10 First Birthday Decoration Ideas to Celebrate Your Little One

Your little one’s very first birthday is coming up, and it’s one of the most exciting moments yet. As you start to plan their birthday celebration, it’s time to consider what you’ll do in terms of first birthday decorations.

If you’re not sure how to style the space and make it ready for this big moment, we’re here to help! Read on for how to choose the best first birthday party decorations, along with our favorite decoration ideas and matching invitations.

How to Choose the Perfect First Birthday Decorations

Their first birthday is a big one, and while the way the party looks isn’t the main feature, it can definitely help you to feel a sense of joy as you celebrate your child’s first trip around the sun. Here’s what to consider when trying to decide on your birthday party styling and decor.

Choose a Theme or Color Scheme

As kids get older, they’ll often tell us exactly what birthday party theme they want to have. For tiny ones, that’s a little harder — but we can decide for them. Think about different themes and color palettes and which ones you like the sound of the most.

Go for pastels and all things delicious with a “sweet one”-themed birthday. Host a cowboy-themed celebration with the idea of it being their “first rodeo.” Honor their cheeky side with a “wild one”-themed party featuring some of their favorite wild animals. Or maybe look to a color for ideas — like rose gold, baby blue, cheery yellow, or black and white. 

Some of our favorite ideas include a farm-themed birthday party or a bug-themed birthday party — super cute if your little one adores animals!.

Think About Your Little One’s Personality

While the birthday guest of honor has so much of the world still to explore, they likely already have a few favorites — whether that’s colors, characters, shapes, or animals. Use this to inspire you as you plan your party theme and matching decor.

Maybe they love your family’s pet dog and a dog-themed party is the perfect match. If they’re interested in a particular character, make sure they feature in your party decor. Whatever they seem interested in, find a way to bring it into your celebrations.

Consider Your Favorite Styles

It’s OK to include some of your personality in your little one’s big day, too. Consider which styles you’re most drawn to and how you can transform them into a first birthday party look.

Channel your love for all things boho into a rustic-inspired party, with plenty of warm neutrals and natural fabrics. If you love bright colors, a rainbow-themed birthday party is a fun idea. Think about whether you want it to look and feel traditional or modern, cozy or futuristic, bright or elegant, and start from there when planning your decor.

10 Adorable Ideas for First Birthday Party Decorations

Shopping for first birthday party supplies or making your own DIY versions can be tough if you don’t know where to start. Build your ideal shortlist with the help of these first birthday decoration ideas.

1. Personalized Birthday Banner

Create a sweet spot for a photo opportunity with a custom happy birthday banner for your one-year-old. Look for one in a party supplies store that you can personalize with letters, or DIY your own with thick paper or fabric. 

2. Giant Foil Balloons

Most of us have seen those giant gold foil balloons at birthdays or weddings. They’re good for even the smallest of birthdays too, and paired with streamers, they make an excellent backdrop for those birthday party memories. Pick up a first birthday balloon in your chosen color, and use it to decorate your party space. 

3. Wall of Baby Photos

You’ve probably taken thousands of photos of your little one over the last year. Showcase some of your favorites in a gallery display on the wall, or hang up polaroids on a garland above a table display. Once the party’s over, place them inside a memory book or photo album. 

4. Soft Toys

Soft toys make great decor pieces at kids parties — as long as you’re happy for your young guests to play with them too! Assemble some sweet toy animals or soft toys that match your theme, and use them to decorate tables and play spaces throughout the party. 

5. Colorful Balloons

We love a big foil balloon, but you can’t go wrong with some regular colorful balloons scattered across your party. Create an arch using a balloon garland kit, or make mini balloon bouquets for your dining table. Choose balloons that match your theme and style — whether that’s blue, confetti-filled, or metallic.

6. Themed Bunting

Another way to introduce your theme into the party venue is with bunting. Whether it’s paper, plastic, or fabric, bunting is an easy way to add color, pattern, and design. Hang your bunting up on the wall above your dessert table or along the guest of honor’s high chair ready for you to present them their cake. 

7. Personalized Cake Topper

For another idea that doubles as party decor and a great photo opportunity, invest in a cake topper. Keep it simple with a “one” or add your little one’s name to make it personalized. Continue the theme with customized cupcakes as party favors. 

8. Matching Birthday Candles

When it’s time for them to make a wish and pretend to blow out a candle, make sure the candle is just as cute as the rest of your party. Choose a giant “1”-shaped candle or a style that matches your theme. Dress the guest of honor in a party hat and present them with their cake — just make sure you remove the candle before the cake smash! 

9. Birthday Guest Book

Guest books are popular at weddings and baby showers as a way to leave well wishes for the recipient. We think it’s a cute idea for a first birthday too. Set the guest book out on a table with a sign, and invite people to write something lovely for the birthday child. 

10. Themed Tableware

Continue your party theme with matching tableware for your birthday brunch, lunch, or dinner. Choose napkins, straws, tablecloths, and dessert plates in colors and styles that complement the look you’re going for. Don’t forget to add a few details to your tables too — toy animals and baby-safe toys are a winning idea. 

Share the Party Details With These First Birthday Party Invitations

Whether you already have your theme chosen or you’re looking for inspiration on how to style the whole party, we have the perfect first birthday party invite for you. Browse through some of our favorite digital invitations for little ones.

1. Woodland Animals Invitation

Design: frau brandt

For an animal-themed first birthday party, we adore this woodland-themed invitation. From the sweet illustrations to the gentle color palette, it’s ideal for a first birthday. 

2. Number One Candle Invitation

Design: Claudia Owen

Make it loud and clear what you’re celebrating with this invite shaped like the number one. This design is available in plenty of colors too, in case blue isn’t your thing. 

3. Balloon Fun Invitation

Design: Ashley DeMeyere Design

This contemporary balloon-themed invitation is ideal for a modern first birthday party. It feels grown up and sophisticated, yet playful at the same time. 

4. Sunshine Turns One Invitation

Design: Signature Greenvelope

The joyful message on this sunshine-inspired invite is just too cute. Use this for a backyard party out in the sun or simply in honor of your very own little ray of sunshine. 

5. This Guy Is One Invitation

Design: Ink & Letter

If you’re looking for a card with plenty of space for a pic of your beaming little one, this themed photo card is perfect. Our design team can work their magic on the main text too, in case you want to personalize it even further. 

Decorate Your Space With Fun First Birthday Decorations

A first birthday party is all about celebrating your little one and their amazing journey so far. Add in a few of these first birthday decorations and you’ll have an event that looks and feels as joyful as you do. 

While you’re shopping for first birthday party supplies, don’t forget to pick out the perfect invites too. Choose from our collection of first birthday invitations, and enjoy a fuss-free way to manage your guest list.