A first birthday goes by in a blur of cake, balloons and relatives who all want to hold the guest of honor. The photos are what you keep, and the outfit is in every one of them. The easiest way to get it right is to start with the party theme and let the outfit carry it.
Here are first birthday outfit ideas for boys and girls, grouped by theme. Many of them can carry your baby's name, so the shirt doubles as a keepsake.
Bodysuit or T-shirt?
- Bodysuits stay tucked in through crawling, cake smashing and being passed around the room. They suit babies who are not walking yet.
- T-shirts look more "big kid" in photos and pair well with shorts, overalls or a tutu for a walker.
- Size up if you are unsure. A slightly roomy shirt photographs fine; a tight one is uncomfortable for a long party.
Under the sea
Ocean parties are gender neutral, easy to decorate in blues and whites, and full of pun potential ("Oneder the Sea" never gets old).
Oneder the Sea sea turtle shirt
A sea turtle design with room for your little one's name. Pair it with a turtle cake or a bubble machine.
Personalized whale shirt
A big, friendly whale for an ocean party with a softer, simpler look.
Shop the personalized whale shirt
Watercolor sea creature bodysuit
Soft watercolor sea animals for babies who will spend most of the party on a lap.
Shop the watercolor ocean bodysuit
Nautical sailboat bodysuit
For a "sail away" or nautical party with stripes, anchors and navy and white decor.
Wild one and safari
"Wild One" is one of the most popular first birthday themes, and it works with jungle leaves, animal print plates and a lion or giraffe cake topper.
Shop the Wild One safari shirt
Woodland and teddy bears
Bear themes feel cozy and work especially well for fall and winter birthdays. Think plaid, pine cones and a "Beary" pun on the sign.
Personalized "Beary" first birthday outfit
Shop the personalized Beary first birthday outfit
Boho teddy bear bodysuit
A muted, boho version of the bear theme that pairs well with neutral balloons and dried flowers.
Rainbows, birds and soft colors
If you prefer a gentle pastel palette over a character theme, these designs keep the focus on your baby's name.
Muted rainbow name romper
Watercolor bird bodysuit
Shop the watercolor bird bodysuit
Sports fans
For families who plan weekends around game day, a sports first birthday is an easy win. Set up a mini "stadium" snack table and let guests wear team colors.
Rookie of the Year baseball shirt
Designed for family matching, so the rest of the lineup can join in.
Shop the Rookie of the Year shirt
Touchdown football shirt
Shop the football first birthday shirt
Outdoors, ducks and camping
Lucky Duck first birthday shirt
A mallard design for families who spend their weekends outdoors.
S'more Fun to Be One bodysuit
A camping theme with marshmallows: think a play tent, lanterns and a s'mores bar for the grown-ups.
Construction and outer space
"Digging It" construction bodysuit
Dump trucks, cones and a "construction zone" sign make this one of the simplest themes to decorate.
Shop the construction birthday bodysuit
Outer space "Oneder" rocket shirt
Stars, planets and a rocket cake for a baby who is going places.
Shop the outer space rocket shirt
Tips for first birthday photos
- Take the outfit photos before the cake. Do a few clean shots first, then let the mess begin.
- Plan a second outfit if you are doing a cake smash, or strip down to a diaper cover for that part.
- Shoot near a window in soft daylight and get down to your baby's eye level.
- Order early. Personalized pieces are made to order, so give yourself time before the party date.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add my baby's name?
Many of the designs above let you add a name, and some an age too. Each product page shows exactly which details you can add before you order.
What size should a one-year-old wear?
Babies grow at different rates, so go by your child's current clothes rather than their age. When in doubt between two sizes, choose the larger one.
Are these only for boys or only for girls?
Most themes here, like ocean, woodland, safari and rainbow, work for any baby. Pick the colors and design you like best.
Planning the big day? Browse all first birthday shirts and bodysuits.
