Budget Friendly Ideas For A Cute First Birthday Party

All birthdays are special, but when your baby turns one, it’s a time for celebration. It’s a milestone! Although you want to have a fun and happy party to celebrate the occasion, most people need to it on a budget.  Here are some ideas for you to plan the first year celebration!

One Fish, Two Fish

One theme that seems to be popular for babies’ birthdays is fish; little baby fish, of course. Think of ways to decorate the room (or even better, outside) with streamers and blue, green and /or gold banners, and get some fish cutouts to decorate the room. Giving bubbles away to older children as party favors, is not only fun for them but also fun for others to watch.  Make the cake special and part of the theme by making it into the shape of a fish.  Snack ideas include little goldfish crackers, or those can be given away as well as part of the party favor packet.

I Scream, You Scream

We all scream for a happy 1st birthday. An ice cream theme is a great idea, especially if your baby is having a summer birthday. Decorate in colorful bright colors, and have an ice cream sundae bar as part of the desserts. There are a ton of ice cream decorations and printouts online, so you can make your party invitation in the shape of an ice cream cone.

Winter ONEderland

If your baby happens to have a winter birthday, a great theme is winter wonderland. Decorate with snowflakes and other winter-themed decorations you already have laying around for Christmas.  If you have a boy focus more on the blue hues of winter, or a girl you can throw some pink sparkly items in. If you’re lucky enough to have snow on the ground, come up with games and events that can be done in the snow. Think snow fort building, or a snow man contest.

Have your Cake, and Eat It Too

A cupcake themed party is also a very budget-friendly idea. Instead of cake, have cupcakes. Decorate with cupcake cutouts, and use cupcake paper pan liners for little treat bowls. Each kid will have a great time decorating and making a mess designing their cupcake. An added bonus: cupcakes are much better for little hands to eat, as well.

Now I Know My ABC’s

A perfect first birthday theme is ABC’s. This is great if you have the letter block toys lying around, you can decorate your house with them. Print off decorations from online, and hang them up accordingly. Have foods that start with certain letters separated at different stations. The birthday cake can be in the shape of the first letter of your baby’s name.

My Teddy and Me

Who doesn’t love a teddy bear? Have a giant teddy bear party. Get a personalized birthday bear for your baby to celebrate this special day, and decorate the house in teddy bear items, paw prints, things of that nature. A Giant Teddy Bear Party would be a huge success, especially if there are lots other small kids along for the party.

A first birthday party is an awesome milestone. It doesn’t have to break the bank though. You can easily use the ideas here to come up with fun, festive and inexpensive party ideas. Or think of your own. Consider what your baby enjoys and create your theme around that.  Have Fun!

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Sean Carter is an experienced writer who has written about the best gifts for many occasions as well as entertainment and event planning