top of page

What You Can’t Miss When Planning Your Baby’s 1st Birthday in Ontario


ree

Start With the Right Venue for Your Budget

Not everyone wants (or needs) a grand banquet hall—and honestly, there are amazing options across the budget spectrum:

  • Backyard Party – Perfect if you have outdoor space. Add a small bounce house or ball pit and you're set.

  • Inside Your Home – Cozy and personal. Clear out some space, lay down foam tiles, and set up a mini playground.

  • Condo Party Rooms – Great middle-ground for those living in buildings. Many now come with modern amenities.

  • Micro Event Spaces – These are popping up everywhere in Mississauga, Brampton, and even Milton. Clean, modern, affordable.

  • Community Centers – Still one of the best values out there, especially if you’re inviting more than 20 people.

  • Venues – If you're aiming for something visually impressive, renting a venue gives you more room to style and play.

  • Banquet Halls – The luxury option. High ceilings, chandeliers, and space for everything from a photo wall to a full kids zone.


Here's a trick for finding a good event space: https://www.eventective.com/ontario/party-event-venues/




ree
ree


Don’t Skip the Right Chairs (They Do Make a Difference in Photos)

Yes, people notice. Especially in photos.

If you’re planning on having a kid-sized table setup for snacks, crafts, or cake time, kid-sized chairs are a must. And not all are created equal.

  • Chiavari Chairs – The most elegant. Think baby weddings. These elevate any theme and look stunning in photos.

  • Crossback Chairs – Also top-tier, with a rustic yet high-end vibe. Gorgeous with natural wood tables or themed parties.

  • Plastic Foldables – Budget-friendly, easy to stack and store. Great for casual parties or backyards, but maybe skip for that ultra-polished look.


Here's a link to Imagine Party Rentals kids chairs and tables: https://www.imaginerentals.ca/chairs-tables





ree

Playgrounds, Ball Pits, and Bounce Houses = Instant Fun

The first birthday isn’t really about party games (your baby is, after all, one), but having a space where little ones can crawl, climb, and tumble safely? That’s a game changer.

  • Soft Playgrounds – These are padded, pastel-colored setups with mini slides, foam blocks, and more. Perfect for babies and toddlers.

  • Ball Pits – Instant hit. Not just fun, but also adorable in photos. Pro tip: Match the balls to your party colors!

  • Bounce Houses – Yes, even for 1-year-olds. Just make sure it’s the right size and has supervision. They’re safe and babies love the movement.


TOP Ontario Playground rentals here: https://www.imaginerentals.ca/playgrounds



ree

Match the Theme with Everything—Yes, Even the Playground

One thing people are getting better at (and I fully support it) is making sure the entire setup is cohesive. It’s not just about balloons and a cake. Now you can match:

  • Backdrops

  • Kids chairs

  • Playgrounds

  • Ball pits

  • Even snack stations

Whether you’re going with boho neutrals, soft pastels, rainbow vibes, or something more classic like "One-derland" or “Wild One,” you can build your entire party around a theme and color palette.




ree

ree

ree

ree

✨ Don’t Forget the Backdrops & Feature Pieces

This is where the party goes from “nice” to Instagram-worthy. Here are some of my personal favorites from what we used and what I’ve seen around:

  • Champagne Ripple Backdrop – Super elegant. Great behind the dessert table or as a backdrop for party favors. Also looks amazing with minimal balloon garlands.

  • Stepped Arch Backdrop – One of the top luxury pieces out there. It gives a full, layered look that photographs beautifully. Great if you’re doing neutral or pastel tones.

  • Candy Cart – A fan favorite. Load it with treats, party favors, or even drinks. It’s a centerpiece and a functional display.

Here's our offer of Backdrops and Cake Stands for the cherry-on-top: https://www.imaginerentals.ca/backdrops



Final Tip: Take More Photos Than You Think You Need

Time goes fast. The party will blur together. Take pictures—of the setup before guests arrive, of your baby in their outfit, of guests arriving, of grandparents holding your little one. You’ll be thankful for every single one.

If you’re in Toronto or nearby and want to rent Chiavari chairs, soft play playgrounds, ball pits, backdrops, and more—we’ve got everything you need. And we’ll even help match it all to your theme.

Because that first birthday? You only get one shot. Make it count.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page