First Birthday Themes: Ideas for a Perfect Celebration

One of the most joyous occasions in a child’s life is their first birthday. It is a time to celebrate all your child has accomplished in their first year. It is also a time to look forward to all the amazing things still to come. So, if you are looking for ideas for your child’s 1st birthday party, you have come to the right place! This article will discuss several fun and festive first birthday themes that will make your little one’s special day even more memorable. 

1st Birthday Party Ideas 

Finding the perfect birthday party idea can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, we are here to help! If you are stuck on what 1st birthday theme to choose for your child’s birthday party, take a look at our 1st birthday party theme list below! 

Each party idea is a chance to give the birthday boy or girl a special day they will never forget. From choosing a special birthday cake, finding the perfect party favor, to buying all the fun 1st birthday party supplies you need, there are so many ways to make this day perfect. 

While we can’t do all the party planning for you, these party themes will give you a great starting point for planning an unforgettable first birthday party for your little one! 

1. A Fairytale First Birthday 

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One of the most popular first birthday themes is a fairytale theme. This can be achieved by decorating your venue with whimsical elements such as: 

• Fairy lights and pixie dust 
• Magical creature cutouts 
• Storybook character cutouts 

For the food, you can serve up a special “Fairytale Feast” with items such as: 

• Tiny sandwiches 
• Fruit kabobs 
• “Butterfly” pasta 

And for the cake, you can get creative with a “Castle in the Sky” or “Once Upon a Time” themed cake. 

Party favors could include: 

• Wings 
• Wands 
• Temporary tattoos 

With all these elements, your kid’s first birthday party will be a truly magical experience! 

2. An Under the Sea Adventure 

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Another great first birthday party theme is an “Under the Sea” theme. This theme lets you get creative with your decorations, food, and activities. 

For decorations, you can use items such as: 

• Starfish lights 
• Seashells and coral 
• A seahorse or octopus cutout for photo ops 

For food, you can get creative with menu items: 

• Starfish sandwiches 
• Crabby croissants 
• Jellyfish Jell-O 

Party favors could include: 

• Bath toys 
• Bath bubbles 
• Beach pales and shovels 

With these sea-themed elements, your little one is sure to have a splashing good time at their first birthday party! 

3. A Bee-day Party 

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Another fun first birthday party theme is a “Bee-day” party. A fun take on the classic birthday party, a Bee-day party is all about celebrating your little one’s first year of life in a fun and unique way. To decorate, you can use items such as: 

• Bees made of construction paper or felt 
• Honeycomb paper decorations 
• Paper mache flowers 

For food, you can serve up: 

• PBee &Js 
• Fruit cups with honey 
• Bumblebee cupcakes 

And for party favors, you can send your guests home with: 

• Honey jars 
• Beeswax candles 
• Bubble bee wands 

With these fun bee-themed party decorations and food, this first birthday party will surely be a buzz-worthy event! 

4. A Carnival Kickoff 

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Admit one and step right up! A carnival-themed first birthday party is a wonderful way to celebrate your baby’s big day. To get the carnival atmosphere, you can use decorations such as: 

• Popcorn boxes 
• Cotton candy clouds 
• Balloon animals 

For food, you can serve classic carnival fare such as: 

• Funnel cakes 
• Popcorn 
• Snow cones 

And for party favors, you can send your guests home with: 

• Miniature stuffed animals 
• Carnival games 
• Popcorn kernels 

With these fun carnival-themed items, the party is sure to be a fun time. 

5. Dinosaur Rampage 

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If your little one is obsessed with all things dinosaurs, then a dinosaur-themed first birthday party is the perfect way to celebrate their big day. You can use decorations such as: 

• Fossilized bones 
• A dino land backdrop 
• T-Rex and other dinosaur cutouts 

And for food, you can serve up: 

• Dino-nuggets 
• Pterodactyl wings 
• Fossilized fruit kabobs with sugar 

For party favors, send your guests home with: 

• Dinosaur toys 
• Dino stickers 
• Dinosaur shaped cups 

From the decorations to the food, a dinosaur-themed first birthday party will be a roaring good time. 

6. Monsters Mash 

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Boo! A monsters-themed first birthday party is perfect for those who want to have a spooky yet fun celebration. To decorate: 

• Cobwebs 
• Hanging ghosts 
• Giant monsters cutouts 

For food and drinks, try: 

• Witch’s Brew punch 
• Green monster cookies 
• Mummy’s homemade hot dogs 

And for party favors, send your guests home with: 

• Green slime 
• Miniature monsters 
• Glow in the dark necklaces 

This first birthday party is sure to be a scream! 

7. Trains, Planes, and Cars 

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All aboard! Give your little one’s first birthday party a transportation-themed twist with trains, planes, and cars. To decorate: 

• Car, train, and plane cutouts 
• A fun background of the sky or a cityscape 
• Balloons in the shape of cars, trucks, and trains 

For snacks and drinks: 

• Fuel up with juice boxes 
• Racecar carrots and celery 
• Choo-choo Cheerio snack mix 

For party favors: 

• Hot Wheels cars 
• Pilot hats or sunglasses 
• Miniature cars, trains, and planes 

With these fun transportation-themed decorations, food, and activities, your child’s first birthday party is sure to be fun. 

8. Superhero Celebration 

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Is your little one a fan of Superman or Batman? If so, a superhero-themed first birthday party would be perfect for them. To decorate: 

• Hang streamers in your child’s favorite superhero’s colors 
• Balloons in the shape of superheroes 
• Superhero cutouts 

For food, you can serve up: 

• Super smash cake 
• Fruits cups of glory 
• Superhero sandwiches 

You can also give out party favors, such as: 

• Bubble wands 
• Stickers or tattoos 
• Superhero masks or capes 

With these superhero-themed decorations and activities, the party will be a hit. 

9. Jungle Journey 

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Look out! A jungle-themed first birthday party is perfect for those who want a wildly good time. To decorate: 

• Jungle animals and reptile cutouts 
• Hang green and yellow streamers 
• Balloons in the shape of animals 

For food, you can serve up: 

• Fruit kabobs 
• Ants on a log (celery, peanut butter, and raisins) 
• Monkey munch (a mix of cereals, nuts, and dried fruit) 

Send guests home with: 

• Jungle tattoos 
• Stuffed animals 
• Jungle-themed coloring books or stickers 

A first birthday jungle adventure will be one to remember. 

10. A Space Odyssey 

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A space-themed first birthday party is out of this world! To decorate: 

• Hang stars and planets from the ceiling 
• Set up a telescope for some fun stargazing 
• Make a rocket ship out of cardboard boxes 

For food and drinks, try: 

• Moon pies 
• Galactic grape juice 
• Star-shaped sandwiches 

And for party favors, you can send your guests home with: 

• Solar system stickers 
• Space-themed toys 
• Glow in the dark stars 

Everyone will have a blast! 

11. Tea Party Time 

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A tea party-themed first birthday party is perfect for those who want to have a fun yet elegant celebration. To decorate: 

• Place fairy lights around the room 
• Hang soft colored banners and streamers 
• Set the table with pretty teacups, plates, and napkins 

For food, you can serve: 

• Petit fours 
• Finger sandwiches 
• Mini scones with clotted cream and jam 

And for party favors: 

• Personalized candy 
• A box of crumpets 
• Tiny teacups with their name 

A tea party-themed first birthday celebration is sure to be a cherished memory. 

12. Rodeo Roundup 

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A rodeo-themed first birthday party is perfect for those who want to have a hoot n’ hollerin’ celebration. To decorate: 

• Set up a “rodeo ring” with hay bales or chairs 
• Balloons in the shape of cowboy hats 
• Hang orange, yellow, and brown streamers 

Serve up some cowboy food: 

• Trail mix 
• Pigs in a blanket 
• Cow pie cookies 

And for party favors, have some fun with: 

• Bandanas 
• Miniature cowboy hats 
• Sheriff’s badges 

Everyone is sure to have a rootin’ tootin’ fun time. 

13. Farmyard Fun 

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If your little one loves animals, a farmyard-themed first birthday party would be perfect for them. To decorate: 

• Balloons in the shape of farm animals 
• A fire pit for roasting marshmallows 
• Farmyard cutouts 

For food, you can serve up: 

• Haystacks (a mix of cereals, nuts, and dried fruit) 
• Chicken feed (a mix of popcorn, pretzels, and M&Ms) 
• Animal crackers in a barrel 

Give partygoers a taste of the farm with: 

• Mini farm hats 
• Stuffed farm animals 
• Candy jars filled with “chicken feed.” 

Your guests are sure to have a moo-velous time at your little one’s first birthday party. 

14. One-der Woman 

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Celebrate your little girl’s first birthday with a Wonder Woman-themed party. To decorate: 

• Balloons in the shape of Wonder Woman’s logo 
• Hang streamers in red, yellow, and blue 
• Wonder Woman cutouts 

Serve up some tasty food like: 

• Superhero sandwiches 
• Star-shaped fruit plate 
• Lasso of Truth pretzels 

And for party favors, try: 

• Wonder woman tiaras 
• Wonder Woman stickers 
• Superhero slap bracelets 

With a little effort, you can make your little girl’s first birthday party a truly heroic event. 

15. Mr. One-derful 

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Make your little boy’s first birthday extra special with a Mr. One-derful-themed party. Decorate with: 

• Black, gold, and white streamers 
• A fun cutout of your little one 
• A giant number one balloon 

Serve up tasty treats like: 

• Classic cheese pizza 
• Chicken nuggets 
• Confetti cake pops 

For parting gifts, you can send guests home with: 

• Fun Mr. One-derful t-shirts 
• Stickers 
• Activity books 

With a little bit of planning, you can make your little boy’s first birthday party one that he’ll always remember. 

With these fun and festive first birthday themes, your little one’s big day will surely be a success. So, choose the perfect theme for your child and get planning today. From party hats to party food and party decor, there’s a lot of fun to be had. After all, their first year only comes around once. Make it a day to remember! 

Read more: Tips on How to Plan a First Birthday Party

Bebe Couture First Birthday Outfits 

No matter which first birthday theme you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy this special time with your little one. After all, they only turn one once! So, get creative, have fun, and make some memories that will last a lifetime. 

Looking for the perfect first birthday outfit to match your first birthday theme? Check out our collection of Bebe Couture’s first birthday outfits! With a wide variety of styles and colors to choose from, we have something for you! 

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