8 Cheap (and Fun) First Birthday Party Ideas

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

01 of 08

1. Frame Your Baby's 'Year of Firsts'

Keep your kiddo's 1st birthday decor super simple — and super sweet — with a framed photo collage of all their firsts. Not only is it adorable decor for the party, it's a beautiful keepsake you'll always cherish.

To buy! Tilted Heart Collage Art Print, $14.99; shutterfly.com

02 of 08

2. Crepe Paper Everything

crepe paper birthday decoration — Lia Griffith

Want to keep the budget to a minimum for your child's 1st birthday, and still have a stylish bash? No problem! You can make all the decor out of crepe paper (no, really). Napkin rings, lanterns, party favors — you name it! — can all be done with cheap, paper streamers, even this stunning centerpiece-worthy pinata.

To buy! Lia Griffith Heavy Crepe Paper, $19.49; amazon.com

03 of 08

3. 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'll cost you next to nothing and look nice and polished.

To buy! Rainbow Polka Dots Party Cups, $13.99; amazon.com

04 of 08

4. Make Treats Part of the Decor

Few things are cuter than mini donuts (besides, of course, the birthday girl or boy), 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 yourself some seriously cute party decorations that are impossible to resist.

To buy! Glass Milk Bottle Set of 12, $24.99; amazon.com

05 of 08

5. Do the Monster Mash

Monster Party Decor — The Photographer's Wife

If you want to get theme-y, a monster bash is a fun way to go with tons of budget-friendly ideas. These cute utensil holders are really just empty tissue boxes. Clever!

To buy! Little Monster Party Plates, $13.60; zazzle.com

06 of 08

6. Have a Milk and Cookies Party

Cookies for the Party — A Lucky Lovely Life

Whether you're turning one or 100, it's impossible to resist the tried-and-true combo of milk and cookies. And an added bonus? Neither will break the bank, making for a super affordable party theme.

To buy! Small Glass Bottles With Cork Lids, $19.99; amazon.com

07 of 08

7. No-Sew High-Chair Tutu

No-Sew-Highchair-Tutu-for-Birthday-Party

Up your smash cake photo op game 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.

To buy! Rainbow 1st Birthday High Chair Tutu, $13.99; amazon.com

08 of 08

8. Have a Ball

Rainbow ball pit — Christina Landeros of Moments Captured Photography

No baby, toddler, and possibly adult 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.

To buy! Kids Indoor Pop Up Ball Play Tent, $12.99; amazon.com

Was this page helpful?