Family Life Fun Birthdays Birthday Party Ideas 8 Budget-Friendly First Birthday Party Ideas Just because your baby's big day is here doesn't mean you need to shell out the big bucks. Check out these budget-friendly first birthday party ideas that are guaranteed to make your bash memorable. By Nicole Fabian-Weber Updated on August 9, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email 01 of 08 Frame Your Baby's 'Year of Firsts' Keep your kiddo's first birthday decor super simple and sweet with a framed photo collage of all their firsts. Not only is it an adorable decoration for the party, but it's also a beautiful keepsake you'll always cherish. 02 of 08 Crepe Paper Everything Lia Griffith Want to keep the budget to a minimum for your child's first birthday and still have a stylish bash? No problem! You can make all the decor out of crepe paper (no, really). You can make napkin rings, lanterns, party favors—you name it!—with cheap paper streamers. 03 of 08 Get Your Snack On Chances are, there will be a few toddlers at the party in addition to the guest of honor. Cater to their culinary needs by displaying Cheerios, Goldfish, and other "pick-ups" in cute treat cups. It's inexpensive and looks nice and polished. 04 of 08 Make Treats Part of the Decor Erin J. Saldana Few things are cuter than mini donuts (besides, of course, the birthday kid), so why not make them part of the decor? Slip a few mini donuts (or cookies that look like donuts) around a straw and glass of milk, and you've got some adorable party treats that double as decorations. Baby's First Party: 5 Ways To Make It Special 05 of 08 Do the Monster Mash The Photographer's Wife If you want to get theme-y, a monster bash is a fun way to go. Create budget-friendly monsters like utensil holders that are really just empty tissue boxes. Clever! 06 of 08 Have a Milk and Cookies Party A Lucky Lovely Life Whether you're turning 1 or 100, it's impossible to resist the tried-and-true milk and cookies combo. And a bonus? Neither will break the bank, making for a super affordable party theme. 07 of 08 No-Sew High-Chair Tutu Up your smash cake photo op with a no-sew tutu for your baby's highchair. The little ballerina in your life will look even cuter (if that's possible) sitting behind a big tuft of tulle. Adorable Starbucks Smash Cake Photoshoot Gives New Meaning to 'Babyccino' 08 of 08 Have a Ball Christina Landeros of Moments Captured Photography No baby or toddler will be able to resist some good, clean ball pit fun. Simply add colorful balls to a blow-up kiddie pool, and you've got hours of (cheap) entertainment on your hands. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit