Guide

First birthday invitation wording: 40 examples

Forty first birthday invitation examples from the parents or from baby, for a girl or a boy, ONEderland, Wild One and other themes, no gifts lines and family traditions, plus texts and when to send.

November 9, 2026 · 4 min read

A first birthday invitation is really written by the parents, for family and friends who want to see how much the baby has grown. Keep it sweet, plan around nap time, and say clearly what you'd like instead of gifts.

What every first birthday invitation needs

  1. Baby's nameFirst name is enough, with "is turning one".
  2. Date and timePlan around naps. Late morning or mid-afternoon works best.
  3. PlaceThe address, with parking if it's tight.
  4. Reply byOne to two weeks before, so you know how much cake to order.

Add these only when they apply:

DetailSay it like this
GiftsNo gifts, please, Bring a book instead of a card
KidsSiblings welcome, Little ones are welcome
FoodLunch and cake, Cake smash at 3
DressCome dressed for the theme
End time11 to 1, so guests know it's short

40 first birthday invitation wording examples

Swap in your own names and dates.

From the parents

  1. Our little girl is turning one! Please join us to celebrate Ava's first birthday.
  2. We can't believe it's been a year. Come celebrate Leo's first birthday with us.
  3. One year of giggles, snuggles and sleepless nights. Join us for Mia's first birthday.
  4. Please join us for cake and smiles as Noah turns one.
  5. Our baby is one! Come help us celebrate Lily's very first birthday.
  6. A whole year of loving Ethan. Please join us for his first birthday party.

From baby

  1. I'm turning one and I'd love for you to come to my party! Love, Ava.
  2. Guess who's one? Me! Come eat cake with me on Saturday.
  3. I've been practising my walking. Come see me at my first birthday party.
  4. I'm one, and Mommy says there will be cake. Please come!
  5. One candle, one cake, and all my favourite people. Please come to my party!
  6. Big news: I'm turning one. Bring your appetite, I'm bringing the mess.

For a baby girl

  1. Our sweet girl is turning one. Join us for pink cake and pretty smiles.
  2. Pretty in pink and turning one. Join us for Ava's first birthday.
  3. Sugar, spice and everything nice: Mia is turning one!
  4. Our little princess is one. Please join us for her royal celebration.

For a baby boy

  1. Our little man is turning one. Come celebrate Noah's big day.
  2. Ready, set, one! Join us for Leo's first birthday race.
  3. Ahoy! Our little sailor is turning one. Join the crew for Ethan's party.
  4. One cool dude. Come celebrate Jack's first birthday.
  5. Roar! Our little dinosaur is turning one. Stomp on over for Leo's party.

Themes

  1. Welcome to ONEderland! Join us for Ava's first birthday.
  2. Our Wild One is turning one. Come celebrate Leo's jungle party.
  3. Mia is one in a melon. Join us for a sweet summer party.
  4. Fun to be one! Join us for Noah's first birthday under the sea.
  5. Our little pumpkin is turning one. Join us for a fall party.
  6. Twinkle, twinkle, little star: Lily is one. Join us under the stars.
  7. Mr. Onederful is turning one. Suits optional, smiles required.
  8. Hey, bear! Ethan is one. Join us for a teddy bear picnic.
  9. Our little honey is turning one. Buzz on over for Lily's first bee-day.

No gifts

  1. Your presence is the only present Ava needs. No gifts, please.
  2. Instead of a card, please bring a favourite book to start Leo's library.
  3. No gifts, please. If you'd like, a small gift to Noah's savings is welcome.
  4. Mia has plenty of toys. Just bring yourself and a big hug.
  5. In place of gifts, we're collecting diapers for the local food bank.

Family traditions

  1. Please join us for Ava's Doljanchi as she turns one. Doljabi at 1 p.m.
  2. Join us for Leo's first birthday and zhuazhou, the grabbing game, to see what his future holds.
  3. With love and blessings, we invite you to celebrate Aarav's first birthday.
  4. Mia is turning one and we're having a baptism and party on the same day. Please join us.
  5. Our families came from far and wide to meet Noah. Please come back to celebrate his first year.

Text messages

  1. Hi! Ava turns one on May 9 and we're having a small party at our place, 11 to 1. Can you make it?
  2. Leo's first birthday is Saturday at 3, at the park by our house. Kids welcome. Let us know!
  3. We're celebrating Mia's first birthday next Sunday afternoon. Invitation link below.

When to send

PartySendReply by
First birthday party3 to 4 weeks before1 to 2 weeks before
Family coming from away6 to 8 weeks before3 weeks before
Small family lunch1 to 2 weeks beforeA few days before

Paper or digital?

A digital invitation reaches grandparents and aunts wherever they live, and keeps replies in one list. Paper&Seal invitations open like a real envelope and are free for up to 25 guests.

FAQ

When should you have a first birthday party?

On the weekend closest to the birthday, timed around the baby's nap. A two-hour party in the late morning or after the afternoon nap is easiest.

How do you say no gifts on a first birthday invitation?

Keep it short and warm: Your presence is the only present we need. Put it near the bottom, after the date and place.

Who should you invite to a first birthday?

Close family and the friends who have been part of the baby's first year. Many parents keep it small, since the baby won't remember the guest list.

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