First Birthday Celebrations: 1st Birthday Party Ideas & What to Write

1st Birthday Party Ideas

A first birthday celebration is literally number 1 when it comes to milestone birthdays. Turning one is a big deal, and even though they are little, you still have an extra birthday-celebrator on your hands! Although they may not remember the day, you can still pull together some awesome 1st birthday ideas that will bring your family and friends together – and create memories you can talk about time and time again.

So, if you’re wanting to make this the best 1st birthday party ever, we’ve gathered lots of ideas just for you! With inspiration for food, gifts, card messages and more! Create a fun celebration for your one-year-old and have a wonderful party for everyone who has loved watching them grow.

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkUKI.

First Birthday Party Themes and Decoration Ideas

Create the ABCs of (Ella)
Have your child’s name or initials in different materials, from a cake with their name on, cookies with their initials to a letter banner spelling out their name. You could even have letter labels and signs, such as ‘P is for Pictures’ in front of a photo-backdrop area.
‘Young’ MacDonald Had a Farm
Decorate your home with their favourite farm animal toys, plushies and farm-themed picture books that they can keep. You could even create a banner or garland in the style of a farm sign named after the child.
(Reece’s) 1st Birthday Splash!
Celebrate their birthday with an under-the-sea theme. Place banners and balloons together to create an octopus, seaweed and jellyfish, serve boat or sea-life shaped cakes and other treats – you could even use bath toys as a table decoration! If it’s a summer birthday, it’s a great excuse to get the sandpit and paddling pool out!
Teddy Bear Picnic
Most kids love the idea of taking their favourite cuddly friends out onto the grass and serving them lots of goodies. Make their picnic extra special with bear banners, treats and nature themed decorations – you could even provide teddy bear ears for the guests to wear. Serve traditional picnic treats, like sandwiches, cupcakes and juice.
Dress Up Party
Whether they’re a Princess, a Superhero, or want to be their favourite animal, a dress up party is the perfect place to let the kids go wild! You could set a theme if your one-year-old enjoys something specific (like Disney), or let the parents know that their little ones can dress however they like (which could also stop any tantrums!).

First Birthday Cake Ideas

For the One-Year-Old Only!
Set aside a special cake or cupcake specifically for your little one to smash and enjoy! (Cameras at the ready)
Classic Character Cake
Choose the character your one-year-old is loving the most! Whether it’s something from their favourite story books (like Peter Rabbit), or a character from a movie they seem to enjoy.
Simple Icons
As the little one probably won’t remember the cake anyway, opt for something a little simpler or store bought. Maybe find something with fun child-friendly designs on, such as a rainbow, princesses, dinosaurs and more.
Bake a Number One Shaped Cake
Bake a rectangular cake (any flavour) and cut it into the shape of a 1 or assemble cupcakes into the shape instead. You could also buy a tray cake if you don’t want to bake!

First birthday food ideas

As well as their cake and cupcakes, here are a few extra ideas for food

Fruit Salad and Fruit Platters
Chop fresh fruit up and get creative with how you display it! Either mix the fruit together and serve in bowls or create a fruit platter suitable for little fingers (you could even put the fruit in different shapes to create animals, numbers or rainbows).
Crackers and Cheese
Serve your one-year-olds favourite snack, with crackers, cheese and other toddler-friendly foods, including yoghurts and pittas.
Toddler-friendly Snack Mix
Make your own mix with bits of cereal, freeze-dried fruits and other bits of snacks they love (Just be careful with anything nut related for allergies).
Snacks for Adults
The kids will be enjoying themselves playing, so provide some party food for the parents and other adults too.

It is best to schedule time for the kids to sit down and eat before they get grumpy and tired from playing. It’s also a great opportunity for everyone to wish your little one a Happy Birthday too.

Fun 1st Birthday Gift Ideas

In the craze of running around for Birthday decorations and invitations to send out, a present for their 1st Birthday might add a little extra stress to your day, so here are a few ideas (and some you can buy straight from us),

Push or pull-along toys to help the child work on their walking
Books ! Specifically, those designed for toddlers with thick pages
A new soft plush, check out our Itty Bittys range and Better Together pairs (for those without children, always make sure the teddy has no edible features, such as beady eyes or little plastic pieces)
Wooden Puzzles and Building Blocks
Bath Toys and Mess-Free Bath Crayons
A new blanket, pyjamas or clothes

1st Birthday Card Messages

Sending a 1st Birthday card can be really special, not only are you sharing in the little one’s first experience of a celebration, but you’re also supporting the parents and making their day special too. And because the one-year-old can’t read (yet), the message will mean more to their parents, so much so, the card you send might end up as a keepsake they can cherish year after year as their child grows up.

So, what do you write in a 1st Birthday card? Whether you’re sending a greeting card to your own child, for your niece, nephew or a grandchild, or to a friend’s little one, there are lots of way to wish them a happy birthday, from a simple message, to a heartfelt note or you could choose to write something they can read in the future.

Whilst you contemplate what message you’d like to add to their card, check out our range of 1st Birthday cards, with personalised design and photo upload options to timeless designs, including our exclusive Peter Rabbit range and Hallmark’s Forever Friends bears.

Messages for your Child

Send your little one all the words of love they deserve. Write down how happy they’ve made your life and add in a fun little memory you can cherish for many years to come.

“Happy Birthday! You've brought our family so much cuteness and so much fun! There's just so much to love about you!”
“You’re as cute as can be, from the top of your head to your teeny one year old feet! We love you so much, with your sweetness and laughter.”
“To our sweetest little boy/girl on his/her 1st birthday, you’ve made this year and our lives so much fun!”
“How did you do it? In just one quick year, you learned to make everyone smile ear to ear! And now it's your birthday, so turn on your smile! Be happy and celebrate… one-year-old style!”
“To sweet little, fun little, ONE little you! Hope today will be filled with your favourite things, and all the excitement a first birthday brings!”
“To our brilliant little girl/boy on your 1st Birthday, enjoy all the fun, all the toys and your cake!”
“You’ve brought so much happiness to our lives. No matter how much you wiggle and squirm when we change your nappy, every moment is worth it!”
“Happy 1st Birthday! Let's light up all the candles, let's sing the birthday song, and let's celebrate a special little girl/boy all day long!”
“To my Son/Daughter, I can’t wait to watch you blow out your first little candle and make your first little wish. Hope your 1st birthday is full of fun and smiles.”
“You’re too little to know just how much happiness you’ve brought into our world, but just know it’s been all smiles. Happy 1st Birthday.”

Messages for your Niece or Nephew

Has it been a year already?! Let your sibling know just how much happier your life has become since their little one entered the world. Whether you’re blessed with a niece or nephew, here are a few words to express your love from their Auntie or Uncle.

“One happy year ago today… someone very sweet was born. What a beautiful reason to celebrate. With all the love in the world on your very 1st birthday! Lots of Love, Uncle (Mike)”
“Hope my incredible Niece/Nephew has a wonderful 1st Birthday, with all the love and excitement! Love from, Auntie (Sarah)”
“To a Super Nephew/Niece! Wishing you an amazing, wonderful, magical first birthday! Enjoy every minute!”
“Happy 1st Birthday, (Alex)! Hope some cake makes it to your mouth (we have the wet wipes at the ready!)”
“Happy 1st Birthday (Charlotte)! What’s it like to be a one-year-old with the coolest Aunt/Uncle?”

Messages for your Grandchildren

Bring a whole bunch of love and treats to your grandchild’s first birthday. Whether you’re celebrating your gorgeous granddaughter, your beautiful grandson, or have the pleasure of knowing a great-grandchild, here are a few 1st birthday messages to show you care.

“You're such a darling great-granddaughter. So cute from your head to your toes, and it's fun to watch you learn the world. You have the sweetest laughter and are so loveable!”
“Happy 1st Birthday (Lewis)! What a precious cuddle-bear you are, so snuggly, cute and bright! We love you lots and lots, from Grandma and Grandad”
“To my dear little Granddaughter, I hope your first birthday is as happy for you as it will be for those who love you. Love, Gramps.”
“Our sweet little (Ellis), you’ve stolen our hearts, learnt some dance moves and are a big fan of cake, we can’t wait to see what you discover next! Love, Nana and Pops”
“To (Amber), Now it's your first birthday, we can celebrate a year of smiles, hugs and blessings we've enjoyed because you’re here! Love, Nannie”

We hope these ideas inspire a 1st Birthday party they’ll never forget and help you write a heartfelt note the parents and little one can look back on in years to come. Have a day filled with cake, treats and lots of laughter as they experience their very first birthday celebration.