Your baby’s first birthday is a big deal! Not only is your little one growing up so quickly, it also officially means you survived an entire year of being a parent and THAT is something to celebrate! So if you plan on throwing a party for your soon-to-be toddler, then the first task is choosing the party theme. This birthday is unique because, chances are, your little one doesn’t have very many distinct interests yet, so the theme is really all up to you. Listed below are a few unique and versatile party themes that could be used for girl or boy. Good luck choosing and have fun with the planning process!

 

1. Beach

One of my nephews’ first birthday was a beach theme and it was incredible. My sister-in-law put a bunch of kiddie pools all over her backyard filled with toys and sand. She also had a slip n’ slide bounce house that was a hit with the older kids (and some adults haha). There are so many directions you could take this theme!

2. Circus

My second nephew’s first birthday party was a circus/carnival theme! Everyone had red noses on and there was popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cones for everyone to enjoy.

3. Barnyard/Farm

Think haystacks and overalls! If you’re into it, maybe even a petting zoo!

4. Fiesta

I’m from San Antonio, which is home of fiestas! The brighter the colors the better for this theme. Serve some Mexican food favorites like a taco bar, churros, and paletas!

5. Camping

This is the theme I’m going with for Blake!! We are having little tents sent up for the little ones to crawl into, foxes and raccoons everywhere, and s’mores flavored cupcakes.

6. Favorite Book (Where the Wild Things Are, Dr Seuss, Curious George)

A Where the Wild Things Are theme was a close second for Blake’s party. But a colorful and wacky Dr. Seuss party would be such a hit!

7. Candy Land

Sweets are a huge party of any birthday party, so why not make it the focus? A candy land party would be pastel filled and maybe have stations of games for the kids such as Gumdrop Mountain and Peppermint Forest.

8. Teddy Bear Picnic

Cover those tables in classic red and white checkered print and bust out the teddy bears!

9. Holiday Theme (Pumpkin Patch/Valentine Sweetheart/Christmas ONEderland)

If your little one’s birthday is near a holiday, you could always focus on that! When I was little I always wanted an October birthday so I could have a Halloween themed party.

10. Hot Air Balloon

This theme could be combined with the Dr. Seuss theme for an “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” party!

11. Pancakes and Pajamas Party

A breakfast theme sounds amazing, but add in your comfy pajamas, and we have a hit, people! Create a pancake bar with toppings galore for some extra pizzazz.

12. Pastel Painting

Pastels are very in right now so for a twist on the pastel theme, add a watercolor painting element to it. I have a friend that makes “paint your own cookie” packs for kids parties, which would be perfect for this theme.

13. Hawaiian Luau

Grass skirts and groovy sunglasses for this theme! Score some plastic flamingos for the lawn and pineapples for centerpieces and you’re all set.

14. Dinosaur

What baby or kid does not love dinosaurs? One of my nephews loves them so much he has had TWO dinosaur birthday parties consecutively. Haha. Try a carved dinosaur watermelon as a fruit display!

15. Sock Hop

Think Grease, but without the curse words and teen pregnancy. Poodle skirts, letterman jackets, and black leather jackets will really pull the theme together with some glass coke bottles and black and white checkered table cloths.

16. Ice Cream Social

An ice cream social or ice cream truck party would be perfect in the middle of summer! Set out an ice cream bar and try your hand at those trendy upside down ice cream cone cakes.

17. Favorite Animal (Foxes/Flamingoes/Llamas)

My friend recently threw her daughter’s first birthday party with a flamingo theme. Everything was PINK and it was adorable! I love the more odd animal themes like llamas, owls, or giraffes.

18. Doughnuts/Sprinkles

I’ve seen plenty of doughnut wall displays for weddings on Pinterest, so I figured they could work as an entire party theme as well! Add in some sprinkle decor and you could combine this theme with the pastel one.

19. Bubbles

Babies are all so different, but if there was one thing they all have in common, it’s that they love BUBBLES. They are magical and fun! Set out bubbles stations throughout the lawn and watch those little faces light up when there are bubbles floating all around them.

20. Super Hero

You could go the traditional route and base the party off of popular super heroes, such as Spider Man or Wonder Woman, but I love the imaginative approach of a “Be Your Own Super Hero” party! Hand out capes to all the kids and have them craft their very own masks! Maybe even have them come up with their own super hero names.

-Amanda