First Birthday Party Decorating Ideas

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They're Number One! 20 Fun First Birthday Party Themes

Celebrate the little one's first 365 days with these playful party ideas.

Brian Woodcock

Any day is a good day for a party, right? Whether you're celebrating the season with fresh, fragrant florals and a fancy dinner spread, or preparing to welcome a new addition to your family with a baby shower, the reasons to be festive are positively endless. Beyond the beautiful homemade birthday cakes, cupcakes, and other delicious pastries, gatherings with friends also prove to be opportunities to show off your craft skills (especially when the occasion calls for a fun theme). A party is an excuse to decorate with streamers, balloons, and over-the-top decor, and of course a chance to open gifts, pop champagne, and indulge in sweet treats. (When it comes to party planning, more is more.)

One particular type of party is especially exciting: a birthday party. There are so many birthday party ideas for girls and, conversely, clever birthday ideas for boys. But out of all the birthdays, a first birthday is pretty darn magical. Not only is it a baby's first introduction to the traditional cake, candles, and presents, but it also serves as the perfect occasion for parents and friends to throw a fun (and adorable) gathering for their little one. From animal themes to chic florals and every storybook tale in between, the possibilities are endless. Flip through these idea-starters to find the perfect party for your child's first birthday celebration.

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Paint Party

Set up a painter's paradise to celebrate your young artiste's first birthday. Make garlands from paint decks, whip up a few crispy rice treats to make paint brush lookalikes (shown), and set up a kid-friendly finger painting station for guests.

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Demo Day Construction Party

Let little house-flippers in the making celebrate their special day with this themed display board. Have adult guests sport plastic hard hats to get in the fixer-upper spirit.

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Zoo Animal Party

Party animals, unite! Let guests go wild with a zoo theme—think animal print decor, animal hats, and these customizable muslin goodie bags to filled with take-home treats.

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Pinwheel Party

Put your crafting hat on and make pinwheel decorations from fabric of your choice to hang in your party space. String together a festive garland made from striped straws, and set up a retro soda float bar for the parents in attendance.

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Little Gardener's Party

Encourage the green thumbs of the future with a garden-themed soiree, complete with dirt pudding, carrot cake cupcakes, and a potting shed decor aesthetic. Offer tiny potted plant favors to young guests, who can help with watering at home.

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Puppy Birthday "Pawty"

Start with this adorable invitation, then let your puppy-loving imagination run wild with dog bone-shaped desserts, bandana favors for young guests, and a group reading of a classic book like Harry the Dirty Dog.

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Hungry Caterpillar Party

Throw a colorful bug bash that celebrates not only your little one but also this timeless children's classic. Start with a high chair banner, and add cake toppers, fruit and veggie garland, and of course, end with a group reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

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Space Themed Party

Three, two, ONE... blast off! Throw a space party for your little astronaut with this adorable cake topper, plus other out-of-this-world activities. (Make a commemorative "constellation" banner by inviting young guests to add their handprints to a navy-painted canvas wall hanging.)

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Bookworm Party

Start with these library card-inspired invites, and have guests bring books to donate to a local library or school in lieu of gifts. Consider a DIY door banner (hold the horror novels, keep the kids' book titles) to welcome guests to your home or party venue.

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Ice Cream Social Party

Start with cone-shaped honeycomb decorations, and serve ice cream treats galore, from sandwiches to sundaes, with plenty of candy toppings. Give colorful ice cream scoops as favors, and have little guests don ice cream party hats.

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Strawberry Picnic Party

Gather up some fresh berries, strawberry ice cream, and a handful of vintage-inspired berry baskets to display strawberry snacks and treats. Add a strawberry banner and consider an outdoor setting.

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Pickup Truck Party

Have truckloads of fun with your little one, starting with these adorable invitations in a classic red color scheme. Keep the adults entertained with a playlist of the best country songs of all time.

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"Madeline" Parisian Party

"Bon Anniversaire!" Celebrate your favorite little lady (or gentleman) with a chic, French soiree, complete with Eiffel Tower garland and pretty pastries. Consider a mini felted beret for the birthday baby!

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Beach Party

Start with personalized sand pail party favors, and incorporate plenty of inflatable beach balls as fun decor that doubles as a toy or game for little guests.

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"Where the Wild Things Are" Party

Celebrate one year of life on the wild side with a party based on the classic children's book by Maurice Sendak. Encourage guests to wear animal-themed clothing, and consider a fur-adorned crown for the birthday baby!

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Lady Bug Party

Bring plenty of good luck for the coming year with a lady bug-themed party, complete with an adorable cake banner (shown) and lady bug wings for the birthday baby.

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Train Party

Little conductors will love a train theme, complete with a wall banner, cake topper, and a high chair banner to ensure adorable photo ops. Entertain young guests with vintage-style train whistles in place of standard party noisemakers.

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The Big "One" Fishing Party

Catch of the day: this fun set of oversized letters, designed to look like fishing bobbers! Throw a fishing-themed gathering with colorful fish garlands and a bobber-shaped, red-and-white cake.

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Under the Sea Party

Calling all little mermaids and mermen! Start with a fish net-inspired banner, and whip up a blue punch to serve guests. Consider starfish decorations and a group singalong to "Under the Sea" from the classic Disney film.

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Roy G. Biv Party

Go rainbow-crazy, starting with this colorful heart-shaped confetti. Ask guests to dress in their favorite color, and consider an extra coating of rainbow sprinkles on the cake or cupcakes.

Natalie Schumann NATALIE SCHUMANN Associate Editor Natalie Schumann is the Associate Editor at Country Living, where she manages CL's social channels and covers country music and entertainment news.

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