First birthdays are a special occasion - parents in particular look forward to the opportunity to reflect on the first year. A celebration for the baby is lovingly organized together with friends and family. And if you think that a party is pointless because the baby won't remember it later anyway, you're wrong. Although one-year-old children have no sense of self, they do notice the attention that guests give them. Babies can understand in the sense that they are the reason for the party. Another important advantage - now is the right time to introduce rituals - for example, who organizes what, how exactly the celebration is celebrated, and how to deal with gifts. With a little skill and creativity, you can also make adorable decorations that form the perfect background for photos. We share some themed birthday party ideas that are sure to make a splash.
Why celebrate your 1st birthday with one theme?
A first birthday is a special occasion and should be remembered as such. If you celebrate under a theme, the preparation will also be much easier. Once the theme has been decided, the decorations, the games for the older children and of course the birthday cake are coordinated with it. A motto means a unified concept for the celebration. Experienced party organizers recommend defining the topic very specifically. So instead of princesses from the Disney films, just Rapunzel or Snow White or Sleeping Beauty. Several factors play a role in the design of the individual elements:
The party theme is reflected in the decoration
The guests – do children also come as guests or only adults? In the first case, you should think about it and prepare age-appropriate games. For example, if you choose Rapunzel, you can turn the playhouse into a castle and include rope climbing. The girls will also look forward to princess make-up. If the theme is inspired by the films from the Pirates of the Caribbean series, then you can organize treasure hunts. However, if you have invited grandparents and family friends, then it is better to go with themFocus on table decoration– for example, host an Alice in Wonderland themed tea garden party.
The number of guests - If everyone is sitting at one table, then you can serve drinks and cakes; if you have a celebration with more than twenty guests, a buffet offers an uncomplicated alternative. Our tip – plan enough time to prepare the individual dishes/salads/cookies. Set the menu at least a week in advance and stick to it - that day is not the time to try a new recipe.
Plan the process in detail
The birthday child - the baby itself will be very happy about the attention at first, but sensitive children can quickly feel overwhelmed. Especially if you're not celebrating at home. In this case, you can bring his favorite toy and a cozy baby blanket. Also plan in detail when you will take photos during the day, where you can play, when the presents will be opened - you should clarify the process with the guests in advance.
The individual decorative elements at a glance
The decoration for the themed children's birthday consists of five elements - decoration at the entrance that prepares the guests for the theme and welcomes them in a playful way. Decoration at the buffet/table, where napkins, plates, decorative figures and glasses create a cheerful atmosphere. Decoration in the play area – where the older children will enjoy spending time during the celebration.
If you wish, you can dedicate a special corner to the birthday child - for example, make a photo wall or print out greeting cards that the guests can lovingly write on. Below you will find some concrete examples of what the end result can look like. Get inspired!
Several ideas for theme parties
If you have a garden and several children are invited, you can organize a camping party. The little ones can play in the sandpit, swing or relax in the play tent. Of course, the right decoration should not be missing - piles of straw, street signs and a wheelbarrow ensure optimal fun.
The buffet looks so charming - with a little creativity you can make the decoration yourself from household items. Gas lamps, exotic house plants and tree trunk vases create an adventurous atmosphere.
Birthday party theme – balloons
If the party is indoors, you can go for a theme with balloons - the little ones will love playing with them. Bring summer into your home with bright colors like orange, sky blue, yellow and red.
Circus themed birthday party
Another creative idea on the “circus” theme – in this case, the birthday gifts also serve as table decorations. Additionally, you can cut out various animal figures from paper. The children can simply play with the toys, provided they find them all. Organize a game of hide-and-seek; the little ones have to look for the other gifts in the room.
Organize a magic party
Magic is attractive to every child - if you are oneMagic themed birthday partyso you are guaranteed to cause a sensation. Of course, the right decoration should not be missing - let the example in the photo above inspire you.
First birthday with smileys as table decorations
Babies love bold colors - even if only adults are guests, it's worth putting some effort into decorating. Even a simple concept can have a big impact. The little one is sure to like smileys.
Lego building blocks as decoration at the festive table
If the baby has siblings, you can choose a theme that everyone will like - Lego building blocks, for example. You can easily make the table decorations out of paper.
Disney Inspired “Moana” Themed Birthday Party
The charming Moana has long since conquered children's hearts. You probably won't be able to recreate the decorations pictured above on your own - instead, you can hire a party agency to do the job.
Toy Story inspired party
The films from the Toy Story series are still very popular - no wonder that many parents in the USA interpret the theme. Our tip – surprise the other children with small gifts too.
Theme party “The Little Prince”
The next theme was inspired by the book “The Little Prince” - suitable for a family celebration with the grandparents. Decorate the walls with drawings from the book and order a matching birthday cake.
Surprise the grandparents with a family shoot for a special occasion - they will definitely look forward to the beautiful photos.
“Mickey Mouse” Motto
You can find many templates online with Mickey and his friends - Donald Duck and Goofy - use them to make charming decorations and leave a few drawings to paint at the children's table.
Mexican Fiesta
Create a happy atmosphere with colorful decorations at the table - a Mexican fiesta can look so charming in your own four walls. When decorating, make sure that there are no small parts within easy reach of the birthday child.
A birthday party for a one-year-old baby usually takes place in the morning and lasts no more than three hours. Small children in particular can no longer be active and then need a break. Of course, it's best to inform guests about this in advance. Currently on trend – played above – is a birthday party with cookies and coffee for the grandparents. So that it doesn't seem boring, the parents chose the theme for the film “ET”. And of course the little one got a bike for his birthday.
For the little racing driver - here comes a vintage toy, a wooden car given to him by his grandparents.
“Beauty and the Beast” motto
A delightful idea for themlittle Princess– Birthday party with coffee, juice and cake, inspired by the fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast”. In any case, for your first birthday you can give the first books with fairy tales and beautiful pictures.
Snow White-inspired table decorations
The fairy tale Snow White was originally published by the Brothers Grimm in the collection “Children's and Household Tales” - in 1937, Disney interpreted the story in the film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. Since then, the fairy tale has enjoyed great popularity worldwide. So if you choose the theme, you have two advantages - all children know the fairy tale, can easily recognize the red-yellow-blue color scheme, and you can also offer apple pie or apple juice as a healthy alternative to store-bought sweets.
Rapunzel – birthday party in purple
Tea and cake birthday party
Rainbow cake and unicorn for the little princess
The Little Mermaid inspired table decoration
Alice in Wonderland – Garden Party
The Lion King
Pirates of the Caribbean - inspired pirate decoration
Toys as part of the decoration
First birthday – motto “Travel”
Rainbow – decoration ideasfor the first birthday
Forest animals as decoration
