Gifts for 1 Year Olds – 10 Options for Boys or Girls
Shopping for a 1 year old? It’s wise to think about what developmental milestones they’re hitting when picking toys and gifts. Here’s what we’re buying!
Image from Toki Mats
There’s something extra special about a first birthday. It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping for your own child, a niece or nephew or friend’s baby, getting a gift to commemorate that first magical year can be really exciting. However, it’s also wise to make sure the gift your giving is age-appropriate.
Since a babies tend to hit milestones at different times, let’s look at what a one year old’s mind and body may be doing.
Child Development at 1 Year Old
If your one year old isn’t yet on the move, they will be soon!
Providing gifts that help with walking can be really helpful. For example, soft soled shoes that let little toes grip the floor for balance, walkers that provide the stability needed for babies to stand up on their own and ride-on toys that help strengthen core muscles.
Around this time, hand-eye coordination is getting better so you can encourage these skills by giving toys that stimulate senses, like stackers, hammer and ball boxes, books and sensory balls.
Since they’re still mastering balance, toys like a classic climbing triangle or soft cushy mat can be great for them to safely hang upside down, roll around and work on their coordination.
You also can’t go wrong with insanely soft pajamas or a personalized gift. (More on these soon!)
Best toys and gifts for 1 year olds
Whether you’re shopping for a Christmas gift or a birthday present idea for a 1 year old, here are some of our gift recommendations for play time:
- Ride on toy
- Book
- Play mat
- Baby walker or pull toy
- Personalized jean jacket
- Climbing triangle
- Stacking cups
- Pima cotton PJs
- Play & Learn set
- Soft leather sole shoes
Scroll down to see the options we’ve pulled for each of these gift ideas and shop below!
Ambosstoys PRIMO Special Ride On Toy
Ride on toys are a great way to strengthen leg muscles, introduce the concept of steering and promote active play.
Ideal for 1 to 5 year olds and available in more colors, this special edition option from Ambosstoys is a tried and trusted tot parent favorite!
Ambosstoys PRIMO Special Ride On Toy
$249
Available in more colors
The Story Orchestra – The Sleeping Beauty Book
Your tot’s bedtime routine is about to get extra special thanks to The Story Orchestra.
As you and your little one read through each enchanting scene from the classic ballet, you will press the buttons on each page to hear the vivid sound of an orchestra playing from Tchaikovsky’s score.
The Story Orchestra – The Sleeping Beauty
$24.99
Toki Mats Rainbow Watercolor Playmat
Since most one year olds are just finding their feet, you can’t go wrong with a cushy playmat!
Incredibly versatile, the playmats we love from Toki can be used for doing yoga, gymnastics, reading, napping, playing with figurines, under a climbing triangle and more!
Toki Mats Rainbow Watercolor Playmat
Ranging from $165 to $275
Available in more prints
Bajo Baby Walker
A great way to encourage walking is by providing a solid baby walker like this sleek option from Bajo.
Designed to give your tot just the right amount of support they need to stay steady on their feet, it also transitions into a wagon making it a toy that will grow with your child!
Bajo Baby Walker
$175
EXCLUSIVE
Babai Pull-Go Ship
Made from FSC-certified Ashwood and coated with water-based paint, the classic Babai Pull-Go Ship is a must-have for toddlers honing their hand-eye coordination and balance. Recommended for use from 18 months, it’s a toy that can be played with in a variety of ways!
Babai Pull-Go Ship
$31.99
Available in more colors
Levi’s Baby/ Toddler/ Big Kid Personalized Denim Jacket
We know. It’s almost too cute to handle!
If you want to add a personal touch to your gift giving, you’re going to want to know all about our Levi’s Personalized Denim Jackets. We even have them for adults too!
Levi’s Baby/ Toddler/ Big Kid Personalized Denim Jacket
$99
EXCLUSIVE
Lily & River Birch Wood Climber
Climbing is a natural instinct and believe it or not, babies can actually do it from a very young age! The Lily & River Climber is a fantastic first birthday gift because babies will love playing solo or with friends all while strengthening both their larger muscles and smaller ligaments.
The best part: As they get older, they can drape a sheet over it and use it as a fort or incorporate it into a magical game of make-believe.
Lily & River Birch Wood Climber
Ranging from $350 to $533.95
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors and bamboo
Mushie Stacking Cups
While these cups might look straightforward, they actually offer a lot of different ways to play!
Try them:
- In the water – the different holes allow water to flow out at different speeds
- In the sand – your tot’s multi-level sand castle is just BEGGING to be built
- In the backyard – your tot can classify different nature objects!
- At the arts & crafts table – for stamping play dough or sorting googly eyes
Mushie Stacking Cups
$14.99
HART + LAND Pima Cotton PJS
Soft, cozy and chemical-free PJs are a must when you’re one.
Stylish enough for play dates, these adorable printed footed pima cotton bodysuits from HART + LAND are easy to snap down the front and offer cute and convenient living!
HART + LAND Baby/Toddler Pima Cotton Footed PJ Bodysuit – Banana Leaves
$40
EXCLUSIVE
HART + LAND Baby/Toddler Pima Cotton Footed PJ Bodysuit – Bugs
$40
EXCLUSIVE
The Tot Play & Learn Set (12 – 18 months)
The 12 – 18 month Tot Play & Learn Set was created by an early learning educator to help babies reach important developmental milestones.
Consisting of a booklet packed full of activity ideas and helpful advice, this set also includes six toys that can be played with in a variety of ways.
The Tot Play & Learn Set 12 – 18 Months
$150
EXCLUSIVE
Consciously Baby Soft Sole Leather Boots
When it comes to choosing shoes for babies, opting for soft yet durable leather is always a good choice! Specifically designed to allow little developing feet to freely grip the ground, these cute leather boots from Consciously Baby will protect your tot from the elements, while also keeping them in style!
Consciously Baby Soft Sole Leather Boots
$50
Having a first birthday? Need photo props?
Since there’s pretty much nothing cuter than first birthday smiles, we are ALL ABOUT these first birthday props from Storybook Goods!
Storybook Goods Periwinkle Party Set
$110
Available in more colors
Storybook Goods Preppy Pink Party Set
$110
Available in more colors
Continue exploring
- Love a good pajama party? Visit The Tot Pajama Shop to find looks for the whole family.
- What we’re reading: Encouraging Healthy Gender Roles In Children