First Birthday Parties Done the Right Way

Your little one’s first birthday signifies not only your child’s first year but also your journey through the initial, often challenging, phase of parenthood. It is a significant transition for your little one. No longer a baby, about to become a toddler. Organising the perfect first birthday party can be both exciting and overwhelming. Family members will be shocked you are already at this milestone, while you cry over the speed at which you got to this moment.

To help with the task, we have created the ultimate guide to throwing the BEST first birthday party… 

The Theme

In the years to come, you will find yourself drowning in Elsa or Spiderman, or whatever the latest Disney / Pixar film is at the moment. So this is your chance to select a theme for YOU. Something that gives you joy, something that will be fun to decorate AND something that your little one will enjoy. 

Here are a few of our favourites:

Wild One – an animal-themed party with a playful twist. Think stuffed toys, leopard print, and even a ‘water-hole’ drinks station for parents.

One in a Melon – a watermelon-themed bash filled with fruity decorations, refreshing treats, and plenty of melon-themed fun.

The Big One – Gone Fishing – a  fishing-themed party where you can go “fishing” for fun with your little one, complete with fish-shaped decorations and water activities.

One-derful Adventure – a whimsical adventure-themed party where your baby’s first year is marked as the beginning of an exciting journey. Hot air balloon or airplane décor would be ideal here. 

One in a Minion – a Despicable Me-inspired theme featuring the lovable Minions for a ‘minion’ times more fun. Yellow and blue inspired décor and food is the key to this theme.

Bee-lieve in Firsts – a bee-themed party with adorable bee decorations and sweet tea treats.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, One Year Old Is What You Are – a starry night-themed party celebrating your shining star’s first year under the night sky.

The Menu

Crafting a menu that’s both enticing and practical for one-year-olds and their parents is essential. Keep the food simple, nutritious, and easy to eat, while being aware of any potential choking hazard food items that little hands could grab (maybe keep those blueberries / cocktail tomatoes for another time). 

Finger foods are always a winner as it allows for parents to snack with one hand while tending to their littles at the activity stations with the other. Here you can include easy-to-handle snacks like fruit slices and tea sandwiches to satisfy tiny tummies, and a full harvest board for the adults.

It is a good idea to serve healthy options at your birthday parties, so your little ones don’t become accustomed to going on a mad a sugar rush at every party you host. Balancing the menu with simple snacks such as veggie sticks with hummus or yogurt and fruit parfaits will please both the kids and parents.

Bring your theme into every aspect of your party, by considering bringing it into your food. Ideas such as using animal shaped crackers, themed cupcake toppers, or sticking with one or two colours go a long way in setting the stage for your event. 

The Time

Picking the optimal time for your first birthday party will revolve around your child’s routine. Aim to schedule it between nap times, ensuring your little one is well-rested and not overly tired. Give yourself enough time to wake them from a nap and acclimatise to their environment, because let’s be honest, waking up from a nap to a fully decorated party and all your relatives would overwhelm even us Moms and Dads. You will also want to give yourself enough time to dress them in that cute party outfit you have picked out for the day. 

It is also advisable to try to schedule the party in between your baby’s mealtimes. No one wants to be social and kissed by Great Aunty Mary when they are hungry and grumpy!

The Cake

The smash cake has become a beloved tradition in celebrating a baby’s first birthday. It’s a moment where your little one is encouraged to dig into their very own cake, creating adorable, messy memories that will be cherished for years to come. This cake is typically small, soft, and designed for the baby to smash into and enjoy on their own, so make sure you have a second cake on stand by for everyone else. The idea behind the smash cake is not just about indulging in their first ever treat; it’s also about capturing genuine, unscripted moments of joy and discovery.

The Activities

While the star of the party is your one-year-old, it’s important to plan activities that engage the various ages of young guests as well. Your fellow parent friends will be ever so grateful if their little ones could be entertained while they enjoy a bite to eat or a free moment to sit down. 

Sensory play for this age is a HIT. One year olds are tactile creatures, exploring the world through their senses, particularly hands and taste. Set up sensory stations featuring safe and fun materials like soft fabrics, textured toys, ice or taste-safe sand (crushed tennis biscuits) for babies to explore and enjoy.

Babies are often fascinated by bubbles. Providing a bubble machine can offer endless entertainment and joy and requires little to no intervention from moms and dads. Similarly, an age-appropriate soft ball pit is one way to create a delightful environment for little ones to crawl in and explore, fostering fun and interaction independently. 

If you are keen to be more hands on, designate an area for creative expression, offering washable, non-toxic paints and paper for finger painting or handprint art. You can put out stamps and baby paintbrushes for them to explore with. 

Ultimately it is best to keep these activities short and engaging, to hold the attention span of one-year-old. Try not to offer too many activities as this will also overwhelm them. You could have a few ideas as back ups if there is a lull in the day, but try to keep it simple.

The Memories

Our last and possibly the most important tip is to remember capture the memories! Designate a photographer or ask a friend or family member to keep their camera or phone in hand to keep the priceless moments of the day. 

Your child’s first birthday party is not just a celebration of their first 365 days, but an opportunity to create enduring memories for you and your baby, making it a day to cherish forever.