When buying gifts for 5-year-olds, sometimes going back to the basics is what they all need. By age 5, your child should speak in simple sentences, count beyond 10, and recognize most shapes, letters, and numbers.¹ Their gross and fine motor skills have grown to a point where they need more challenge.² Imagination skills thrive at this age, and self-care and independence are essential.^1,2

Purchasing toys that help our 5-year-olds feel like big kids and model the behavior we are trying to teach is also helpful. I have rounded up my top picks of the best gifts for 5-year-olds to help foster these exciting developmental milestones!

The holiday season is here, and if you have toddlers at home, holiday shopping may already be on your mind. But, let’s face it — shopping for a 4-year-old can be challenging. They are at the age now where they have preferences, and it can be tricky to select gifts that aren’t too young for them but are also age-appropriate. The best gift to give your 4-year-old is to help their imagination come alive. Little ones love storytelling, pretend play, and exploration at this age. Parallel play becomes a thing of the past, and they begin to interact with others and play socially. We’ve rounded up the best gifts for 4-year-olds to keep their minds and bodies moving!

A child’s mind changes so much once they are 3 years old, and the things that once encouraged play can shift. They are moving a mile a minute and learning new skills every day. You can encourage all these changes in their playtime. Certain games and toys for 3-year-olds will foster this growth, allow them to grow even more, and entertain them. We’ve compiled our list of the best gifts for 3-year-olds to help promote development, learning, and play simultaneously!

Maybe you have a 1-year-old baby, niece, or nephew, or even a friend with a 1-year-old. Whether it’s the holidays or their birthday, eventually, you will have to find the perfect gift to give them. Now, what gift do you buy for a 1-year-old? So many cute things are available — way more than when we were kids. It can be tough to choose, but no worries! We’ve rounded up all the best gifts for 1-year-olds. We know they will love these items, and you will be proud to give them. Whether this is for your baby or you don’t have any children, this list will help you choose the right gift.

Having a 2-year-old, I know this can be a tricky age to shop for. While my son loves dinosaurs, books, and puzzles, there are only so many of these you can gift repeatedly. If you’re unsure what to get for a 2-year-old, I’m sharing the best gifts for this age! These include items our kiddos can use all year long — because, let’s face it, we mamas don’t want to give or receive presents that only entertain them for the first hour of Christmas morning. Let’s make the most of these gifts for toddlers, shall we?

Before becoming a mom, I would often daydream about one day celebrating special occasions with my children. Now that I am a mom, making magic on birthdays, holidays, and everything in between is one of my favorite parts of motherhood. In particular, planning birthday fun for my kiddos is something I’ll cherish as long as they let me. If you’re looking for ways to do the same, here are some simple, sweet birthday tradition ideas to make your child’s big day magical and memorable.

24 Things To Do for Special Birthday Fun for Kids

I hope this list inspires you to start (or continue) some wonderful birthday traditions within your family.

1. Start Their Birthday Morning With Pancakes

Don’t forget the sprinkles and a dollop of whipped cream on top! Even if pancakes are a regular in your family’s breakfast menu rotation, they can easily be dressed up and made special to honor a birthday at any age. Have a spare birthday cake candle on hand? Toss it on top, gather everyone around, and start the day with the happy birthday song.

2. You Could Spell It Out With Donuts Too

If you’re looking for something extra special for a breakfast treat, contact a local donut shop and see if they can create custom donut letters. The donuts can spell “happy birthday” or “happy bday” and your child’s name. For children who love donuts, this is a sweet option (literally) that will surely start their day off with a big smile.

3. Fill Their Room With Balloons Before They Wake Up

Another great way to kick off any birthday morning, balloons are a simple, low-cost way to add a bit of magic to your child’s big day. Whether you opt for a few balloons in their favorite color or more niche character balloons they’ll squeal over; you can’t go wrong with this one. Not to mention, balloons make for the perfect built-in birthday photo opportunity!

4. Display Photos From Their Most Recent Year

Or from birth through whatever year they celebrate, if that’s more your style. Regardless, this is a fun way to highlight your kiddo’s most recent 365 days — and the fact that they’re the star of the show for the day. You can leave a few framed photos of your birthday child out at their spot at the table or go all out and hang an assortment of 4×6 prints from the ceiling with yarn.

5. Have a Birthday Sign or Number Displayed in the Front Yard

There are lots of great custom birthday yard signs that are available nowadays. This lets the whole neighborhood know that you have a birthday kid in your house! Search online for local yard sign companies and see which one will be best for your child. You can have letters and decorations or even choose a huge number covered in balloons! It makes for a great picture to take in the morning to start off their day.

6. Have a “Yes” Day

This one is best suited for slightly older children and might initially seem daunting. But I promise you that the gift of giving your child whatever they want (within reason) for just one day will continue giving for years to come when it comes to magical memories. Breakfast in bed? Sure. Ice cream for lunch? You got it. A fresh manicure or mini shopping spree at Target? A “yes” day sounds like an awesome and fun birthday to me.

7. Plan a Fun Day To Do Their Favorite Things

Whether visiting the aquarium, going to the zoo, hitting a playground (or two), riding the carousel a few times, or stopping at your child’s favorite ice cream shop, spend a day doing what they love. Get back to the basics and savor time as a family doing things you already know your birthday boy or girl enjoys. Birthday fun doesn’t have to be extravagant for it to be an extraordinary day.

8. Host a Fun Birthday Living Room Tea Party

Or any lowkey, fun DIY birthday celebration of choice. Set up couch cushions on the floor, lay a festive tablecloth down, and fill it with finger foods, baked goodies, and “tea” (apple juice pouches work fine for younger children). This sweet occasion is the perfect reason for your birthday kiddo to get all dressed up — without ever leaving the house. I surprised my daughter with this on her second birthday, and it’s a precious memory we’ll cherish. More than half a year later, she still talks about her “birthday tea party” (with all her favorite stuffies in attendance) with excitement.

9. Dial Up a Group Video Chat With Non-Local Loved Ones

Even if your child’s beloved cousins can’t be with them in person for their big day, they can join the birthday fun via video chat. The more, the merrier — and if your children are anything like mine, this one will have them beaming from ear to ear! Some of my daughter’s favorite people in the world are her extended family, who live hours away from us. We miss them on special occasions but are so grateful for technology!

10. Read Fun Birthday-Themed Books Together

I love gifting my kiddos personalized children’s books for their birthdays. Wonderbly is a company that provides fun, customizable titles for books. But the library and bookstore will also have plenty of birthday book options for a meaningful birthday read-aloud.

11. Serve Your Child’s Favorite Foods All Day

Even if that means pancakes or donuts for breakfast, chicken nuggets for lunch, and frozen pizza for dinner. If your budget allows it, you can also have them choose their favorite restaurant for a meal. The small details can go a long way in making a fun birthday enjoyable for any kid.

12. Have a Special Birthday Plate

You might have a special plate for when Santa comes to visit for his milk and cookies, but have you considered a birthday plate for your little one? There are some beautiful custom plates that you can have made for each child or have one made, and the plate can be used for everyone in the family on their birthday day! How special they will feel using the birthday plate on their big day. Some of these Etsy companies will even allow you to write a custom message on the back of the plate for your birthday girl or boy. It’s a perfect gift that can be used year after year.

13. Light a Dedicated Birthday Countdown Candle Each Year

Another cute birthday tradition that you can start is lighting a special countdown birthday candle. Some of these candles have markings up to 18 years, and others go to 21 years and higher. Our Editor-in-Chief had one that she lit every year on her birthday when she was a little girl, and she has carried on this tradition with her children. It’s one of their favorites!

14. Share Compliments and What You Love Most About the Birthday Kid

When the family is gathered around the table to celebrate your child’s birthday, make it a point to have everyone share a little something that they love and admire about them. Who doesn’t enjoy feeling extra loved on your birthday? Sometimes we don’t say how much we love someone, and this is the perfect opportunity to do it.

15. Visit Build-A-Bear for a Birthday Tradition

Build-A-Bear offers a “pay your age” birthday bear anytime during a customer’s birthday month. What’s not to love about stuffing your furry friend — personalized “birth” certificate and all — to keep for years to come? My husband and I have done these for each of our two kiddos’ birthdays, and I don’t see the sweet tradition ending anytime soon.

16. Have a Scavenger Hunt for Gifts

Whether you go all out or opt for simpler items, setting up a scavenger hunt for your child to find their fun birthday surprises can elevate the excitement of it all in a unique, memorable way. You might hide a new book (wrapped in ribbon) somewhere on your child’s bookshelf or a new outdoor toy among the older ones in your backyard. Even hiding a handful of lollipops or treats your child loves throughout the house can create a special treasure hunt.

17. Bake an Awesome Birthday Cake

Don’t be fooled by the elaborate, designer birthday cakes you’ve seen your favorite influencers share on their feeds in recent years. No judgment here, but I’d argue that homemade cakes are still a priceless, fun birthday tradition. You don’t have to be a professional baker to pour lots of love into a delicious, kid-approved cake.

18. Gift Your Kiddo Fun New Birthday Pajamas

I’ve started a tradition of gifting my babies new fun pajamas on each birthday’s eve. I won’t lie; I love picking out cute, new (you guessed it, birthday-themed) bamboo prints. Since they seem to fit much longer than other pajamas, it only makes sense to mark the start of each new age with a fresh pair of jammies, right?

19. Make a Special Fun Birthday Kid Banner

Select up to 10 of your favorite closeups showcasing your child’s unique personality for their custom birthday banner. Then, print them, cut them out, and add construction paper party hats. Punch a hole in the top of each piece, string along a long piece of yarn or twine, hang from your mantle, and voila! Instant birthday happiness.

20. Make Birthday Cards as a Family for Other Children

Birthdays are an excellent time to celebrate our children — and we should! Why not start a heartwarming tradition of making homemade birthday cards for children in the hospital, at shelters, etc., each year? Even 10 minutes of doodling cardstock greetings for others at the kitchen table can add to the spirit of warmth and giving that we all cherish in our families.

21. Set an Alarm and Say “Happy Birthday!”

Maybe don’t do this if your little one was born in the middle of the night. But if they were born during the daytime, or while everyone is still awake, consider setting an alarm and telling them “Happy Birthday” at the exact time they were born. You can even tell them their birth story or how you met them.

22. Make a Mark on Their Growth Chart

One thing kids love to do is grow up. If only they understood that they should enjoy being little for as long as possible. Something fun that you can do on their birthday is mark on their growth chart how tall they are. Then, each year, you can look back and see how tall they were at each birthday.

23. A Special School Lunch or Treat

If your kiddo goes to daycare or is in school and you pack them lunches, consider making something they will love and leave them a little note. If they can’t read, print or draw a picture for them so they can know while they’re away how special they are. You can add sprinkles to their meal (if age-appropriate), leave a little treat in their lunch box, or bring a special treat for the whole class to enjoy and celebrate!

24. Have Them Wear It With Pride

A birthday favorite is to have them wear a birthday shirt that displays how old they are or a birthday pin. Whether they are going to school, running errands with you, or you’re enjoying their “yes” day, everyone can know that it’s your little one’s big day.

Whatever your family’s traditions, there’s always room for more birthday fun. With some creativity, you can find countless ways to make the occasion a memorable celebration. Whether you aim to check off one, two, or all of the items on this list, I hope the ideas I’ve shared here help ensure your child’s next birthday is fantastic!

My parents recently found an old photograph from the late 1980s. It was my birthday party; I turned nine, maybe 10 that year. I spotted myself immediately — a side ponytail with a scrunchie, NKOTB sweatshirt, beaming with joy as my mom placed a cake in front of me at the dining room table. All around me sat friends, cousins, and neighbors. Parents’ arms and hands, maybe a face or two, can be seen in the background, but the focus was on us kids — at this very old school but very joyous child’s birthday party. I’m sure my mother did hours of work to prepare, but the simplicity made it great. It was just a bunch of giggling girls running around and playing to celebrate my turning another year older. I couldn’t have asked for more. That’s the beauty of the old-school birthday party — simple, pure joy.

It seems today’s birthday parties have jumped the shark, to be honest. I won’t judge another parent for making a big deal out of their kid’s birthday. There’s no better reason to party, and we love making our kids feel special and loved. But the pressure with each passing year to go bigger, reserve the coolest facility, rent the biggest bounce house, order the most elaborate cake, buy the most expensive toy or tech gadget your kid has to have — it’s too much for some parents. And so maybe it’s time for a shift back to an old-school birthday.

9 Ways to Bring Back the Old-School Birthday Party

Kids love retro stuff. Let’s host throwback birthday parties and dial back the budget and over-the-top galas — because all kids want is a bunch of friends to eat sugar and play with anyway. So, if you’re like me and think, yeah, this sounds good. Let’s rock a simple and super fun ’80s birthday party this year. Here are a few things you can do as a parent to bring down the birthday party craziness that’s taken over society today.

1. The Cake

Of course, we know you’ll have cake, but it doesn’t have to be a seven-layer gourmet Star Wars-themed cake that costs as much as your car payment. Cake is cake, and little kids will eat it no matter what, so make a simple boxed cake at home or buy an affordable sheet cake from the grocery store. Stick in a few candles, and boom. Done.

Another cute idea I’ve tried is to make or buy cupcakes instead of cake. You can put them all together on a plate with candles and still sing Happy Birthday, and then you don’t have to cut anything. Also, you can put out some toppings and let all the kids decorate themselves as one of the activities.

2. The Food

You do not need to hire a caterer for your child’s 10th birthday party or spend all day cooking. Throw a bunch of hotdogs on the grill, toss each kid a juice box, and that’s it. Or cook some frozen pizzas in the oven. Seriously, keep it simple, folks.

3. The Venue

The concept of having my birthday party anywhere other than my house growing up was unimaginable. Today’s kids often expect a go-cart party or a party at a trampoline park. And I get it — why let kids tear up your house when you can spend a little more and let them tear up another building? But the old-school birthday party was held at home. And we played outside. Don’t want a slew of extra kids at your house? How about a local park? If your child has a winter birthday, many indoor options are affordable — like a bowling alley or taking one or two friends to a movie matinee.

4. The Presents

I don’t know about you, but all the birthday parties my kids are invited to eat into our budget quite a bit. That’s why parents love the fiver birthday party idea — everyone gives the birthday kid $5 so they can pool their cash together and buy something they want. This saves parents money (yay!) and prevents the guest of honor from receiving a pile of toys they don’t need or may never play with. The fiver party idea is a great way to bring back a piece of the old-school birthday party because back then, you could find a sweet gift for five bucks!

Another trend I love is something my middle school kids have been doing lately — making gifts! My 12-year-old daughter loves to crochet, so she’s made purses, scarves, and many other treasures for her friends. She also paints and makes jewelry, so the handmade birthday gift options are endless and thoughtful.

5. The Cards

How on earth did cards suddenly become so expensive? I refuse to spend $6 on a card that some eight-year-old will never look at. My kids make homemade cards for their friends, and honestly, when they, in turn, receive homemade cards, it’s special. They’ve received so many kind and heartfelt cards over the years that we’ve kept because their little buddy put some time and effort into telling my child how important their friendship is.

6. The Decorations

Again, the dollar store. Or, if you don’t have a dollar store near you, grab a bag of balloons to blow up, hang some streamers, and you’re done. Also, a throw-away paper or plastic tablecloth is key. It brings another bit of festivity and makes cleanup a breeze. If you want to go all out with themed plates, napkins, and cups, too, have at it, but remember, those kids are only going to sit and eat on those plates for a hot minute before they all end up in the trash.

7. The Goodie Bags

I read once that a child went to a birthday party and received a goodie bag with a $10 iTunes gift card. Um, WHAT? Let’s dial that back and remember that we aren’t giving our guests gifts, and goodie bags are meant to be tiny “thank you for coming” treats. Here are a few pieces of candy and maybe a bouncy ball or a small bottle of bubbles.

Another idea is to have kids break open a piñata and hand each a small bag with their name. They fill their bag with as much candy as they can scramble and find. Boom. Goodie bags are done.

8. The Guests

The guest list is a hot topic for a good reason: We don’t want kids to feel left out or excluded. Unfortunately, that happens when almost 28 or 29 kids are invited from the class, so parents should ensure that doesn’t happen. One way we avoid this is to set a limit and tell our kids they can invite a small number of friends — 5 to 10 usually. Because honestly, having your 7-year-old invite 30 kids is a lot on them, as they likely only really play with a few of them anyway. And they won’t get a chance to spend time with each guest, which means you just spent a boatload of money on feeding and entertaining a whole group of kids your birthday child didn’t even speak to at their party.

Save that idea for their wedding when you feel obligated to invite Great Aunt Miriam, who you haven’t seen or talked to in 10 years. Your first-grader’s birthday party? Not necessary.

9. The Activities

I’m pretty sure the activities my mom planned for my childhood birthday parties included classics like “Go Outside and Play” and “Hide and Seek,” but if you do want to structure a few simple games to keep kids entertained, try some old-school ones like a water balloon fight or musical chairs or even a dance party. I remember one year when I was older — probably around 12 or so — and I had a few friends sleep over, and we watched movies until we fell asleep in our sleeping bags.

Other old-school options like scavenger hunts, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, and piñatas never go out of style. Or dump out a huge craft bin full of googly eyes, pompoms, ribbons, and glue (glitter if you dare!) and let everyone craft their hearts away. Have a bunch of energetic kids ready to run? You can’t go wrong with Sharks and Minnows or a good old Nerf war.

You don’t have to spend your month’s mortgage payment to ensure your child feels loved on their birthday. Far too often, these huge parties are overwhelming for kids and parents, and due to the money spent and excessive structuring of activities, everyone ends up overtired or in tears. Instead, try bringing the party down a few pegs. Offer a cake, snacks, and a few fun games, then send everyone home after a couple of hours. You just threw an old-school birthday party that was much simpler and kinder to your wallet, and, more than likely, your kid had an absolute blast.

The old-school birthday party: magical then, magical now.

The dreaded — I mean, highly anticipated — first birthday party. You survived sleepless nights, blow-out diapers, tantrums, and scary late-night fever spikes. You also navigated the messy, unpredictability of postpartum feelings, lonely 3 a.m. feedings, and everything else. Like the first belly roll, the first real smile, and the first giddy giggle. Turning one is BIG, and it absolutely calls for a celebration, so is it right to consider skipping the first birthday bash?

I flipped and flopped, planned and prepped, made guest lists and checklists, researched first birthday party themes, and priced options. If you don’t have a huge, extravagant first birthday party, you’re doing a disservice to your baby and disappointing everyone, right? Wrong. But it took me a while to come to this revelation. There were many days of illnesses in the month leading up to our son’s big day. As the big birthday approached, we were worn out. It didn’t make sense to throw a 45-plus person first birthday bash after all those weeks sick in bed and caring for a sick baby.

This got me thinking about the dilemma other parents like me face. What if a big first birthday bash isn’t in the cards for your family? Or what if you have zero interest in planning and stressing over an elaborate, expensive day your little one won’t remember? Here are five alternatives to celebrate the big one without a big party.

5 Alternatives to a First Birthday Bash

1. Visit an Aquarium

If your little one loves bath time, imagine her face when she meets a real dolphin or a swimming sea turtle. Way cooler than the bucket of beloved bathtub toys at home! Visual stimulation awaits as your baby is bound to marvel at the sights, splashes, and sounds that an aquarium offers. You can even pack your baby’s favorite sea creature stuffy for the car ride and create a music playlist with ocean-themed undertones. Think classics like “The Little Mermaid” soundtrack, “Baby Beluga,” and “Baby Shark,” so you can have an interactive sing-along on the way to your underwater adventure.

At the end of your trip, pop into the gift shop and select a memorable birthday souvenir to commemorate the outing. Once you’re back home, you can end the day with a bedtime bath and let your little fish enjoy splashing around with her birthday gift. That’s bound to bring a smile to both of your faces whenever it’s time to get squeaky clean.

2. Make Museum Memories

Have a future Picasso on your hands? A museum is a perfect choice to kick off birthday festivities. While children’s museums are likely at the top of your list, many non-kid-specific options exist. With this plan, snap photos of the displays your little one gravitates toward. Once you’re back home, set up floor protection (brown paper bags do the trick) and let your baby express his creativity with non-toxic finger paints or crayons on construction paper or inexpensive canvas. This may be the first time you’re letting your little one get messy with art supplies, and they’re bound to have a ball! As a bonus, you can mark the museum birthday outing with a mini-masterpiece you can proudly display on the fridge.

3. Go on an Outdoor Adventure

Fresh air does the soul good. Depending on the season your babe was born, pack a picnic with the little one’s favorite snacks and foods and bring a few screen-free activities to play together once you spread out a quilt in a local park or backyard.

Your babe will have a fun sensory experience feeling the grass squish beneath his toes, the sun warming his plump little cheeks, and the wind ruffling through his wispy hair. You could also look up a hike your family can accomplish together. Snap a family photo once you reach the destination to mark the moment. While the views are bound to be beautiful, you’re sure to be zooming in on the birthday boy who is the show’s true star.

4. Celebrate with a Scrapbook

Okay, this is the perfect way to celebrate if you’re approaching day 365 and are slacking in the scrapbook department. Turn all those cute, candid, and totally staged photos taking up space in your phone into a tangible keepsake. It is truly a trip down sleep-deprived memory lane to see how far your family has come. Take turns with your partner writing special birthday notes to your baby and listing all her favorites (books, songs, outfits, food).

Get your little one involved in this activity by allowing her to place stickers on scrapbook pages, mark down some award-winning scribbles, and trace a chubby handprint to save for years. You can schedule a fancy photoshoot to mark the occasion. Or create a cute setup at home to document her tearing into a gift or sampling her first taste of a chocolate cake. You’ll have a physical project completed for your little one to cherish, but you will finally have the chance to reflect on how that tiny potato person turned into a giggly, expressive, amazing one-year-old in the blink of an eye.

5. Plan a Grown-up Date Night

Hear me out. During the day, your baby’s birthday should be all about the baby! Let’s not forget the most crucial part of any big one-year-old milestone: the singing, followed by the cake tasting. Once your little love has opened a few gifts, experienced his first sugar rush, and crashed from all the birthday magic, that doesn’t mean the party’s over. Let the parent party begin once bedtime commences for your birthday babe. Pop some champagne or that expensive bottle of wine in the back of your bar cart that you’ve been saving for a special occasion.

If you can swing it, have a trusted friend or relative babysit. Change out of your spit-up sweats, slip into something you feel amazing in, and head to dinner. Celebrating this day is as much about your journey as parents as it is for your baby. This year has brought a lot of new challenges, growth, and ups and downs for the whole family. You survived. And that is worth a toast or two.

There are many ways to celebrate the wonderful, wacky world of one-year-olds. You know your baby best and what is best for your family. If a huge first birthday bash isn’t what you envision, it doesn’t mean you’re a party pooper. It means there are many ways to create happy, healthy homes for our babies so we can raise them well and watch them thrive. If you can share some snuggles and cake with your birthday babe, know you’ve thrown the perfect memory-making celebration. Remember, just because you’re going light on the guest list doesn’t mean you won’t have a full day of love and laughter.

Kids’ birthday parties are an excellent opportunity to get creative and think outside the box. You only get to plan one per child every year, so you might as well make it worth it, right? But they can also be a giant money pit, with much of what’s left quickly discarded after the last guest leaves. Food, decor, and activities; it all adds up, and party favors are no exception, especially when there’s no guarantee your guests will use them. So, whether your kiddo is turning 1 or 10, we’ve covered you with unique party favors for kids you won’t find in a traditional goodie bag that won’t go to waste!

Unique Birthday Party Favors for Kids

1. Board Books

Cost-effective and practical, board books will surely be a hit for young children and parents alike. Set out a bin with a collection of classics, or choose titles related to the party’s theme; your options are endless. For an extra-special touch, consider crafting personalized bookmarks for each little reader to take home.

2. Bath Crayons

Buy Honeysticks Here Buy Crayola Bathtub Crayons Here

Your guests probably have no shortage of regular coloring crayons at home, but bath crayons? Blow them out of the water (no pun intended!) with this fun alternative. Crayola offers multi-packs for around $6 each, whereas brands like Honeysticks boast high-quality sets for more money. Whichever you opt for, as few as two or three oversized crayons thoughtfully tied together are an excellent favor.

3. Mini Stuffed Animals

Or loveys if you’ve got a lot of babies attending. Regardless, you can’t go wrong with this sweet sentiment. Children of all ages will love picking out a new friend to take home and keep.

4. Little People Figures

These beloved toys are a Fisher-Price favorite and come in various characters and collector’s sets. Whether you’re hosting a farm animal-themed party, Disney princess bash, construction-zone celebration, or anything in between, you’ll find Little People figures to fit the bill. Perfect for toddlers, your guests will be delighted by these tiny treasures.

5. Ice Cream Shop Tokens or Gift Cards

Because who says the classic birthday treat has to be limited to the party? There’s a good chance your favorite local scoop shop serves up tokens for individual cones. If so, consider purchasing one for every guest and give them another special occasion to look forward to. Plus (if your family is anything like mine), you will use the leftovers from no-shows!

6. Beach Balls

Especially fitting for pool parties, beach bashes, and summertime birthdays, beach balls bring youthful fun to any party. You might even consider incorporating these into party activities before sending the kids home with their own.

7. Sand Buckets and Toys

Another excellent option for warm-weather parties (or themed gatherings), you can guarantee guests will enjoy these for seasons to come.

8. Bubble Wands

Bubble wands are low-cost and high-fun, making them a perfect go-to for any children’s party favor. Buy in bulk and allow kiddos to pick out their favorite color to keep, decorate with stickers to match the festivity’s theme, or personalize with children’s names. You can’t beat their versatility.

9. Hula Hoops

Another children’s classic that you can buy in bulk for simplicity and saving, hula hoops will leave little ones excited to get home and burn off even more energy post-party. Win-win for both the kids and their adults!

10. Helium Balloons

These are a two-for-one, doubling as a party decoration and a festive favor; what kid could resist picking out a helium balloon from a bouquet on their way out the door? And let’s be honest; parents will be grateful not to have any extra “stuff” to store long-term, too.

11. Wooden Puzzles

While candy and fidget spinners provide instant gratification, timeless toys like wooden puzzles make for quality favors that last. Check out Melissa & Doug for a higher per-favor budget. Search Amazon for many puzzle sets perfect for party favoring for the most bang for your buck.

12. Dinosaur Figures

Your options for your T-rex-obsessed birthday boy or girl are abundant with dinosaur figures. If you prefer to give one larger figure to every child in attendance, check out Fat Brain Toys’ jumbo dino multi-packs. Or buy mini figurines in bulk and bag up a handful for each guest.

13. Mini Sensory Activity Kits

If you’re feeling crafty, Pinterest has plenty of ideas for concocting your own. If you’re in a time crunch, check out Etsy. With many kits available for under $10, this creative favor will keep little ones busy long after the party ends. Either way, sensory kits are entirely customizable – guaranteeing a favor fit perfectly for any occasion!

14. Mini LEGO Kits

Best suited for ages four and up, LEGO Classic Creative Starter Sets are available for $4.99 each at Target. Even the most LEGO-obsessed kid will jump at the opportunity to add more to their collection.

15. Kids’ Musical Instruments

Take the typical noisemaker up a notch with this kid-approved favor. Purchase a kids’ musical instrument set, then let each guest select their favorite to keep. With sets like B. Toys’ Parum Pum Pum, including maracas, tambourines, triangles, and more, nobody will leave the party empty-handed.

16. Individually Packaged Card Games

These are often found in three-packs, like Melissa & Doug’s Classic Card Game Set, featuring Go Fish, Animal Rummy, and Old Maid, and can be utilized for multiple favors and provide hours of enjoyment for the whole family. This compact, space-savvy option can be used as a stand-alone favor or with another goody.

17. Watercolor Paint Sets

For the budding artists in your child’s life, you can’t go wrong with practical arts and crafts supplies as favors, such as watercolor paint sets. Perfect for an Eric Carle-themed party (or any theme incorporating DIY projects as entertainment), you might even opt to put these to use as a part of the fun.

18. Custom Water Bottles

Not necessarily the most exciting item for little ones, but we’re going for longevity here. Customize with children’s names, skip the paper cups, and allow guests to start using their favors at the juice bar instead. Practical and personal!

19. B. Toys Pull-Back Toy Cars

Designed for tiny fingers and big fun, these pull-back toy cars are just right for a quirky favor young ones will be happy to get their hands on. Plus, they’ll keep kids occupied while parents wrap up goodbyes. Let the races begin!

20. Punch Balloons

An amusing alternative to helium balloons, attendees of all ages will get a kick (okay, a punch) out of this favor, conveniently available in bulk and all colors of the rainbow. Scatter them in a designated play area during the party or send guests off with them uninflated; this simple idea is sure to be a hit.

Regarding kids’ birthday party favors, you can stick to tradition and stuff goodie bags with treats and prizes that might bring a short-lived moment of joy – or you can opt for something more unique. We guarantee these ideas won’t go to waste!

A first birthday is a significant milestone for your little one and you as a parent! Where does the time go? And what better way to celebrate making it through the first year than with a fun-filled party?! Whether planning an intimate gathering with family or a huge party with all your friends, picking the perfect first birthday theme can be challenging. We’ve rounded up 20 of our favorite first-birthday themes to help make your party planning a breeze. From classic carnivals to darling forest friends, there’s sure to be a theme here that will make your baby’s first birthday celebration one to remember.

20 First Birthday Theme Ideas

1. O-Fish-Ally the Big ONE

For the little one who loves animals and the outdoors, this under-the-sea-themed party is a fin-tastic option! For decorations, start by hanging a fishnet across the wall or ceiling. You can also add some paper fish or other sea creatures around the room. Balloons in ocean colors will add a festive touch, and don’t forget to include a big “1” in the decorations. There are so many options for sea-themed food. Serve some Goldfish crackers, peanut butter and “jellyfish” sandwiches, blue “ocean” Jell-O, and sushi or other seafood treats. Don’t forget a birthday cake or cupcakes decorated with a cute ocean theme.

2. Alice in One-der Land

Don’t be late for this important date! You can easily transform this whimsical theme into a magical first birthday. You can decorate with toadstools and playing cards, set up a giant inflatable caterpillar sprinkler or slide, and provide guests with hats and bows to get in the spirit of things. For an interactive keepsake, a “mad hatter” photo booth with funny signs will captivate guests of all ages. This Alice in One-der Land-themed party will surely transport your guests down the rabbit hole for an unforgettable experience!

3. Winter One-derland

For the baby celebrating in the colder months, this winter-themed first birthday party is sure to be a cozy event. Transform your home into a mini enchanted forest full of snowflakes, polar bears, and evergreen trees. Fill it with white decorations, whimsical music, and even some fake snowflakes. Let your child explore their first winter world while enjoying presents and cake—all without braving the chilly temperatures outside. Throw in some hot cocoa or marshmallows to complete your winter ONE-derland first birthday party.

4. Wild ONE

Welcome to the jungle with this fun animal-themed party! From lush decorations and cake designs to fun games, there is something for everyone. The little ones will love going on a safari scavenger hunt. You could even have a Lion King sing-along or DIY some mini binoculars for them. Serve up some treats like buffalo wings, panther pizza, and cheetah chips with safari salsa. Don’t forget the animal crackers!

5. ONE Happy Camper

With this fun and easy outdoor-themed party, your little one will surely be ONE happy camper. You can create a fun outdoor atmosphere that everyone can enjoy and provide an opportunity to participate in great bonding activities such as camping crafts or listening to stories around a pretend campfire. Keep the menu simple with hot dogs, chili, trail mix, and a s’mores station!

6. Hole in ONE

For golf enthusiast parents, “Hole in ONE” is the perfect first birthday party idea. Celebrate like the pros by hosting a fun miniature golf tournament at your local course or setting one up in your backyard. Decorate with golf balls, tees, and clubs. Your guest can enjoy yummy treats like PAR-fait, BOGIE hoagies, and doughnut-HOLES-in-one. Don’t forget to add some sweet TEE to the menu.

7. What a ONE-derful World

What a ONE-derful world it is with your little one in it. This sweet and subtle idea would be perfect for a boy or a girl. Decorate with streamers, globes, airplanes, and hot air balloons. Keep the food simple with a cake and elegant charcuterie board. And make sure to have a baggage claim station where your guest can collect party favors.

8. How the West was ONE

Ready to saddle up for your little buckaroo’s first birthday? A western theme is always a hit with kids and parents. Cowboys and cowgirls of all ages will feel right at home among horseshoes, hay bales, and bandana decorations. Serve some chow on tin plates and cups and rev up the fun with cowboy hat piñatas and barrel races. From line-dancing to prairie roping, getting your guests both cheering and yee-hawing for hours is easy.

9. The Rookie Year

Your little one’s big day will surely be a home run with a baseball-themed party. From bats and balls to fun apparel, all the perfect decorations and supplies are easy to find that will leave all your guests in awe of your first birthday party. Decorate with the traditional red, white, and blue, and dress your little one in a baseball uniform. Make sure you get those typical baseball snacks like popcorn, peanuts, and Cracker Jacks. Add a little competition to the party with a friendly game of home-run derby. Don’t forget to play “Take me out to the ballgame” for everyone to sing along.

10. Come ONE, Come All

Circus-themed first birthday party ideas are all about creating an atmosphere of wonder and amazement. Impress your guest with clowns, cotton candy, and a tightrope show featuring your little one. Decorate your venue with colorful streamers and balloons, whip up carnival-themed snacks, and get everyone ready for high-energy party games. Who knows—your baby’s first birthday party might end up being the greatest show on earth!

11. You’re ONE in a Melon

A watermelon-themed first birthday party will be a hit with your little one and your guests. Everything from the cake design and decorations to the foods, games, and favors can reflect a watermelon’s vibrant colors and juicy sweetness. Plus, there’s no better way to incorporate silly, first-year photo ops than setting up a watermelon patch full of props like beach balls, straw hats, and beach towels.

12. Time Flies

It sure is true that time flies—especially when it comes to the first year. Why not consider an aviation theme if you want to make your little one’s first birthday party soar? You can deck out the venue with airplane and travel decorations—think of adventurous banners, clouds, streamers, and mini suitcases. Get into the theme by dressing as flight attendants and pilots. For the menu, themed cupcakes or a cake shaped like an airplane and lots of in-flight snacks would be perfect. Use plane-themed plates, cups, and napkins for an extra touch of flight-related fun.

13. 3-2-ONE Blastoff!

If you’re looking for a first birthday theme with an out-of-this-world twist, look no further than a space-themed bash. Decorate your venue to look like a galaxy far, far away with star balloons and twinkling fairy lights. Whip up some cosmic cupcakes and alien cookies for a snack. Unleash your inner astronaut with a moonwalking competition, or have everyone dress up as astronauts and aliens.

14. Lucky ONE

If your little ONE was lucky enough to be born in March, celebrate with an Irish-style St. Patrick’s Day-themed birthday bash. Have everyone dress in green and invite them to a pot-luck-style party. Decorate with shamrocks, pots of gold, and rainbows, and don’t forget to dress the birthday boy or girl like a cute little leprechaun. You can give out bags of Lucky Charms for party favors because what kid doesn’t love marshmallows?

15. First Year Down

For the baby born in the fall, what better way to celebrate than a tailgate-style party? Decorate your venue in the colors of your favorite team with footballs, goalposts, and banners. Have your guests wear jerseys and partake in fun games like cornhole, ladder toss, and football throwing competitions. For the menu, serve some classic favorites like hamburgers, nachos, and pickles.

16. Some Bunny is ONE

Peter Rabbit is the way to go for a sweet and classic first birthday party. Bring this beloved character’s world alive with simple decorations like a beautiful balloon arch, stuffed rabbits, and a copy of the book. The kids will love doing bunny crafts, hunting for carrots in the garden, and playing hide and seek. Serve up homemade carrot cake or cupcakes, and everyone will have a magical time.

17. Little Miss or Mr. ONE-derful

What better way to celebrate your little prince or princess than with the perfect fairy tale party? Decorate your venue with characters from their favorite movie, make crowns or tiaras for everyone at the party, organize storytelling time, and have an optional dress code where guests can dress up as their favorite characters. You can even hire a prince or princess to make an appearance. Serve up some tea and cookies next to their magical cake, and everyone will live happily ever after.

18. Numero Uno

When it comes to first birthday party ideas, there’s nothing more festive than a fiesta-themed celebration! Decorate with bright and colorful balloons and streamers, sombreros, and maracas. Serve classic Mexican meals such as tacos, burritos, and tamales for your guests. Don’t forget the chips and salsa, guacamole, and queso. No fiesta party is complete without a piñata—it’s practically a first-birthday tradition!

19. Sweet ONE

The possibilities are endless and so sweet with this fun first birthday party theme. From sweet cupcakes topped with delicious candies to towering homemade ice cream sundaes, this delightful theme will create magical memories they’ll remember long after the party. If you feel extra creative, you can have a make-your-own candy bar. Choose whichever combination of treats your guests love most, and let the sugary goodness be your guide. The best part is all these yummy treats can double as your decorations. Just be prepared for the sugar rush!

20. Dinosaurs

If your child loves dinosaurs, why not make their first birthday special with some dino-inspired first birthday party ideas? From dinosaur-themed cupcakes and piñatas to decorations featuring their favorite prehistoric creatures, you’ll find plenty of creative ways to bring the prehistoric world alive at your event. Colorful and creative decor featuring images of dinosaurs, volcano cakes, and T. rex-shaped balloons will give the room a roar! Your tiny T. rex can enjoy special birthday activities, like pin-the-tail on the dinosaur. You could also have a mini archaeological dig by burying some toy bones in a sandbox or boxes filled with play sand. Everyone is sure to have a roaring good time!

So, what will you do for your little one’s first birthday? There are so many themes and ideas out there that it can be hard to choose one. No matter which theme you choose, we hope this list has given you some ideas for throwing a fantastic celebration for your little one.