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It’s nothing short of amazing to watch a 1-year-old become more and more themselves every day. Their unique personality and quirks begin to shine through, and even though we’ve known them since they were born, we can begin to really see who they are. 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. It’s not on them – learning a language is hard! – 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?!)
So 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. They may not know what they want, but we’re certain they’ll like our 1-year-old gift picks!
This fun-filled, beautifully designed learning toy is a perfect addition to any toddler’s play. Four quadrants feature nature-themed activities perfect for busy hands and developing fine motor skills!
More:The Absolute Best Toys of the Year
They may not be ready for their first bicycle, but you can get them started on the core motor skills they’ll need with this absolutely adorable ride-on toy, available in a variety of colors.
They may not quite have the core strength for a traditional rocking toy just yet, but this adorable giraffe, with its plush seat, is a perfect first rocker. And with a weight capacity of 88 pounds, it will last them well past 1 year old.
We love this toy as a gift for 1-year-olds for a few reasons. For one, it’s a great way to encourage your little one to develop musical interest and ability through play. For another thing: Just look at it! How cute is this little llama? It’s room decor as entertainment — do it for the ‘Gram!
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 gift for 1-year-olds fun, but it also encourages dexterity and hand-eye coordination and begins to teach cause and effect.
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 when they’re a little older. Two-level volume control means your little Mozart can practice whenever they want without disturbing your Zoom meeting.
This indoor/outdoor climber playset might be compact, but it doesn’t fall short on play. It’s action-packed with loads of play options: a slide, climbing steps with easy-grab stair handles, and a collapsible crawling tunnel with peek-a-boo windows. The best part? It all disassembles and packs away for easy storage and transport, making it the perfect gift for those who live in an apartment or are short on space.
With six functions for your little learner, a push of a button will teach them the alphabet, numbers, colors and entertain them with lights and music. This little cube is a favorite on Amazon, with thousands of overwhelmingly positive reviews.
Whether inside or outdoors, these durable, easy to assemble pieces connect to one another for a maze of imagination and fun. Whether your child is playing make-believe or just resting in a tent with a teddy, this is the perfect play spot that they’ll enjoy for years to come.
The real question is: Do they come in adult sizes?
Back when I was a kid, heading to a play area with a ball pit was the most exciting thing I could hope for in any given week. Babies these days can experience that thrill every day with this adorable memory foam ball pit. Easy to clean (because 1-year-olds) and sure to be a hit for a long time.
This activity and music filled little doorway 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. More than 200 songs enhance the experience of helping your little one learn about colors, shapes, weather, and more.
Hand-eye coordination and the ability to problem solve don’t just magically happen one day: They take practice. But practice doesn’t have to be boring! This neat Montessori toy will encourage your child to develop both of these crucial skills.
This 3-in-1 toy has a xylophone, number puzzle, and pounding toy, all of which are educational and fun to play with. It’s also just too cute!
Whether your child is walking, crawling, or happy to sit, this toy is the perfect gift for 1-year-olds. With lots of activities to keep them entertained, they’ll love pushing buttons (don’t they always?) and learning colors, shapes, and animal sounds.
Many of us probably remember this toy from our own childhoods, and 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.
Melissa & Doug ‘What Should I Wear?’ Soft Activity Baby Book
Your little one will have fun moving their doll through the cloth pages of this book deciding… what should they wear? A grass skirt? A bathing suit? A parka? Not only does this toy help develop vocabulary and hand-eye coordination but imaginative play and a love of books.
This is the perfect gift for 1-year-olds who have outgrown the baby swing. 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.
Little Tikes Fish n Splash Water Table
No matter what your child is doing, if you bring them anywhere near a water table they’re going to want to stop whatever they’re doing and start splashing. This gift will entertain your 1-year-old not just for hours but years.
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. Suitable for indoor or outdoor play. Also: look at it! How charming is this?
Your little one will love creating music with their own hands and feet. Maybe you will, too. We don’t judge — we all loved that iconic scene in Big.
Each key makes its own note in one of eight different instrument sounds. As they grow older, they can enjoy the toy’s more sophisticated features, like “recording,” which will play back their latest song.
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