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First birthday party planner and checklist

A first birthday party planner for a happy baby and calm parents: budget, guests, a floor plan with the high chair and kids' corner, a gift list and a checklist built around nap time.

Open the First Birthday demo Get the app for $6.99
  • Smash cake and ONE banner on the checklist
  • High chair and kids' corner on the plan
  • Gift list with thank-you notes
Event Planner App with the First Birthday sample: floor plan, guest list by family and seating checks
The First Birthday sample in the Event Planner App. The demo opens on it, with nothing to install.

A first birthday budget split to start from

For a $2,500 budget and about 40 guests. It's the default split in the app; change any % to fit your family.

Food and decorations are most of a first birthday budget. Plan the party around nap time and keep the smash cake small.

  • Venue15%$375
  • Food & Drinks30%$750
  • Cake & Smash cake8%$200
  • Decorations & Balloons15%$375
  • Photography12%$300
  • Entertainment5%$125
  • Outfit3%$75
  • Invitations2%$50
  • Favors & Goodie bags5%$125
  • Rentals (tables, high chairs)3%$75
  • Other & Buffer2%$50

First Birthday checklist by deadline

In the app, each task gets a date counted back from your party.

  • 3 months

    • Set the budget
    • Pick the date (and a nap-friendly time)
    • Choose a theme
    • Book the venue or plan it at home
    • Start the guest list

  • 6–8 weeks

    • Book a photographer for the cake smash
    • Send invitations
    • Order the cake and the smash cake
    • Order balloons and a "ONE" banner

  • 1 month

    • Plan the menu for kids and adults
    • Rent tables, chairs and high chairs
    • Buy favors and goodie bags
    • Make a 12-month photo display

  • 2 weeks

    • Final head count
    • Buy the birthday outfit
    • Plan a quiet spot for naps
    • Seating chart

  • 1 week

    • Confirm every vendor
    • Pay final balances
    • Charge the camera
    • Set up a guest book or time capsule

  • After the party

    • Log the gifts and send thank-you notes
    • Print your favorite photos

First Birthday planning tips

What makes the biggest difference, from parents and hosts who've done it.

  • Plan around nap time.Start right after the morning nap and keep it to two or three hours.
  • Keep the smash cake small.A small cake for the baby, a regular cake for guests.
  • Rent high chairs.Other babies are coming too: add high chairs to the rentals.
  • Log gifts as they're opened.A helper writes who gave what, so thank-you notes take minutes.

Everything in one app

Budget by category, vendors with deposits and due dates, guests and families, a floor plan with drag-and-drop seating and Auto-seat, a gift list and a countdown checklist. Light or dark, offline, no subscription.

Try the free demoGet the app for $6.99

First Birthday planner questions

When should we send first birthday invitations?

About six to eight weeks before, with a reminder a week out.

How much does a first birthday party cost?

Many families spend $500 to $3,000. Food and decorations are most of it.

Can I track the gifts?

Yes. The Gifts screen lists who gave what, and you tick each thank-you note when it's sent.

Is there a subscription?

No. You pay once and keep the app. It's one file that opens in your browser on a computer, with no account.

Does it work on my phone?

It's made for computers right now.

Planning another party?

The same app has a template for each of these.