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Best Gifts for a 1-Year-Old

Finding the perfect gift for a 1-year-old can be challenging! Check out our curated list of the best toys and gifts that encourage learning, play, and development.
Blog Cover Best gifts for 1-year-olds –

Introduction

Choosing the perfect gift for a 1-year-old can be both exciting and overwhelming. At this stage, babies are curious and in the process of developing motor skills. Their curious minds love exploring the world around them. 

What would make them giggle with joy? What could keep them engaged for hours? Whether you’re searching for the best gifts for a 1-year-old boy or best gifts for a 1-year-old girl, this list covers a variety of engaging and educational options that encourage growth and development.

15 Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds

Are you finding age-appropriate gifts that ensure both safety and entertainment. Look no further!

Here are 15 amazing gift ideas that will keep little ones engaged and happy.

Walker

Watching a baby take their first steps is a magical moment! A sturdy baby walker provides the support they need to gain confidence and mobility. Its playful lights and sounds makes it one of the best gifts for a 1-year-old boy’s or 1-year-old girl’s birthday.

Wooden baby push walker with toy cleaning tools and wheels.

Sortable Shapes

Who doesn’t love puzzles? Shape sorters introduce toddlers to problem-solving, fine motor skills and color recognition. They help kids develop hand-eye coordination while having loads of fun fitting the right shapes into the correct slots!

Wooden activity cube toy with hammer

Wooden Stacks

Wooden stacking toys offer endless fun while improving thinking abilities. These toys teach kids about sizes and sequences, making them a creative and educational choice.

Colorful stacking rings baby toy with various textures.
Pastel-colored stacking and nesting toy with embossed designs.

Musical Instruments

Is your little one always banging on tables or clapping their hands? A baby drum or xylophone will let them explore rhythm and sound. Musical toys encourage auditory development and can be a great bonding activity for parents and toddlers.

Wooden musical instrument set for kids with xylophone and more.

Soft Building Blocks

Unlike traditional hard blocks, these soft, squishy versions are safe for tiny hands and mouths. Babies can stack, squeeze, and explore textures while strengthening their grip and creativity.

Colorful wooden building block playset with interactive pieces.

Sensory Balls

Bright colors, different textures, and easy-to-grab designs make sensory balls a fantastic gift. They enhance tactile development and motor coordination, keeping little ones engaged and curious.

Colorful textured sensory balls for babies and toddlers.

Riding Toys

A small ride-on car, animal rocker, or push bike is an exciting way for toddlers to improve balance and coordination while having endless fun. These are among the best gifts for a 1-year-old, encouraging physical activity and exploration

Black balance bike with brown seat and durable rubber tires.
White unicorn ride-on toy with pink and orange accents, featuring fun star decorations.

Bath Toys

Turn bath time into playtime! Floating rubber animals, squirting toys, and colorful bath books make water play more enjoyable . These bath toys will encourage sensory exploration and hand-eye coordination with bath time fun

Smiling blue whale bath toy spraying water with LED lights
Floating baby bath toys in clear spheres with cute animal designs

Baby Clothes

Looking for a practical yet thoughtful gift? Soft, comfy, and stylish baby clothes are always a great option. You can also get them personalized with your baby’s name. Try gifting cozy pajamas, cute baby outfits to make your baby’s GRWM extra adorable. 

Baby in striped "Milk Club" shirt holding hands for support

Personalized Toys

Just imagine the joy when a baby sees a toy. You can give customized name puzzles, plush toys, or storybooks to create a special connection. These can be kept as a cherish able memory making it the perfect pick for both boys and girls!

Personalized wooden puzzles with fire truck and butterfly.
Personalized plush dragon toys in blue and green colors.
Personalized wooden musical toys, including maracas and tambourines.

Ball Pits

Who wouldn’t love diving into a pool of colorful balls? A mini ball pit is a safe and exciting space for toddlers to develop motor skills, sensory play, and social interaction. This effortless playing area will keep your baby happy and engaged for the day.

Colorful kids' ball pit playpen with mesh sides and storage bag.

Baby Rocker

A gentle rocking motion can calm even the fussiest babies. Rockers provide comfort, support, and relaxation. There are various features making them a wonderful gift that parents will appreciate just as much as the baby.

Black and white baby bouncer with wooden base and toy bar.

Teething Rings

Baby Teething can be tough! You can get rid of constant thumb sucking by getting your baby a jelly teething ring. Soft, chewable teething rings provide relief for sore gums while improving oral development. Make sure to look for BPA-free and non-toxic options for safety.

Soft silicone and wooden baby teether ring in neutral colors.

Cradle

A cozy cradle is a thoughtful gift that ensures a comfortable and secure sleeping space for babies and younger toddlers. It will give a cozy and snuggly corner for restful sleep while adding a stylish and cute touch to the nursery.

Grey baby cradle with a retractable canopy and storage shelf.

Indoor Swings

Why wait for the playground when you can bring the fun indoors? An indoor swing provides entertainment while improving balance and coordination. Thus,making it a fantastic gift for active toddlers.

Colorful baby swing set with a safety seat

Kinetic Sand Games

Soft, moldable kinetic sand is a unique sensory experience that encourages creativity and finely develops motor skills. This can be for a little older toddlers but with proper supervised play this is a fascinating, mess-free option.

Kinetic Sand playset with colorful sand,

Conclusion

Selecting the best gifts for a 1-year-old means finding something fun, safe, and developmentally enriching. Whether you’re shopping for the best gifts for a 1-year-old boy’s birthday or 1-year-old girl’s birthday, these gifts will surely get an ear to ear smile on your toddler’s face.

What will you pick to bring a big smile to the little one’s face?

FAQs

A walker, any personalized toy, or sensory balls are good to go choices that encourage learning and development while ensuring fun for your toddlers.

Yes! Wooden toys made from non-toxic materials with smooth edges. They offer  durability and safety and are one of the best gifts for a 1-year-old.

For choosing gender neutral gifts, you can look for gifts like bath toys, ball pits, soft building blocks, and musical instruments.

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