First Birthday Party Themes to Spark Inspiration

When it comes to raising a baby, there are a lot of big milestones to celebrate. Is anything quite as big and exciting as baby’s first birthday? Of course, it’s a celebration for baby, but it’s also a major celebration for the parents. The first year of parenthood is full of challenges, worry, and sleepless nights, but also excitement, joy, and love. Celebrate how far you’ve come in the last year. Because no matter what the first year has been like, there’s no doubt that it’s been a wild ride.

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While there’s a good chance your baby won’t actually remember the party, you will make sweet memories during the celebration. From a smashed cake to playing with balloons to reminiscing about the last 365 days, the first birthday is a big deal.

Whether your party will be an outdoor socially-distant get together, a virtual celebration, or a drive-by parade, there are a lot of fun themes to explore that will make for some adorable photos. And remember: it’s about celebrating parenthood and your baby’s first birthday. While some of these party ideas lean towards more over-the-top gatherings, use them to spark inspiration as you create the right party for your family.

Check out 21 sweet first birthday themes to consider for your little one’s big day below and shop some of our favorite first birthday celebration accessories too.

1. Babypalooza

Take baby’s name (or nickname), add “palooza,” and you’ve got yourself a party!

Source: Elizabeth Street Post

2. ONE in a Melon

Celebrate your sweet summer baby with a watermelon themed party. Serving refreshing watermelon treats might get messy, but a drooly watermelon baby is pretty cute.

3. Wild ONE

You can take this theme in a couple of directions, either with a party animal party or with a boho style soiree.

Source: Perfete

4. First Down

Celebrate the big first (year) down with a football-themed extravaganza.

5. Dreamy Amalfi Coast

Can’t head out on an Italian getaway? Bring those coastal vibes home with an Amalfi themed party.

Source: Katie Kett Photography via Danielle Moss

6. Rookie of the Year

Host a baseball-themed party to honor your little rookie.

Source: Grey Grey Designs

7. Floral-Inspired

This one might just be a good excuse to style your baby with a flower crown, which we fully support.

8. DONUT Miss the Fun, Baby is ONE!

We like this donut theme for the pun, but also because who doesn’t want to dig into donuts at a party?

Source: Floradise

9. Mr. ONEderful

This theme lends itself well to a baby dressed in a tuxedo, which is going to be pretty adorable.

10. Magical Unicorns

The magical beauty of unicorns makes for a super sweet birthday theme. Unicorn style cakes are too cute to pass up.

Source: Pretty Little Details

11. A-ROAR-Able Dinosaurs

Celebrate with this a-roar-able dinosaur theme for your baby dino.

Source: Domestikated Life

12. Milk and Cookies

Why not celebrate with baby’s favorite food: milk!

13. Mystical Mermaids

Maybe you’ll want to save this mermaid theme for a third birthday party (Under the THREE, get it?), but if you can’t wait that long, it’s super cute for a first birthday party too.

Source: Angelica Lee Blog

14. Teddy Bear Picnic

A perfect theme for your baby’s backyard get-together.

Source: Happily Eva After

15. Our Main Squeeze is One

Pucker up for a bright and fresh lemon-themed party.

16. Baby in ONEderland

This Alice in Wonderland gathering creates the sweetest little tea party.

Source: Parties 365

17. Baby’s BIG One

Want an original party theme that none of your new mom friends are going to expect? A Notorious BIG-themed party should set you apart.

18. Sweet as a Peach

Your sweet little one deserves a sweet theme to match, like this peach-inspired party.

Source: Garvin and Co

19. You’re the ONE that I want (Grease theme!)

An excuse to dress your baby in a leather jacket? Say no more.

Source: I Adore What I Love

20. Winter ONEderland

If you’re celebrating in the colder months, create a snowy, mystical winter scene. And bonus points for this theme because you can save the decorations for a future Frozen-themed party, which your little one is bound to ask for in a couple of years.