First Birthday Party Theme Ideas

  By Attipas Australia's founder and mum-of-three, Caroline Africh  

1st Birthday Ideas for your 1 year old

The first year of your baby's life is a whirlwind of wonder and amazement. As your little one approaches their first birthday, it's a momentous occasion worth celebrating in style. Planning a memorable first birthday party can be an exciting adventure, but it's also a task that requires careful planning.

From selecting the perfect theme to finding the ideal venue and making delicious food choices, we're here to guide you through the process. In this blog, we'll provide you with a comprehensive plan to ensure your baby's first birthday is a magical, unforgettable event to remember forever.

Selecting the Perfect Theme

The theme sets the stage for your little one's first birthday celebration. It's a chance to let your creativity shine and create a memorable atmosphere. 

Here are some unique first birthday party themes that Australian parents adore for your little one's first birthday: 

1. Australian Animals  

Celebrate the unique wildlife of Australia with a theme that features cuddly koalas, hopping kangaroos, and other iconic Australian animals.

2. Beach Party

Australia's stunning coastline makes a beach-themed party a great choice. Decorate with seashells, surfboards, and beach balls.

3. Adventure in the Outback

Embrace the adventurous spirit of the Australian outback with a wild west or safari theme

4. Rainbow and Unicorn

Create a whimsical atmosphere with a rainbow and unicorn theme, sure to delight kids and adults alike.

5. Garden Party

Embrace the beauty of Australia's flora and fauna with a garden-themed party. Decorate with flowers, butterflies, and fairies for a magical touch.

Choosing the Right Venue

Once you've decided on a theme, it's time to choose the perfect venue for your baby's first birthday party. The right venue can make a significant difference in the overall experience:

1. Home Sweet Home

Hosting the party at your house provides a cozy and convenient option. You have complete control over decorations and activities, and it can be a great choice for smaller gatherings and a cost effective venue. 

2. Local Park

Australia's stunning coastline makes a beach-themed party a great choice. Decorate with seashells, surfboards, and beach balls. Many parks in Australia offer picnic areas, a lovely bbq area, playgrounds, and natural beauty, making them ideal for an outdoor celebration and its inexpensive. Just be sure to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather.

3. Community Hall

If you're expecting a larger crowd or want an indoor option, renting a community hall or party venue can provide ample space and facilities.

4. Cafes or Play Centres

Some cafes and play centers in Australia offer party packages, making the planning process more manageable. Plus, the kids can enjoy activities and games at these venues.

Planning a Delicious Menu

The menu is a crucial aspect of your baby's first birthday party. Choose a mix of tasty and age-appropriate foods that both kids and adults will enjoy:

1. Finger Foods

Serve mini sandwiches, vegetable sticks with dip, and fruit platters. These are not only healthy but are easy for little hands to grab and munch on.

2. Birthday Cake

The birthday cake is the centerpiece of the party. Consider a themed cake that ties into your chosen party theme, and don't forget to capture that special moment when your little one smashes the cake.

3. Cupcakes

Personalised cupcakes are a hit, and they eliminate the need for cake cutting. You can have a variety of flavours to suit everyone's taste.

4. Refreshments

Offer a range of drinks, including water, fruit juices, and some options for the grown-ups. Keep everyone hydrated and satisfied.

Entertainment and Activities

Keeping the little ones entertained is key to a successful first birthday party.

Here are some fun entertainment and activity ideas:

1. Music and Dancing

Hire a children's entertainer or create a playlist of kids' songs to get everyone up and dancing.

2. Face painting

Kids love having their faces painted. Arrange for a face painter to transform them into their favourite animals or characters.

3. Craft Corner

Set up a craft station with coloring books, stickers, and other creative supplies. It's a fantastic way to keep the children engaged.

4. Balloon Twisting

A balloon artist can create fantastic balloon animals for the children to take home as party favours.

5. Bouncy Castle

If your venue and budget allows, consider renting a bouncy castle. It can provide hours of entertainment and laughter for the kids.

6. Photo Booth

Set up a photo booth with props for added fun. This gives your guests a chance to take memorable pictures and adds an interactive element to the party.

Timing is Everything

Keep in mind that one-year-olds have a limited attention span. Therefore, it's important to plan the party during their best mood time, which is typically after a nap and a meal. A two-hour duration is generally long enough to keep the little ones engaged without overwhelming them.

Be Mindful of the Weather

Australia's weather can be unpredictable, so if you're having an outdoor party, it's essential to have a backup plan in case of rain or excessive heat. Consider renting a marquee or selecting a venue with indoor options to ensure the party can go on, rain or shine.

Thank You Cards/Party Favours

Show your gratitude to your guests for joining in the celebration by sending thank you cards  after the party or party favours for both kids and parents. You can even choose themed cards/party favours that tie into the party's design for an extra touch of personalization.

Your baby's first birthday is a milestone that deserves a celebration filled with love, joy, and cherished memories. By carefully considering the theme, venue, menu, entertainment, and attention to detail, you can create a party that will be treasured in your family's memories for years to come.

So, gather your loved ones, and get ready to make magic at your baby's first birthday party in Australia. Happy planning!

Are you struggling to get shoes on your baby?

The whole idea behind Attipas baby shoes is that less is more. Goodbye to heavy shoes and socks, and hello to lightweight, practical, flexible shoe-socks that let babies 'feel' the ground.

Attipas slip on like a sock, saving you time as you rush your toddler out the front door. That’s why our founder, Caroline Africh, originally brought Attipas to Australia and our entire range can easily replace all the other shoes and socks in your baby's cupboard. 

As Seen at the Oscars!

Attipas baby shoes made it to the Oscars! Founder Caroline Africh and her team were flown to Hollywood where they handed out Attipas baby shoes to celebrities including Zoe Saldana, who is a huge fan.

Caroline also made an appearance on the Today Show where she talks to David Campbell and Sonia Kruger about getting close and personal with Ryan Gosling!

While other brands may sell 'first shoes' for babies, Attipas are the only baby shoes that successfully mimic barefoot walking.  And the evidence is clear.

Attipas baby shoes come in six sizes and can be worn from 6 months to 4 years. They start from $39.95 and are sold on the Attipas Australia website.

Attipas baby shoes come in over 50 colours in an identical design that slips on like a sock but supports like a shoe. Bestsellers include Attipas Sneaker: cute, sneaker-style shoes that look like traditional Converse; Attipas Rainbow: unisex, bright and bold stripes that match any outfit; Attipas Attibebe: soft pastel tones, a favourite for girls; and Attipas Marine: cute nautical themed pre-walkers, a favourite for boys.

Our founder, Caroline Africh, discovered Attipas baby shoes on a holiday in Japan and knew she needed to bring them to Australia. As a mum of a then 1 year old, Caroline had unique insight into exactly what a toddler should be wearing on their feet while learning to walk. An avid fan of the barefoot movement, Caroline says: “As a new mother, I was very conscious about selecting the right first shoes for my baby.”

“The biggest mistake parents make when choosing first baby shoes is that they think they need to be structured,” Caroline says. “The reality is that science really speaks for itself. Being barefoot helps baby develop brain function and the barefoot movement has been massive for decades. When choosing suitable pre-walking shoes for babies, parents need to select something that mimics the concept of walking barefoot.” 

Long before Caroline founded Attipas Australia, she had two very successful careers—first as an auditor, and then secondly as a project manager.

Caroline began her career as an IT auditor in the early 2000's, working for PwC Sydney as a graduate. Not feeling as though she 'fit in', it was then she realised her aspirations to become an entrepreneur — which she would later fulfil by bringing Attipas shoes to Australia.

At age 25, Caroline packed her bags and moved to London, and just like that, she worked her way up the chain to become a Project Manager in an investment bank. Over the next five years, she managed several large-scale IT implementations however still felt like something was 'missing' from her work life.

In her early 30s, Caroline had a baby and moved back to Sydney. After nearly a decade working in corporate, Caroline wanted to start her own business and become an entrepreneur. As a new mum conscious about baby foot health, Caroline discovered Attipas shoes in Japan and knew it was her inner calling to bring Attipas to Australia. We are proud to say: she succeeded. As seen on the Today Show, at the Oscars and on Shark Tank, over 500k pairs have been sold since Attipas arrived in 2012.

Caroline's 'less-is-more' approach to toddler foot health has been adopted by hundreds of thousands of Australian parents, who use Attipas on their babies every single day.

“Caroline's 'less-is-more' approach to toddler foot health has been adopted by hundreds of thousands of Australia parents, who use Attipas on their babies every single day.”

What our customers are saying about us...

“We bought these for our then 11 month old and they are the perfect baby shoe! They protect little toes, are easy to walk in even for an early walker, and the sock-style means she can't pull them off. She's one now and loves them so much that she sometimes brings them to you to put them on for her, even inside! Very glad we bought the next size up as well.” — Victoria

All Attipas Products are tailor-made for environmentally conscious families.

We care about making our products safe and healthy for you—and our planet. That’s why our products are non-toxic and contain no formaldehyde or BPA.  They are also vegan-friendly and not tested on animals. We also keep packaging to a minimum and use cardboard over plastics where possible.

Anyone can have allergies. If your baby or toddler has any discomfort or a rash develops, discontinue use and consult your doctor.