How to Plan a Wild One First Birthday Theme Party

Is your little one a wild child who loves to howl at the moon and roar with the lions? If so, a “Wild One” first birthday theme might be just what you need!

This 1st birthday party theme is full of untamed safari animals like giraffes, lions, and monkeys or a jungle theme – and encourages all the birthday party guests to unleash their inner beasts.

To help you plan the perfect “Wild One” bash, we have a list of fun decor options, creative food ideas, and easy invitations to make your 1st birthday party into an unforgettable wild party. So get ready for a roaring good time, and let the wild one first birthday begin!

Download Our FREE First Birthday Party Planning Check List

Why a Wild One First Birthday Party Theme?

A wild one birthday party is a perfect way to celebrate your little one’s first year as it offers a fun, playful atmosphere that children will love. The theme is easy to work with, and it allows you to get creative with decorations, food, and games.

The Wild One theme also suits both indoor and outdoor parties, making it a versatile option that suits different needs.

Where to Have Your Wild One Birthday Party

If the weather is on your side, why not wish your little one a Happy Birthday outdoors?  A local park or nature reserve can be a perfect spot for your wild ones to roam free and explore the natural world around them.

You can set up a tent or picnic area and create a safari-inspired space with animal print blankets, pillows, and rugs. And let’s not forget to add some animal-shaped balloons to the mix to create a truly wild atmosphere!

If the great outdoors isn’t an option, you can host the birthday party at home and create a wild animal-inspired setting indoors with birthday party decorations.

Set up a play area for the little ones with animal print tents, tunnels, and play mats. You can also add some greenery and plants to give it a jungle vibe.

If you’re looking for a more structured option, many children’s play spaces offer “Wild One” themed parties. These venues often provide a range of activities and games for the kids to enjoy, along with catering options for the adults.

Remember, the key is to find a space that allows your little ones to be free and explore their wild side.

When to Have it?

When planning a birthday party, timing is everything. Planning the birthday party in the afternoon or early evening is best so parents and kids have ample time to enjoy the activities and games without feeling too tired.

Additionally, it is essential to consider your little one’s nap time and schedule the birthday party accordingly so they are well-rested and ready to have fun.

Read More: Best Time to Have a First Birthday Party

✅Get all your first birthday party planning questions answered in our super-detailed planner all about planning the first birthday party you’ve been dreaming of.

Wild One Invitations

Wild One Birthday Theme First Birthday Party Decorations

When it comes to decorating for your “Wild One” birthday party, let’s get creative and have some fun, shall we?

One idea is to create a jungle or forest atmosphere with greenery and wild animal decor. Think about hanging vines and branches and placing stuffed animal lions, giraffes, and monkeys around the birthday party area. This will transport your guests to a wild and untamed land where anything can happen!

Another idea is to use animal prints for tablecloths, banners, and other birthday party decorations. Zebra stripes, leopard spots, and cheetah prints will add some serious style to the scene.

Don’t forget about the little details that can make a big impact, like confetti-filled balloons, colorful streamers, and a wild one highchair banner. Add some metallics like gold and silver. And why not add a touch of whimsy with some homemade wild thing masks or animal ear headbands for your guests to wear?

Remember, the key to decorating for a “Wild One” birthday party theme is to embrace the untamed and unpredictable nature of the party. So let’s let our creativity run wild and create a space that celebrates life and all the wildness that comes with it!

Here are some Wild One birthday party decorations to consider:

• Wild animal balloons
• Wooden “Wild One” sign
• Wild animal-themed garlands
• Forest green and gold plates, cups, and napkins
• Wild animal masks for the children
• Jungle vines and leaves hanging from the ceiling

There’s a wide variety of patterns that can be used for this theme!

This inflatable giraffe will make a statement!

Wild One Birthday Theme Backdrop

Creating a captivating backdrop for a wild one birthday theme adds an extra touch of excitement and sets the stage for a memorable photo shoot. Design your own or purchase one for easy decor. Here’s how you can bring the wild one theme to life with a striking backdrop:

​Jungle Scene: Craft a jungle-inspired backdrop using green streamers, foliage, and printed images of trees, vines, and exotic animals like lions, giraffes, and elephants. You can also hang inflatable palm trees or use large cutouts of tropical leaves to enhance the jungle vibe.

Animal Print Wall: Cover a large section of the backdrop with various animal prints such as leopard spots, zebra stripes, and tiger stripes. You can use fabric, paper, or printed images to create an eye-catching display.

Balloon Arch: Create a balloon arch using colors inspired by the wild one theme, such as earthy tones, vibrant greens, and animal print balloons.

Add faux greenery, vines, and oversized leaves to give it a jungle-like feel. Making a DIY balloon garland is not too hard, especially with the kits available online. 

Customized Banner: Hang a personalized banner with the guest of honor’s name and age, surrounded by wild animal graphics and jungle foliage. This adds a personalized touch to the backdrop while staying true to the theme. Etsy offers a great selection of made-to-order items. 

Whichever backdrop you choose, ensure it complements the overall aesthetic of the wild one theme and provides a captivating backdrop for photos and memories.

Some other cute backdrops:

Wild One 1st Birthday Party Games and Activities

When it comes to planning games and activities for your “Wild One” 1st birthday party, keep in mind who is on your guest list. 

Toddlers have endless energy and curiosity. So, let’s keep them engaged with some fun and imaginative games, shall we? One idea is to set up a sensory play area, where little ones can explore different textures and materials like sand, water, and slime. You can also create an animal-themed scavenger hunt where they search for hidden animal toys or stickers around the birthday party area.

A wild animal freeze dance party will be a party highlight, where the little ones can dance like their favorite jungle creatures and freeze when the music stops. And why not create a “Wild One” photo booth with animal masks and props where the kids can show off their wild side?

For a more calming activity, you can set up a reading corner with classic children’s books like “Where the Wild Things Are” and “Curious George.” This will give the little ones a chance to rest and recharge before jumping back into the birthday party fun.

Remember, the key to planning games and activities for a “Wild One” birthday theme is to keep them simple, playful, and imaginative.

Games are an excellent way to keep older children entertained at a wild one 1st birthday party. Here are some ideas for games that kids of all ages will enjoy on the big day:

• Pin the Tail on the wild animal
• Wild animal scavenger hunt (all family members can get involved in this one)
• Wild animal piñata
• Musical chairs with wild animal sounds (sure to be a big hit!)
• Jungle photo op with animal masks and props
• Put out markers and construction paper and ask them to create a jungle
• Fill an inflatable pool with balls

Wild One Birthday Theme Food

For the little ones, why not create a wild animal-themed snack station? You can use animal-shaped cookie cutters to make sandwiches and cheese slices, and serve animal crackers and fruit skewers with cute animal picks. And don’t forget to offer some yummy and healthy snacks like carrot sticks and apple slices!

For the adults, you can keep things wild and fun by offering a variety of finger foods and appetizers. Serve a wild animal cheese board with different types of cheeses shaped like lions, giraffes, and monkeys. You can also offer some tasty snacks like vegetable dip, crackers, and fruit skewers.

For the main course, you can serve classic barbecue fare like grilled chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs. And for the vegetarians in the group, grilled veggie skewers and portobello mushroom burgers are delicious options.

To quench your thirst, offer some wild and fruity drinks like jungle juice or a fruit punch with animal-shaped ice cubes. And for dessert, a “Wild One” birthday cake with animal-themed decorations is a must!

Remember, the key to food for a “Wild One” birthday theme is to keep it fun and playful, while also offering some healthy and delicious options.

Here are some birthday party food ideas for snacks and drinks that will appeal to children and adults alike:

• Jungle-themed cupcakes with wild animal toppers
• Wild thing cake with edible jungle leaves and vines
• Jungle juice or mocktails served in coconuts or pineapple cups
• Veggie sticks and hummus dip served in carved-out watermelons
• Sandwiches cut with wild animal cookie cutters

Wild One Cake Ideas

A birthday cake is an essential part of any Wild One first birthday party, and there are so many creative ways to make it. If it’s your baby first time eating cake get the camera ready!

Here are some ideas to consider (all of these can be used for the smash cake too):

1. Jungle Cake: Cover the cake in green frosting and add edible leaves, vines, and flowers. Top with a jungle animal figurine or edible topper.
2. Tree Stump Cake: Create a cake in the shape of a tree stump with a carved-out area on top for a wild animal figurine or edible topper.
3. Safari Cake: Cover the cake in frosting, then add fondant or frosting cut-outs of wild animals such as lions, elephants, and giraffes. Or these adorable cupcake toppers if you’re doing cupcakes., 
4. Animal Print Cake: Create a cake with a wild animal print design. Cover the cake in frosting with a leopard, zebra, or tiger print design.
5. Wild One Smash Cake: Create a small cake for the birthday baby to smash and enjoy.

Inspiration:

Remember, the main cake and smash cake should be safe and appropriate for your baby. Don’t forget to have a camera ready to capture the adorable moment when your little one blows out their first birthday candle on their wild one themed smash cake and birthday cake!

Remember, the main cake and smash cake should be safe and appropriate for your baby. Don’t forget to have a camera ready to capture the adorable moment when your little one blows out their first birthday candle on their wild one themed smash cake and birthday cake!

Overwhelmed by First Birthday Planning? Start Here.

Get Our First Birthday Party Planner • Make Party Day Effortless

When you open the planner today, you’ll feel that ahh, finally relief—because every step is sequenced for you.

Turn “where do I start?” into “this is handled” with clear timelines, smart checklists, and a calm day-of run-of-show so you skip last-minute scrambles and enjoy the moments you want in the photos.

YOU GET:

🎉Timelines that show what to do (and what to skip)

🎉Checklists that catch the tiny details (candles, bibs, banners)

🎉Day-of flow that keeps everything moving without chaos

Wild One First Birthday Outfit

For the guest of honor’s wild one-themed first birthday party, you’ll want an outfit that captures the spirit of adventure and fun. Here are some ideas:

Animal Print Attire: Dress the guest of honor in an adorable animal print onesie or shirt to emphasize the wild theme. Think leopard spots, zebra stripes, or tiger patterns for that extra roar!

Tutu or Tulle Ensemble: Pair the animal print top with a cute tutu or tulle skirt in complementary colors. This adds a touch of whimsy and charm to the outfit.

Wild One Apparel: Look for a “Wild One” themed t-shirt or bodysuit tailored specifically for the occasion. You can find a wild shirt that comes adorned with charming animal graphics or safari-inspired designs.

Animal Ears Headband: Complete the ensemble with an animal ears headband or party hat, whether it’s lion, bear, or any other creature. It adds a playful and endearing element to the outfit.

Coordinating Accessories: Consider adding matching accessories such as a bow tie, suspenders, or a bandana to further accentuate the theme.

Opt for soft, comfortable fabrics to ensure the guest of honor stays happy and cozy throughout their special celebration!

Birthday Party Gift Ideas

Finally, gift ideas are essential for any birthday party. Here are some suggestions for gifts that will suit a wild one theme:

• Wild animal-themed plushies or toys
• Books featuring wild animals and adventures (like this padded board book)
• Jungle-themed wall art for the child’s bedroom
• Animal onesies or t-shirts
• Safari playset or tent for imaginative play

A Wild One 1st birthday party is a perfect way to celebrate your little one’s first birthday event. It offers plenty of opportunities for creativity and fun with party decorations, games, and food. With the right planning, preparation and party supplies, you can ensure this birthday party is a memorable and enjoyable experience for children and adults alike.

Similar hat available on Amazon here.

Wild One Birthday Theme Girl

Birthday decorations specifically geared toward girls in more traditional girly colors are harder to find but are definitely out there.

More Wild One Party Supplies

Birthday Decorations

Balloons

Sign

Cake and Smash Cake Toppers

For a wild one-themed first birthday celebration, there are plenty of adorable cake topper options that can tie into the theme perfectly. Here are some ideas:

Animal Figurines: Top the cake with small figurines of wild animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. You can find these in toy stores or cake decorating shops, or you could opt for edible fondant or chocolate animal figures.

Number “1” Topper: Choose a cake topper in the shape of the number “1” decorated with elements like animal prints, safari hats, or jungle foliage to signify the first birthday milestone. Get a matching table cover for extra flair. 

“Wild One” Banner: Decorate the cake with a banner that reads “Wild One” in playful letters. You can find pre-made banners or create your own using cardstock, twine, and animal-themed cutouts.

Safari Hat or Binoculars: Top the cake with miniature safari hats or binoculars to symbolize the adventurous spirit of the wild one theme. These can be made from fondant, gum paste, or plastic decorations.

Jungle Leaves and Palm Trees: Create a lush jungle scene on top of the cake by adding edible or decorative palm trees, vines, and tropical leaves. This adds a whimsical touch to the dessert table.

Personalized Name Topper: Customize a cake topper with the guest of honor’s name alongside jungle-themed elements like animals, leaves, or tribal patterns. This adds a personal touch to the cake while staying true to the wild one theme.

Gold Glitter Accents: Add a touch of glam to the cake with gold glitter accents on the topper or around the edges. This elevates the look and adds a celebratory flair to the dessert. Extra cute if you also have gold balloons at the party. 

Choose a cake topper that reflects the guest of honor’s personality and fits seamlessly with the overall theme of the party. Whether it’s playful animal figurines or a personalized banner, the cake topper will surely be a delightful addition to the celebration.

I hope we’ve given you inspiration for your baby’s 1st birthday party (aka family safari!). Have fun celebrating this wild year!

More Awesome Wild One Party Decor: