Planning your baby’s first birthday can be exciting, but it doesn’t have to be stressful or costly. You don’t need to rent a venue or buy expensive toys to make the day special. 

With a few common household items and a bit of creativity, you can set up fun and memorable party games for first birthday celebrations right at home. These games are simple, age-appropriate, and perfect for keeping babies, toddlers, and even adults entertained. 

Whether you’re celebrating in your living room or backyard, this list of 30 budget-friendly party games for your baby’s first birthday will make the day truly unforgettable.

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1. Musical Statues (Freeze Dance)

Musical Statues is one of the most beloved party games for first birthday celebrations. Play some fun, upbeat music and let the children move freely. Once the music stops, everyone has to freeze! 

It’s a simple concept that babies, toddlers, and even adults enjoy. It encourages physical movement, rhythm, and social interaction. 

As one of the easier games for a first birthday party, it’s perfect for indoor or outdoor settings and doesn’t require expensive equipment. You only need a speaker and space to move around. It’s also a great way to get everyone involved in a light-hearted and energetic activity.

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2. Parachute Play

Parachute Play is a colourful and interactive option among games for first birthday party ideas. With a simple parachute or large sheet, you can create endless entertainment by lifting it up and down, letting children crawl underneath, or bouncing soft toys on top. 

This game is ideal for group play and encourages teamwork and sensory stimulation. Parents love it because it’s safe, engaging, and suitable for little ones who aren't walking yet. 

When planning first birthday party games, this one is both visually exciting and soothing, providing plenty of laughter and bonding opportunities for babies and families alike.

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3. Bubble Bonanza

Few first birthday party games create instant joy quite like Bubble Bonanza. All you need is a bubble machine or a few bubble wands to get the fun started. Little ones will have a blast crawling, chasing, and popping the bubbles. 

This game is not only fun but also excellent for developing motor skills and hand-eye coordination. As far as party games for first birthday go, it’s a magical way to entertain a wide age range, including toddlers and older kids. It’s mess-free, budget-friendly, and can easily be set up indoors or outdoors for maximum fun.

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4. Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Pin the Tail on the Donkey is a classic that never goes out of style. For games for a first birthday party, you can adapt it with a safer and softer twist. Use a felt board and Velcro tails to let children stick the tail on a large poster. 

For babies, skip the blindfold and let them explore with guidance. This activity adds a traditional touch to your party and invites laughter from kids and adults alike. Among games for first birthday party events, it’s a nostalgic game that encourages interaction and brings families together through a bit of silly fun.

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5. Balloon Chase

Balloon Chase is one of the simplest yet most entertaining games for a first birthday party. Blow up a handful of colourful balloons and place them around the play area. Babies and toddlers will naturally want to chase, catch, and bop them around. 

It’s great for developing motor skills and keeping energy levels high. Lightweight and safe, balloons create a visual spectacle that fascinates young children. 

If you're compiling first birthday party games that require little preparation, this one ticks all the boxes—easy, affordable, and endlessly fun for the youngest party guests.

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6. Bean Bag Toss

Bean Bag Toss is an engaging and beginner-friendly game that suits all ages, making it one of the most inclusive first birthday party games. Create a simple setup using cardboard boxes or buckets and provide soft, colourful bean bags for toddlers to toss. 

For babies, encourage rolling the bean bags into containers instead. It promotes coordination and builds confidence through simple success. 

This is one of those party games for first birthday events that can be easily customised to match your theme. Plus, it can be set up both indoors and outdoors depending on your party space.

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7. Ball Pit Play

Ball Pit Play is a sensory-rich, safe space that little ones love exploring. All you need is an inflatable pool and a set of soft plastic balls—making it one of the most popular party games for first birthday parties. It's perfect for babies who enjoy tactile experiences and independent movement. 

Place it in a corner of your home or garden and watch as the babies giggle, roll, and throw the balls. As far as games for a first birthday party go, this one keeps tiny guests entertained without much need for adult direction. It’s a baby-friendly winner.

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8. Storybook Corner

A Storybook Corner is a brilliant way to create a calming space in between more active first birthday party games. Set up a cosy nook with bean bags, cushions, and baby-safe books. Invite a family member to read aloud or simply let the children explore the books on their own. 

This game stimulates language and cognitive development while giving little ones a chance to wind down. Among all the games for first birthday party celebrations, this one offers a quiet moment for bonding, especially for parents who prefer screen-free, mindful activities during the event.

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9. DIY Art Station

Hosting a DIY Art Station is one of the most creative and meaningful games for first birthday party ideas. Provide crayons, finger paints, stickers, and large sheets of paper so the little ones can get messy while making their own masterpieces. 

Use washable, non-toxic materials and supervise closely. The beauty of this activity lies in its customisation—it can match any party theme, and parents can keep the artwork as a sweet memento. As part of your lineup of first birthday party games, this one encourages exploration and leaves behind adorable keepsakes.

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10. Animal Parade

Turn your home into a jungle or zoo with an Animal Parade! Invite the children to wear animal-themed hats, masks, or onesies and parade around the room to fun music. Each child can make sounds or move like their chosen animal. 

It’s one of the most imaginative party games for first birthday parties and encourages creativity and movement. This game works well with a theme and involves everyone—from crawling babies to standing toddlers. 

It’s an adorable way to capture photos and keep guests entertained. Among games for a first birthday party, it brings a cheerful and whimsical energy to the day.

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11. Sensory Play Station

Creating a Sensory Play Station is one of the most enriching games for a first birthday party. Use items like rice bins, textured fabrics, sponges, and baby-safe sensory toys. This setup stimulates touch, sound, and sight while encouraging curiosity and exploration. 

Place items in shallow containers and supervise as little hands explore. These types of first birthday party games help develop fine motor skills and are ideal for calming overstimulated babies during a busy celebration. With minimal cost and maximum benefit, it’s a smart way to bring educational fun to the party.

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12. Water Play

Water Play is a refreshing favourite among games for first birthday party events, especially in warm weather. Fill shallow tubs or trays with water and add floating toys, cups, and scoops. Babies and toddlers love splashing around and exploring cause-and-effect movements. 

This setup can be as simple as using a basin on a towel indoors or a baby pool in the garden. Always supervise closely for safety. Water Play is one of those classic party games for first birthday fun that’s mess-friendly, safe, and full of giggles—perfect for sunny celebrations at home.

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13. Obstacle Course

A baby-friendly Obstacle Course is a brilliant way to incorporate movement into your first birthday party games. Use soft pillows, tunnels made from cardboard boxes, and crawling mats to guide little ones through a gentle course. 

Encourage them to go over, under, or around objects. It’s a fantastic way to support motor development while keeping the atmosphere playful and light. 

These types of games for a first birthday party are both entertaining and purposeful, allowing babies to explore new textures and movements while staying active and engaged.

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14. Nursery Rhyme Karaoke

Nursery Rhyme Karaoke turns a regular sing-along into one of the most delightful games for first birthday party fun. Set up a toy microphone and let parents or toddlers take turns singing familiar rhymes like “Twinkle Twinkle” or “The Wheels on the Bus.” 

Play instrumental versions in the background for added flair. This game allows for bonding, laughter, and musical discovery. Even if your baby isn’t quite ready to sing, they’ll enjoy clapping, swaying, or babbling along. As party games for first birthday go, this one is interactive, charming, and memory-making.

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15. Puppet Show

A Puppet Show adds a touch of storytelling magic to your list of first birthday party games. Use socks, plush toys, or store-bought hand puppets to act out mini scenes or nursery rhymes. Babies will be captivated by the movement, voices, and colours. 

You can make it a quiet moment during the party or let older kids perform their own shows. It’s among the more creative games for a first birthday party, requiring minimal setup while delivering maximum giggles and wide-eyed wonder from your tiny audience.

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16. Giant Bubble Play

Take Bubble Bonanza to the next level with Giant Bubble Play! Use a large hoop or bubble wand and a homemade solution to create massive bubbles in your garden. Babies will be mesmerised as the bubbles float and pop around them. 

Among all party games for first birthday celebrations, this one is a visual treat. It’s perfect for outdoor parties, and parents will love snapping cute photos. It’s a fuss-free, low-cost activity that turns your garden into a magical play space filled with floating fun.

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17. Mini Treasure Hunt

A Mini Treasure Hunt can be one of the most exciting games for first birthday party fun when tailored for toddlers. Hide soft toys, colourful balls, or rattles around your home or garden and let little explorers find them with some adult help. 

Keep it short and simple, with cheerful clues or visual markers. This gentle introduction to searching games builds anticipation and satisfaction. As far as first birthday party games go, it combines learning and play perfectly, keeping the energy up without overwhelming the youngest guests.

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18. Peekaboo Parade

Peekaboo Parade is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser when planning games for a first birthday party. Have parents and babies take turns peeking out from behind blankets, chairs, or large boxes while parading around to upbeat music. 

Add silly faces or sounds to get big laughs! It’s playful, light, and perfect for social babies learning about interaction and object permanence. This game is simple but full of joy—exactly what party games for first birthday celebrations should be.

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19. Baby’s First Art Project

Baby’s First Art Project is a beautiful way to blend creativity into your first birthday party games lineup. Offer baby-safe paint, sponges, or edible finger paints and let little hands go wild on canvas or large paper. Parents will treasure the resulting masterpieces for years. 

Cover surfaces with newspaper and let each baby create at their own pace. It’s more about the process than the product, and it adds a calm, hands-on moment to your celebration. This is one of those games for first birthday party fun that doubles as a cherished keepsake.

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20. Treasure Hunt: Soft Toy Edition

The Soft Toy Edition of a Treasure Hunt is another twist on the classic that works well for babies. Place stuffed animals around your space—behind cushions, under chairs, or on low shelves—and help little ones “hunt” for them. 

It’s among the more gentle and engaging party games for first birthday events, ideal for indoors or small spaces. This encourages crawling and movement in a safe, controlled setting while adding a dash of excitement to your celebration. It's simple, sweet, and suited to even the tiniest guests.

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21. Tattoo the Donkey

Tattoo the Donkey is a fun twist on the classic party game. Instead of pinning a tail, let kids “tattoo” a paper donkey using stickers. It's a safer and age-appropriate version for toddlers. Prepare a large donkey poster and provide themed or animal-shaped stickers. 

Each child gets a turn placing their sticker while blindfolded (or with help for younger kids). This creative alternative to traditional games for a first birthday party is great for hand-eye coordination and gives each child a fun role in the activity. Plus, you’ll have a colourful donkey to display by the end!

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22. Who Danced What

Who Danced What is one of those hilarious first birthday party games that brings out the silliness in everyone. Play music and have each adult or older sibling perform a silly dance move. Once all the dances are done, the little ones have to guess—or point to—the person who did each dance. 

It’s light-hearted and invites plenty of laughs while keeping babies entertained through observation and music. This is ideal if you have a mixed-age group at your celebration and want inclusive party games for first birthday fun that everyone can join in on.

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23. Balloon Scrabble

Balloon Scrabble is a brilliant sensory and learning-based game. Fill balloons with foam letters and let kids pop them (or help them if needed). After each balloon pops, help toddlers identify the letters inside. 

For older children, challenge them to form simple words using the letters. It’s one of the more unique games for a first birthday party, combining movement with early learning in a fun, bouncy way. It also makes for a colourful activity area that’s both engaging and educational—ideal for indoor celebrations on a budget.

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24. Balloon Smash Surprise

This exciting game takes the fun of balloons and adds a twist! Place small toys, confetti, or notes inside each balloon before inflating. Set them on the floor or tie them to chairs and let the little ones stomp, sit, or squeeze to pop them. 

Every pop reveals a surprise, which instantly becomes a reward. Balloon Smash Surprise is among the most thrilling party games for a first birthday, filled with colourful visuals, exciting sounds, and fun discoveries—perfect for keeping the energy high and the excitement rolling.

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25. Pass the Parcel

A timeless classic, Pass the Parcel is still one of the most loved games for a first birthday party. Wrap a small gift or toy in multiple layers of wrapping paper. As music plays, children pass the parcel around. When the music stops, the child holding it removes one layer. 

Continue until the final prize is revealed. You can add a little treat or sticker in each layer to keep interest going. This game introduces turn-taking and anticipation to toddlers, making it an easy-to-organise and charming addition to any celebration.

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26. Hunt the Thimble

Hunt the Thimble is a gentle hide-and-seek game that's perfect for indoor spaces. Instead of a tiny thimble, use a soft toy or colourful item that’s safe for babies. Hide it in an obvious or slightly tricky spot, and let children search with the help of adults. 

It’s one of those slower-paced first birthday party games that still feels adventurous and rewarding. Ideal for babies just learning to crawl or walk, it’s simple fun using items you already have at home—no need for anything fancy or expensive.

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27. Up Jenkins

Adapted for young guests, Up Jenkins becomes a guessing game involving cups or small objects. Hide a soft toy or coin under one of three cups. Shuffle them slowly, then let the little one choose where they think the item is. 

It’s a sweet version of a classic party game, perfect for engaging older siblings and adults too. Games for a first birthday party that include gentle suspense and visual tracking like this help build cognitive skills while keeping babies entertained.

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28. Mad Libs (Baby Edition)

Create a baby-themed Mad Libs game with simple prompts and let adults or older kids fill in the blanks with silly or heartwarming words. Read the results aloud for lots of laughs. 

For younger children, you can adapt the activity with stickers or pictures instead of words. It’s not your typical party game for a first birthday activity, but it adds a lovely personal and creative touch to your celebration. You could even save the finished Mad Libs in your baby’s keepsake box!

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29. Musical Mats

Musical Mats is a soft and baby-safe alternative to Musical Chairs. Use foam mats or coloured cushions on the floor. As music plays, children crawl or toddle around them. When the music stops, they find a mat to sit or lie on. 

Everyone stays in the game, and no one gets left out—perfect for inclusive first birthday party games. This active, cheerful game keeps energy levels up while remaining gentle and age-appropriate for tiny partygoers.

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30. Indoor Hopscotch

Indoor Hopscotch adds a fun and colourful twist to your party setup. Use masking tape on the floor to create large squares, or lay out printed mats. Toddlers can jump, crawl, or step on each square as you count aloud. Even babies can enjoy crawling from space to space with a little help. 

This makes for an adorable photo opportunity and doubles as one of the easiest games for a first birthday party that supports movement and learning. Bright, engaging, and totally cost-free to set up at home!

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Conclusion About Games For First Birthday Party

Planning a first birthday party at home doesn’t mean compromising on fun. With these 30 simple and creative party games for first birthday celebrations, you can turn everyday items into moments of laughter, connection, and joy. 

No need for pricey venues or complicated setups—just a little imagination and you're all set to make memories that truly matter.

And if you want to take your event to the next level, get in touch with The Photo Booth in Singapore for a free custom photo frame design! From instant prints to 360° photo booths, animated GIFs, and everything in between, we offer fun and stylish ways to capture your child’s big day.

Here at The Photo Booth, we’re all about creating lasting memories—with props, themes, and interactive features that guests of all ages will love. So why not add a booth to your party plan? It’s the perfect finishing touch for an unforgettable celebration.

Let’s make your baby’s first birthday one for the photo books—book with us now! 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Games For First Birthday Party

Are There Any Educational Games Suitable For A First Birthday Party?

Yes! Simple games like colour sorting, animal sound matching, and sensory bags not only entertain but also support early learning and development.

How Can I Make Party Games Safe For Babies And Toddlers?

Use soft, non-toxic materials and avoid small parts. Supervise all play and keep games age-appropriate to ensure safety throughout the celebration.

What Are Some Party Games That Parents Can Play With Their One-Year-Old?

Try parent-child games like musical cuddle, baby bowling (with soft pins), or a sing-along circle to promote bonding and shared enjoyment.

Do I Need To Offer Prizes For Games At A First Birthday Party?

Prizes aren’t necessary, especially for babies, but you can offer simple keepsakes like stickers, soft toys, or themed party bags as a fun touch.

How Do I Keep The Games Engaging For A Baby Who Can’t Walk Yet?

Choose floor-based activities like tummy time games, puppet shows, or sensory mats that allow babies to explore while staying in their comfort zone.