The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Baby’s First Birthday

Party Ideas & Tips

10 Tips for a First Birthday Party You & Baby Will Love

Congratulations, you’ve made it through the first year of parenthood. Now it’s time to chose that first birthday outfit, bake (or buy) a smash cake, and throw a fabulous first birthday bash! Make it memorable—and stress free!—by following these 10 first birthday ideas for a fun party.

Big Celebration, No Fuss: How to Host an Easy First Birthday Party

This first bash is a big deal for nearly all parents, and amidst all of your own emotions, questions from friends, and pressure from grandparents, it can begin to feel like an overwhelming event to plan. Read on for our tips guaranteed to make the big day easy, fun, and relaxing for everybody, even you!

The Most Awesome Outdoor Birthday Party Ideas for Summer

If the weather is cooperating, an outside party means less mess and tons of fun in the sun. We’ve gathered up the best outdoor birthday party themes for your warm-weather baby, from messy art parties to twists on water play. Sit down, grab a popsicle, and prepare to take your party to the next level with inspiration from the best party planning pros out there.

Fun Alternatives to First Birthday Parties That Your Baby Will Love

Not sure you want to throw a big party? We get you. There are lots of fun party alternatives—with great photo ops!—to celebrate your little one’s first year of life. Invite along relatives and friends to share the day, or keep it immediate family only. We’ve rounded up some ideas to help make the day fun for baby and memorable for you.  

Epic Birthday Party Themes

First Birthday Party Themes That Will Wow You

From camping to circuses to carousels, there are tons of party themes you can run with. Read on for inspiration from super-creative moms, and rest easy knowing your baby’s big toothy (or toothless) smile will make it all worthwhile.

11 First Party Themes to Celebrate the Birthday Boy

Your little man is turning one, and that means it’s time to party in style! The guest of honor may not remember his first fete, but you’ll love having the photos to show him when he’s all grown up. Here are 11 easy, fun party ideas inspired by books and his favorite toys and activities.

10 New Party Themes to Celebrate Your Baby Girl’s First Birthday

It’s birthday time, and your special girl deserves an equally special party! We’ve gathered 10 whimsical and fun birthday party themes to ring in her big day—and to celebrate a milestone that’s just as much about you, too. Whether you’re looking for something rustic and cozy or bright and sparkly, read on for tons of party inspiration to make the day memorable.

Baby’s First Party: 12 Girly Theme Ideas to Inspire You

Before you know it, your little girl will hit a major milestone, her first birthday! Congratulations, now it’s time to throw a party. We’ve rounded up a dozen adorable first birthday theme ideas that you and your guest of honor will love.

10 First Birthday Party Ideas Inspired by Celebs

If you’re in search of a fun way to celebrate your baby’s upcoming big day, you’re going to want to check out these celebrity first birthday parties. Whether it’s over-the-top decor or understated elegance, these party ideas are celebrity-approved and first birthday-worthy for anyone!

28 Hot Birthday Party Themes

Get creative with our guide to the most popular kids’ party ideas. From a birthday bash featuring favorites like llamas to a hands-on experience with reptiles galore, these hip ideas are sure to make those mini-milestones ones you’ll never forget! These ideas are for kids of all ages but can easily be tailored to little ones.

Birthday Cakes & Other Tasty Treats

20 Healthy First Birthday Party Cakes (and Smash Cakes)

Sugar-free, oil-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, fruit-filled, paleo—whatever your definition of a healthy birthday cake (and smash cake) fit for a first birthday, we’ve found a recipe you’ll love. Bonus: They taste good enough for grown-up guests. Read on for 20 first birthday ideas for healthy cakes that are both smashing and smashable.

15 Vintage Birthday Cakes Like Grandma Used to Make

Looking for the perfect birthday cake? Go vintage with classic cakes that everyone will love! From old-fashioned chocolate cake recipes to new (old) faves like sponge cake and peanut butter cake, here's a lineup of cake recipes that deserve a spot in your regular baking repertoire.

30 Birthday Desserts That Aren’t Cake

Looking for the perfect birthday cake alternative? We get it—sometimes you just have to think outside the bakery box. Here are lots of show-stopping birthday desserts sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. From ice cream to cookies, you're bound to get inspired!

10 Healthy Alternatives to Cake for Baby’s 1st Birthday

Maybe you’re just not a cake person. Or you want something a little more original, or healthy, for your baby’s big day. Whatever your reason for wanting to skip the traditional first birthday cake, we’ve gathered 10 decadent, low-guilt alternatives that are just sweet enough for both the birthday kid and all your guests. 

16 Best Smash Cakes to Celebrate Baby’s First Birthday

Break out the smash cake and get your camera ready. A mini cake meant for tots to smash with their bare hands, caveman style, and eat until they’re good and messy, is a recipe for fun and awesome photos.

Decorations, Activities & Gifts

15 Birthday Party Decorations You Can Make in a Flash

Your short-stuff might be all about the smash cake, but you know decorations matter, too. Getting your birthday party looking picture-perfect is a big job. Still, it can be worry free! Here are some ways to perk things up with cupcake garlands, light-up signs, baby pics and more.

10 Art Projects to Celebrate Baby's First Birthday

After blowing out the candles and smashing the cake, commemorate this momentous occasion with an awesome DIY art project to adorn your walls. Best of all, it will be made by your one and only little artist.

Best Gifts for a First Birthday

One-year-olds are excited to learn about the world, so your gift options are endless. Look for developmentally appropriate toys that involve tasks like stacking, sorting, playing music, pushing, pulling, reading and moving things in and out of containers. Here are 12 bright ideas to put a smile on a baby’s face, whether you’re planning your child’s birthday wishlist or are invited to a first birthday party.