1st Birthday Theme Ideas

A 1st birthday theme party is in my opinion the most special of birthdays and it really is your chance to show off your gorgeous baby and how he or she has developed and grown.

However, a birthday party for this age group can be quite overwhelming for them. All that noise, all those new faces and all that attention can be quite scary. So my advice is to not go overboard.

So whether it's a party for a 1st birthday boy or girl, just follow this way and let me show you what you can do…..

This may be your first every birthday party that you have organized and so it may all seem a bit daunting. Trust me though, you really don't need to do anything fancy as the main attention will be on your child and not on the decorations!

1st Birthday Theme Invitations

There are many shops with ready made 1st Birthday Theme party invitations but you can also make your own and it's not difficult.

Your invitations could go something like this:

• Write the details on a square piece of paper and then fold it just like you would a cloth diaper. Secure with a small safety pin. Simple but cute.


• Write the invite on a plain luggage label and tie to the end of a rattle or other small baby item.


• Write the details on a plain wooden building block and tie with a ribbon to represent a gift.
  
  
• Decorate plain card invites with pictures of your baby or images cut out from magazines. Sprinkle with a little glitter and baby talc to give that nice fresh baby smell.

1st Birthday Theme Costumes

Your baby is never going to have so many photos taken of him/her so you want to make sure s/he looks as cute as can be. Baby costumes have never been so cute and you have a mammoth choice. How about these for starters:

BuyCostumes (US)

Costume Discounters (US)

Fancy Dress Outfitters (UK)

Jokers Masquerade (UK)

1st Birthday Theme Party Decorations

• Depending on whether you are having a particular first birthday theme, balloons and streamers always go down well with the younger kids but there is no need to over do it.
• A special feature could be a growth wall whereby you have a frieze with photos of your child from birth to one. You could also highlight milestones such as first tooth, first step, and first word and so on.
• Set up a soft play area and also a quiet room space for those that will need a nap or some quiet time.
• Have an area/toys for toddlers.
• Make sure you have a clean and safe space for heating up baby food and bottles and plenty of kitchen wipe!

1st Birthday Balloon Bouquet

1st Birthday Decorating Kit

Mickey Centerpiece

1st Birthday Theme party food

One year old don't eat that much and they don't have a hugely varied diet – adults do though! Therefore cater mainly for the grownups and any older siblings that will be at the party.

One year old are not tidy eaters so make sure you have a dedicated food area and try to avoid too many foods that are 'fun to play with' such as jelly.

If it is a nice day, it might be an idea to eat outside. Set up a big picnic rug so the kids can eat and move about as they wish. If the weather is cold or wet, you could still set up a picnic area in your house.

• Cupcakes
• Cheese straws
• Carrot and cucumber sticks
• Bread sticks
• Ice cream, fruit mousses, mini yoghurts
• Shortbread Cookies
• Cubes of cheese and fruit
• Cake Ideas
  For something really simple, prepare a basic cake using a packet cake mix or my all-in-one cake recipe. and bake in a shaped tin. When cool, decorate it with frosting and smarties. So simple but so effective!

1st Birthday Theme Games and Activities

• Musical games
• Nursery rhymes and songs
• Peek a Boo
• Clapping games
• Name that Baby
  This is a game for the adults! Ask them in advance to bring a photo of their baby and of themselves as a baby and then see if you can guess at whose baby is whose.
• Hand prints
  Have the baby guests make a hand print on a large sheet of paper and then have their parents write a few words for the birthday child. Roll it up and keep it safe until their 18th birthday!

1st Birthday Theme Party Favors

• Small soft toy or cuddle cloths
• Chew toys
• T-shirt printed with a printed personal message on it
• Bibs and small clothing items
• Photo frame
• 1st Birthday Personalized Activity Mats
• 1st Birthday Personalized Lollipops

1st Birthday Cake Hat

Personalized Favor Box

Pink Rubber Duck UK Store

Other 1st Birthday Theme Party Resources

Need a place to go for information, support, or just to have a good laugh? Check out Celebrate Motherhood where you'll find encouragement for moms of all ages and all walks of life.

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Party Themes for ages 5-12 years