8 Cheap (and Fun) First Birthday Party Ideas

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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.

To buy! Tilted Heart Collage Art Print, $15.00 at shutterfly.com

02 of 08

Crepe Paper Everything

crepe paper birthday decoration — 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.

To buy! Lia Griffith Heavy Crepe Paper, $19.34 at amazon.com

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.

To buy! Rainbow Polka Dots Party Cups, $14.99 at amazon.com

04 of 08

Make Treats Part of the Decor

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.

To buy! Glass Milk Bottle Set of 12, $22.99 at amazon.com

05 of 08

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. Create budget-friendly monsters like utensil holders that are really just empty tissue boxes. Clever!

To buy! Little Monster Party Plates, $14.80 at zazzle.com

06 of 08

Have a Milk and Cookies Party

Cookies for the 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.

To buy! Small Glass Bottles With Cork Lids, $17.99 at amazon.com

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.

To buy! Rainbow 1st Birthday High Chair Tutu, $13.98 at amazon.com

08 of 08

Have a Ball

Rainbow ball pit — 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.

To buy! Kids Indoor Pop Up Ball Play Tent, $13.87 at amazon.com

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