"The Big One" First Birthday Theme: A Sentimental, Beachy Bash for Your Summer Baby

Riley's First Beach Trip: The Heart Behind the Theme

I'll never forget the first time we took Riley to the beach. She was almost a year old, chubby-legged and full of wide-eyed wonder, clutching fistfuls of sand and squealing every time the waves got close. That moment stuck with me. There was something magical about introducing her to the world—real sand between her toes, sunlight on her cheeks, the ocean stretching endlessly in front of her. It felt like a rite of passage. And as a parent, I realized: this wasn’t just her first beach trip. It was one of the first of many big moments she’d experience and that we would have together as a family.

That’s where "The Big One" theme was born. Not just from a clever play on words, but from the idea that turning one is more than a milestone. It’s a celebration of how far your little one has come, and how far you’ve come as parents too.

That first year of parenthood changes everything. You’re figuring things out in real-time, balancing diapers and bottles with naps and snuggles. You’re stretching in ways you didn’t know you could. But there’s this moment—when they laugh for the first time, or take their first step, or look at you like you’re their whole world—that makes all the sleepless nights and self-doubt worth it. It’s those moments that inspired this theme.

Why I Love This Theme

"The Big One" is part of The Ellison Edit’s 2025 Summer Series—a curated lineup of thoughtful, joy-filled party themes designed with heart. This one feels extra special. It’s nostalgic. Sweet. And it's perfect for that in-between space: the baby-toddler crossover that still feels cozy, but now comes with more personality, more independence, and more reason to celebrate.

Whether you’re hosting at home, by the pool, or even indoors with beachy accents, this theme delivers relaxed summer vibes with a retro twist. Think watercolor textures, turquoise surfboards, sandy tones, and playful pops of navy, green, and yellow.

I designed this theme originally with little boys in mind, but truthfully, it’s for anyone who connects with the sweet coastal energy. If it speaks to your heart? That’s your sign.

 

The Color Palette

The color story for this theme is one of my favorites—it instantly transports you to a warm, breezy day at the beach. We’re talking:

• Light Beachy Turquoise

• Soft Sand Beige

• Navy Blue

• Light Green

• Muted Yellows

• Watercolor Blues

These hues create a soft, summery blend that feels both peaceful and playful. They work beautifully for outdoor gatherings, poolside setups, or even indoor celebrations with beachy accents. The watercolor effect gives it that dreamy, nostalgic feel I love.

Decor Ideas

Now picture this: a soft breeze blowing through a backyard setup with an aesthetic blow-up pool filled with sand warmed by the summer sun, a pastel-toned balloon arch billowing in the wind, and a surfboard leaning playfully against a palm-leaf backdrop. At the center, a “The Big One” welcome sign greets guests with a wink of beachy flair.

Imagine beach buckets doubling as snack bowls, filled with fresh fruit and treats. A retro-style surf shack drink station sits off to the side, decked out in tropical garland. Little beach balls dot the lawn, while playful leis and straw umbrellas add texture and whimsy.

Add in surfboard cutouts, scattered seashells, and maybe even a small splash pad or water table, and suddenly you’ve created a setting that feels immersive, joyful, and Instagram-ready without trying too hard. It’s laid-back summer magic—made party-perfect.

• Balloon arch in beachy hues (with palm leaf accents!)

• Surfboard cutouts or cardboard surf shacks

• Beach pails, buckets, and mini shovels for decor or food

• Palm trees or tropical leaves

• Lei garlands and fringe umbrellas

• Sandbox or kinetic sand station for toddler play

Want to make it even easier?
Here’s a custom Amazon list with all the party decor for The Big One theme — handpicked just for this celebration. Shop this party here.

Photo Booth Setup

A great photo booth setup doesn’t have to be complicated, just intentional. For this theme, I recommend starting with a backdrop that feels like a warm summer day: either a "sand" colored fabric or a soft, light blue. These tones feel cohesive with the palette and allow the decor, and your guests to really shine.

Place your setup in a well-lit area, preferably with some natural light. A half-moon balloon arch in coordinating pastels with accents of palm leaves will frame your space beautifully. Add a surfboard propped up on one side and a small wooden crate or bench on the other for seated photos. Set out a basket with leis, sunglasses, and even mini beach hats as fun photo props for guests to grab and play with.

Keep the area tidy and minimal to avoid distraction in your pictures. A good rule of thumb: the simpler the backdrop, the more your guests (and their joy!) stand out in the photos.

• Soft blue or sand-colored backdrop

• Half-moon balloon arch with greenery

• Surfboard prop leaning to one side

• Leis, sunglasses, and straw hats for props

• Optional sign: "Catch a memory!"

Amazon Affiliate Photo Booth Props List: 

Creating a beachy, Insta-worthy photo booth doesn’t have to be complicated. These handpicked Amazon finds bring in those soft coastal vibes and make setup a breeze:

• Sand-Colored Backdrop
  This neutral backdrop gives your photo area a natural, beachy look without competing with the rest of your decor. Think soft sand tones that keep the focus on your balloon arch — and those sweet little faces in front of it.

• Half Moon Balloon Arch Kit
  This balloon arch set includes the perfect shades of blue, beige, and cream to echo ocean waves and driftwood. It’s flexible enough for a full or half arch and pairs beautifully with a light backdrop.

• Decorative Fishing Nets
  These nautical nets can be draped behind your backdrop, layered into the balloon arch, or styled with crates and shells for extra texture. They instantly give that “beach shack chic” look without going over the top.

• Inflatable Beach Decor
  These inflatable pieces — think mini beach balls, surfboards, and floaties — are lightweight, colorful, and perfect for both photo ops and playful party details throughout your space.

Food & Drinks: Beach Bash Checklist

For a truly immersive Big One party, the food should be as fun and beachy as the décor. Here are some easy, creative ways to carry your theme right onto the table:

• Use beach pails and buckets to hold shareable snacks like chips, popcorn, or fruit

• Stick to light wood, bamboo, white, or pale blue serving trays to match the theme

• Golden Oreo “Sand” Mousse (insert blog recipe link)

• Fruit pizza with a sugar cookie base and cream cheese frosting

• Cinnamon sugar cookies shaped like sand dollars

• Small drink umbrellas for cups and pitchers

• Watermelon, pineapple, or citrus slices served in large bowls

• Serve drinks out of a surf shack-themed station or drink tower (link to 5 o’clock blog post)

This setup not only ties everything together visually, but also makes it easy for guests to serve themselves and stay cool on a hot day.

I’ve curated a special Amazon list just for The Big One food and drink setup — with all the beachy essentials for your table. Shop the full list here.

 

 

Activity Ideas by Age Group

To make this theme feel fully immersive, consider tailoring your activities based on the age range of your guests. These ideas are designed to keep everyone—from curious toddlers to fun-loving adults—engaged and smiling all party long.

Toddlers:

• Water table filled with floating sea creatures or beach toys

• Sandbox with mini pails, sifters, and shells

• Splash pad with gentle sprayers

Kids:

• Sprinklers shaped like palm trees or waves

• Squirt gun “surf battles” or obstacle races

• Water balloon toss or beach ball relay

Adults:

• Drink tower station with signature beachy cocktails (label it: "It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere")

• Cornhole or washers in the shade

• Beach trivia or name-that-tune with summer classics

Setting up shaded lounge spots with a few chairs and coolers can also give parents a break and help the party feel more comfortable. Add soft music and a breezy vibe, and you’ve created a mini oasis everyone will remember.

Outfit Inspiration + Dress Code

What your little one wears on their big day should feel both special and comfortable, especially if you’re celebrating outdoors. For the birthday boy, I love the idea of playful swim trunks paired with a coordinating rash guard for water-based fun. If you're leaning toward something dressier, a crisp white button-up with khaki shorts or linen pants adds a polished beach vibe perfect for photos.

And what about guests? Setting a simple dress code can not only elevate your party aesthetic, but also make your photos look effortlessly cohesive. I suggest encouraging guests to dress as if they were headed to family photos on the beach—think light blues, whites, beiges, and breezy fabrics. You can offer this as a style guide rather than a hard rule, giving families freedom to coordinate in a way that feels authentic to them.

It’s also helpful to remind guests to bring swimwear, towels, or a change of clothes if water play is part of the day!

Need outfit inspo?
Here’s a curated Amazon list of family-friendly beach outfit ideas to help everyone look their best for The Big One. Shop the looks here.

A Gentle Planning Reminder

If you’re deep in the planning trenches, I see you. I know how much work goes into these parties—especially that first birthday. But this is your celebration too. One year ago, you became a parent. And whether you feel like you’re nailing it or just surviving it, I hope you take a moment to look around that day and let it sink in. The magic. The people who showed up. The sweet little face you're celebrating.

I hope you pause to hear the laughter, take in the decorations, and smile at the cake-covered cheeks. I hope you give yourself credit—for showing up, for loving hard, and for making magic out of memories.

Let the sand fall where it may. You’re doing great.

More Resources for The Big One Theme:

• [Amazon Shopping List - Decor + Supplies]

• [Sand Mousse Recipe Blog Post]

• ["It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere" Drink Station Blog Post]