Nautical First Birthday Party

A nautical theme is so cute and fun and lends itself to so many possibilities. I chose this theme for my own son’s first birthday, and it turned out perfectly. See below for ideas you can implement in your own nautical themed party. Look out for a special offer at the end of this post!

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First Birthday Party Ideas

My son is officially a one year old. As any other parent can attest, boy did that happen fast! As always, I wanted an easy party that every guest could enjoy. Since we have a summer baby, I wanted a party that had to do with water play for all the kids in attendance. It made me think that a beachy or nautical theme would be a perfect tie in!

Keeping It Simple

I decided that the focus of this party would be on playing in the water and having a good time. My design reflects that and is simple and sophisticated, while still being fun. I chose different shades of blue and created a paper sail boat on waves that would carry through on all the party elements, all of which are currently available in my Etsy shop.

Nautical Birthday Party Decorations

As with most first birthday parties, I wanted to show how much my son changed over the last year, so I got some mini clothespins and string and made a garland out of his monthly pictures.

I also made a happy birthday banner and party signs that added to the décor and brought the theme full circle. Not to mention the water bottle labels, food tent cards and cupcake toppers that were functional and also enhanced the party esthetic.

Party Games and Fun

The main focus was the outdoor water park I created in the backyard. We had one larger inflatable pool and several baby pools set up. In one of the pools we had a magnetic fishing game. There was also a water table and ocean sensory bin. The kids had a blast!

I also hid small rubber duckies around the patio and the kid who collected the most won a travel sized fishing game as a prize.

For the adults and kids alike, I placed a Let’s Go Fishin’ game on a table inside.

Food and Beverages – Nautical Style

When it comes to party food, I like it to be simple and delicious. We had a lunch time party so opted for croissant sandwiches and various sides, including: potato salad, mixed fruit, salad, and goldfish crackers. We had a tropical tea and lemonade to drink, as well as bottled water and juice boxes. I think another good option for a Nautical party could be a seafood offering, like popcorn shrimp.

Thanks for Sailing By

At the end of the party I wanted all my guests to leave with a small party favor. Since there was a lot of swimming involved, I thought a fun themed snack party favor bag would be a great option.

Each bag contained an individually packaged Chips Ahoy cookie pack and Pirates Booty snack bag. The favor bags are easy to make, too! Simply print out my favor topper pdf, fold and staple on to a cellophane favor bag.

Our Nautical Party was Shore Fun

First birthdays are so fun to see how much babies change over the course of a year. My best advise is to keep it simple and enjoy the moment. If you are interested in the designs I have created for this party, click over to my Etsy shop where I have various party bundles available for purchase.

SPECIAL OFFER!!

Follow me on Facebook, then send me a direct message with your email address to receive a $5.00 off coupon for the “Nautical First Birthday Party Pack for Baby Boy” complete party bundle on my Etsy shop. Offer expires 7/31/19.

You can also check out my Nautical Party board on Pinterest for some more party inspiration!

If you are interested in seeing more of my parties click here.