A Guide To Your Baby's First Birthday Party

Xixi & Rick 🎉🎊
Oct 10
3 min read

Your baby only turns one once, and that usually means that you want to create the best possible memory. But planning a 1st birthday can feel overwhelming with so many options for venues, rentals, and extras. This guide breaks down what you must have first, and what you can add as “nice-to-haves” to make the party extra special.

Step 1: Choose the Right Venue

Where you host the party will shape everything else. In the GTA, families usually go with one of these options:

At Home: Budget-friendly, but you’ll need to move furniture, set up, and clean up. Works best if you have enough space.
Community Centre: Affordable and practical, with tables and chairs included. Great for bigger guest lists.
Condo Party Room: Convenient if you live in a condo. Often has a kitchen and enough space for kids’ play areas.
Banquet Hall: Best for large parties, catered food, and lots of guests. Costs more but saves time and effort.
Micro Event Space: A growing trend in Toronto. Smaller, stylish spaces that are perfect for intimate, Instagram-worthy celebrations without a huge budget.

Step 2: The Essentials You Need

No matter the venue, these are the basics for a smooth first birthday:

Tables & Chairs: Guests need a place to sit and eat. For kids, small chairs and tables make a big difference.
Soft Play, Ball Pit, or Bouncy Castle: Babies and toddlers need safe entertainment. In Toronto, soft play setups and ball pits are the most popular for 1st birthdays. Bouncy castles are great if you have older kids coming too.
Backdrop & Cake Stand: You’ll want a photo spot for the big “cake smash” moment. A backdrop with matching cake stands or plinths makes the party look polished in pictures.
Food & Snacks: Simple finger foods, cupcakes, and a cake are usually enough for little ones and adults alike.

Step 3: The Nice-to-Haves

These extras aren’t required but can take the party up a notch:

High Chair for the Cake Smash: Makes it easier for photos and keeps your baby safe and steady while trying cake.
Theme & Decor: From balloons to tableware, themes like “Under the Sea,” “Unicorns,” or “Little Builder” are popular in the GTA.
Goodie Bags: Small toys, snacks, or bubbles for the kids to take home.
Extra Decor: Balloon garlands, dessert table styling, or personalized signage.

Step 4: Save Money & Hassle with Bundles

Here’s a tip many GTA parents don’t realize until too late: the more items you book from one vendor, the more you save.

Renting chairs from one company, the ball pit from another, and the backdrop from a third adds up quickly.
Every company charges delivery, setup, and takedown separately. If you bundle—say, playground + chairs + backdrop—you usually pay delivery once, and often get discounts for the package.
Bundling also means fewer headaches. One delivery, one setup, one takedown.

Final Thoughts

A first birthday in Toronto or anywhere in the GTA doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with the basics—venue, tables and chairs, safe play for the little ones, and a simple backdrop for photos. From there, add on extras like themes, goodie bags, and balloon decor if your budget allows. And always try to book as much as possible from a single vendor. You’ll save money, save time, and actually enjoy the party instead of stressing over logistics.