If your little one likes to howl at the moon and roar with brave lionesses, why not throw a wild one birthday celebration? Not only is this party theme full of untamed creatures — from giraffes, lions, and monkeys to the party guests themselves — but it’s also a versatile theme that you can take in a variety of directions. Sure, it’s popular for kids parties and baby’s first birthday party but it could work just as well for that wild child at heart who never wants to grow up. 

With this list of fun decor options, creative food ideas, and easy invitations, you’ll plan the perfect wild one birthday theme party and have a roaring good time.

How to Plan a Wild One Birthday Theme Party

These party planning tips will help you pull off your event without a hitch. You can use these ideas for celebrating a first birthday party or honoring the wild one in your life no matter their age. You’ll find everything from safari-themed decor to jungle-inspired food to age-appropriate party favors and activities.

Go Wild With Birthday Party Decorations

Make guests feel like they stepped into a jungle with wild one birthday decorations. Most items can be found online or at your local birthday party supply store, but if you’re crafty, you might consider DIY options using poster board or construction paper.

Start by adding cutouts of safari animals or jungle animals to your event space, whether you’re hosting a backyard party or renting out a venue. While lions, zebras, monkeys, giraffes, and tigers are popular, feel free to incorporate other creatures to match the specific focus of your theme. (Dinosaurs or crocodiles, perhaps?) 

Hang a birthday banner or high-chair banner to greet guests when they walk in. Create a balloon arch over the entryway or make a balloon garland to hang above the dessert table. You can try your hand at a DIY balloon garland or simply buy one that’s ready to go.

As for your color scheme, anything goes. Birthday balloons in green, brown, yellow, and white are classic while gold balloons and other metallic hues can add a hint of glamor to the scene. You also can’t go wrong with confetti-filled balloon decor and colorful animal-shaped balloons.

Feed the Hungry Creatures

Naturally, you’ll want to incorporate the wild one birthday theme into your tableware by choosing paper plates and paper cups with safari animals, animal print napkins, and jungle-inspired straws with leaves. A large tablecloth can help set the scene and make cleaning up a breeze. Look for a table cover featuring wild things like lions, tigers, and elephants. Large monstera leaves make great centerpieces.

Feed the hungry wild ones with jungle-themed food ideas. You can cut up celery and carrots and form them around a bowl of dip to make it look like a roaring lion. Alternatively, set out a bowl of peanuts with a sign that says “elephant food.” Animal crackers are right at home with this birthday party theme and for something more filling, a large sub sandwich can be sliced and turned into a slithering snake.

No birthday party is complete without dessert. Keep with the jungle theme by serving up a birthday cake or cupcakes featuring fun cake toppers. You can also top the cake with a sign that says “wild one” or frosting that’s fashioned to look like leafy greenery.

Activities

Put a new spin on the classic scavenger hunt with a bear hunt. Hide stuffed teddy bears or other wild animals around the room or outside in the yard and give prizes to the winner or give each searcher gear such as binoculars and a compasse to help with the journey.

If the weather permits, an inflatable pool or bounce house are sure to keep party animals entertained. Whatever activities you choose, make sure they are age-appropriate for guests. For a first birthday party, set up a cake smash photo shoot to capture the adorably messy moment. You could also offer bubble blowing, wagon rides, and art stations with crayons.

For older kids, animal-shaped floaties or more involved scavenger hunts are a good way to keep them busy for longer. And if your birthday honoree is all grown-up, consider adult pool party ideas with on-theme activities. 

Send the Jungle Crew Home With Party Favors

After a big day of celebrating, send the party animals home with party favors to help them remember the wild time they had. Fill a paper bag with snacks like animal crackers and goldfish. You can also send each guest home with a copy of “The Jungle Book” or another children’s book featuring safari creatures. Animal print sunglasses, stickers, hats, and sunglasses are another great party favor idea.

Wild One Birthday Theme Invitations

Get the whole jungle making noise about your wild one party with themed invitations from Greenvelope. With hundreds of digital invitations to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect design. Here are some of our favorite wild one birthday theme party invitations.

1. Wild Lion Invitation

Design: Bonjour Berry

This lion-themed invite invites guests to join in the wild fun for a birthday party, baby shower, or animal theme gathering. It comes in several colorways so you can choose the hue that’s best for you. 

2. The Wild Side Invitation

Design: Shari Margolin Design

This jungle-inspired invite features a giraffe, monkey, and toucan inviting guests to celebrate a special someone’s birthday party. Customize the text to suit your celebration. There’s also a matching thank you note design that you can use to thank guests for coming after the big day.

3. Classic Cheetah Print Invitation

Design: Claudia Owen

This glam animal print design is perfect for a safari wild one party for the honoree who loves a little pizazz. It features a gold foil cheetah print frame surrounding the text space where you can include event details. Use it for a wild first birthday party or another wild celebration like a bachelorette party.

4. Watercolor Jungle Invitation

Design: Signature Greenvelope

This sweet watercolor invite is ideal for a wild one first birthday party or a toddler’s celebration. It features whimsical animals including rhinos, elephants, and wild cats. It’s ideal for jungle-themed events where you want a softer edge or a boho element.

5. Wild Paradise Invitation

Design: Manu Torres

Inspired by the exquisite floral arrangements of flower artist Manu Torres, this bright invite features vibrant colors for a wild time. It features birds of paradise in brilliant hues and a memorable holographic envelope liner.

6. Jungle Wild Invitation

Design: frau brandt (photo courtesy of Angela & Evan Photography)

Feature the guest of honor on your invitation with this photo design. The photo frame features jungle elements including monstera leaves, bright flowers, and safari animals. Upload your favorite photo of the birthday boy or girl and send it off to everyone on your guest list.

7. A Wild Rumpus Invitation

Design: Bonjour Berry

Invite the crew to celebrate a happy birthday with this modern and adventurous invite. Inspired by the book “Where the Wild Things Are,” it’s perfect for kids parties as well as wild-themed events for young adults.

Throw a Wild and Memorable Birthday Party 

With these wild one birthday theme party ideas, you’re sure to have a memorable event. From easy decor like jungle balloons and animal print tableware to adventurous activities and crafty food, it’s easy to pull off a wild birthday party with this handy guide.

Continue browsing our Stationers blog for more birthday party ideas including birthday party themes for kids and adults alike. You’ll also find tips for celebrating milestone birthdays and advice on how to make each event special and fun.