Planning your little one's first birthday is such an exciting milestone! But let's be honest, it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Don't worry, we've got your back. To make things easier, we've put together a free checklist that covers all the essentials. Whether you're throwing a big bash or a small family gathering, this guide will help you stay organized and stress-free.

Download Free First Birthday Checklist 

First Birthday Venue & Theme

• Pick a Venue: Choosing the perfect venue is crucial for your baby's first birthday. Whether it's your cozy home, a local park, or a kid-friendly restaurant, make sure it suits your needs. Consider the number of guests, weather conditions, and available amenities. A comfortable, spacious setting will ensure everyone has a great time.
• Choose a Theme: A fun theme sets the tone for the entire celebration! From jungle safari to fairy tale magic, pick something that excites you and your little one. A theme helps in coordinating decorations, cake designs, and party favors. Get creative and let your imagination run wild to make the day extra special.
• Set a Budget: Setting a budget keeps your party planning on track and avoids overspending. List all potential expenses, including venue, food, decorations, and entertainment. Allocate funds wisely and look for DIY options to save costs. Sticking to your budget ensures a stress-free celebration without financial worries.
• Set a Date and Time: Choosing the right date and time is essential for a smooth party. Consider your baby's nap schedule and pick a time when they are most likely to be cheerful. Weekends are ideal for guests. Make sure to give yourself enough time to prepare and send out invitations well in advance.
• Send Invitations: Sending out invitations early gives your guests plenty of time to RSVP. Whether you opt for traditional paper invites or digital ones, include all the important details: date, time, venue, and RSVP information. Personalize the invitations to match your theme and get everyone excited about the big day!

First Birthday Decorations

• Plan Decorations: Decide on a cohesive look that matches your theme, thinking about balloons, banners, table settings, and centerpieces to ensure everything fits together nicely.
• Organize Vendors: If hiring professionals, book florists, decorators, and rental companies early, confirming all details and delivery times, and keeping contact information handy for last-minute changes.
• Buy DIY Decorations: Visit craft stores or shop online for DIY supplies, creating personalized decorations for a unique touch, and setting aside time to assemble everything before the big day.

First Birthday Guests

• Make a Guest List: List all family and friends you want to invite, considering the venue’s capacity to avoid overcrowding, and prioritizing close relationships to make the day intimate.
• Create Invitations: Design invitations that match your theme, including essential details like the date, time, venue, and RSVP information, and decide between physical or digital invitations.
• Send Invitations: Distribute invitations well in advance using email, social media, or traditional mail based on your preference, ensuring all guests have enough time to plan.
• Confirm RSVPs: Follow up with guests who haven’t responded, finalize the headcount for food and seating arrangements, and make any necessary adjustments.

First Birthday Party Food & Drinks

• Plan Menu: Choose dishes that suit both adults and children, considering dietary restrictions and allergies, and include a mix of main courses, sides, and desserts.
• Order/Buy Food: Decide between catering or homemade options, placing orders early to avoid last-minute stress, and ensuring you have enough for all guests.
• Order/Buy Cake: Choose a cake that fits your theme and guest count, considering flavor preferences and dietary needs, and order from a trusted bakery or bake your own.
• Order/Buy Snacks: Select a variety of snacks that appeal to both kids and adults, offering both healthy and indulgent options to keep everyone happy.
• Order/Buy Drinks: Ensure you have a range of beverages, including water, juice, and soft drinks for kids, and perhaps some wine or beer for adults, keeping everyone refreshed.

First Birthday Outfit

• Choose an Outfit for You: Pick something comfortable yet stylish that matches the party theme, ensuring you feel confident and can move around easily.
• Choose an Outfit for Your Baby: Select an adorable outfit for your baby that is comfortable and theme-appropriate, considering changes of clothes in case of spills or accidents.

First Birthday Games & Activities

• Plan Games/Activities: Decide on fun games and activities suitable for the age group attending, preparing everything in advance to keep the little ones entertained.
• Organize Party Favors: Put together small, theme-based party favors for guests to take home, adding a personal touch to thank them for coming.

First Birthday Keepsakes

• Take Plenty of Photos: Capture all the special moments throughout the day, ensuring you have plenty of memories to look back on. Make sure you do something special with the baby photos!
• Ask a Friend to Help with Photos: Assign a friend or hire a photographer to take pictures, so you can focus on enjoying the party and mingling with guests.

On the Day

• Decorate: Set up all decorations early, ensuring everything is in place before guests arrive to create a festive atmosphere.
• Prepare Food and Drinks: Have all food and drinks ready to go, setting up a buffet or serving area for easy access and enjoyment.
• Set Up Games and Activities: Arrange all games and activities in designated areas, ensuring everything is prepared and ready for the kids to enjoy.

Preserve First Birthday Memories

• First birthday is a special baby milestone to record. Upload your favorite photos and jot down special memories on the Dujourbaby Baby Book App, creating a lasting keepsake of your baby's first birthday. 

Download & Try Baby Book App for Free