Baby’s 1st Birthday Party

Congratulations! Your baby is a year old. Now it’s time to celebrate with a fabulous 1st birthday party... and we’re here to help! From planning the party and creating 1st birthday invitations to creative foods and 1st birthday cake ideas for the big day, our party ideas will help you create first birthday memories you'll keep for a lifetime.

Best For…

Everyone loves babies, and all kids love parties, so any age will enjoy this fun first birthday get-together. While your one-year-old won’t remember the party, your guests will! Be sure to document the occasion with photos or a video camera.

Party Planning

For peace of mind, begin planning your 1st birthday bash six to eight weeks in advance. This will allow you time to gather all the supplies that you need, including 1st birthday decorations, gifts, and menu items. Planning ahead also gives your guests time to RSVP and make travel plans, if needed. Don't panic if you find yourself short on time; you can still plan a great party! Planning ahead simply reduces the risk of conflicts with guests' plans and may increase your party’s attendance.

Homemade first birthday invitations for this fun event can be as simple as folded construction paper cut into the shape of a balloon. Draw the number “one” in the center of the balloon, and decorate the card with glitter or foil stickers. If you're feeling even more creative, cutting the cards into the shape of the number “one” works great, too. Or, if you’re short on time, you can purchase pre-printed or personalized 1st birthday invitations online. We recommend mailing your invitations three to four weeks prior to the party—any sooner and your guests may forget, any later and they may already have plans.

What Do I Need for the Party?

If you plan to use paper tableware and 1st birthday party supplies, our Suggested Party Supply List may be quite helpful. Please note that you may not need everything on the list; it is intended only as a guide.

As you shop for party supplies, don't forget to purchase 1st birthday party favors for your guests. Favors are a great way to help your guests remember your party and thank them for attending. For your child's first birthday party, make a statement by placing one of everything into the favor bags. Choose stickers, assorted candies, erasers, and other simple party toys. If you plan to send party favors home with very young guests, make sure you give out only child-safe favor items, such as Chubbie Vehicles, which are safe for 12-month-olds. Place the party favors you select in clear cellophane bags, and decorate each with #1 and single balloon stickers; or, use first birthday-themed favor bags. Tie the bags closed with blue ribbon for boys or pink ribbon for girls.

Fun 1st Birthday Party Ideas to Set the Mood

Unless you plan to invite several children over the age of four, all you need is a safe play area where the children can interact. If you have older children, however, plan a few simple, classic 1st birthday party games and crafts that everyone will enjoy. For instance, for an Elmo party, play games such as "Pin the Nose on Elmo" and "Elmo Says" (i.e. a variation of "Simon Says"). Older children will enjoy the active games and younger children will enjoy the attention.

Be sure to applaud the efforts of younger children so that the games do not become too competitive. If a younger child becomes tired or overwhelmed, try having him sit out a few activities and give him the "special" job of awarding the prize to the winner.

Consider asking a favorite babysitter to attend to help coordinate this part of the party. Also, ask parents or older friends to act as partners for younger children during activities.

Below are a few great ideas for making your baby's first birthday truly special and memorializing it for years to come.

Making 1st Birthday Party Memories