First Birthday Party Ideas & Favors

A first birthday is perhaps one of the most important events in a child's life. Many parents throw extravagant first birthday parties for their babies, most of the time with a theme. There's a lot to take into account when hosting a birthday bash; after all, you want it to be memorable for you, the guests, and your baby. Don't forget, you're going to need food, decorations, games, and birthday party favors too!

Below you'll find a few ideas for creating a unique theme for the party. Both these themes and matching favors are very popular!

Jungle Theme - One of the most popular themes for birthday parties and baby showers lately is a jungle theme. These themed favors are in such high demand that they're in and out of stock frequently! Visit your local party supply store for coordinating decorations - you're more than likely to find decorations and dinnerware to match. Use a different jungle animal to brand each centerpiece (make one table a lion, another a giraffe or a monkey, etc.) and check out our adorable favors, such as "Jungle Critters" candles and photo frames, "King of the Jungle" lion candles, and personalized baby animals notebooks.

Ice Cream Theme - An ice cream theme is another great idea - who doesn't love ice cream? Use colorful decorations and ice cream themed favors such as ice cream scoops or bowls that double as a matching and practical favor for your guests. Instead of an ice cream cake or themed cake, create an ice cream bar: let the kids create their own sundaes with different ice cream flavors and toppings. Or perhaps you'll enjoy chocolate dipped rice krispies in the shape of ice cream cones. Yummy!

Sports Theme - A sports theme is perfect for your future athlete. Focus on one specific sport, or combine all of them for a party with no boundaries. Design each centerpiece with a different sport for diversity. Use favors such as baseball, basketball, football or soccer themed gumball machines, or delicious chocolate dipped rice krispies in the shape of a baseball and glove.

You can always be classic and host a traditional birthday party. Use bright colors such as red, blue, green and yellow, serve pizza, soda and cake, play pin the tail on the donkey and musical chairs, and hand out adorable birthday party favors like our classic gumball machines in red or black. The limits are endless, so don't be afraid to use your imagination!

Check out our 1st Birthday Party Favors section for other great ideas and inspiration for your party.

© 2010 Kelsey Bowen, Little Things Baby