20 Most Popular Girl 1st Birthday Party Themes for 2026

If your little girl’s first birthday is coming up, you’re probably searching for the sweetest and most creative theme to celebrate her big day. Finding that perfect idea can feel exciting and a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry because we’ve gathered the most loved 1st birthday themes for girls in 2026 to help you plan something magical.

From whimsical fairy tales and playful circus fun to charming farmyard gatherings and dreamy under-the-sea adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to make your baby girl’s milestone truly special.

To inspire your planning, we’ve rounded up 20 of the most popular girl first birthday themes from our community. Each one is filled with charm, color, and creativity that will make your celebration unforgettable.

You’ll love how beautiful these ideas are. And if you’re looking for sweet treats to match, be sure to explore our most popular girl 1st birthday cakes too.

Many of these themes are timeless favorites like princess and ballerina parties, while others are new, fun, and trending such as unicorns, mermaids, and more.

We also have plenty of inspiration for birthday parties for older girls, from age 3 all the way to 6, so you can keep the magic going year after year.

Why These 1st Birthday Themes Are So Loved

• So Many Choices: You’ll find endless ways to make the day feel personal and unique.
• Timeless Magic: These themes never go out of style and always bring smiles.
• Beautiful Aesthetic: Every idea adds color, charm, and elegance to your setup.
• Heartfelt Memories: These celebrations become more than parties. They turn into keepsake moments your family will treasure forever.

French or Parisian Parties

Take your guests on a trip to the City of Lights with a Parisian-themed first birthday party. French-inspired decor always feels stylish and full of romance. Think pinks, blacks, and gold accents, along with elegant cakes and chic details. The birthday cake alone can be a showstopper, beautifully capturing the magic of Paris. This theme is perfect for parents who love sophistication and want a party that feels timeless and graceful.

Rainbow Parties

A rainbow theme is bright, cheerful, and full of happiness. It’s a colorful choice that’s perfect for a first birthday celebration. Rainbows are trendy and always bring joy, making them a wonderful way to celebrate your baby girl’s big day. You can choose a muted pastel rainbow look for something soft and modern or go all out with bright and bold colors. Either way, a rainbow cake and matching decor will make your party unforgettable.

Safari Parties

Safari parties have become a favorite for little girls, especially since the Lion King remake brought this theme back into the spotlight. A pink and white “wild one” party looks adorable and stylish, especially with a ruffled birthday cake that ties the whole look together. Add animal prints, soft greenery, and cute jungle creatures to create an adventurous yet elegant feel.

Boho Chic Parties

Boho chic parties are so trendy right now. They allow for a relaxed vibe without losing any of the beauty. This theme is perfect if you’re planning a laid-back but stylish first birthday celebration for your little girl. Add feathers, flowers, and balloons to your decor for that soft, natural look. A dessert table filled with a show-stopping cake, a smash cake, cookies, cupcakes, and candies will complete your setup beautifully.

Unicorn Parties

For a dreamy and magical girls’ first birthday, a unicorn theme is always a hit. Pastel colors, sparkling decor, and enchanting unicorn details come together to create a fairytale celebration. Unicorns have been trending for years and show no signs of fading. Little girls adore them, and it’s easy to see why when you look at a pastel unicorn 1st birthday filled with balloons, sweetness, and charm. Take a peek at our collection of beautiful unicorn cakes for inspiration. If you want a cute DIY activity, try making unicorn headbands for guests to wear and take home.

Mermaid Parties

Little girls are enchanted by the magical under-the-sea world of mermaids, making this an ever-growing favorite for first birthdays. It’s a wonderful theme for summer, especially if you plan on having a pool party. Add a stunning balloon garland to make your setup shine. If you’re searching for mermaid dessert ideas, we’ve got plenty of inspiration for adorable cookies, cupcakes, cakes, and candies. You can also explore fun mermaid games and activities to keep guests entertained.

Carousel Parties

Carousel birthday parties are timeless and perfect for little girls. The vintage feel adds a touch of nostalgia while still being full of color and joy. The stunning backdrop at a carousel-themed first birthday is often what steals the show, filled with whimsical details and carousel horses that make guests smile. This theme has a classic elegance that feels both magical and sophisticated.

Woodland Parties

If you’re looking for a whimsical and enchanting first birthday theme, a woodland party brings the magic of the forest right to your celebration. With charming woodland animals and natural elements, it’s a theme that feels warm, cozy, and full of wonder.

Butterfly Parties

A butterfly theme is an enchanting choice for a baby girl’s first birthday. Similar to fairy parties, it’s delicate, feminine, and full of charm. Decorate with paper butterflies and soft pastel tones for a sweet and dreamy atmosphere. This theme is especially beautiful for outdoor celebrations in your garden or backyard.

Snow White Parties

There’s no doubt that no other princess is fairer than yours, but if you’re still deciding on a first birthday theme for your little girl, a Snow White party is a lovely choice. This classic theme brings together a beloved princess and adorable woodland animals, two things that always delight little girls. The Snow White first birthday party below is a dream, complete with a gorgeous cake topped with a single red apple.

Bambi Parties

Bambi is a heartwarming classic that never loses its charm. This theme is perfect for little girls who love animals and nature. A Bambi birthday party feels soft and magical, especially with pretty floral details like a rose-covered backdrop.

Fairy Parties

A fairy first birthday is pure magic. Little girls love to dream about fairies, and this theme lets you bring that sparkle to life. Create a mystical woodland setting with twinkling lights, dainty fairy decorations, and illuminated fairy jars that glow with charm.

Flamingo Parties

Flamingo parties are especially popular during the summer but also work beautifully year-round. They instantly transport guests to a sunny tropical paradise. Decorate with bright flowers, fun pink flamingos, and tropical details that make everyone feel like they’re on vacation. The birthday cake is often the centerpiece, full of color and flair that captures the carefree, sunny vibe of this theme.

Bunny Parties

What’s not to love about an adorable bunny theme? If you’re searching for a unique and sweet idea for your little girl’s first birthday, a bunny birthday party is a wonderful choice. Bunnies are so cute and loved by little ones, making this theme perfect for spring or any time of year. It’s guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Garden Parties

If the weather is nice, a garden party is a beautiful option for a first birthday celebration. Hosting it in your backyard or a local park adds a natural and whimsical touch. Flowers make the perfect decoration for this theme, filling your space with color and charm. Celebrate your baby girl’s special day with blooming decor, a garden-inspired cake, and a joyful outdoor atmosphere that feels fresh and full of life. You can even sprinkle in a bit of sparkle and turn it into a fairy garden party for extra magic.

Minnie Mouse Parties

Minnie Mouse has a place in every Disney fan’s heart and is one of the most loved 1st birthday themes for little girls. This Minnie Mouse first birthday party is absolutely adorable. Just look at the sweet cake and all the details that make this celebration so special.

Tea Party Parties

A shabby chic tea party is a delicate and beautiful theme for a first birthday. Porcelain teapots, vintage teacups, and fresh flowers make this celebration feel timeless and elegant. It’s the perfect choice if you love soft colors and a touch of old-fashioned sweetness. The setting feels cozy and refined, just right for celebrating such a special milestone.

Ballerina Parties

There’s nothing more precious than a tiny ballerina, and this theme continues to be one of the most popular choices for a little girl’s first birthday. Soft pinks, tutus, and delicate decor create the perfect backdrop for a graceful celebration. The ballerina dessert table with its elegant gold drape backdrop is absolutely stunning and sets the stage for a party filled with sweetness and charm.

Alice in Wonderland Parties

Alice in Wonderland is a story that never goes out of style and is such a magical idea for a baby girl’s first birthday. The decorations inspired by this classic tale can turn your party into a dreamy wonderland filled with teacups, clocks, and playing cards. The cakes are whimsical and fun, and every detail feels like a scene straight out of the book.

Princess Parties

A princess theme is always a classic for baby girls. Create a whimsical and charming celebration using pastel colors, little tiaras, and a castle-shaped cake that’s fit for your tiny princess.