Planning your little one’s first birthday party can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many themes to choose from, it can be hard to decide on the perfect one. If you’re planning a first birthday party for your baby boy and looking for some inspiration, you’re in the right place! I’ve rounded up 20 trending themes that are sure to make his big day extra special.
Wild One
For a “Wild ONE” themed first birthday party, you can create a fun and adventurous atmosphere with a focus on wilderness and exploration. Here are some ideas for food, decorations, clothing, games, and more:
Food:
- “Wilderness” Trail Mix: A mix of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips served in individual bags.
- “Animal Print” Cupcakes: Cupcakes decorated with animal print patterns like zebra or leopard.
- “Safari Snacks”: Finger foods like cheese cubes, grapes, and crackers served on animal-themed plates.
Decorations:
- Jungle Backdrop: Set up a backdrop with a jungle scene or animal print pattern.
- Animal Balloons: Balloons shaped like animals such as lions, tigers, and bears.
- “Wild ONE” Banner: A banner that says “Wild ONE” to hang above the party area.
Clothing:
- Animal Ears Headband: Provide guests with headbands with animal ears to wear during the party.
- Safari Outfits: Dress the birthday boy in a safari-themed outfit with khaki pants and a shirt.
Games:
- “Safari Hunt”: Hide animal figurines or pictures around the party area for kids to find.
- “Animal Charades”: A game of charades where kids act out different animals.
- “Jungle Relay”: Set up a relay race where kids crawl through a “jungle” obstacle course.
More:
- “Wild ONE” Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props like animal masks, hats, and safari vests.
- Animal Face Painting: Hire a face painter to paint animal faces on the kids.
- Party Favors: Give guests animal-themed favors like stuffed animals, animal stickers, or animal-shaped cookies.
These ideas will help you create an exciting and memorable “Wild ONE” themed first birthday party for your little adventurer!
ONE-asaurus
Food: Dinosaur-shaped sandwiches, fossil cookies, volcano cake.
Decorations: Dinosaur footprints, inflatable dinosaurs, prehistoric plants.
Clothing: Dinosaur hats, dinosaur-themed shirts, dino onesies.
Games: Dinosaur egg hunt, dino dig sandbox, dinosaur trivia.
More: Dinosaur costume contest, fossil excavation activity.
Rookie Year
Here are some ideas for a “Rookie Year” themed first birthday party for a baby boy:
Food:
“Baseball” cupcakes: Cupcakes decorated to look like baseballs with icing.
“Mini Hot Dogs”: Miniature hot dogs served with mustard and ketchup.
“Slam Dunk Popcorn”: Popcorn served in basketball-themed containers.
“Football Sandwiches”: Mini sandwiches shaped like footballs using cookie cutters.
Decorations:
“All-Star” Banner: A banner that says “Rookie Year All-Star” to hang above the party area.
Sports-themed tableware: Plates, cups, and napkins with images of various sports balls.
Jerseys: Decorate the party area with jerseys from different sports teams.
Clothing:
Sports-themed outfit: Dress the birthday boy in a sports-themed onesie or shirt.
Baseball cap: A baseball cap with the number “1” to signify his first birthday.
Games:
“Sports Station”: Set up different sports-themed stations like a basketball hoop, a soccer goal, and a football toss.
“Rookie Relay”: A relay race where guests participate in different sports-related activities.
More:
“Rookie of the Year” Awards: Give out awards to guests for fun categories related to the baby’s first year.
Sports-themed Photo Booth: Provide props like jerseys, hats, and balls for guests to take pictures with.
Party Favors: Mini sports balls, whistles, or sports-themed stickers for guests to take home.
These ideas will help create a fun and memorable “Rookie Year” themed first birthday party for your little sports enthusiast!
Little Aviator
Food: Airplane-shaped sandwiches, cloud cupcakes, propeller cookies.
Decorations: Airplane banners, hanging airplanes, airport runway.
Clothing: Pilot hats, aviator goggles, airplane-themed shirts.
Games: Paper airplane contest, pilot training obstacle course, pin the propeller on the airplane.
More: DIY cardboard airplane craft station, airplane-themed party favors.
First World Tour
For a “First Music World Tour” themed first birthday party, you can create a lively and musical celebration inspired by different music genres and countries around the world. Here are some ideas for food, decorations, clothing, games, and more:
Food:
- “Rock Star” Cupcakes: Cupcakes decorated to look like microphones, guitars, or music notes.
- “Pop Star” Popcorn: Popcorn served in popcorn boxes labeled with music-themed names.
- “Country Music” BBQ: Serve BBQ dishes inspired by country music culture.
Decorations:
- Musical Instrument Centerpieces: Use miniature guitars, drums, and saxophones as table centerpieces.
- Stage Backdrop: Create a stage backdrop with a music-themed design and your child’s name as the headliner.
- Record Wall: Hang oversized cardboard cutouts of records on the walls.
Clothing:
- Rock Star Outfit: Dress the birthday child in a rock star-inspired outfit with sunglasses and a bandana.
- Pop Star Glam: Provide guests with accessories like feather boas, glittery hats, and sunglasses.
Games:
- Musical Chairs: Play a musical chairs game with popular children’s songs.
- Karaoke: Set up a karaoke station with kid-friendly songs for guests to sing along to.
- Dance Party: Have a dance party with a DJ or playlist featuring music from around the world.
More:
- “First Music World Tour” Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with musical instruments, microphones, and props.
- Instrument Petting Zoo: Provide a variety of musical instruments for kids to explore and play.
- Party Favors: Give guests mini harmonicas, tambourines, or music-themed stickers as party favors.
These ideas will help you create a fun and memorable “First Music World Tour” themed first birthday party that will have everyone dancing and singing along!
First Trip Around the Sun
For a “First Trip Around the Sun – Outer Space” themed first birthday party, you can create a cosmic adventure filled with stars, planets, and galaxies. Here are some ideas for food, decorations, clothing, games, and more:
Food:
“Rocket Fuel” Punch: A fruit punch served in a large punch bowl labeled as “Rocket Fuel.”
“Space Rocks” Popcorn: Popcorn served in bags labeled as “Space Rocks.”
“Alien Cupcakes”: Cupcakes decorated to look like aliens or planets.
Decorations:
Solar System Backdrop: Set up a backdrop with images of the sun, planets, and stars.
Hanging Planets: Hang inflatable or paper mache planets from the ceiling to create a planetary display.
Starry Ceiling: Use glow-in-the-dark stars or string lights to create a starry effect on the ceiling.
Clothing:
Space Explorer Outfit: Dress the birthday child in a space-themed outfit with a space suit or astronaut costume.
Space Helmets: Provide guests with space helmets or astronaut helmets to wear during the party.
Games:
“Alien Invasion” Bean Bag Toss: Set up a bean bag toss game with targets shaped like aliens or spaceships.
“Planet Exploration” Scavenger Hunt: Hide planet-themed items around the party area for kids to find.
“Moon Walk” Dance Party: Have a dance party with space-themed music and a designated “moon walk” area.
More:
“First Trip Around the Sun” Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props like space helmets, alien masks, and starry backdrops.
DIY Spaceship Craft: Provide guests with materials to create their own spaceship or alien crafts.
Party Favors: Give guests glow-in-the-dark stars, astronaut ice cream, or space-themed stickers as party favors.
These ideas will help you create a stellar “First Trip Around the Sun – Outer Space” themed first birthday party that will launch your little one into a world of imagination and fun!
Toy Story
Food: Cowboy hat cookies, alien cupcakes, Woody’s roundup trail mix.
Decorations: Toy Story backdrop, cowboy boot centerpieces, Buzz Lightyear balloons.
Clothing: Cowboy hats, sheriff badges, Toy Story character shirts.
Games: Toy Story trivia, pin the badge on Woody, potato head decorating station.
More: Toy Story photo booth with character props, alien slime-making activity, Toy Story-themed party favors.
Winnie the Pooh
For a “Winnie the Pooh” themed first birthday party, you can create a charming and whimsical atmosphere inspired by the Hundred Acre Wood. Here are some ideas for food, decorations, clothing, games, and more:
Food:
“Honey Pot” Cupcakes: Cupcakes decorated to look like honey pots with yellow icing and a bee on top.
“Pooh’s Picnic” Sandwiches: Peanut butter and honey sandwiches cut into shapes like honey jars or honey bees.
“Tigger Tails”: Orange-colored snacks like cheese puffs or carrot sticks.
Decorations:
Hundred Acre Wood Backdrop: Set up a backdrop featuring scenes from the Hundred Acre Wood.
Honey Bee Balloons: Balloons shaped like honey bees to add a playful touch to the decorations.
Pooh Bear Tableware: Plates, cups, and napkins featuring images of Winnie the Pooh and his friends.
Clothing:
Winnie the Pooh Outfit: Dress the birthday child in a Winnie the Pooh-themed outfit or onesie.
Eeyore Ears: Provide guests with Eeyore-themed headbands with floppy ears.
Games:
“Pin the Tail on Eeyore”: A game similar to “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” but with Eeyore instead.
“Honey Pot Toss”: Toss bean bags or balls into a large honey pot target.
“Pooh’s Treasure Hunt”: Hide small honey pots or honey-themed items around the party area for kids to find.
More:
“Winnie the Pooh” Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props like Pooh Bear ears, honey pots, and signs with quotes from the books.
Pooh Bear Story Time: Read aloud from a Winnie the Pooh book or play a Winnie the Pooh movie for the kids.
Party Favors: Give guests small favors like honey sticks, Winnie the Pooh stickers, or small plush toys of Pooh and his friends.
These ideas will help you create a delightful and nostalgic “Winnie the Pooh” themed first birthday party for your little one!
Barnyard Bash
Food: Farm animal cookies, haystack cupcakes, barnyard cake.
Decorations: Barn backdrop, bales of hay, farm animal balloons.
Clothing: Farmer hats, animal ears headbands, farm-themed shirts.
Games: Pin the tail on the pig, farm animal bean bag toss, farm animal matching game.
More: Farm animal petting zoo, DIY barnyard animal masks craft station, farm-themed party favors.
The Big ONE
For a “The Big One – Surfing Beach” themed first birthday party, you can create a fun and beachy atmosphere inspired by surfing and the ocean. Here are some ideas for food, decorations, clothing, games, and more:
Food:
- “Surfboard” Sandwiches: Use a surfboard-shaped cookie cutter to make sandwiches.
- “Beach Ball” Cake Pops: Cake pops decorated to look like colorful beach balls.
- “Under the Sea” Fruit Platter: Arrange fruits like blueberries, grapes, and melon to resemble an underwater scene.
Decorations:
- Surf Shack Entrance: Create an entrance with a surf shack facade and a sign welcoming guests to the party.
- Beach Ball Balloons: Use beach ball-shaped balloons to add a playful touch to the decorations.
- Surfboard Signs: Use surfboards as signs to direct guests to different areas of the party.
Clothing:
- Beach Bum Outfit: Dress the birthday child in a beach-themed outfit, like a Hawaiian shirt and board shorts.
- Surfboard T-shirts: Provide guests with T-shirts featuring surfboard designs or beach scenes.
Games:
- “Surf’s Up” Limbo: Play limbo with a surfboard or beach towel as the limbo stick.
- “Beach Ball” Toss: Toss beach balls into buckets or targets to win prizes.
- “Sandcastle” Building: Provide buckets and shovels for kids to build sandcastles in a sandbox.
More:
- “The Big One – Surfing Beach” Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props like surfboards, beach hats, and sunglasses.
- Surfboard Painting: Provide guests with miniature surfboards and paint for them to decorate their own surfboards.
- Party Favors: Give guests sunglasses, beach balls, or surfboard keychains as party favors.
These ideas will help you create a fun and beachy “The Big One – Surfing Beach” themed first birthday party that will make a splash with your little surfer!
- Food: Traffic light fruit skewers, construction cone cupcakes, dirt pudding cups.
- Decorations: Construction site backdrop, caution tape streamers, construction cone centerpieces.
- Clothing: Hard hats, construction vests, construction-themed shirts.
- Games: Construction site obstacle course, digger sandbox, build your own tool belt.
- More: DIY cardboard construction vehicles craft station, construction cone ring toss, construction-themed party favors.
First Rodeo
For a “Cowboy/Rodeo” themed first birthday party, you can create a fun and festive atmosphere inspired by the Wild West. Here are some ideas for food, decorations, clothing, games, and more:
Food:
“Chuckwagon” Chili: Serve chili in cowboy-style tin cups or bowls.
“Saddle Up” Sandwiches: Mini sandwiches served with cowboy-themed toothpicks.
“Campfire” S’mores: Set up a s’mores station with marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers.
Decorations:
Western Backdrop: Create a backdrop with a western scene, such as a desert landscape or a cowboy ranch.
Cowboy Hats: Use cowboy hats as table centerpieces or hang them on the backs of chairs.
Bandana Banners: Make banners using red bandanas strung together.
Clothing:
Cowboy Outfit: Dress the birthday child in a cowboy hat, boots, and a vest.
Bandana: Provide guests with bandanas to wear around their necks or as headbands.
Games:
“Stick Horse” Races: Set up a race course and have kids race on stick horses.
“Cowboy Boot” Toss: Toss bean bags or horseshoes into cowboy boots.
“Gold Rush” Treasure Hunt: Hide gold coins or small toys in a sandbox for kids to find.
More:
Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props like cowboy hats, bandanas, and sheriff badges.
“Wanted” Poster: Create a poster with the birthday child’s picture and the words “Wanted: The Birthday Cowboy.”
Party Favors: Give guests cowboy-themed favors like sheriff badges, toy horses, or bandana-printed bags.
These ideas will help you create a fun and memorable “Cowboy/Rodeo” themed first birthday party for your little cowboy!
ONE With the Force
For a “Star Wars” themed first birthday party, you can create a galaxy far, far away right in your own home. Here are some ideas for food, decorations, clothing, games, and more:
Food:
- “Wookiee Cookies”: Sugar cookies shaped like Chewbacca.
- “Light Saber” Pretzel Rods: Pretzel rods dipped in colored chocolate to look like light sabers.
- “Death Star” Cake: A cake decorated to look like the Death Star.
Decorations:
- “Star Wars” Backdrop: Set up a backdrop with scenes from “Star Wars” or the famous logo.
- “Jedi Training Academy” Sign: Create a sign for a designated area where kids can participate in Jedi training activities.
- “Yoda Soda”: Serve green soda labeled as “Yoda Soda.”
Clothing:
- Jedi Robes: Dress the birthday child and guests in Jedi robes or costumes.
- Princess Leia Buns: Provide guests with Princess Leia-style hair buns or headbands.
Games:
- “Death Star” Pinata: Fill a Death Star pinata with candies and small toys for a fun activity.
- “Droid Hunt”: Hide small droid toys or figures around the party area for kids to find.
- “Lightsaber Duel”: Provide foam lightsabers for kids to have a friendly duel.
More:
- “Star Wars” Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props like lightsabers, masks, and character cutouts.
- “Use the Force” Craft Station: Provide materials for kids to create their own lightsabers or droids.
- Party Favors: Give guests “Star Wars” themed favors like stickers, keychains, or mini figures.
These ideas will help you create an epic “Star Wars” themed first birthday party that will delight your little Jedi and guests alike. May the force be with you!
Hole in ONE
For a “Hole in ONE” themed first birthday party, you can create a fun and playful atmosphere inspired by golf. Here are some ideas for food, decorations, clothing, games, and more:
Food:
“Golf Ball” Cake Pops: Cake pops decorated to look like golf balls.
“Sand Trap” Snacks: Serve snacks like pretzel sticks or cheese balls in sand pails.
“Hole in ONE” Sandwiches: Use a round cookie cutter to make sandwiches shaped like golf balls.
Decorations:
Golf Course Backdrop: Set up a backdrop with a golf course scene or golf-related images.
Golf Ball Balloons: Balloons shaped like golf balls to add to the decor.
Green Grass Tablecloth: Use a green grass-like tablecloth to mimic a golf course.
Clothing:
Golf Polo Shirt: Dress the birthday child in a golf-themed polo shirt.
Golf Visor: Provide guests with golf visors to wear during the party.
Games:
“Putt Putt” Mini Golf: Set up a mini golf course for kids to play.
“Golf Ball” Toss: Toss bean bags or balls into a large golf hole target.
“Pin the Ball on the Tee”: A game similar to “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” but with a golf ball and tee instead.
More:
Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props like golf clubs, balls, and hats.
Golf Ball Painting: Provide guests with golf balls and paint for them to decorate their own golf balls.
Party Favors: Give guests golf-themed favors like mini golf sets, golf pencils, or golf ball keychains.
These ideas will help you create a fun and memorable “Hole in ONE” themed first birthday party for your little golfer!
ONE-derful
For a “One-derful” themed first birthday party, you can create a delightful and celebratory atmosphere to mark this special milestone. Here are some ideas for food, decorations, clothing, games, and more:
Food:
- “One-derful” Cake: A cake decorated with the word “One-derful” and a big number “1” on top.
- “Number 1” Cookies: Cookies shaped like the number 1 and decorated with icing.
Decorations:
- “One-derful” Banner: A banner that says “One-derful” to hang above the party area.
- Gold and Silver Decor: Use gold and silver balloons, streamers, and tableware to add a festive touch.
- Giant Number 1 Balloons: Large balloons in the shape of the number 1 to use as decorations.
Clothing:
- “One-derful” Outfit: Dress the birthday child in an outfit that says “One-derful” or features the number 1.
- Gold or Silver Crown: A crown for the birthday child to wear, signifying their first birthday as a royal celebration.
Games:
- “Pin the Number 1”: A game where guests try to pin the number 1 on a poster while blindfolded.
- “One-derful” Memory Game: A game where guests try to remember and match pairs of items related to the number 1.
- “One-derful” Balloon Pop: Fill balloons with small prizes or candy and let guests pop them to reveal their treats.
More:
- “One-derful” Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props like oversized glasses, hats, and signs that say “One-derful.”
- Time Capsule: Create a time capsule with items from the party and notes from guests to be opened on the child’s 18th birthday.
- Party Favors: Give guests small favors like gold or silver star wands, “One-derful” stickers, or mini photo frames.
These ideas will help you create a magical and memorable “One-derful” themed first birthday party for your little one!
First Lap/Fast ONE
For a “Fast ONE” themed first birthday party, you can incorporate elements inspired by speed, cars, and racing. Here are some ideas for food, decorations, clothing, games, and more:
Food:
“Pit Stop” Snacks: Serve snacks in small toolboxes or race car-themed containers.
“Finish Line” Cupcakes: Cupcakes decorated to look like race flags or checkered flags.
“Tire Donuts”: Chocolate donuts decorated to look like tires.
Racing-themed Cake: Have a cake decorated to look like a race track with toy cars on top.
Decorations:
- Checkered Flags: Use checkered flags as table centerpieces or hang them around the party area.
- Race Track Floor Decals: Create a race track on the floor using removable decals.
- Balloons: Use black and white balloons to mimic the look of checkered flags.
Clothing:
- Race Car Driver Outfit: Dress the birthday boy in a race car driver costume or outfit.
- Checkered Flag Accessories: Provide guests with checkered flag hats or bandanas to wear.
Games/Activities:
- “Race Car Relay”: Set up a relay race where kids race toy cars around a track.
- “Pit Crew Challenge”: Have a station where kids can change toy car tires as fast as they can.
- “Pin the Wheel on the Race Car”: A twist on the classic game, “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.”
- Race Car Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with race car-themed props like helmets, steering wheels, and checkered flags.
- Car-themed Party Favors: Give guests small toy cars or race car stickers as party favors.
These ideas will help create a fun and exciting “Fast ONE” themed first birthday party for your little speed racer!
One Happy Dude
A theme we found trending this year on the ‘gram and Pinterest—we decided to go with the “One Happy Dude” theme for its cute checker prints and smiley faces — and I think we may need to get him some baby Vans, right?!
I loved the checkers but not so much the black and white with yellow look, so I decided on this cute blue version instead
For a “One Happy Dude” themed first birthday party, you can create a cheerful and playful atmosphere with a focus on bright colors, happy faces, and fun patterns. Here are some ideas for food, decorations, clothing, games, and more:
Food:
- “Smiley Face” Cookies: Cookies decorated with colorful icing in the shape of smiley faces.
- “Checkerboard” Cake: A cake decorated with a checkerboard pattern in bright colors.
- “Happy Fruit Skewers”: Skewers with a variety of colorful fruits like strawberries, grapes, and pineapple.
- “Sunshine Cupcakes”: Cupcakes decorated to look like sunshines with yellow icing and smiley face toppers.
Decorations:
- Checkerboard Patterns: Use checkerboard patterns in the party decorations, such as tablecloths, banners, and plates.
- Bright Colors: Decorate with balloons, streamers, and tableware in bright, happy colors like yellow, blue, and green.
- Smiley Face Balloons: Balloons in the shape of smiley faces to add to the festive atmosphere.
Clothing:
- “One Happy Dude” Shirt: A shirt for the birthday boy with the phrase “One Happy Dude” printed on it.
- Checkerboard Print: Dress the birthday boy in clothing with a checkerboard print, such as a shirt or pants.
Games:
- “Smiley Face” Bean Bag Toss: Set up a bean bag toss game with targets decorated to look like smiley faces.
- “Checkerboard Race”: Lay out a checkerboard pattern on the ground and have a race where kids follow the pattern.
- “Happy Face” Craft Station: Provide supplies for kids to create their own happy face masks or decorations.
More:
- “One Happy Dude” Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props like smiley face glasses, hats, and signs.
- Pinata: A smiley face or checkerboard patterned pinata filled with candy for the kids to enjoy.
- Party Favors: Give guests small favors like stickers, toys, or candy with smiley face designs.
These ideas will help you create a joyful and fun-filled “One Happy Dude” themed first birthday party for your little one!
We’re less than a month away from the big day, so we have to spruce up the house a bit so it’d be ready for hosting guests (we’re not much of the hosting type!)
What Themes Are You Loving?
Hopefully these ideas jumpstart some of your own! Let us know if they helped and how your little one’s first bday party went! Also, what trending themes are we missing on our list? Let us know in the comments! 🙂
Are You a Parent of Toddlers With Dogs?
The changes of having a baby at home can be huge for any family pets! As your baby gets older and starts to become mobile, it can bring more changes and challenges to both dogs and humans.
Life with a well-trained dog and a newborn or newly mobile toddler is so much easier. Knowing your dog is prepared to meet your baby is priceless!
That’s why I’ve partnered with Dog Meets Baby to bring you the expert guidance you need to ensure a smooth transition when bringing your baby home and during toddlerhood.
Dog Meets Baby is the #1 resource to help you create a home where both your human and fur babies feel safe and loved. Whether you’re a first-time parent or you have a growing toddler, they’ve got something for you.
For expecting or new parents:
- The Preparation Course – How to best prepare and train your dog before the arrival of your baby.
For parents with soon to be mobile babies and toddlers:
- Pre-Mobile Baby Course – Feel prepared and ready for this exciting new chapter in your life: your mobile baby!
- The Mobile Baby Course – Learn how to keep your mobile baby and dog safe, navigate the challenges, and understand dog behavior. There are helpful video examples, downloadable scripts, and a workbook.
For dog parents with and without children:
- Dog Body Language Course – Learn to read your dog’s body language so your child and your dog stay safe.
They also offer tons of free resources, including:
- A comprehensive blog that covers a range of topics for parents.
- Preparation checklist – To get your dog ready for their new ‘sibling.’
- Baby sounds library – Get your pup used to new baby sounds before the baby arrives.
- Toddlers and dogs guide – Practical tips for helping toddlers and dogs peacefully coexist.
- Rules of interaction – Teach your little one to treat your dog with care and respect.
- Toddler foods toxic to dogs – Favorite toddler foods that could upset your dog’s stomach—or worse.
- Overcoming fear of dogs – A step-by-step plan to help your child feel safe around dogs.
Click here to explore everything they have to offer.
Honey Boo the Cavapoo Blog 
Leave a comment