There’s something extra special about planning your baby’s first birthday — it’s not just a party, it’s a celebration of the sweetest, most life-changing year ever. But if you're like most moms, you're probably asking: 

"When should I send invites? What do I need to print? Am I missing anything important?"

Don’t worry — I’ve got you! Whether you're throwing a cozy at-home celebration or a Pinterest-worthy themed party, this free printable first birthday checklist will help you stay organized, calm, and ready to enjoy your little one’s big day.  

Why Printables Are a Game-Changer for First Birthday Planning

Let’s be honest — planning a first birthday can feel overwhelming. Between the decorations, food, invitations, and photos… it adds up quickly. That’s why printables are the secret weapon of budget-savvy moms. Here’s why you’ll love them:  

  • Affordable – Print only what you need, when you need it 
  • Editable – Customize colors, names, and wording instantly 
  • Stress-Free – No waiting for shipping or dealing with mistakes 
  • Instantly On-Trend – New themes like Onederful, One In A Melon, and One Lucky Duck are available now 

What to Include in Your First Birthday Checklist

Use this printable birthday party checklist to plan your baby’s party step-by-step: 

4 Weeks Before:

  • Choose a party theme (Think: Woodland One, Little Pumpkin, or Petting Zoo Party) 
  • Pick your venue and time 
  • Order or download editable first birthday invitations 
  • Start your guest list 
  • Set a party budget 

3 Weeks Before:

  • Send invitations (email or print!) 
  • Start shopping for printable party decor:  
    • Welcome sign 
    • High chair banner 
    • Cupcake toppers 
    • Thank you tags 
  • Order or plan your cake 
  • Book any rentals or entertainment 

1–2 Weeks Before:

  • Print and assemble party decor 
  • Buy party supplies & favors 
  • Plan your food or snacks 
  • Write out your to-do list for party day 

Day Of:

  • Set up table decor 
  • Lay out printed signs and banners
  • Snap those milestone photos! 
  • Enjoy the day — you’ve earned it 

Grab Your Free Planning Guide! 

Want my complete guide to planning a party? You can grab it here!

Bonus: Editable First Birthday Invites You’ll Love

Looking for invitations that match your theme and your timeline? Our most popular editable invites for 2025 include:  

🎨 All invitations are editable in Canva — no software needed! You can change names, dates, fonts, and more in just a few clicks. 🛒 Shop the full First Birthday Collection here →  

Let’s Celebrate the Year You Became a Mom

This isn’t just your baby’s birthday — it’s your motherhood anniversary, too. I hope this checklist gives you peace of mind and lets you focus on what matters most: soaking up every second of this beautiful milestone. If you found this helpful, share it with a fellow mama — and be sure to check out our full library of printable planners, invitations, and party guides. 💛  

Don’t Forget to Pin This!

Make party planning easier later — save this to your First Birthday Ideas or Party Planning Tips board.