1st birthday party ideas to help you reflect on your parenthood journey.

Your baby probably won’t remember their first birthday party, but, as parents, this gives you the opportunity to reflect on your journey as a family, from the milestones to the challenges. Planning a birthday party for a loved one’s baby or your own soon? This guide offers creative, actionable, and practical ideas.

Browse this list of 1st birthday party ideas to get started.

Thoughtful 1st birthday gift ideas.

Finding the “perfect” gift for a baby is a huge challenge. This list of 1st birthday gift ideas will help you choose meaningful and memorable gifts to mark a child’s milestone.

A cute playmat.

This is perfect because it provides some cushion, especially when the baby is starting to walk. When choosing a playmat, check its safety certifications. Go for an easy-to-clean mat that has a thick and soft padding.

A scrapbook of your child’s first year.

Fill this special gift with mementos like milestone photos and notes to document your first year as a family.

Handmade baby quilts.

This is a sweet and unique gift for a loved one’s baby. Add a heartfelt letter to make your gift more meaningful.

A personalized storybook.

This unique gift takes personalization to the next level. That’s because your baby will be the story’s main character. You can also work with online publishers who can make personalized books for your family. Want to go the DIY route? Adobe Express lets you make standout eBooks in just a few clicks. Using customizable templates and beginner-friendly tools, you can make an eBook that the whole family will love.

DIY growth chart.

Help parents track their child’s growth with this practical and thoughtful gift. Add the baby’s name to personalize it.

1st birthday cake ideas for sweeter celebrations.

Can’t seem to find a cake that’ll work well for your child’s birthday party? Find 1st birthday cake ideas that’ll match your theme on this list.

A small smash cake.

A smash cake is, well, meant to be smashed by your baby and then eaten afterward. It can be messy, but it can also be a lot of fun for them. Want to try your hand at making your own smash cake? This website shares three recipes for healthier smash cakes. They’re all dairy-free and egg-free, which makes them great for babies with dairy and egg allergies. Just make sure to prepare an actual cake for the adults.

Take inspiration from his favorite thing.

What’s your baby’s favorite thing? Use that as inspiration for the cake. For example, if they’re into Bluey, then prepare a cake that’s Bluey-themed.

Banana bread served with fruit crumble.

While not exactly a cake, this is a healthy alternative. You won’t need to add a lot of sugar to the banana bread. For the fruits, include your baby’s favorites.

A cake for the adults with cupcakes for the kids.

For example, if you’re going to be making or buying a whole carrot cake for the adults, make sure to include cupcake versions for the kids. Make it even more exciting by giving them cupcakes in different flavors.

A stack of pancakes.

This is a nice alternative to birthday cakes. In between each layer, you could add fresh fruits and frosting made of yogurt or whipped cream.

1st birthday boy ideas.

Find inspiration for themes, decorations, and activities for your child’s 1st birthday. While these are categorized as 1st birthday boy ideas, you can modify any of these and make them work for a girl’s birthday party.

Outdoor picnic.

Keep things simple with an outdoor picnic. Pick a great location like a local park or botanical garden, prepare your family’s favorite treats, and have fun making new memories with your loved ones.

Let your baby do what he wants.

If he wants to sleep, don’t wake him up. Or if he’s already up, then do the cake and let him spend the rest of his awake time doing the things he likes. For example, if your baby likes to play with stuffed animals, then let him do that.

Save money for their future.

Whether you’re throwing a big birthday bash or an intimate gathering, set aside some money for your child’s future. Also, consider asking your loved ones to make a quick donation in lieu of gifts.

Sustainable decorations.

Consider making decorations that you can reuse for future birthdays. You can DIY fabric banners by cutting a piece of cloth and using tape to attach numbers or letters. Jazz it up by sewing on decorative trim along the banner’s edges. Other eco-friendly options include reusable paper or knit garlands, fabric tablecloths, and reusable plates and cutlery.

A kid-friendly photo album.

Give your baby his own photo album. You can find baby-safe photo albums in online marketplaces like Amazon. These types of albums have a soft texture and can hold several photos. To make his first album extra special, write sweet cards that go with each photo.

1st birthday girl ideas.

Plan a birthday party tailored for a baby girl, from themes to activities, with these 1st birthday girl ideas.

Letters from loved ones.

Instead of gifts, ask your loved ones to write letters for your little girl. When she turns 16 or 18, let her open the box and read the letters. If you have loved ones from other states, ask them to send their letters via mail.

Take her handprint.

Plaster would be the usual medium for this, but it’s messy. Consider using air-dry clay instead. Timing is crucial here, so try to get the prints while your baby is sleeping. Or you could take a photo of their hands and feet and make 3D prints of them. However, you’ll need to build a 3D model first, which could be a bit time-consuming.

Celebrate your fandom.

If you like Harry Potter, why not organize a Harry Potter-themed birthday party? To make sure that younger guests will have fun, add interactive elements like puzzles or singing games—with a Harry Potter twist, of course.

Do some fun puns.

From the classic “Alice in One-derland” to “One-der the Sea,” you can use these puns as themes for your baby’s first birthday party. For example, for “One-der the Sea,” you can visit the local aquarium or hang underwater-inspired décor at home and pick a cake that fits the theme.

Do what you want.

The thing is, kids won’t remember their first birthday. Do what makes you happy and take lots of photos so that you’ll have something to look back on. Then, when your child is older, you can share these memories with them.

1st birthday picture ideas to help you create timeless keepsakes.

Capture beautiful and memorable photos of your child’s first birthday. From backdrops to activities, this list of 1st birthday picture ideas has got you covered.

DIY photo booths.

Your photo booth design will depend on your theme. For example, if you have a “Whimsical woodland” theme, include props like stuffed animals, faux moss, and paper trees. Use Adobe Express to design props that make your photo booth stand out. For example, you can use customizable templates to make unique posters and banners. You can also use Adobe Express to make custom photo collages for your guests to take home as keepsakes.

Time capsule video.

Record short video messages from your guests. Encourage them to share their wishes for your child. Save the video and give it to your child when they turn 18. Use Adobe Express to create personalized time capsule cards to go with the time capsule video.

Reusable photo backdrops.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative, this is it. You can find vinyl or cotton backdrops that are also washable. Decorate it using materials like paper flowers, real plants, or buntings. Another thing you can do to make your backdrop special is to hang your favorite photos of your baby. Use clothespins to attach them to a piece of string or twine.

Hand out disposable cameras.

This lets guests have fun taking their own photos. At the end of the party, collect the film rolls and have them scanned. Create a digital album where guests can access the photos they took. Make it easily accessible to them by making a custom QR code. Adobe Express simplifies how you generate QR codes with the free QR code generator. It’s as simple as opening the QR code generator, entering a URL, and downloading the code. Once done, you can personalize your QR code to match your theme.

Work with a professional photographer.

Let’s face it: birthday parties can get really hectic, and parents might not have a lot of spare time to take photos. If you have the budget for it, consider hiring a professional photographer to document your child’s special day. This ensures that you’re in the photos with your baby and loved ones. Alternatively, consider asking one or two of your family members or friends to be the designated photographer for the day.

1st birthday food ideas that you and your guests will enjoy.

These 1st birthday food ideas will help you find age-appropriate and party-friendly meals that guests of all ages can enjoy. Aside from providing healthier alternatives, make stunning flyers in minutes using Adobe Express. These will serve as food tags with an ingredients list and allergen information, while on-theme banners can serve as signs for any games or activities you have planned.

Healthy snack station.

Provide an assortment of healthy snacks for guests, like sugar-free cakes, fruit cups, mini sandwiches, and veggie platters.

A dedicated station for baby-friendly foods.

Make it easier for guests with babies to find the right foods for their little ones. Set up a separate station with options like toast muffins with scrambled eggs, mashed sweet potato with cauliflower, fresh fruits, and soft-cooked veggies. The American Academy of Pediatrics shared a sample menu for one-year-olds here.

A potluck with a sweet twist.

Ask guests to bring their favorite food and a children’s book they’d like to share with your baby. Encourage them to leave a sweet note for your baby, which you can keep and give to them when they’re older.

Backyard cookout.

Invite loved ones and have a backyard cookout. Put up simple decorations and prepare an assortment of snacks and beverages. Include alcoholic and non-alcoholic options for the drinks. For the food, prepare hotdogs, burgers, and casseroles.

Your baby’s favorite foods and their adult equivalent.

For example, if your child’s favorite foods include fish and vegetables, then prepare that dish to their liking. Then, prepare an elevated counterpart of that dish for adult guests, like salmon with fennel or garlic spinach, and finish off with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. Make sure to set up separate food stations for adults and children.

1st birthday theme ideas to knock your party out of the park.

Find an awesome theme with the help of these 1st birthday theme ideas. This list includes classic themes as well as personalized options.

Celebrate family traditions.

If you have special family traditions, why not incorporate some of its elements into your child’s birthday party? For example, if reading bedtime stories is part of your routine, get your baby ready for their afternoon nap and read them your favorite bedtime stories.

Whimsical woodland.

Jazz up your space by decorating it with green and brown balloons and stuffed animals—animal cutouts work great for this too. Set up a woodland-themed photo booth with props like faux trees. Serve forest-themed snacks like animal-shaped cookies or fruit slices shaped like leaves.

Classic storybook party.

Pick a popular children’s book and use that as your theme. For example, if you go with the Little Blue Truck, serve cupcakes with blue truck toppers. Use Adobe Express to create invitation cards and posters that resemble storybook covers.

Time capsule party.

This theme works well with the time capsule video idea shared earlier. To organize a time capsule party, set up a station where guests can write letters or notes and include small gifts for your baby. Put everything in a sturdy box and give it to your child when they turn 18. To stay true to the theme, decorate your house and fill it with old-fashioned décor to up the nostalgia.

Their favorite storybook.

Does your baby already have a book they like? Use that as the theme. Otherwise, pick a book you really like and use that as inspiration. Want to foster a love of reading at an early age? Here’s a tip: check out Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. It’s a wonderful program that gifts free books to kids ages 1-5 years old.

Tips to help you organize an unforgettable celebration.

Make your child’s first birthday more memorable and meaningful with these tips.

• Plan ahead. Ideally, 6-8 weeks in advance. This gives you more than enough time to reserve the venue, create a guest list, and plan the menu. Adobe Express simplifies party planning. With beginner-friendly tools, you can make beautiful birthday invitations and cards in just a few clicks.

• Include interactive activities for different age groups. Ideas include sensory activities like soft play zones and bubble machines. You can also do mimicry play and provide babies with toys that mimic real-life items. This can help enhance the development of areas like language while nurturing their mimicry skills.

• Keep it short and sweet. Plan the event around your child’s schedule or the routine they’re used to (their “awake time”). Ideally, the party should last around 1-2 hours to avoid overstimulating your child. This also ensures that your event is manageable for guests.

• Consider staggered celebrations. Try to organize an intimate celebration with family and friends. If you have a large extended family or network, staggered celebrations can help keep your mini-events manageable. For example, one day, you’d celebrate with immediate family, while another day can be dedicated to a small celebration with your friends.

Birthday celebrations are made even better with Adobe Express.

Your child’s first birthday marks a significant milestone. Make it one for the books with the help of Adobe Express. Whether you’re making party flyers or birthday invitations, Adobe Express gives you access to beginner-friendly DIY tools to bring your child’s first birthday party to life. See what you can make with Adobe Express today.

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