The minute we found out we were having a boy, I knew exactly what his first birthday theme would be. If you didn’t already know, I’m ALL about a good themed party. Every party I throw has a theme, and it makes it so easy to go out all. Of course, it was so important to throw the biggest party for my first born on his first birthday. And if your name is Maverick, your party HAS to be Top Gun themed. Duh!
When party planning, I typically shop on Amazon, Oriental Trading, Etsy, and Party City, so I purchased most of my items from there. And some I make myself. Plus, with the Fourth of July being a month before his party, I was able to find some awesome decor and supplies on clearance that fit theme. I was so dang excited! I am tagging below all the items from the party.
Cake Table
For every Type A party, the cake is a more of a decor focal point than it is a sweet treat. It is an easy space filler, plus it’s something tasty people can enjoy. Sugar Fashion Cakes out of Louisville, KY did a fantastic job at our Top Gun cake and made it exactly how I pictured (if not better!). And the matching custom themed cookies by Kelso’s Cookie Company was the icing on the cake. 😉
Decor Links:
- Tassel Garland- Amazon
- Star Garland- Amanda
- Star balloons- Amazon
- Toy Airplanes- Oriental Trading
- Maverick sign- DIY (thanks to my brother 😊)
- Birthday Candle: Amazon
Goodie Bags
I couldnt help myself with the goodie bags. Using gift bags from Target and tags from Etsy, I stuffed the bags with a legit pair of aviator sunglasses, toy airplanes, and some fun red, white and blue candy.
Goodie Bag Links:
- Aviator Sunglasses- Amazon
- Toy Airplanes- Oriental Trading
- Bags- Target
Tables
To take your tables to the next level, forgo disposable tablecloths for table linens. They can be purchased for super reasonable prices on Amazon and can be washed and re-used. I wanted to make each table seem special. So for the centerpieces, I placed a photo from our aviation photoshoot with Kirstie Goodman (you can find the blog post from this shoot HERE), in addition to some themed graphics I created on Canva. And because July 4th was right before his party, I was able to find all the flags at Target for a very discounted price, but I am tagging super similar flags below. And next to the tables, I laid out blow up red, white, and blue airplane’s which the kids went absolutely crazy over! Highly recommend them for any aviation-themed party.
Tables Decor Links:
- Tablecloths- Amazon
- Frames- Amazon (IKEA)
- USA Tootsie Rolls- Oriental Trading
- Toy Airplanes- Oriental Trading
- Tall Vases- Dollar Tree (I also found them at Target HERE)
- American Flags- Target (also found HERE)
- Top Gun Signs- DIY
- Blow-Up Airplanes: Amazon
DIY Balloon Garland:
Balloon garlands are the latest craze and are super easy to make. I still have LOTS to learn with these, so I will post a tutorial once I have mastered it. LOL. I loved the colors I used, wit the navy balloons giving more of a classy vibe. I integrated mylar star balloons to amplify the theme, in addition to the oversized mylar jets that were the biggest hit!
Outfit Details:
For my outfit, I knew I wanted to go with more of a military vibe. The utility dress I am wearing was from Old Navy and was the PERFECT outfit for the party. I wore a knotted headband (because that is my signature look, duh!) that had gold stars embellished on it. So cute! I let Josh wear what he would typically wear, a t-shirt with cargo shots and a backwards hat- and it worked perfectly with the theme. Plus, the TOP DAD shirt was just too cute to pass. I dressed Mav like his dad. I love styling him like a little man. Tagging all our pieces below.
Vendors:
- Cake: Sugar Fashion Cakes
- Tables and Chairs: Etown Party Rental
- Inflatable: Bluegrass Rental Group
- Cookies: Kelso’s Cookie Co.
- Snow Cone Machine: Party Plus
- Photography: Rayna Paige Photography
I am so thankful I have this special moment with our boy captured in photos. Rayna did a fabulous job, as always! I can’t believe my little boy is one! What a year it has been.
Happy Birthday, Maverick!
I love this theme and am planning to do it for my son’s first birthday also. Your decorations were awesome!! I saw that you had a bomber jacket for your son. I can’t find one small enough, where did you get that?? Thank you!!!
So fun! Here are a few options in infant sizing:
https://amzn.to/3hPSXZ8 (the exact one I purchased)
https://amzn.to/3MAGnLy
https://amzn.to/35yXehb
Hi Amanda! Thank you for putting this together! We decided to do the same theme for my son’s first, so your blog post was super helpful! The small fighter jets around the cookies, where did you find those ? I can find other colored ones on amazon but I love that these are red and blue ! Thanks again! Wish me luck!
Planning my sons first birthday for July 2nd same theme! LOVE everything you did! So happy I came across this. What size American flag backdrop did you use? Or link! 😊
Where are the dog tags from?!
I love this so much. Do you have a link to the poster sign for canva? I so want to make that!
This is so cute! Do you have a link to inflatable airplanes?
My son’s name is Jett. we plan to also do this theme. How did you put the jets on the signs? I am having to DIY mine as well but I cant figure out how to do that. TIA!
I love it! It turned out so perfect. I plan on doing the same theme for my sons first birthday in October.
I may have missed it but where did you get the detail around the high chair?
LOVE LOVE LOVE ALL of your decorations! My little guys is turning 8 and dreams of flying jet planes! Where did you get the cake topper?
Thanks! Vanessa