How to Throw the Best First Birthday Party on a Budget

You don’t need a big budget to throw a party your baby (and your bank account) will be proud of.

✨ Seen All the Pinterest-Perfect Parties and Wondering How to Pull It Off on a Budget?

You’re not alone.

The first birthday is such a big milestone—but that doesn’t mean it needs to come with a big price tag.

This post is packed with practical, pretty, and affordable ideas to help you celebrate your baby’s big day without draining your savings.

You’ll find easy wins, budget-friendly swaps, and ideas that still feel just as special.

1. Host It at Home or a Park (AKA: Free Is My Favorite Price)

Skip the pricey venue. Your backyard, living room, or even Grandma’s kitchen table can be more than enough.

Good spots to consider:

• Your house or garage (hello, backup rain plan!)
  
• A local park with a playground
  
• A family member’s house with room to gather

A park party is especially great if you want built-in entertainment for older siblings or cousins. Just pack bubbles, chalk, and sunscreen.

If you’re leaning toward an outdoor celebration, check out my list of kids’ birthday party ideas for summer to make it extra fun without adding to your budget.

2. Keep the Guest List Small and Sweet

This isn’t your wedding. You do not need to invite every neighbor, coworker, and acquaintance from your prenatal yoga class.

Here’s your permission slip to:

• Invite only people your baby actually knows
  
• Keep the headcount under control
  
• Say no to plus-ones (nicely!)

Smaller party = less food, less clean-up, and way less pressure.

3. Don’t Overthink the Cake

If you love baking, go for it! If you don’t? That’s what grocery store bakeries are for.

Budget-friendly cake ideas:

• A simple boxed cake mix + tub of frosting = done.
  
• Cupcakes (they’re easier to serve and don’t require cutting)
  
• Store-bought sheet cake + cute cake topper

Bonus tip: Many grocery stores offer a free smash cake when you order a first birthday cake. Just ask!

Want a little inspiration? I rounded up some adorable and realistic first birthday cake ideas—most of them are easy to recreate at home or modify for girls, too.

4. Decorations Can Be Simple (and Still So Cute)

You really only need 2-3 fun elements to make it feel festive. Balloons, a “ONE” banner, and some cute paper plates?

That’s a party.

My go-to decorations:

• A big “1” balloon or foil balloon bundle
  
• Baby’s monthly milestone photos taped up on a wall
  
• Streamers or Dollar Tree banners
  
• Plastic tablecloths for easy cleanup

Don’t underestimate how much a balloon garland and a little natural light can do in your kitchen.

5. Serve Snacks, Not a Full Meal

One of the easiest ways to save money? Plan your party between meals—like 10:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.—so guests don’t expect lunch or dinner.

Budget-friendly food ideas:

• Fruit skewers or melon cut into fun shapes
  
• Crackers, cheese cubes, veggie straws
  
• Mini muffins or a nugget tray
  
• Lemonade and water bottles

If you’re looking for more ideas, I’ve got a whole list of easy appetizers for a party that work for birthdays, baby showers, and everything in between.

6. Take Great Photos Without a Photographer

You don’t need to hire anyone to capture the moment.

All you need is a decent phone camera, good light, and a friend who’s willing to click the button.

Budget photo tips:

• Use a high chair as your “smash cake throne” and decorate the background
  
• Snap a few family photos early before cake chaos begins
  
• Set up a tripod or hand your phone to a friend while you’re in the moment

And if you take 300 photos and only 6 are usable? Welcome to motherhood. 😂

7. Skip the Favors (Or Keep Them Super Simple)

If you’re not into party favors—skip them! No one is mad.

But if you do want to send guests home with something, here are a few budget ideas:

• Mini bubble wands with a cute thank-you tag
  
• Homemade sugar cookies in cellophane bags
  
• Coloring books + crayons from the dollar store

But truly? Most people are just happy to come celebrate. No favors needed.

✅ Quick Budget Birthday Planning Checklist

Planning a cute first birthday without overspending? Here’s your cheat sheet:

✅ Keep the guest list small

✅ Host it at home or a park

✅ Bake a cake (or grab a grocery store one with a free smash cake!)

✅ Decorate with balloons, streamers, and baby photos

✅ Plan for snack time instead of mealtime

✅ Use your phone + natural light for great photos

✅ Skip favors—or hand out dollar-store bubbles or cookies

✅ Focus on fun, not fancy 💛

You can absolutely make it special and stick to your budget.

The Best First Birthdays Aren’t the Most Expensive

If you’ve got love, snacks, and a baby in a party hat, you’re doing it right.

Save your energy (and your money) for when your toddler starts asking for bounce houses and pony rides.