The Big One!!! 1st Birthday Theme/Fishing Theme Birthday

Planning a first birthday party, a general kids birthday party, or looking for new fun activities? This post has ALL of that, and MORE. 
​
Tips to design the perfect Big One first birthday party.
Or, use these ideas for any fish, ocean, or nautical themed party.
Plus, tons of activities that are great for everyday fun, too!

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​I remember trying to plan my child’s first birthday party like it was yesterday. Agonizing over the theme, décor, location, guest list. Second only to the stress of planning my wedding, I wanted everything to be perfect. Okay, so the stress being second only to my wedding is a stretch, but really, what mom can’t relate to wanting to get their child’s birthday party just right?! Countless hours on Pinterest. Coordinating with a bakery out of state, since we decided to hold my little one’s party in two parts (one for family back home in New England, and a second for friends here in New York), ordering supplies on Amazon, thinking up party games.... It was a lot of work, to say the least.

​Because we decided to celebrate at my husband’s family’s cottage on Peaks Island in Maine, we wanted to keep the theme nautical or coastal in nature. Since one of my husband’s favorite pastimes is fishing, and he does a lot of fishing on Peaks, we finally settled on a theme related to that:

The Big One

​It wound up being an adorable theme, and we found lots of ready-made décor options on Amazon. Since we’ve been through it all already, I’ve decided to help you cut your stress for planning a similar party, and put together an all in one guide. Everything you need to host an amazing Big One themed birthday, all in one spot. I’ve even developed a free kit containing tons of printable material to get you started!

​All the things I wish I had when I was planning, and didn’t. My loss is your gain!

While we celebrated this birthday as "The Big One" (since it was, of course, my child's big first birthday!), you can use many of these ideas for any beach, nautical, or fishing themed party. 

Plus, many of the activities below are great for any day fun!

What you will find in this post

1. Menu Ideas 
2. Cake Ideas
3. Activity Ideas 
4. Decorations Ideas 
5. Thank You/Goodie Bag Ideas
6. The First Birthday Outfit
7. Taking this Theme Beyond the Party: Other resources and links to fun, educational thematic content
8. Information for Accessing Downloadable Kit

Menu Ideas

​We did a traditional summer barbecue at both parties, while offering some more theme appropriate fare as well.  For instance, we served Goldfish as a snack food. 
 
Check out this sample menu card with other theme related menu items!

Above: Image of a menu card with a fishing pole and three bobbers. Menu reads "Goldfish, Swedish fish candy, Pretzel "Fishing" Rod, Lifesaver/Gummy Ring Life Preservers, Sand Cups, Veggie Rods with Dip.

You can find instructions for how to make sand cups here. While we offered gold fish as a themed snack, I've seen all a number of different creative ideas for fishing theme snacks, including pretzel rods with twine wrapped around the top to look like fishing line, lifesaver candy with twine tied around to look like life preservers, and more. 

Above: 'Sand' cup dessert.

Image shows a clear container filled with crushed cookie and cake that has the texture of sand. It is topped with teal blue frosting and red fish candy.

Also be sure to download the printables kit to get your own blank menu card, or get access to the one above!

Cake Ideas

We did both an allergy safe smash cake for our child and purchased a bakery cake for our guests. We asked the bakers to decorate the cake with colored frosting, piping, and sea life; we added bobbers and a center piece to the top to finish the look. 

Smash Cake | Photo Credit: Keith Putnam

Above: Three images show two different cakes from our first birthday party. Two images show a smash cake, which is blue and has wave like texture. It is topped with a single red and white bobber and a sign that has a fish and says "The Big One". A second sheet cake also has a sign with fish that says "The Big One", has a blue top with bobbers, and white sides with fish shapes affixed to it.

Be sure to keep an eye on my blog, too; I’m currently working on a piece with tons of ideas for allergy friendly cake options, and will place a link here when it is completed. 
 
Be sure to check out the following cake topper options on Amazon to recreate the looks above! Just click on the images to navigate to the product pages.

Above: Clickable image link for cake topper; It is a brown "The Big One" sign with a green fish clipped to it.

Above: Clickable image link for a cake topper. It has two sticks (each topped with a bobber) with colorful fish hanging from a line, and a brown sign in the middle that say "The Big One" and has fish and a bobber on it. 

Activity Ideas

One of the best things about the following activities is that they are great not only for parties, but any occasion. Most of these activities continue to be in our rotation of favorite things to do!

FISHING GAME

​You can use the materials and instructions in the printables kit for a DIY option, or purchase one of the recommended products below. We purchased a kit and used our kiddie pool, which was amazing because my child’s birthday was held on a hot summer day. 

ABOVE: Our fishing set (this was taken well after the party, and we colored the water for extra fun, but when we used the set at the party we had it set up in our wading pool). Image shows a clear rectangular container with green water and 6 colorful fish toys. A single blue fishing rod also sits in the water.

Using the printables kit (this is best for slightly older children, while the kit you can purchase is a bit better for younger kids): Create fishing poles by taking kabob sticks and tying twine to one end. Then attach a paperclip at the end of the twine. Print the fish, laminate, and attach a self adhesive magnet to the back. This game is not only great for parties, but for a DIY home activity on rainy or cold days.

The above fishing kit is different from the one we have (that one is no longer offered on Amazon), but this one has thousands of excellent reviews. Click the image or here to view product.

Sample fish. Printable pack comes with two different sheets of fish to catch.

We have gotten a lot of use out of our fishing kit (long after the party was over). It is still one of my toddler's favorite backyard water play activities!

​DECORATE YOUR OWN FISH CRAFT

​You can use the materials and instructions in my printables kit for a DIY option, or purchase one of the recommended products below. For my child’s party, we purchased wooden fish and had the children paint them (some fo the adults joined in, too), but you can use glue, glitter, pom-poms, or any fun and festive craft materials. If you are having an adults-only party (for instance, if you are the first one in your family or friends group to have a child), you can get even more creative with a hot glue gun and smaller materials, too.  

This is another activity that is great for any occasion.

Here are some great products to help you with this activity. Or, access the printables kit using the form at the bottom of this article.

Wooden Fish

Crayola Nontoxic Finger Paints - 6 Colors

Paint Brushes

Above: Decorate Your Own Fish template. Image shows an outline of a fish.

​BUBBLES

What toddler doesn’t love bubbles? We purchased an amazing bubble blower from Amazon and still get great use out of it. Or, use a storage bin with warm water and make bubbles using Dawn blue dish soap for an easy and more cost-efficient sensory play option. If you use the Dawn dish soap option, you can also use the bubble sensory bucket as a fishing spot.

Above: Whale shaped bubble blower.

Above: Bubble solution

Above:Dawn Blue Dish Soap

​PIN THE TAIL ON THE FISH

Just use the materials in the downloadable kit for an easy and fun variation of Pin the Tail on the Donkey, perfectly modified for this adorable first birthday theme. You can access the printables kit using the form at the bottom of this article. Laminating the fish tails is a great way to make them more durable, too!

Above (Left): Image shows blue fish for "Pin the Tail on the Fish" activity. This printable has been formatted for poster size, so you can print a large version, perfect for the game! Above (Right): Image shows blue tails for pin the tail on the fish.

Memory Keepsake

This activity is best for the adults and older children at the party. Use the memory cards in the printables kit and have guests fill out favorite memories from your child's first year or wishes for their future. Children who don't want to (or can't yet) write can also draw pictures. You can insert these cards into a photo album or a similar storage system to enjoy for years to come. Or, have guests use the bobber tags to write memories and well wishes, and then paste them on the Memories Poster or arrange in a picture frame as a collage.

Above: Memory Cards. These cards have a blue border and a white center with the shape of a wave. The top of the card has a fishing pole with a yellow and red fish, and three bobbers. It also has a section to write the birthday child's name. The bottom of the card has a section for guests to write their names.

Above: Memory Poster. The poster has a blue border and a white center with the shape of a wave. The top of the card has a fishing pole with a yellow and red fish, and three bobbers. It also says "The Big One" in red and a space to write the birthday child's name. 

MAKE YOUR OWN "SAND CUP" DESSERT

​What kid doesn’t love a dirt cup? Simply use yellow/vanilla cake (instead of chocolate), chocolate chip or sugar cookies (instead of Oreos), blue cool whip/frosting/vanilla pudding, Swedish fish, and O shaped gummy candy or life-savers. You can even top them with little cocktail umbrellas! More detailed instructions for this activity can be found here.

​ Why go to the store when you can shop online? Here are some products perfect for this activity.

Click on images below to view product pages, or click here to view product descriptions and links included in the activity.

DECORATIONS

​You can’t have a decent party without decorations, right? Check out the following photos of my little one’s party, as well as product recommendations to help recreate the look. 

CLICK ON THE NAME OF THE DECORATION (IN BLUE) OR THE PRODUCT IMAGE TO ACCESS THE PRODUCT PAGE.

PHOTO BANNER

This photo banner received tons of compliments from our guests. It is still available on Amazon, or you can use my printables to create your own photo wall or banner.

​FISHING BOBBERS

Before my husband confiscated them for his fishing kit (kidding, kidding... I gladly turned them over for a second life serving their designated purpose!) we used these bobbers for cake toppers and decorations on food platters. You can see them in a number of the pictures throughout this post. Or, use my printable bobber tags and toothpicks for a DIY approach (laminating them can make them more durable, too).

​Above: Clickable image showing red and white bobbers available for purchase from Amazon (accessible text link available in the above section)

Above: Printable bobber tags.

Above: 1000 Count 100% Natural Bamboo Toothpicks

The Big One Banner

The Big One Banner

Smash Cake Photo | Photo Credit: Keith Putnam

We used this banner as interior decor, and then for a backdrop for the smash cake photo shoot. You can find the same banner by clicking the image below for the Amazon product page, or check out the Big One poster printable in my download kit!

Above: Clickable image that brings you to the Amazon Product page for a banner that says "The Big One". The banner has four fish (red, yellow, green, and blue) and three bobbers, each with a single word (the, big, and one). Click here to view product page

Above: Printable poster available in the Big One Printables Kit. Poster says "The Big One" in red in the center of the image. The top right includes a fishing pole and a single bobber. Blue fish are shown in the center. Three bobbers are located in the bottom left corner.

1st Birthday Nautical Theme Party Supplies and Dangling Decor

This party supply kit includes decorations, goodie bags, napkins, plates, cups, and a table cloth, while the dangling decor matches the set perfectly. We ordered two, and supplemented with red, blue, and white paper goods. 

You can also access DIY decorations in my printables kit. See the form at the bottom of the page to sign up.

THANK YOU BAGS AND CARDS

Before your guests leave, make sure to thank them!

We gave out goodie bags (available in the nautical themed first birthday kit here) containing candy, as well as letting our guests bring home their own fish (see below for the product we purchased).
 
You can also use the bobber tags from the printables kit and/or the printable thank you notes. Either use a hole puncher and ribbon to affix the tags to the bags, or handwrite thank you messages on the notes for your child to mail/give to your guests. 

Above: Fun Express - Fish Squirts - Toys - Active Play - Water Toys - 12 Pieces

Above: Three images showing three different thank you card options.

The top thank you card has a blue border, says thank you in red at the top, has a fishing pole and three bobbers in the top left corner, and has a square in the center that says "Insert Picture Here". The background is white with light blue fish. ​The bottom left thank you card has a blue border, says thank you in red at the top, has a fishing pole and three bobbers in the top left corner, and has a background that is white with light blue fish. The background is white with light blue fish. ​The bottom right thank you card has a blue border, says thank you in red in the center, has a fishing pole and three bobbers in the top left corner, and has a background that is white with light blue fish.

The Outfit

What first birthday would be complete without a great birthday outfit? 

We ordered an adorable Big One onesie and a crown from Amazon. And, the choices turned out adorable, if I do say so myself!

Above: Officially One Crown

Above: First Birthday Outfit - 12 to 18 Month - The Big One - Fishing Theme

Above: Image of a toddler sitting on a blue, yellow, green, and white floor eating a massive piece of cake. Child sits in front of a banner reading "The Big One". Photo Credit: Keith Putnam

Taking this theme beyond the party: Resources and links to fun and educational thematic content

Looking for a great gift for a 'Big One' birthday party? Or ideas for resources to help use some of the printable content for everyday purposes?

Be sure to check out the following content:

Fish and Ocean Themed Gifts, Books, and More!

I've compiled a list of perfect gifts for the little angler or beach lover in your life. I scoured Amazon for the best rated thematic products, so you don't have to! Some of these products we have in our home, some I've had in the classroom, and others simply got rave reviews. You can check them out here.

Fish/Summer Themed Printables

These resources are perfect for those looking to utilize the activities above for everyday fun. Learn more about these great printables here. 

ABOVE: Light blue background with white accents. 8 images of sample curriculum content, including color, shape, and sight word activities. Center has text stating "Get these pages and more!"

And coming very soon.... Literacy Kits! 

I enjoyed putting this post and my summer printables pack together so much that I decided to take it a step further and create thoughtfully designed literacy packs. As we are approach autumn, I will not only be releasing a literacy kit for summer, but adding a fall themed kit to the bundle!  See a sneak peek of some of the resources below:

EBooks/Printable Books to read with your little one and help your child build phonological awareness.

Themed alphabet words

Based on commonly utilized and research based phonics instruction strategies learned while I was a teacher, these resources will aid in teaching phonological awareness to pre-readers and early readers. A perfect supplement for preschool or PreK families preparing their little one for elementary school (or as an add on for those homeschooling this year thanks to the pandemic). The bundle includes alphabet words, instructions for phonological awareness strategies, a seasonal story, and supplemental activity cards for each season. They pair perfectly with seasonal subscriber printables (new fall content coming to the subscribers' library very soon)!

Stay tuned for an announcement on release (and an Instagram giveaway) soon!

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The Big One - Printables Kit

What you get:

This kit comes with the following printable options:

• 4 different bobber tag/photo banner options.
• 1 "The Big One" Poster 
• 1 Memory Template Card for Guests to Fill Out
• 1 Memory Poster for Guests to Paste Bobber Tags with Memories On
• 1 Menu Card - Blank
• 1 Menu Card - Filled with Sample Menu 
• 3 Thank You Card Options
• 1 Pin the Tail on The Fish Set (1 poster, 2 pages of tails)
• 6 Pages of Photo Booth Props/Decorations
• 1 Page of Multisized Fish Tags
• 1 Decorate Your Own Fish Template
• 2 Pages of Fish for Decorations or Fishing Activity

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