Mastering One Year: Our Hole-in-One First Birthday Party (and a Few Funny Fails)

I’ll admit it — my child hadn’t even made it to six months old before I knew exactly what his first birthday theme was going to be. Hole in One. My husband loves golf, and I thought it would be the perfect way to celebrate our little guy “mastering one year.”

By the time we actually got close to party planning, my Pinterest boards were overflowing. I had sub-boards for cake smash ideas, balloon setups, outfit inspo — it was a full-time job just keeping track.

The first birthday is such an emotional milestone. I know he won’t remember any of it, but I absolutely will. It felt like the kickoff to our family traditions — one of those moments you imagine long before it arrives. So yes, I went all in. We did the family photoshoot, the smash cake photos, the “actual birthday” celebration, and the full-blown party.

If you’re planning your own Hole in One bash, here’s everything we used — plus what didn’t exactly go according to plan.

⛳ CAKE SMASH

Our golf-themed photos were adorable, even if my toddler had other opinions about his outfit.

I had dreamed about the cake smash for so many months — picturing his tiny hands diving into frosting, that first curious taste, and the giggles that would follow. I didn’t even bother worrying about an outfit because, let’s be honest, there was at least a 75% chance he’d end up covered in cake.

One of my best friends made the cake — baked it, iced it, and showed up to cheer us on during the smash (and later, of course, to eat cake). She’s been one of my biggest supports through motherhood, and having her there made the moment even sweeter.

And the photographer — she’s the same person who captured my engagement photos, my wedding, and our newborn session. Having her behind the camera again felt so full circle. She’s documented so many milestones in my life, and having her there to capture my baby’s first birthday meant the world to me. The photos she’s given me are gifts I’ll treasure forever.

• Golf hat for baby: This little hat looked so cute in the family photos, but my son absolutely refused to keep it on for the party. Babies have their own fashion choices, apparently.

• Golf 1st birthday party hat: This one lasted all of 37 seconds on his head — just long enough to grab a few good pictures.

• Golf cart cake topper: Mini golf cart on top of his smash cake = perfection.

• Backdrop: This backdrop made the whole setup look way fancier than it was.

• Cake pans: These mini pans were lifesavers — just the right size for a personal smash cake.

🎈 ACTUAL BIRTHDAY

His birthday fell right in the middle of the week, perfectly sandwiched between family photos, the cake smash, and his weekend party. I still wanted the actual day to feel special — a day where he could play, laugh, and be surrounded by things that made him smile (mainly, balloons).

We filled his room with them — leftovers from his 6-month photos. Watching his little face light up as balloons bounced around him was pure joy. I wanted to remember this stage in every way possible — the way he giggled when one floated by, the tiny hands reaching for the strings, that sweet sound of “balloon!” that never gets old.

I made him a golf-themed onesie for daycare because I couldn’t let the day go by without a touch of “Hole in One” magic. And, of course, I had to add a birthday banner for morning photos — because these are the moments I’ll want to look back on when he’s older and towering over me.

• Balloon pump: This one was an arm-saver.

• Crib banner: We hung this sweet banner over his crib for morning photos.

• ONE letters: Perfect for pictures.

• “Mastered One Year” shirt: I used this green vinyl to make his shirt on my Cricut. He wore it proudly to daycare.

🏌️‍♂️ BIRTHDAY PARTY

His birthday party was a rollercoaster of emotions — the kind that leaves you smiling, exhausted, and maybe a little teary by the end. It was something truly special to see so many loved ones, both family and friends, come together just to celebrate him. I felt so grateful for everyone who showed up — even those who sacrificed a lazy morning or some much-needed rest to be there. It meant more than they probably realize.

I did my best to make sure there was something for everyone. For the little ones his age, I brought along a bubble machine and a mini ball pit — both huge hits. For the older kids, we had golf-themed games to keep the “Hole in One” fun going. And yes, we even lugged his high chair all the way to the park pavilion so he could eat safely and enjoy his cupcake — messy, happy, and completely in his element.

It was perfect — not because everything went according to plan, but because it was ours. Surrounded by people who love him, celebrating a year that changed my heart forever.

• Personalized golf outfit: This adorable set stole the show — even without the suspenders.

• Parent shirts: Caddie Daddy & Caddie Mama — because we were part of the team too.

• Felt board sign: We made ours say “WELCOME CADDIES TO MAX’S 1ST BIRTHDAY PARTEE!”

• Golf games: Putting mat, plastic clubs, and foam balls kept the older kids entertained.

• Partyware: This set had everything — plates, napkins, utensils, the works.

• Candle: Simple and sweet.

• Chair banner: Adorable, but don’t forget the tape — tying it was a full-on battle.

• Monthly photo banner: One of my favorite touches. Seeing the growth from month one to twelve always gets me.

🎈 BIRTHDAY PARTY FAIL — AKA THE GREAT BALLOON DISASTER

I had a vision. A Pinterest-worthy vision. It did not come to life.

I ordered a giant mosaic number one frame with all the confidence in the world. I had balloons in the perfect colors, a pump ready to go, and dreams of this gorgeous centerpiece.

Reality: I was up the night before the party surrounded by deflating balloons, confetti in my hair, and a board that was falling apart. The balloons wouldn’t stay in place, I couldn’t figure out spacing, and I may or may not have cried over it.

In the end, I gave up and told myself the mosaic balloon frame was a “modern art statement.” 10/10 do not recommend attempting balloon engineering the night before a party.

This was before all of them started popping out.

Final Thoughts

Despite the hiccups (and the balloon trauma), it was a perfect day. My son won’t remember it, but when I look back on those photos — the laughter, the chaos, the frosting-covered cheeks — I know he’ll see how loved he was.

Because that’s what this milestone is really about — celebrating one year of growing, learning, and loving each other. Everything else is just sprinkles on the smash cake.

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