It’s nothing short of amazing to watch a 1-year-old’s unique personality and quirks shine with each passing day. Yes, they’re still babies by basically any definition, but every time we turn around, they’ve learned something new… which is cute when they learn to say “mama” and less cute when they learn to climb out of their crib. One thing they’re not so good at – and won’t be for a while – is telling us what gifts they want. Seriously, if we’re lucky, they’ve got about a five-word vocabulary at this point, so it’s not on them, but it’s still a problem for those of us who want to shower them with gifts. (And who amongst us doesn’t want to give them all the gifts?!)
Don’t worry: We’ve compiled a list of the best gifts for 1-year-olds, from throwback winners to award-winning contemporary favorites. We wanted to make sure we checked all the boxes: educational, durable, and most importantly, toys that will provide hours (or even years) of fun for your little one. Because they may not know what they want, but they certainly know what they like!
From the whimsical Manhattan Toy Company, the Tree Top Adventure wooden activity center is a fun-filled, beautifully designed learning toy that’s a perfect addition to any toddler’s play. Four quadrants feature a variety of plant- and animal-themed activities perfect for busy hands and developing fine motor skills!
This toddler-sized home is the perfect place for your 1-year-old to play make-believe. See who’s at the door, what’s in the mailbox, or what you can whip up in the kitchen. Buttons, lights, sounds, and more than 200 songs enhance the experience of helping your little one learn about colors, shapes, weather, and more.
Once they hammer down four brightly-colored balls into the maze, your child will be hypnotized watching them zig-zag along before rolling out — and then the fun starts over again.
Not only is this toy fun, but it also encourages dexterity and hand-eye coordination and begins to teach cause and effect.
We can all agree that activity blocks were the best part of any waiting room as a kid. A classic gift for 1-year-olds, this set comes with 10 different features and games that will encourage imagination, collaboration, education, and fun.
From bead mazes to a fishing game, this toy will grow with your child and provide hours of entertainment.
This adorable piano is made from wood and features touch technology, no buttons or keys required! Two different modes allow your child to create their own melodies or play along with color-coded “sheets” of classical music. Two-level volume control means your little Mozart can practice whenever they want without disturbing your Zoom meeting.
This set is a great introduction to the world of LEGO for the littlest builders. A floating “island” comes with a lion, flamingo, octopus, and a fish — to make getting clean the perfect time to let their imagination wander, or just have fun watching their new animal friends float.
There’s a pretty good chance that you, too, remember having this toy as a kid: It’s been a nursery classic since 1961! The smiling face and old-fashioned dial on the telephone encourage imaginative play. The “pull-along” lead encourages walking and gross motor skills. Versatile in its simplicity, baby will be playing with this for years to come.
This is the perfect gift for 1-year-olds who have outgrown the baby swing but aren’t done swinging. This classic design from Little Tikes is indoor/outdoor safe and comes with everything you need to install. With a weight capacity of 50 pounds, your kiddo will enjoy this for a long time.
From sorting and rolling to tossing it around and putting the blocks in their mouth, there’s no wrong way to play with this stimulating toddler toy! The perfect gift for one-year-olds who want and need some sensory stimulation.
Winner of multiple critic and parents’ choice awards, the Hape Scoot Around is the perfect ride-on toy to prepare your child to ride a bike by developing motor skills, muscle strength, and balance. Four rubberized wheels are safe for indoor or outdoor play, and the primarily wood frame is durable and safe as it is charming.
Your 1-year-old will imagine fabulous adventures for Little People friends Jack, Tessa, and their puppy in this whimsical treehouse play set … or they’ll just like shooing them down the slide or pushing them on the swing. Either way, this is the kind of toy that can be enjoyed for years!
Many of us probably remember this toy from our own childhoods. It’s just as big of a hit today, which just goes to show that sometimes classics are classic for a reason. The colorful balls and lively sounds will encourage walking and help develop gross motor skills.
It’s never too early to instill a love of reading or science in your little one, and with this charming set of books, you can do both. Children can explore the stars, planets, life, and scientists in vibrant illustrations.
For the kiddo that loves everything with wheels, this set of four plush cars will satisfy their need for speed!
Push them along for a creative play, or pull back on the vehicles to send them zooming across the floor. Perfect for solo playtime or sharing with friends.
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For Skill-building Play
Melissa and Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Grocery Cart
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For Skill-building Play
Melissa and Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Grocery Cart
This cheery wooden grocery cart is filled with fun skill-building activities to inspire imaginative play (and is totally free of any real-life dread that comes with food shopping IRL). This toy allows your little one to sort colorful wooden food shapes through the holes, spin the built-in roller drum for sensory stimulation, and engage in matching games. As they grow, using this push toy will help build their motor skills.
Problem: You want to give your child books to encourage early literacy, but your little slobber-monster chews all their board books into oblivion.
Solution: Chew-proof books! Chew them, tear them, crumple them — it’s all good! Just wash them and hand them back to your little one. Your kiddo will love reading (and nibbling on) these classic nursery rhymes.
Why should Old MacDonald be the only one with a farm?
Your 1-year-old will love taking care of their very own plush chicken, duck, cow, and pig, handily stored in a cute, soft barn carry case. Each animal makes a sound when squeezed or shaken.
Give your toddler an age-appropriate taste of life in the fast lane!
Sounds, songs, and lights enhance the dashboard, complete with gear shift, turn signal, ignition key, horn button, and side mirror. Play at home or attach it to a stroller for on-the-go fun.
Because one baby doll is good, but your child has enough cuddles for six.
All of these hand-sewn and diverse baby dolls are perfectly sized for a toddler’s arms. Plus, they come with removable sack dresses for mix-and-match fun. They’re perfect for sharing at playtime or just pretending you have your own show on TLC.
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Best Book-Subscription Box
Reading Bug Box Reading Bug Box for Babies and Toddlers
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Best Book-Subscription Box
Reading Bug Box Reading Bug Box for Babies and Toddlers
Even toddlers love getting presents in the mail, and with the Reading Bug Box, your 1-year-old will get three to four personally selected books every month. A perfect choice for inspiring young readers and rescuing parents from reading the same book over and over again.
Jamie Kenney is a freelance writer for BestProducts.com; Her other work has appeared on Bustle, Parents, Playboy, McSweeny's Internet Tendency, the Takeout, and Romper, where she covers parenting, news, entertainment, and likes to help readers see the ridiculous (and hilarious) side of motherhood.