We're all familiar with those adorable photos of babies celebrating their first birthdays by turning their very own cakes into finger food. If you're looking for an alternative to your traditional cake smash, we've found 15 options that will put a smile on your birthday boy or girl's face!
Not every baby loves to get coated in frosting — and not all moms and dads love the cleanup that those decadent cake smashes often entail.
Check out these fun and delicious ways to celebrate baby's big milestone that serve as a sweet variation on this yummy birthday rite of passage.
Mangia!
Somebody loves pasta! Looks like Gino is going to need a couple of forks (and friends) to help tackle this ample portion. A spaghetti smash is a fun and delicious way to get sloppy on your big day.
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Watermelon Smash
This adorable little girl looks ready to celebrate with her arms in the air! We love the idea of using a juicy, fresh watermelon in lieu of a cake. It's so sweet and refreshing but good for you at the same time.
Perfect for the Pi Baby
If you've got a baby born on March 14, the perfect dessert is pretty obvious: pie! It seems like this baby would rather play with it than eat it. Silly baby, banana cream pie doesn't belong on your overalls!
Avocado Smash
Della celebrated her first birthday with avocado. Photographer Lyndsey Wright and Della's mom were right there making sure the little girl never got into danger with those giant pits. We love the colors here — so soft and feminine.
Taco Fiesta
Stella's first birthday party had a fiesta theme — in case you couldn't tell. Wish we'd gotten an invitation, because that guacamole looks amazing!
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Cupcake Smash
Look at the joy on this little girl's face! Her bow is pretty spectacular too. Who needs a whole cake when you can have this perfect-sized cupcake? It's just the right size for her hands!
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Gingerbread Smash
What better way to mix up the traditional cake smash around the holidays than with a gingerbread house? This guy looks so serious — perhaps he's a future architect? Photographer Philip Carnevale posed his son for this adorable and festive shoot.
Ice Cream Smash
Scarlett celebrated in style with a luscious-looking ice cream sundae and a fabulous tutu. We love that her party hat resembles an ice cream cone. Too cute!
Popsicle Smash
Bentley is chillin' on his big day with some tasty popsicles. Those have to feel pretty darn good on his gums! Frosty treats make any birthday a bit more special.
BBQ Smash
Babies sucking down BBQ isn't something you see every day, but when you do, it's hilarious! Look at this gal go! Surely, there's a rib-eating contest in her future.
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Fruit Smash
If you're considering a fruit smash, you don't have to limit it to just watermelon. Beckett looks pretty happy with his ripe strawberry. This is a great opportunity to introduce baby to mouthwatering melons and colorful kiwi too.
Christmas Cookie Smash
When your birthday falls around the holidays, it seems only fitting that you enjoy it with some festive and flavorful cookies. Lennie looks like she's loving every minute of it! Her outfit really gets you in the holiday spirit too!
Donut Smash
How sweet is this? We love to see Dallas enjoying his first birthday surrounded by delicious donuts of all sizes. We have to look away before we get too hungry!
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Pancake Smash
Okay, so technically this is still "cake," but pancakes? Yum! Bring on that syrup and let baby get as sticky as he or she wants.
Pumpkin Pie Smash
Spice up baby's first birthday with a pumpkin pie smash. If your little one was born during autumn, this is an idea you could really fall for! (See what we did there?) Full of fiber, pumpkin is a healthy alternative to other dessert options.
