Your baby’s first birthday is coming up, and if you’re anything like me, you want a party that’s cute enough for Instagram and Pinterest, but low-key enough that you’re not up until 2 AM hot gluing decorations.
That’s where first birthday party themes come in — they make party planning easier, the photos cuter, and the memories even sweeter.
Whether you’re looking for first birthday themes for girls, boy first birthday party ideas, or something seasonal and unique, I’ve rounded up 50+ first birthday party themes to inspire you.
Let’s make this milestone unforgettable — and totally Pinterest-worthy!
Classic First Birthday Party Themes for Boys & Girls
1. Wild One
This jungle-inspired party is a classic for good reason. Decorate with leafy green balloon garlands, animal cutouts, and wooden crates stacked with tropical plants.
Set up a safari-themed photo booth with stuffed lions and elephants for baby to sit among.
Serve animal-themed cupcakes (zebra stripes, lion faces) and a smash cake decorated with greenery and a gold “Wild One” topper.
Need more ideas? Check out my post on boy first birthday party ideas.
2. Somebunny is One
This soft, pastel garden party is perfect for spring babies. Think bunny ear headbands for guests, carrot centerpieces, and floral garlands hanging from the highchair.
Set up a “Bunny Garden Snack Table” with veggie trays, carrot cupcakes, and bunny-shaped cookies. Your baby can even wear a bunny romper for their cake smash!
Want more? See my full guides for a Somebunny is One party for girls and Somebunny is One for boys.
3. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
This magical, starry night party works beautifully indoors or outside under string lights.
Decorate with metallic gold and silver stars, fluffy cloud balloons, and a twinkling star garland backdrop for photos.
Serve star-shaped sandwiches, “moon cheese” puffs, and cloud cupcakes. Finish with a celestial-themed cake. This works for both boys and girls and pairs perfectly with soft lullaby music playing in the background.
4. Little Lumberjack
Buffalo plaid is the star of this cozy, outdoorsy birthday party. Set up a “Lumberjack Feast” table with pancakes, mini sausages, and s’mores bars.
Use wood slice chargers, lanterns, and mini pine trees for rustic decor. The smash cake can look like a wood log with bear tracks across the top — super cute for winter babies.
5. Peter Rabbit Party
This storybook-inspired party brings Beatrix Potter’s garden to life. Decorate with soft blues, gingham tablecloths, watering cans full of wildflowers, and carrot-themed snacks.
A “Mr. McGregor’s Garden” station with veggie trays and garden cupcakes is a sweet touch. Add Peter Rabbit plushies for baby’s first photoshoot.
This is one of my favorite gender-neutral first birthday themes.
6. Beary First Birthday
Teddy bears and cuddles make this soft and sweet party theme perfect for both boys and girls.
Lay out picnic blankets with baskets of teddy bear snacks like “bear-y good trail mix” and honey sandwiches.
Use stuffed bears as table decor, and make a smash cake shaped like a bear face. Every guest can take home a tiny teddy bear as a favor!
Trendy First Birthday Party Themes for 2025
7. First Trip Around the Sun
Celestial meets sunny with this trending favorite. Decorate with sun and cloud garlands, metallic gold stars, and fluffy cotton cloud centerpieces.
Serve “Sunshine Sandwiches” (star-shaped grilled cheese), cloud popcorn, and sunshine sugar cookies. Your baby’s highchair can have a “First Trip Around the Sun” banner and a mini sun balloon arch.
See even more ideas for both girl (boho vibes) and boy versions (outerspace feel) of this theme.
8. One Happy Camper
If you love the idea of an outdoor, adventure-themed birthday, this one’s for you. Set up mini tents (or let baby crawl inside a teepee), place lantern centerpieces, and use log slices for serving trays.
A faux campfire made of tissue paper is a fun photo spot. Serve trail mix, s’mores cupcakes, and hot dog “campfire skewers.”
Check out my full guides for One Happy Camper for girls and boys.
9. Berry Sweet One
This strawberry-inspired party is bursting with fruity charm. Use gingham tablecloths, strawberry balloon garlands, and tiny berry baskets as party favors.
Serve strawberry shortcake, berry lemonade, and strawberry-shaped cookies. A strawberry-covered smash cake is the perfect centerpiece.
I’ve got 50+ berry-themed ideas you’ll want to see!
10. Hole in One
For golf-loving families, this preppy golf theme is adorable.
Lay down a turf table runner, set up a mini putting green for guests, and decorate with golf ball balloons. Serve “club sandwiches,” Arnold Palmers, and golf ball cake pops. The cake itself could be a green with a tiny flag saying “One.”
Full ideas are in my Hole in One party guide.
11. Groovy One
Bring on the retro vibes with daisies, peace signs, and tie-dye accents. Decorate with pastel balloon garlands, a “Can You Dig It?” photo booth, and a daisy-covered cake.
Guests can make flower crowns, and baby can wear a bell-bottom onesie for their cake smash moment.
This is one of the most playful themes for 2025!
12. Boho Baby Bash
This earthy, minimalist trend is perfect for families who love natural vibes. Use pampas grass, wooden highchair banners, and neutral-toned balloons.
The cake could be a semi-naked design with pressed flowers and a wooden topper.
Create a cozy photo corner with floor cushions and a macramé backdrop.
13. One Silly Goose
This quirky, playful theme is full of giggles. Set up a Goose Pond snack table with blue linens, floating rubber ducks, and goose-shaped cookies.
Use gingham bunting, feather details, and silly goose photo props. The smash cake could feature a goose with webbed feet!
See my full ideas for both girls and boys.
14. Dino-Mite One
This prehistoric party brings dinos back in style! Decorate with leafy garlands, dinosaur footprints, and “fossil dig” sensory bins.
Serve dino nuggets, “lava punch,” and dinosaur egg cake pops. Baby’s cake can feature a cute green dino popping out of an egg.
Seasonal First Birthday Party Themes for Every Season (Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter)
🌸 Spring First Birthday Party Ideas
15. Bunny Bash
If your baby’s birthday falls near Easter, a bunny-themed party is the ultimate spring celebration. Set up a garden-inspired party with fresh flowers, carrot-shaped treats, and fluffy bunny decor.
Create a “Bunny Trail” for babies to crawl through, complete with pastel balloon garlands and carrot patch photo props. Baby can wear bunny ears for their cake smash.
This pairs perfectly with the Somebunny is One and Somebunny is One for boys party ideas.
16. Our Little Honey Bee
This bee-utiful theme is all about bright yellows, black stripes, and lots of sweet touches. Set up a “Honeycomb Snack Table” with honey sticks, bee cookies, and lemonade.
Use bee garlands, honeycomb paper balls, and a “Buzzing into One” banner.
Baby can wear a little bee outfit, and the smash cake can feature fondant bees buzzing around honeycomb frosting.
17. April Showers Bring May Flowers
Celebrate spring rain and blooms with this unique, seasonal theme.
Hang umbrella decorations from the ceiling, use raindrop garlands, and place mini watering cans filled with fresh flowers as centerpieces.
Serve floral cupcakes and “raindrop punch,” and let baby wear a floral romper or rain boots for adorable photos. A flower-shaped smash cake ties it all together.
🌞 Summer First Birthday Party Ideas
18. One in a Melon
This watermelon-inspired party is full of bright pink and green fun.
Decorate with watermelon slice garlands, fruity balloons, and gingham tablecloths. Serve watermelon popsicles, melon skewers, and a watermelon-shaped cake.
Don’t miss my full One in a Melon first birthday party guide for even more juicy ideas.
19. Under the Sea
Perfect for beach babies, this ocean-themed party can feature mermaids for girls or sea creatures for boys.
Decorate with blue streamers and fish nets, and set up a “Seashell Hunt” activity. Serve goldfish crackers, seaweed dip (spinach dip), and cupcakes topped with seashells.
The smash cake could be a wave-inspired masterpiece.
20. Tutti Frutti
A fruit explosion! This colorful party features lemon, pineapple, watermelon, and orange-themed decor.
Use fruit slice balloons, a “Freshly One” banner, and tropical tableware. Serve fruit kabobs, pineapple upside-down cupcakes, and rainbow fruit punch.
Baby’s smash cake could be shaped like a giant pineapple.
21. Ice Cream Dream
What’s better than ice cream in the summer? This sweet treat party features a DIY sundae bar, sprinkle balloons, and pastel ice cream cone garlands.
Set up an “Ice Cream Parlor” with baby-sized aprons and a chalkboard menu. The smash cake could look like a melting ice cream cone.
This is perfect for summer first birthdays.
22. O-Fish-ally One
Make waves with this ocean-themed party filled with cute fish, bubbles, and seaweed decor. Use blue streamers for the “ocean” and hang paper fish from the ceiling.
Serve goldfish snacks, “ocean water” punch, and fish-shaped cookies.
See all my O-Fish-ally One party ideas for more.
🍂 Fall First Birthday Party Ideas
23. Our Little Pumpkin is One
There’s nothing cuter than a pumpkin-themed party for a fall baby!
Decorate with pumpkins in soft pastels or traditional orange, a “Pumpkin Patch Photo Booth,” and hay bale seating.
Serve pumpkin cupcakes, caramel apples, and cider.
I’ve got tons of ideas for both Little Pumpkin for girls and gender-neutral pumpkin parties.
24. Apple of Our Eye
This sweet orchard-inspired theme works beautifully for September babies.
Use bushel baskets for centerpieces, apple garlands, and red gingham accents. Set up a “Mini Apple Stand” with caramel apples, cider donuts, and apple slices with dip.
The smash cake could be shaped like a shiny red apple.
25. First Rodeo
Giddy up! This Western-themed party is all about cowboy boots, bandanas, and hay bale seating.
Decorate with wooden signs, a “Pony Ride” photo booth, and cow print balloons. Serve BBQ sliders, root beer floats, and “Cowpoke Cookies.”
My full First Rodeo birthday guide has even more ideas.
26. First Year Down
This football-themed party is a touchdown for fall babies — especially if you’re hosting during football season!
Decorate with turf table runners, penalty flag napkins, and jersey-inspired banners. Serve game day snacks like mini sliders and popcorn, and decorate the smash cake like a football.
Don’t miss my full First Year Down party guide.
27. Cowgirl/Cowboy Cutie
For a Western flair with a girly twist, this theme adds lots of pink and sparkle.
Think cowboy boots, sparkly bandanas, and pink pony centerpieces. The cake could feature a pink cowboy hat topper, and favors could be little horseshoe cookies.
See all my Cowgirl first birthday ideas.
❄️ Winter First Birthday Party Ideas
28. Winter ONEderland
This magical, snowy theme is perfect for December and January babies. Decorate with snowflake garlands, silver balloons, and frosted pinecones.
Serve snowflake cookies, hot cocoa, and a white snowball smash cake.
Check out my full Winter ONEderland for girls and winter birthday ideas for boys.
29. Snow Much Fun to Be One
For a playful twist on a winter party, add snowmen, mittens, and a snowball toss game (using soft cotton balls).
Serve snowman cupcakes, “snowflake punch,” and hot cocoa. Decorate with blue and white balloons and lots of faux snow.
30. Hot Cocoa Cutie
Cozy up with this hot chocolate-themed party that’s part winter wonderland, part café chic.
Set up a DIY hot cocoa bar with toppings like marshmallows, sprinkles, and whipped cream. Decorate with buffalo plaid, tiny chalkboard signs, and warm string lights.
Baby’s smash cake could be shaped like a mug of cocoa.
Budget-Friendly First Birthday Party Themes That Are Still Adorable
31. Picnic in the Park
erfect for families who want to keep it casual and affordable, this outdoor picnic party requires very little setup.
Lay out a few blankets, add some balloon bundles tied to picnic baskets, and set up a simple “Happy 1st Birthday” banner. Pack finger foods like sandwiches, fruit kabobs, and cupcakes.
Bring along a bubble machine for entertainment and an adorable photo opportunity with baby sitting on a checkered blanket surrounded by balloons.
32. Donut Grow Up
Sweet, simple, and super affordable — a donut-themed first birthday needs little more than a few donut towers, sprinkle balloons, and a cute “Donut Grow Up” banner.
Serve donuts (of course!), coffee for parents, and simple fruit cups. For the cake, do a giant donut smash cake.
Need inspiration? Check out my full Sweet One donut birthday party guide.
33. At-Home Cake Smash Party
Skip the venue entirely and create a DIY cake smash party at home. Use a corner of your living room for a photo backdrop with balloons, streamers, and a simple highchair banner.
Serve cupcakes for guests, but keep the focus on the main event — baby vs. cake.
(Need cake ideas? I’ve got you covered with these first birthday cake ideas.)
34. Home Sweet One
A cozy family gathering at home can be just as special as a big party.
Decorate with a monthly photo banner, fresh flowers, and a simple homemade cake. Include personal touches like a memory table with baby’s hospital bracelet, first onesie, and other keepsakes.
Focus on sweet moments with close family, and skip the stress (and cost!) of a huge party.
Sentimental First Birthday Party Themes
35. A Year of Firsts
Celebrate your baby’s first year of milestones with this heartwarming theme. Create a timeline wall with monthly photos, and label sections with “First Smile,” “First Steps,” and “First Tooth.”
Decorate with gold and white accents, and make a keepsake guest book where friends and family can leave notes for baby to read someday.
Serve cupcakes with mini milestone toppers.
36. Our Little Sunshine
This sunny, happy theme is perfect for your little ray of light. Use yellow, orange, and white balloons, and create a sunburst backdrop for the highchair.
Serve “sunshine sandwiches” (star-shaped), lemon bars, and a bright yellow smash cake. Incorporate baby’s happiest photos and milestones into a Sunshine Memory Board.
This theme pairs perfectly with First Trip Around the Sun if you want a celestial twist.
37. Time Flies
This vintage travel-inspired theme is sentimental and sweet. Decorate with globes, maps, vintage suitcases, and tiny paper airplanes.
Display a photo timeline showing how baby has “traveled” through their first year. Serve “in-flight snacks” and a suitcase-shaped cake.
Guests can write travel advice and wishes for baby’s next adventure.
38. Storybook One
Celebrate your little bookworm with a storybook-themed party featuring baby’s favorite books.
Create a book nook with blankets, stuffed animals, and board books for guests to read. Use book covers as table centerpieces, and serve themed snacks like “Very Hungry Caterpillar Fruit Tray” or “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” cookies.
The smash cake can look like a stack of baby’s favorite books.
39. Wildflower First Birthday
Perfect for outdoor-loving families, this garden party theme is all about flowers, soft colors, and natural beauty.
Set up a flower crown station, and decorate with wildflower bouquets in mason jars. Serve garden-inspired treats like flower-shaped sandwiches and floral cupcakes. Baby’s smash cake can be topped with edible flowers.
See more in my Wildflower first birthday party guide.
Food-Themed First Birthday Party Ideas
40. Sweet as a Peach
This peachy-keen party is perfect for summer. Decorate with peach-colored balloons, gingham table runners, and peach-themed signs (“You’re One in a Peach!”).
Serve peach cobbler cups, peach lemonade, and mini peach pies. A simple peach-colored smash cake with a tiny green leaf topper is adorable.
41. Pasta La Vista, Baby
Perfect for families who love to cook, this Italian-inspired party features red-and-white checkered tablecloths, pasta bar, and garlic bread sticks in baskets.
Decorate with mini potted herbs and chalkboard menus. Serve spaghetti cupcakes and a tiered cake designed to look like a giant bowl of pasta.
42. Lemonade Stand Bash
This sunny, citrus theme works for backyard or indoor parties. Set up a DIY lemonade stand as a photo booth, complete with a wooden counter, fresh lemons, and bunting.
Serve lemonade (with fun flavor add-ins), lemon bars, and lemon poppy seed cupcakes.
Use bright yellow balloons and gingham tableware.
43. Taco ‘Bout One
A fiesta to remember! Decorate with papel picado banners, cactus centerpieces, and a “Taco ‘Bout One” welcome sign.
Serve a taco bar with all the fixings, chips and salsa, and churro cupcakes. The smash cake could be taco-shaped, and baby can wear a mini sombrero.
This ties in perfectly with my list of punny first birthday themes.
44. Brunch anyONE
Because who doesn’t love brunch? Set up a waffle bar, bagel station, and mini mimosa bar (for the adults).
Decorate with brunch-inspired balloons (think fried eggs and coffee cups) and chalkboard menus.
See all my brunch birthday party ideas for even more inspo.
45. Little Chef Party
This adorable foodie-themed first birthday is perfect if your family loves to cook (or just loves to eat!).
Guests (both kids and adults) can join in with a decorate-your-own-pizza station or a build-your-own pasta bar.
For the cake, go with a chef’s hat smash cake or a simple white cake topped with edible fondant kitchen tools. It’s hands-on fun with lots of cute photo ops!
46. S’more Fun to Be One
Create a faux campfire setup with tissue paper flames and logs, and set up plaid picnic blankets for guests to relax on.
A DIY s’mores bar is the centerpiece of the party, offering marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate bars, and fun toppings like sprinkles or caramel drizzle.
Baby’s highchair can have a “S’more Fun to Be One” banner, and the smash cake can be designed to look like a campfire or stacked s’mores.
First Birthday Themes for Small Spaces
47. Balloon Bash
Even a tiny space can feel festive with floor-to-ceiling balloons.
Create a colorful balloon garland over the cake table and scatter smaller balloons on the floor for baby to play with. Add a “One-derful” banner and a small cake smash corner.
48. Tiny Tea Party
This miniature tea party fits perfectly in small spaces. Set up a low table with mismatched teacups, mini sandwiches, and pastel flowers.
Guests (and baby!) can wear party hats or mini fascinators.
49. Little Artist Party
For creative parents, this art-themed party is adorable in small spaces. Set up a mini easel and canvas for baby’s first painting, and let guests paint mini canvases too.
Decorate with paint splatter balloons and crayon garlands.
50. Mini Music Party
Create a musical playdate with shakers, tambourines, and baby-safe drums. Guests can jam along with a fun playlist, and you can hand out mini maracas as favors.
51. Rainbow Dreams
Bright and cheerful, this rainbow party fills even small rooms with color. Use rainbow streamers, balloon arches, and a colorful cake to create a happy, photogenic celebration.
Bonus: First Birthday Photo Ideas for Any Theme
No matter which first birthday party theme you pick, make sure to snap these must-have photos to remember the day:
- Baby with their monthly milestone photo banner.
- Cake smash moment — bonus points for a themed cake topper.
- Baby sitting in front of the main party setup (balloons, backdrop, etc.).
- Family photo with everyone dressed in theme colors.
- Baby interacting with decorations — especially balloons, streamers, or sensory items.
- Sweet candid moments (like baby eating cake with their hands).
FAQs About First Birthday Party Themes
What are the trendiest first birthday party themes for 2025?
The hottest first birthday themes right now include:
- First Trip Around the Sun – Cosmic cuteness with suns, stars, and clouds.
- Berry Sweet One – Strawberries, gingham, and red-and-pink everything.
- One Happy Camper – Tents, trees, and campfire snacks.
- One Silly Goose – Whimsical geese, soft gingham, and pastel cuteness.
What are the best first birthday themes for boys?
Some of the most popular boy first birthday party ideas are:
- Wild One – Jungle vibes and adventure touches.
- First Year Down – Football-themed fun.
- Hole in One – For future golf stars.
- Dino-Mite One – Prehistoric fun with cute dinosaurs.
What are the best first birthday themes for girls?
Top picks for girl first birthday parties include:
- Somebunny is One – Sweet garden bunny theme.
- Berry Sweet One – Strawberry everything.
- Winter ONEderland – Magical winter wonderland.
- Boho Baby Bash – Pampas grass, soft florals, and earthy colors.
How do I choose the perfect first birthday party theme?
There’s no “right” way to do it, but here’s a formula to help:
- Think about your baby’s personality — are they bold and wild, or sweet and mellow?
- Consider the season and if you want an indoor or outdoor party.
- Factor in your guest list size — big crowd or close family?
- And finally, choose something that makes you smile every time you picture it.
Final Thoughts
Your baby’s first birthday isn’t just a milestone for them — it’s a celebration for you, too! You made it through sleepless nights, first giggles, and so many sweet moments.
Whether you go all out with a trendy theme or keep it simple with cake and cuddles, this day is all about celebrating your family’s journey through that amazing first year.
🎂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.
📌 Pin This for Later
Planning your baby’s first birthday might feel overwhelming, but with so many fun themes to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits your style (and your baby’s personality).
Pin this post now so you have all 51 first birthday party themes handy when it’s time to start planning your celebration!