Ultimate First Birthday Party Decorations Checklist

first birthday party decorations checklist - things to buy

Planning your little one’s first birthday party is such an exciting milestone!

It’s a chance to celebrate your baby’s big day with all the love, laughter, and balloons you can gather.

To make things easier, I’ve put together the ultimate first birthday party decorations checklist—everything you need to throw a party that’s equal parts adorable and unforgettable.

First Birthday Party Decorations

plan what first birthday party decorations you need

Whether you’re dreaming of a big themed bash or a sweet, simple gathering, this guide has you covered.

Scroll through and make some decisions about what you’ll need for your first birthday party decoratons.

First Birthday Party Entry Ideas and Welcome Sign

Welcome sign featuring a smiling baby, personalized with the name 'Caden,' displayed on an easel, surrounded by soft gold and cream balloons. Perfect as a stylish centerpiece for a first birthday party decoration.

First impressions matter! Set the tone with a welcoming vibe that gets everyone excited to celebrate!

Welcome Sign or Banner: A personalized “[Name] is One” sign adds a warm, festive touch.

Balloons: Frame the entrance with a colorful cluster or arch. Bonus points if they match your theme.

Floor Decals or Rug: Add a little something extra, like themed footprints or a cute welcome mat.

Party Prep Pointer: Go for colors and designs that match your vibe. It’s an easy way to set the tone and give guests a taste of the fun to come!

General Party Area

Vibrant balloon garland in blue, yellow, and white, featuring a large rose gold '1' balloon as the focal point. Set against a rustic stone fireplace, this setup is a perfect decoration idea for a stylish first birthday party.

Transform your space into a festive wonderland that will wow your guests!

Themed Banners: Think “Happy 1st Birthday” or something playful that suits your baby’s personality.

Streamers or Garlands: Drape them everywhere for instant cheer.

Balloon Garland or Arch: A total showstopper and a great photo op.

Table Centerpieces: Flowers, figurines, or mini balloon clusters can make your tables pop.

Party Lights: Fairy lights or a fun neon sign can take your decor up a notch.

Large Number “1”: Go big with a marquee light, foam cutout, or oversized balloon.

Decor Tip: Repurpose banners or garlands in your baby’s room after the party. It’s both adorable and sentimental!

First Birthday Party Table and Seating

first birthday party plates
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Make every seat feel extra special and party-ready:

Tablecloths: Go solid for a clean look or patterned for extra fun.

Chair Covers or Ribbons: Small details, big impact.

Table Runners: Layering is your secret weapon for a polished look.

Confetti or Scatter Pieces: Sprinkle some themed cutouts or colorful confetti for a festive touch.

Plates, Cups, and Napkins: Coordinating designs are where it’s at.

Utensils and Straws: Match them to your theme for a cohesive feel.

Food Labels: Little signs can add charm and keep things organized.

Party Prep Pointer: Opt for disposable items for easy cleanup but splurge on a few reusable statement pieces to keep the eco-guilt low.

FIrst Birthday Cake and Dessert Table

This is where the dessert magic (and all the Insta-worthy moments) happen:

Cake Topper: Personalized, glittery, or themed—it’s the cherry on top of your baby’s first cake.

Dessert Stands or Trays: Show off those cupcakes, cookies, or sweet treats.

Cupcake Toppers: Mini versions of your theme make everything cuter.

Serving Trays: Fancy platters elevate even the simplest snacks.

Treat Bags/Boxes: Send guests home with something sweet.

Party Prep Pointer: A matching backdrop or tablecloth can elevate your dessert table and make those Instagram shots shine.

Photo Booth Area

Charming family photo frame prop with pink floral accents and personalized text reading 'Lauren is one,' perfect for creating memorable first birthday pictures. The backdrop features a shimmering pink curtain, adding a festive touch to the celebration.

Make sure the memories last forever with a photo-ready setup:

Photo Backdrop: Think fabric, paper flowers, or balloons for an Insta-worthy wall.

Photo Props: Signs, hats, and goofy glasses add extra fun.

Oversized Decorations: Think inflatables, large cutouts, or a themed centerpiece.

Decor Tip: Create a DIY photo station with a Polaroid camera and guestbook for instant memories and instant smiles.

Ceiling and Wall Decorations

Pom Pom Party Garland, Colourful Paper Decor
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Don’t forget to look up! Add some whimsy to every corner:

Hanging Lanterns or Pompoms: Fill the ceiling with color and texture.

Streamers: They’re easy, affordable, and always a win.

Wall Decals: Stick on some magic that matches your theme.

Paper Cutouts: Stars, animals, flowers—you name it.

Party Prep Pointer: Mix and match textures and sizes for a layered look that pops in photos and wows in person.

Outdoor Decorations

READY TO SHIP Mini White Bounce House | White Bounce House | Toddler Bounce House | Bouncy Castle | Backyard Toys |
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If you’re hosting outside, create a setup that will wow your guests:

Yard Signs: A “The Party’s Here!” sign that’s fun and functional.

Inflatables: Because why not go big?

Outdoor Lights: Perfect for late-afternoon or evening parties.

Chalkboard Message Board: Add a personal touch with a sweet or silly message.

Outdoor Oasis Tip: Incorporate comfortable seating options like floor pillows and cushions to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere for guests to relax and enjoy the celebration.

First Birthday Party Favors Station

Bright and cheerful favor table featuring a chalkboard sign with the message 'Thank you for making my birthday ONEderful,' surrounded by sunny yellow balloons. Individually wrapped smiling sun-shaped cookies with colorful ribbon ties add a fun and sunny touch, perfect for a first birthday party favor.

Give your guests a little something special to take home:

Favor Bags or Boxes: Fill them with candy, small toys, or mini keepsakes.

Thank-You Sign: A sweet reminder for guests to grab their goodies.

Display Stands: Keep everything neat and inviting.

Party Prep Pointer: Match favors to your theme for a cohesive look that feels thoughtfully curated.

Highchair Banner and Cake Smash Setup

Adorable outdoor first birthday setup featuring a baby in a high chair decorated with a pink 'ONE' banner and tassels. The baby wears a matching pink party hat and holds pink balloons while enjoying a cupcake, with a beautiful sunset in the background.

All eyes will be on the birthday star during that epic cake smash moment:

Highchair Banner: A mini “One” garland or bunting is picture-perfect.

Balloon Cluster: Attach a few to the back for flair.

Themed Tray Cover: Functional and fabulous.

Decor Tip: A coordinating bib or party hat makes the smash cake moment even more photo-ready!

Milestone Details

My First Year One Year of Photo Board Wooden Milestone Board 1st Birthday Milestone Board First Birthday Decorations 12 Months Photo Banner
Shop Milestone Board

Highlight the milestones of your baby’s first year with meaningful details:

Photo Display: Showcase those month-by-month pictures in a cute banner or collage.

Memory Board: Highlight milestones like first words, steps, or favorite foods.

Keepsake Guestbook: Let guests leave notes, wishes, or advice.

Memory Maker Tip: Create a DIY milestone photo banner to display your baby’s monthly photos. This not only adds a personal touch to the party decor but also serves as a cherished keepsake for years to come.

Choosing Your First Birthday Party Theme

Selecting the perfect theme sets the tone for your baby’s first birthday celebration. Here are some tips to guide your decision:

Reflect on Favorites: Consider your baby’s favorite toys, books, or characters. Incorporating elements they love will make the day more special.

Seasonal Inspiration: Align your theme with the time of year. For instance, a “Winter ONEderland” for winter birthdays or a “Berry First Birthday” during summer.

Simplicity is Key: While elaborate themes can be fun, simple ideas like a color scheme or a classic motif can be just as impactful and easier to execute.

Theme Tip: Once you’ve chosen a theme, carry it through all aspects of the party—from invitations and decorations to the cake and party favors—for a cohesive and memorable celebration.

Starting Your Purchases

With your theme in hand, it’s time to start gathering decorations and supplies:

Create a Checklist: List all the items you’ll need, such as banners, tableware, and centerpieces, ensuring they align with your chosen theme.

Set a Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend and prioritize essential items to avoid overspending.

Shop Early: Begin shopping well in advance to take advantage of sales and to ensure availability, especially for customized items.

Consider DIY Projects: Adding personal touches through DIY decorations can be cost-effective and add sentimental value.

Need Help Choosing a Theme?

If you’re still undecided on a theme, don’t worry! We’ve got a great blog post to inspire you with creative and unique first birthday party themes.

Check it out here: How to Choose THE BEST First Birthday Theme

Have Fun Choosing Your Party Decorations!

Your baby’s first birthday is all about celebrating this incredible milestone surrounded by love, laughter, and a little bit of chaos (the good kind!).

With this list, you’ll have everything you need to create a party that’s as unforgettable as your little one. Whether you go all-out or keep it simple, just remember: it’s the love you put into the day that makes it truly special.

One Final Tip: Snap those party photos before guests arrive so you can relax and soak in every special moment!

🎂Planning Your Baby’s First Birthday Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming

Let’s face it—planning your little one’s first birthday can feel like a never-ending to-do list. If the thought of juggling themes, guest lists, and a cake smash photo session has your head spinning, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: having a plan can save your sanity.

You need our first birthday party planning guide – complete with guest list trackers, timeline checklists, shopping lists, menu planner, and budget-friendly tips to keep you on track. It’s got everything you need to plan an amazing party.

first birthday party planning guide

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNER

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