20+ Best Gifts 1 Year Olds That Parents & Kids Will Love

There is a wide range of options when it comes to the best gifts 1 year olds which can cause many people confusion. If you are searching for a specific list with top-pick choices only, you are in the right place!

What’s A Good Present For A 1-Year-Old?

A good present for a 1-year-old should be engaging, age-appropriate, and stimulate their developing senses and motor skills. Here are some types of the best gifts for infants that are ideal for a 1-year-old:

Outdoor Toys: If the child has outdoor space to play, consider gifts like a small slide, swing, or ride-on toy. These best gifts 1 year olds encourage physical activity and exploration of the environment.
Stacking and Nesting Toys: Toys that involve stacking, nesting, and sorting are great for promoting hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and cognitive development. Look for sets of colorful blocks, cups, or rings that can be stacked or nested together.
Shape Sorters: Shape sorters help toddlers learn about shapes, colors, and spatial awareness. Choose a shape sorter with large, easy-to-grasp shapes and a corresponding sorting container.
Activity Toys: Activity centers or cubes with various interactive elements like buttons, levers, and knobs can keep a 1-year-old engaged for extended periods. These best gifts 1 year olds encourage exploration, problem-solving, and sensory development.
Books: Board books with simple stories, bright illustrations, and tactile elements are perfect for introducing babies to the joy of reading. Choose books with sturdy pages that can withstand rough handling.
Musical Instruments: Musical toys like drums, xylophones, or rattles allow children to explore rhythm, sound, and coordination. They’re also great for fostering creativity and self-expression.

In case you want to look for the best gift ideas for 1 year olds for special occasions, here are some blogs that will be helpful:

20+ Best Gifts 1 Year Olds That You Should Consider For For Boys & Girls

Now, let’s dive in and discover the 20 best gift ideas for 1-year-olds that are both fun and beneficial for their development. These are all the top picks that we have filtered out for you based on their gender:

Best Gifts For 1 Year Olds Boy

To begin with, we have come up with some of the best 1 year olds gifts for boys that are both fun and beneficial for their development. Here are the popular gifts that we have picked:

Push and Pull Toys: Toys that can be pushed or pulled along as the child walks, such as a sturdy wooden wagon or a colorful animal on wheels, are excellent for encouraging mobility and coordination.
Shape Sorter: A shape sorter toy with large, colorful shapes and corresponding holes helps develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and shape recognition.
Activity Cube: An activity cube with various interactive features like buttons, levers, and sliders as one of the best gifts 1 year olds provides endless entertainment and encourages sensory exploration and fine motor development.
Ride-On Toy: A ride-on toy, such as a stable and durable ride-on car or animal, fosters gross motor skills, balance, and coordination while providing fun and excitement.
Musical Instruments Set: Introduce the joy of music with a set of musical instruments like a colorful xylophone, drum, or shaker, allowing the child to experiment with rhythm, sound, and movement.
Outdoor Play Equipment: Outdoor toys like a toddler-sized slide, swing set, or climbing structure as the best gifts for 1 year olds boy offer opportunities for active play, exploration, and fresh air, promoting physical development and sensory stimulation.
Soft Plush Toy: A soft and cuddly plush toy, such as a stuffed animal or character from a favorite story, provides comfort, companionship, and imaginative play.
Board Books: Sturdy board books with simple stories, bright illustrations, and tactile elements like lift-the-flap or touch-and-feel features are perfect for engaging young minds and fostering a love of reading.
Ball Pit with Balls: A portable ball pit filled with colorful balls provides endless hours of sensory and active play, encouraging crawling, reaching, and tactile exploration.
Personalized Name Puzzle: A personalized wooden name puzzle featuring the child’s name helps promote name recognition, letter awareness, and fine motor skills, making it both educational and meaningful.

Best Gifts For 1 Year Olds Girl

As for the girls, we also have some best gift ideas for 1 year olds that are not only entertaining but also support the cognitive, physical, and social development of 1-year-old girls, making them ideal choices for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions:

Soft Doll: A soft and cuddly doll is perfect for imaginative play and nurturing activities, fostering empathy and social skills.
Stacking Rings: Colorful stacking rings with a sturdy base encourage hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and spatial awareness.
Musical Activity Toy: An interactive musical toy with buttons, lights, and sounds as one of the best gifts for 1 year olds girl can stimulate auditory and sensory development while providing hours of entertainment.
Shape Sorter: A shape-sorter toy with large, easy-to-grasp shapes and corresponding holes promotes fine motor skills, shape recognition, and cognitive development.
Activity Walker: An activity walker with engaging toys, buttons, and activities supports early walking skills and provides opportunities for exploration and play.
Board Books Set: A set of board books featuring vibrant illustrations, simple stories, and interactive elements like textures or flaps introduces the joy of reading and language development.
Pretend Play Kitchen Set: A pretend play kitchen set with pots, pans, utensils, and play food encourages imaginative play, role-playing, and creative storytelling.
Soft Play Mat: A soft and colorful play mat as one of the best gifts 1 year olds provides a safe and comfortable space for active play, tummy time, and exploration, featuring stimulating textures, patterns, and activities.
Nesting and Stacking Toys: Nesting and stacking toys with different sizes, colors, and textures promote fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities.
Ball Pit with Balls: A portable ball pit filled with colorful balls offers sensory stimulation, encourages gross motor skills, and provides endless fun for active playtime.

Should And Shouldn’t When Choosing Best Best 1 Year Olds Gifts

Tips to choose the best 1 year old gifts

When choosing the best gifts 1 year olds, there are several factors to consider to ensure that the gift is safe, age-appropriate, and enjoyable. Here are some “should” and “shouldn’t” guidelines to keep in mind:

Should:

Consider Safety: Choose gifts that are safe for 1-year-olds and free from small parts or choking hazards. Look for toys that meet safety standards and are made from non-toxic materials.
Choose Age-Appropriate Toys: Select toys that are suitable for a child’s developmental stage and abilities. Look for toys labeled as appropriate for 1-year-olds or recommended for ages 12 months and up.
Promote Development: Opt for the best gifts 1 year olds that encourage sensory exploration, fine and gross motor skills development, cognitive growth, and social interaction. Choose toys that provide opportunities for learning and exploration.
Select Durable Toys: Invest in toys that are well-made and durable to withstand rough play and regular use. Choose toys with sturdy construction and quality materials that will last.
Consider Versatility: Look for toys that offer multiple ways to play or can be used in different ways. Versatile toys that grow with the child or can be adapted for different stages of development provide long-lasting value.

Shouldn’t:

Avoid Small Parts: Avoid toys with small parts or components that could pose a choking hazard for young children. Check for any loose or detachable parts that could be easily swallowed.
Steer Clear of Toxic Materials: Avoid toys made from materials that may contain harmful chemicals or toxins. Choose toys made from safe and non-toxic materials, especially for items that will be put in the child’s mouth.
Avoid Loud or Startling Toys: Steer clear of toys that produce loud noises or sudden movements that may scare or startle a young child. Opt for the best gifts 1 year olds with gentle sounds and movements that are soothing.
Skip Complex Toys: Avoid toys that are overly complex or have intricate parts that may frustrate or overwhelm a 1-year-old. Choose toys that are simple, easy to use, and engaging without being too complicated.
Don’t Forget About Safety Features: Avoid toys with sharp edges, rough surfaces, or potential pinch points that could cause injuries. Check for any safety features or precautions recommended by the manufacturer.

By following these guidelines, you can choose the best gifts 1 year olds that are safe, age-appropriate, and promote their development and enjoyment. Always prioritize the child’s safety and well-being when selecting gifts, and consider their interests and preferences for a truly thoughtful and meaningful present.