cars of snacks on the party table
• “Thomas the Tank Engine” birthday decor—every new toddler’s favorite friend on the tracks

18. “One” voyage

It’s time to say bon voyage to infant days and welcome to the mobility of toddlerdom. Bring out the sailor hats and the horns for a first birthday party all about boats.

Start planning with:

• Nautical birthday invitations 
• Decorations in sailor blue and red 
• Anchors and life preservers 
• A sailor suit for the birthday baby

19. Ahoy there

Get your baby’s best mates together for a pirate-themed first birthday party. Yo ho ho, and a bottle of milk! 

Host a celebration for scallywags and seadogs with: 

• Adorable pirate party invitations
• Red and black decorations, lots of pirate flags and parrots, and a chest full of buried treasure (i.e. favors to take home)
• Pirate eye patches for the birthday baby and guests

20. Birthday-saurus

Your baby doesn’t need to have a favorite dinosaur to love their birthday-saurus party. All dinosaurs are welcome at a rawr-ing first birthday party.

• Use dinosaur party invitations to bring everyone over for a dino-mite good time
• Add green and orange decor with dinosaur birthday party supplies
• Serve some veggies and meats for the omnivores 
• Try a few bold touches, like bones or caves, for more of a prehistoric look
• Use pictures from the “Dinosaur Dance!” board book

21. Construction site

Does your one-year-old obsess over every construction vehicle they see? They may be hinting at their ideal party theme. Lucky for you, there are lots of fun construction party supplies to choose from.

But first:

• Send out construction party invitations to let people know when the work begins 
• Find decorations in yellow and black 
• Serve snacks in toy dump trucks on the table
• If your baby loves “Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site,” bring some of those fun details to the party

22. A perfect picnic

Planning a party is fun, and a picnic party is a great way for everyone to celebrate your baby with their own snacks and lunches. (For those who prefer grilled meats, a Baby-Q party at the park might be the right choice.)

• Invite guests with sweet picnic party invitations that detail whether the party is BYOB— whether that means “beverage” or “baby” 
• Decorate with red gingham and other summertime decor, no matter what time of year you’re planning to have your party
• For an extra cute detail, add some ant decorations to the party—better than the real thing!
• Serve ants on a log and other small picnic snacks in picnic baskets

23. “Sesame Street”

Everyone wants Elmo, Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch at their birthday party. Bring the whole gang to your little one’s big day with a “Sesame Street”-themed first birthday party that would cheer up Oscar even on his grouchiest day.

• Send one of an adorable assortment of “Sesame Street” birthday invitations 
• Choose bright primary colors (yellow, red, and blue) for decor
• Add “Sesame Street” character pictures to your table decor and cake
• Serve cookies (for the Cookie Monster, of course)

24. A magical first year

Turning one is no magic trick, but it still makes everyone ooh and ahh. Bring out the magic in your baby’s first year with a magician-themed first birthday party, complete with magic hats, rabbits, and red capes.

• First, send out magical party invitations 
• Then, get the illusions ready with red and black decorations—including wands for the kids to wave around
• Consider hiring a magician for the party (or learn a few cool magic tricks yourself)
• Incorporate images of playing cards into your decor to add to the “pick a card, any card” vibe

25. Paddington Bear

A classic for kids as well as bear loving parents, Paddington Bear is the sweetest party guest on your list (besides your baby, of course). Paddington Bear birthday invitations bring a literary tone to your party. To add to the theme:

• Decorate your Paddington party in blue and yellow to match his timeless rain slicker and galoshes
• Find a baby-sized slicker and boots for your little one to wear—it’s an adorable costume that doubles as protection from the smashing of the cake 
• Serve tea and biscuits for a very British vibe

26. Afternoon tea

Speaking of a British vibe, cordially invite your loved ones to an afternoon tea birthday party for a dignified celebration of the first year of life. (Actual tea is not recommended for babies).

Start with:

• Teapot-shaped party invitations to welcome guests with a cozy greeting
• A tea-themed party spread that includes finger sandwiches, tea cookies, and scented sachets to take home
• Bring in lots of fresh flowers and gingham tablecloths for an authentic tea-time look

27. Baby’s first fiesta

“Taco ‘bout” a special kid! Some first birthday parties revolve around the smash cake, but with some strong planning and fiesta birthday invitations, you’ll turn “baby’s first cake” into “baby’s first taco” in no time.

To be the “taco” the town:

• Plan on lots of yellow, orange, and brown decorations to match the fiesta decor
• A (soft) taco bar is a must for a first Fiesta
• If you’re really in the spirit, try cutting the flan instead of the cake

28. One-der kid

Your baby has gone from a helpless infant to a walking, talking, opinionated pre-toddler in only 12 months. If that’s not superhero-level, what is?

Celebrate your little one’s not-so-little superpowers with a superhero party, complete with: 

• Superhero birthday party invitations that include a spot for a photo of your kiddo in their favorite superhero costume
• Decorations in bold colors—especially in red and blue
• Lots of masks and capes for guests to join in the fun

 

 

How to choose a first birthday party theme

With so many first birthday themes for boys and girls, how do you pick the best one? Here are a few quick tips to help you decide.

• There’s no “perfect” theme: As long as it makes you and your baby happy, it’s the right theme for you.
• Choose the theme that matches your level of party prowess: If you’re a party planning newbie, don’t sign up to decorate 101 dalmatian-shaped cake pops the night before your party. Leave that to the professionals.
• If your baby loves something unconventional, create your theme around it: It’s fine to have a party themed around your family dog, a garbage truck—or TV remotes.
• Use that book as your theme: Is there a book that makes your baby giggle? No one’s going to refuse to see that smile at a “Little Blue Truck” party.
• Keep photos in mind as you plan your baby’s first birthday party theme: Which images will you and your guests enjoy seeing displayed? Is there a photo that can help inspire a theme?
• If you can’t decide between two first birthday party themes, combine them: Who says you can’t have a mermaid-construction party or a sports-pirate celebration?
• Save themes you like for next year: If you go with one theme for the first birthday party, save another idea you like for next year’s theme.
• Explore the Paperless Post Party Shop for decor you like: You may not have imagined a dinosaur party, but you might change your mind when you see our cute dinosaur party cups. It happens.

 

First birthday party games for adults and kids

Now that you know what direction your party is headed, you can plan some awesome games and activities. Adults and children alike can play, laugh, and learn more about each other and the new baby.

 

29. Pop quiz

Who knows your baby best? Before your guests arrive, prepare a sheet of paper or a small booklet of questions about your baby. You can also send virtual quizzes beforehand if the birthday is over Zoom. Here are some sample questions to inspire you:

• How many teeth do I have?

• What was my first word?

• What’s my favorite book?

• What’s my favorite food?

• What makes me laugh?

Reveal the answers at the party or on the Zoom call.  Even better, pair the responses with a photo of your baby demonstrating the correct answer. For example, attach a photo of your baby eating strawberries under “What’s my favorite food?”

Guests can reveal their funny answers, right or wrong; you can even award the winner a small prize (Candy? Wine? A gift card?). Either way, everyone will get to know your baby better and have a great time guessing.

 

30. Match the photo

Ever wonder what your family and friends looked like at your baby’s age? Your baby’s first birthday is the perfect occasion to find out. 

Ask your guests to bring a photo of themselves at around one year old. Shuffle the photos and then try to match each baby to each adult. You’ll have a laugh seeing just how much everyone has grown. The person with the most correct guesses wins a prize for their excellent recognition. 

 

31. Time capsule

Here’s one way to immortalize your baby’s first birthday: a time capsule that your child can open when they’re older. Buy a few one-time-use film cameras or an instant camera and pass them out to guests at the party. Family and friends can snap fun photos until the film is gone and write messages to your baby on the back. Tuck the photos and any other party memorabilia into the airtight time capsule. Bury it in the backyard or…  just keep it somewhere safe. Ten years later, you’ve got the baby birthday gift that keeps on giving, with memories of their special first birthday.

 

32. Host a music class

Hire a kid-friendly musician or a musically inclined friend to prepare some songs for your little one’s first. Want to make it a play-along? Hand out kid-sized tambourines, harmonicas, shakers, and mini guitars.

The little ones can dance along, learn about music, and play an instrument of their own. They may not stay on beat, but their joyful singing will be music to your ears. 

 

33. Blow and catch bubbles

This activity is great for babies, especially ones who recently learned to walk. Look online for easy soap bubble recipes and try making giant bubbles with rope or an empty paper towel roll. 

You can also hand out small bubble wands to everyone at the party for an explosion of rainbows. It’s an inexpensive way to let children explore and run around. You’ll watch them put the “toddle” in “toddler.”

 

 34. Share storytime

Gather all the little ones around to read your baby’s favorite book. Make sure you put on your best character voices and make every word count. If the kids are old enough, everyone can take a turn reading and acting out the story. 

You’ll bring an exciting read to the table, and turn your baby’s favorite book into a fun memory for everyone.

 

35. Make a summertime splash

If your baby’s birthday is in the summer, you’re in luck for some great summer party themes. There are so many options to keep little ones refreshed and entertained. 

Consider buying a kiddie pool so babies can safely splash around and cool off. It also makes for a super cute photo opportunity. Or, just turn on the sprinklers in the backyard and let them run in and out.

Did somebody say ‘water balloon fight?’ For older kids, fill water balloons in advance and hand a few to each. Water balloons are sure to make this birthday a summer blast. You can also provide mini-water guns for a fun game of tag with easy refills.

 

36. Visit a petting zoo

There’s nothing cuter than baby humans encountering baby animals. Make your baby’s first birthday extra special by scheduling a visit to your local petting zoo. 

Children can feed baby goats, alpacas, chickens, pigs, and whomever else your petting zoo may have in store. It’ll fit perfectly with any animal- or cowboy-themed party. Some petting zoos may even be able to arrange a home visit and bring the farm to your door.

 

Have a one-of-a-kind party

Now that you found a first birthday theme, it’s time to send out those birthday party invites via text, email, or shareable link, and get ready to have some fun. Paperless Post Party Shop’s party kits include every element you need for a themed first birthday party without having to search around, making your planning process even smoother than you thought it could be.

 

Browse 1st birthday invitations

 

Hero image via Emily Francis Wheaton.