First Birthday Party Supplies: The Complete Guide (2026)
A first birthday is a milestone worth celebrating, and the details make it special. Whether you are planning an intimate afternoon tea or a backyard party for the extended family, the right supplies turn a gathering into a memory (and a photo album). Here is everything you need for a first birthday in 2026, plus specific picks from Meri Meri that make the styling effortless.
The first birthday checklist
- Tableware: illustrated plates, cups and napkins to set the theme. Meri Meri napkins start around $12.95 to $14.95.
- Decorations: garlands, balloons and a simple backdrop for the cake table.
- Cake toppers: a topper and a number-one candle to finish the cake. Meri Meri cake toppers are around $24.95, and cupcake kits around $33.95.
- Party hats: for the birthday child and little guests. Meri Meri party hats are around $34.95 a set.
- Party bags: a small thank-you for guests to take home, from around $29.95 a pack.
- A card: a beautifully illustrated first-birthday card, from $12.95.
Why Meri Meri for a first birthday
British brand Meri Meri is a favourite for milestone parties because everything is beautifully illustrated, coordinates across a theme, and photographs wonderfully. From tableware and garlands to cake toppers, party hats, party bags and cards, you can style a whole party from one brand without hunting down a dozen suppliers. Popular themes include animal friends, Peter Rabbit, dinosaurs and fairies, so it is easy to match the birthday child's favourite.
Simple styling tips
Pick one theme or colour palette and let it run through the tableware, decorations and cake. Keep a clear cake-table backdrop for photos, and set out food in coordinating plates and napkins. For a one year old, keep the party short and early in the day around nap times, and remember the birthday child will love the wrapping and boxes as much as anything inside them.
Gift ideas to go with the party
Looking for a present as well? A keepsake gift like a designer night light (the Miffy First Light, $179.95) or a quality wooden toy pairs beautifully with the celebration. Browse our gifts for 1 to 2 year olds for more ideas.
A simple first birthday planning timeline
A little planning takes the stress out of the day. Around three to four weeks ahead, choose your theme and order tableware, decorations and any cake toppers so everything arrives in time, especially for popular Meri Meri ranges that sell out. A week before, confirm numbers, order or plan the cake, and set aside outfits. The day before, set up as much as you can, decorations, the cake table and party bags, so the morning is calm. On the day, keep it short and timed around naps.
The smash cake and photo moment
The smash cake has become a first birthday highlight, and it is easy to set up. Use a simple cake table with a clear backdrop, a garland or balloons, and good natural light for photos. Dress your baby in something easy to clean or happy to be messy, lay down a mat under the high chair, and let them explore the cake at their own pace, some dive in, some are cautious, and both make lovely photos. Coordinating your Meri Meri tableware and cake topper ties the whole scene together.
Keeping the party low-waste
A first birthday does not have to mean a bin bag of single-use plastic. Choose paper-based tableware you can recycle or compost, reusable fabric bunting you keep for future birthdays, and party bags filled with a small keepsake rather than plastic trinkets. Buying a little less, but better, usually looks nicer in photos anyway.
Frequently asked questions
What do you need for a first birthday party?
The essentials are tableware (plates, cups, napkins), decorations (balloons, garland, backdrop), a cake with a topper and number-one candle, party hats, and small party bags for guests. Matching everything to one theme keeps it simple and looks lovely.
What is a good first birthday theme?
Popular first birthday themes include animals, rainbows, garden, Peter Rabbit and dinosaurs. Choose tableware and decorations in one coordinated look, like the illustrated Meri Meri ranges, to tie it together.
How far ahead should you order party supplies?
Order two to three weeks ahead to allow for delivery and to be sure of stock, especially for popular themes. Metro Baby ships Australia-wide.
How much do first birthday party supplies cost?
A coordinated set of tableware, a cake topper, party hats and a few decorations typically comes to well under $150, with individual Meri Meri pieces from around $12.95.
What size party is best for a one year old?
Small and short works best. One year olds tire easily, so a brief gathering with close family and a few friends, timed around naps, is far more enjoyable than a long, crowded party.
How do I set up a smash cake photo session?
Use a simple cake table with a clear backdrop, a garland or balloons and good natural light. Dress your baby in something easy to clean, put a mat down, and let them explore the cake at their own pace. Coordinating tableware and a cake topper ties the scene together.
What is a good party favour for a first birthday?
A small keepsake such as a little book, a wooden toy or a Meri Meri treat is nicer and less wasteful than plastic trinkets. Keep it simple, guests remember the thought more than the size.
How can I keep a first birthday party low-waste?
Choose recyclable paper tableware, reusable fabric bunting you keep for future years, and favours with a small keepsake rather than plastic. Buying a little less but better usually looks lovelier too.
How far in advance should I plan a first birthday?
Around three to four weeks ahead for ordering supplies, a week ahead to confirm numbers and the cake, and the day before for setup. Popular themed ranges sell out, so ordering early is worth it.