Beyond the Cake: Creative Ideas for Unique First Birthday Sessions

When you think of a first birthday session, you probably picture the classic cake smash—colorful frosting, a cute backdrop, and a very happy (and messy!) one-year-old. While we LOVE a traditional cake smash, who says you have to stick to cake?

At Kate Buckles Photography, we encourage families to think outside the box and create a session that truly reflects your little one’s personality.

Here are some fun, unique ideas to make your baby’s first birthday photos stand out:

🍟 1. Fast Food Fun

Does your baby light up at the sight of fries? (Let’s be honest, whose doesn’t?) Instead of a cake, bring in a tray of mini burgers, chicken nuggets, or a pile of fries for them to dig into. Add a cute backdrop inspired by their favorite fast food joint, and you’ve got a playful twist that’s guaranteed to make everyone smile.

🍓 2. Berry Sweet Bash

For a fresher take, skip the cake and let your little one dive into a bowl of juicy strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. This idea is colorful, natural, and perfect for babies who might not love sweets but still want something fun to explore (and smash!).

🍪 3. Cookie Monster Madness

Stack up cookies—chocolate chip, frosted, or even giant cookies—and let your baby crumble and munch their way through. Pair it with a Cookie Monster-inspired backdrop for extra cuteness!

🥞 4. Pancake (or Waffle!) Party

A breakfast lover’s dream! A tower of pancakes or waffles topped with fruit and syrup makes for an adorable smash alternative. Add some mini balloons and cozy props for a morning-inspired setup.

🍉 5. Watermelon Wonder

For a summer birthday, a juicy watermelon smash is bright, fun, and photogenic. The vibrant colors pop in photos, and babies love the sweet taste (and the mess)!

🌈 Make It Personal

The best part? These sessions are all about your baby. Whether you go with cake or something totally unexpected, we’ll design a setup that’s playful, unique, and perfectly tailored to your little one.

💌 Let’s Create Something Unforgettable

Your baby’s first birthday deserves to be celebrated in a way that’s as unique as they are. Whether you choose a traditional cake smash or a fun twist like fast food, berries, or cookies, we’ll capture the joy, the mess, and the magic of this milestone.

📅 Contact us today to plan your custom session! Book HERE!