Smash cakes may be fun, but the best gifts for 1-year-olds last a bit longer than 30 seconds—and hopefully don’t immediately wind up in the trash. It’s also true that formalities and filters aren’t of great concern for soon-to-be toddlers, which means they make impeccable judges of holiday and first-birthday presents. Here’s everything you need to know about gifting for youngins, plus 41 no-fail options for kids (and parents) of any stripe.
What do 1-year-olds play with?
Developmental toys—ones with plenty of moving parts, bright colors, and sensory feedback—are ideal for promoting fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, making them great gifts for toddlers. Easy puzzles, musical instruments, play tables, and busy boxes are all winners, but there’s no one “best” toy for playtime, so go with your gut.
The type of toy you pick is less important than how kids play with it, according to a 2019 clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics. “The most educational toy is one that fosters interactions between caregivers and children in supportive, unconditional play,” the authors conclude. “Choose toys that will grow with the child, foster interactions with caregivers, encourage exploration and problem-solving, and spark the child’s imagination.”
What can you buy a 1-year-old besides toys?
If the kids in your life are already swimming in learning toys, you can still treat them to children’s books, cute clothing and shoes, and playroom supplies like tiny furniture and blankets. Age-appropriate snacks also make great affordable gifts.
And while you really can’t go wrong with something colorful and drool-friendly for the little tyke, you’re also very much gifting the parents who are coping with early-stage toddlerhood—so hook them up with feeding supplies, car seats, and baby monitors. (We’d also suggest peeping the best gifts for women and presents for husbandsconsidering new parents need all the pampering they can get right now.)
Ahead, you’ll find educational toys that are ideal for learning, personalized baby giftsnot-too-kitschy Christmas stocking stuffers, and unique birthday finds that aren’t toys—like practical baby gear and a few new mom gifts that will make parents’ and caretakers’ lives easier. From trusted brands like Melissa & Doug to new favorites from Lovevery and Doona, shop our edit of the best gifts for one-year-olds. (BTW, we also rounded up the best baby gifts and the best gifts for 2-year-olds if you’ve got a few more littles on your list.)
Our top picks
- Most Popular: Manhattan Toy Musical Lili Llama$49
- Best Personalized Gift: BusyPuzzle Custom Wooden Busy Board, $29
- Best Unique Stocking Stuffer: Liewood Thomas Silicone Phone$20
- Best Toy Doll: Manhattan Toy Harper Playdate Friends$26
- Best for Bonding Experiences: Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Play Table$30
- Best Toy for Imaginative Play: Fisher-Price Medical Toy Set$19
- Best Developmental Gift: Wonder & Wise Baby Activity Walker$124
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