It’s your little one’s first birthday. No doubt, you want to make it special. And for that, you need to decide on a party menu that’s not only both fun and delicious, but also comes together in a snap. Falling short of ideas? We’ll give you some ideas and recipes that are sure to impress and are fuss-free to prepare. But before we dive into that, let’s offer you a few tips that will make your menu planning easier.

When it comes to kids’ party foods, the smaller the better. Bite-sized items that kids can easily lift with their tiny fingers and pop in their mouth are almost always guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, it helps to keep the wastage and mess to a minimum.

At the same time, don’t forget the adults. Most likely, your little guests will be accompanied by their parents. So, it’s a good idea to have something that will make them happy as well.

That said, here are 5 no-fail foods that will delight the young and old alike at your child’s first birthday party.

1. Sandwiches

You can never go wrong with sandwiches. You can build them up with an array of tasty fillings, cut them into a whole range of different shapes, and serve them either hot or cold. Plus, they are an incredibly easy make-ahead dish that won’t have you huffing and puffing in the kitchen till the very last minute. While you can — and should prepare your filling of choice the night before — it’s best to assemble them a few hours before the party starts. That way the bread won’t be soggy.

2. Cake Pops

Cake crumbs rolled into little balls and coated with chocolate and frosting are the perfect mini versions of your bub’s birthday cake. These take literally minutes to put together if you’re already baking a cake and are one of the most convenient desserts for kids to enjoy while they are running around and having fun.

3. Fairy Bread Pinwheels

This is a simple twist on the classic kids’ party favourite. All you have to do is drizzle some generously buttered toast with colourful sprinkles — just like a regular fairy bread — and smear some cream cheese in the centre, roll them up and cut them into 2 inch circles before serving. Voila!

4. Mini Pizza Pockets

Everyone loves pizza, but if you can recreate the same flavours and textures with a snack that kids can easily grab and eat without the cheese or the toppings falling off, extra points to you. This is where these mini pizza pockets win the deal. You can fill them up with anything you fancy, from different types of cheeses, pepperoni and ham to mushrooms, chicken, and veggies…the list is endless. If you make the dough ahead of time, you can whip up these tasty bites in less than 30 minutes.

5. Pigs in a Blanket

These bacon-wrapped sausages are a party classic for reason. Not only do they make a quick appetizer, but are totally delicious and fun to eat. Fair warning though: If you do make these, you may want to make extra helpings as they are likely to be polished off before everything else!

Whether you’re tackling the job of making the party food on your own or hiring a catering in Sydney, knowing these tips will help you throw a kids’ party with much less stress.