Fun and memorable 1st birthday party ideas: Themes, decorations, and activities

Your little one’s first trip around the sun is just around the corner, and it’s no surprise that 1st birthday ideas have a search volume of 2,400 monthly searches. This milestone is clearly something special, and congratulations to you for making it through the first year!

1st birthday ideas can feel like a real minefield to navigate, especially when you’re also trying to come up with the perfect gift idea. Plus, it can be tough to try and not compare your plans to celebs glossy photos on Instagram.

Just remember that whatever it is that you decide to do, the main thing is that you are taking the time to celebrate the first year of your beautiful baby boy or baby girl's life, and all the memories you've shared so far.

Whether you’re planning a big bash or a small, cosy gathering, there are so many fun ways to celebrate. Here’s a list of themes, decor, outfits, cake ideas, and more to help you get started.

What to do for a baby's 1st birthday?

Your baby’s 1st birthday is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible year you've had together. You might be wondering what to do for this special occasion. Should you throw a big bash, or is a small, intimate gathering more appropriate? The great news is there’s no wrong answer! Whether you’re going all out with a themed party or having a quiet day at home, the most important thing is celebrating the little one who has changed your life forever.

1st birthday party themes and ideas

1. Cake smash 1st birthday party

A cake smash is a fun and messy way to celebrate! Set up a cute backdrop at home or outdoors and let your baby dig into their very own cake. The joy on their face as they explore the texture and taste is priceless. Plus, the photos you’ll capture will be cherished forever. This trend, originally from the US, has become a must-do for many parents across the UK. To make it easier, some photographers offer cake smash packages, but a DIY setup can be just as lovely (and less costly).

Product recommendation: Check out Etsy for custom-made cake smash outfits that are cute and comfortable.

2. Costume 1st birthday party

If you enjoy dressing up your little one, a costume party is a perfect fit! You can choose a broad theme like animals or superheroes or something more specific like a favourite character. Invite other parents to join in with their little ones in costume. It’s a fantastic way to get everyone involved and makes for some adorable group photos!

Product recommendation: Shop at Pretend To Bee UK for a wide range of baby-friendly costumes.

3. Paddington Bear’s picnic party

A Paddington Bear or any teddy bear’s picnic is a delightful and relaxed way to celebrate your little one’s 1st birthday. Head to a local park with close friends and family, and ask each guest to bring their favorite teddy bear. Lay out blankets, prepare simple picnic food, and let the little ones enjoy the outdoors with their furry friends. It’s a low-key yet memorable way to mark the day.

Product recommendation: Celebrate this special day by introducing your little one to the UK's beloved bear, Paddington! We love the Paddington Bear's Toy Tea Setfrom Amazon. It’s a charming way for your child to enjoy tea parties with Paddington and his friends, making their first birthday even more memorable.

4. Festival fun 1st birthday party

If your little one has a summer birthday, consider a festival-themed party! Set up mini tipis or tents in your garden, play some fun music, and create a mini festival vibe. You can include face painting, temporary tattoos, and even an edible glitter station. This theme is perfect for outdoor fun and can easily be adapted to your space.

Product Recommendation: Check out Argos for children’s tipis and festival-themed decorations and Little Brian for baby friendly face painting materials.

5. Princess-themed 1st birthday party

If your toddler loves princesses, consider booking an appearance from a Disney hero. This is a service that many companies now offer on a national and regional scale. Usually, your chosen princess will make an appearance at your baby’s birthday party, take lots of photos with the children and also run activities such as toddler games, songs and stories.

Product Recommendations:

6. Paddling pool 1st birthday party

If your baby was born during the warmer months, a paddling pool party is a splash-tastic way to celebrate their 1st birthday! Set up a few paddling pools in the garden, fill them with water toys, and let the little ones enjoy some safe, refreshing water play. Don’t forget the swim nappies! Add some fun paddling pool games to keep the excitement going all day long.

Product Recommendation: For a fantastic paddling pool experience, check out the Bestway Little Astronaut Inflatable Play Center. It’s perfect for outdoor fun and will keep kids entertained for hours. This play center includes a built-in slide that’s safe and fun, a space rocket with a cooling mister to keep things cool, and an astronaut bop bag for extra play. Plus, it comes with moon ring toss rings and two planet flying discs for even more excitement.

If you're going for an under-the-sea theme, surprise your little one with a personalised octopus plush toy to remember the day. Your child will love this super soft, adorable green octopus! Made from the softest material, it has kind eyes, a cute smile, and fun, stretchy tentacles.

7. Peter Rabbit 1st birthday party

Inspired by classic stories like Peter Rabbit, this theme is perfect for a spring or garden party. You can decorate with soft toys, carrot-shaped treats, and rustic elements to create a charming atmosphere. This theme is also great if you’re planning a joint party with other babies, as it’s easy to coordinate and share the workload.

Product recommendation: Peter Rabbit party supplies are available at Amazon, we love this Peter Rabbit bunting and cupcake toppers!

8. Dinosaur-themed 1st birthday party

A dinosaur-themed party is a timeless idea that never goes out of style. Little ones can enjoy dinosaur-shaped snacks, play with dinosaur toys, and even have a “dino dig” in a sandbox. It’s an adventurous and fun theme that both boys and girls will love.

Product recommendation: We love this Official 'Natural History Museum' dinosaur costume from Pretend to Bee is the most realistic dino costume. More like a Jurassic theme one! To make it more realistic, make sure the backdrop says roar with Dinosaur Birthday Party Decorations.

For a dinosaur-themed 1st birthday party, nothing says special like the Personalised Natural History Museum Splash & Explore Gift Set. This set is perfect for any little explorer heading to nursery or out and about. It includes personalised Natural History Museum dinosaur welly boots, a personalised Natural History Museum space-dinosaur backpack, and a personalised Natural History Museum green dinosaur raincoat. This adorable and practical gear ensures your little one is ready for any adventure, rain or shine!

9. Joint 1st birthday party

If you’re part of a mum’s group or have friends with babies around the same age, why not consider a joint birthday party? This can make planning easier and more cost-effective, as you can share the responsibilities and expenses. Choose a neutral theme that everyone will enjoy, like a picnic or a book-themed party. You can book a local venue by voting.

Product recommendation: To make your little guests even happier on the big day, consider creating loot bags for each baby. You can include practical and fun items such as a puree pouch, a baby puzzle. Add a board book and an animal hand puppet for engaging play, and a sippy cup for easy sipping. A baby spoon and fork set is a handy addition, along with a small plush animal and large, easy-to-hold crayons.

We also love the Stabilo Woody 3-in-1 Set, which is perfect for toddler guests who might be outgrowing baby crayons. These highly pigmented, versatile crayons work on almost any surface, including glass, making them ideal for creative little ones. Plus, they can be easily wiped clean, so you don’t have to worry about any messy mishaps. This set will keep toddlers entertained and allow their creativity to flow freely without the stress of cleanup.

For summer birthdays, a sand pail and shovel set is perfect, while a mitten set is great for winter celebrations. These thoughtful items will make the day extra special for all the little ones.

10. Book-themed 1st birthday party

Celebrate your little one’s first birthday with a party inspired by their favourite book! Whether it’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, or Guess How Much I Love You, decorate to match the story and invite guests to dress up as their favourite characters. You could even give each child a copy of the book as a party favour! Or, if you prefer a nursery rhyme theme, let the tots come as their favorite nursery rhyme character.

Product Recommendation: For adorable book-themed party supplies and decorations, Etsy has you covered with everything from matching outfits to themed accessories—like an oh-so-cute The Very Hungry Caterpillar birthday hat. And for the perfect gift, Wonderbly’s Your Treasury of Nursery Rhymes makes a beautiful, personalised keepsake. You can customise it with your child’s name and appearance, making it truly special. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the big day and spark a love of reading that will last a lifetime!

11. Safari-themed 1st birthday party

For the little explorer in your life, a safari-themed party is a wild idea! Decorate with stuffed safari animals, jungle foliage, and animal print tableware to create a vibrant safari atmosphere. You can even hire an entertainer to make balloon animals or do face painting, adding to the adventure. This theme is versatile, perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings.

Product recommendation: For top-notch safari-themed party supplies, check out Meri Meri. They offer high-quality decorations and tableware that will bring your safari party to life. For fun activities, we love this safari-themed stacking toy from Le Toy Van. This toy is perfect for babies and toddlers. It’s sturdy enough to handle bumps and will keep the little ones entertained throughout the party. The beautifully detailed animal designs make it not only a great toy but also a charming decoration for your child's first birthday or a delightful party favour for attendees.

12. Ball pit first birthday party

If you're looking for a surefire way to make the party a hit, consider a ball pit party. It’s perfect for active toddlers who love to crawl and explore. Set up a ball pit either indoors or in your garden using an inflatable pool filled with colorful plastic balls. This simple yet entertaining option keeps the little ones happy and engaged, providing hours of fun.

Product Recommendation: For an excellent ball pit set, we recommend the MISIOO Smart Ball Pit. This set includes everything you need for a fantastic ball pit experience, with a durable inflatable pool and vibrant balls that are sure to delight the toddlers at your party.

13. Milk and cookies first birthday party

Keep things sweet and simple with a milk and cookies-themed party. Bake a variety of cookies or have a cookie decorating station where older kids and adults can get creative. Serve milk in cute little bottles with striped straws for a nostalgic touch. It’s a cosy and budget-friendly way to celebrate!

Product recommendation: Browse Lakeland for cookie cutters, decorating kits, and cute serving ideas.

14.  Circus-themed 1st birthday party

For a vibrant and exciting 1st birthday party, a circus theme is a fantastic choice! Transform your space into a lively circus with colourful tents, fun games, and entertaining performances. You can set up a mini circus ring with activities like face painting, balloon animals, and simple carnival games to keep the little ones engaged. Decorate with bright stripes, polka dots, and circus animal cutouts to create a festive atmosphere.

Product recommendation: To bring the circus theme to life, we recommend the Kid’s Circus Party Pack from Amazon. This set includes everything you need to create a magical circus experience, with colourful decorations, fun party supplies, and whimsical tableware. Add some entertaining circus-themed games and activities to make the celebration even more memorable for your little one and their guests. Argos has some great selection of pop-up tents and tunnels for you to choose from.

1st birthday party decorations

Once you've picked a theme you get to throw yourself into the fun stuff, the decorations. 1st birthday party decoration ideas include banners, balloons, cake toppers and much more. When planning for your little one's first birthday party don't forget the party bag fillers.

1st birthday cake ideas

Choosing the perfect 1st birthday cake is an important part of the celebration. Some popular ideas include:

Consider ordering a custom cake from your local bakery or searching for inspiration on Pinterest for DIYoptions.

Do you need to throw a 1st birthday party?

It’s a common question among parents: "Do I need to throw a 1st birthday party?" The answer is simple—it’s entirely up to you. Some parents prefer an intimate celebration, while others love the idea of a big party. If you're feeling overwhelmed, remember that your baby won’t remember the event, so keep it simple and stress-free. What matters most is celebrating this milestone in a way that feels right for your family.

How to do a 1st birthday party at home

If you prefer to keep things close to home, there are plenty of fun ways to celebrate your baby’s 1st birthday. Here are some tips:

Disneyland: A magical 1st birthday idea

For those looking for an unforgettable experience, consider a trip to Disneyland! For us in the UK, a trip to Disneyland Paris is easier to organise. It’s a magical place where your baby can meet beloved characters, enjoy gentle rides, and soak up the enchanting atmosphere.

Disneyland offers special birthday packages that can make your child’s 1st birthday extra special. Visit the Disneyland website for birthday packages that include character dining and other special treats.

Planning your baby’s 1st birthday is all about making memories. Whether you go big with a themed party or keep it simple with close family, remember that this day is about celebrating your little one’s first year of life and all the joy they’ve brought into your world. Have fun with it, and don’t forget to capture the precious moments!

Product recommendation: Why not treat your little one to a Wooden Camera while on a trip? We love this one from Le Toy Van. While you're busy capturing your child’s special moments, they can join in too. Research shows that babies imitate their parents, which is crucial for cognitive development. This wooden camera is perfect for budding photographers, with a sturdy size and weight that feels satisfying to hold. Designed like a traditional click camera, it features a rope strap, a kaleidoscope viewfinder, and a clicking button to spark your child’s imagination.

Questions to consider

Happy planning, mums!

About the author

Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK.