These are the must-have toys and gifts for 1 year olds! From interactive toys and games that fuel their minds and help strengthen their bodies, to the cutest baby clothes to keep them cozy and warm. If it’s adorable, useful, interactive, and made just for a one year old, you’ll find it here.
Any land (or carpet) can become dinoland with the Step2 Dino Rocker. With the anti-tip design, easy grip handles, and friendly face, he makes the ideal gift for 1 year olds.
$34.43
Flora The Bunny Animated Plush
Peek-a-Boo has been enjoyed by babies for generations, and now they can have their own playmate with the plush GUND Flora Bunny, who will play and sing all day long.
$27.98
Little People Caring for Animals Farm Playset
Introduce your little one to the sights and sounds of the farm with the Fisher-Price Farm Playset. With 4 animal figures plus Farmer Jed, there’s SO much to explore.
$26.99
The bright colors and cutest friendly face of this little hedgehog will intrigue 1 year olds as they sort colors and perfect their fine motor skills by sticking the spikes into the holes.
$10.49
Radio Flyer Scoot 2 Scooter Ride On
Two great toys in one, the Scoot 2 Scooter Ride-On can be ridden like a scooter, or converted into a ride-on by flipping the base, and features the iconic Radio Flyer styling.
Prices Vary
If you thought llamas couldn’t get any cuter, think again! This whisper-soft llamacorn is super soft and huggable, and has been blessed with a magical unicorn’s tail, horn, and sparkly rainbow hooves.
$16.48
Fisher-Price Linkimals Smooth Moves Sloth
Babies can’t move around very fast, and neither can sloths! Dancing happily to the music, this little chap will clap his hands as they press the different buttons for light and sound action.
$19.44
With more than 100 possible stories, the Mirari myStorymaker will guide toddlers through tales and adventures as they choose and press the buttons, with pretty lights, and engaging voices and sound effects.
$28.38
Fisher Price Classics Retro Record Player
Add a touch of nostalgia to the toy box with this Fisher-Price Retro Record Player, which plays 10 nursery rhymes (5 records), and comes with a handle so they can carry it everywhere.
$24.80
Building blocks are synonymous with babyhood, and these ones are perfect! These brightly colored cubes are squeezable and squeaky, and will stand up to even the most ardent of nibblers.
$11.95
This activity cube makes a wonderful gift for 1 year olds – there’s so much going on! With 5 sides of brightly-colored fun, tots can slide, drive, and spin their way through playtime.
$56.60
With age-appropriate products in every delivery, your child will enjoy a bi-monthly box that’s filled with toys and activities designed to help them learn through play, from 0 – 24 months.
Prices vary
Available in blue, pink, or red, the Step2 Push Around Buggy is the sleekest sports car your speedster will ever ‘drive’, and comes with a working horn, seat belt, storage, and parent handle.
$49.99
Playskool Sit ‘n Spin Classic Spinning Activity Toy
Spinning is one of life’s most enjoyable activities, especially when you’re one. The Sit ‘n Spin from PlaySkool allows them to spin themselves around and around by pulling and pushing the stationary wheel.
Prices Vary
Thomas & Friends Thomas with Track
With 18 feet of track included, this Thomas engine makes a fun gift for 1 year olds who want a little independence without being able to venture too far or too fast.
$131.91
It’s time to refuel those foot to floor ride-ons, so pull up next to this Cozy Pumper from Little Tikes, which features weatherproof electronic buttons, credit card swipe, and pretend gas pump hose.
$15.99
Pop-a-Balls Push & Pop Bulldozer
They’ll learn all about cause and effect when they push the VTech Push & Pop Bulldozer, as the brightly colored balls pop from the chimney to the bucket as it’s being rolled along.
Prices Vary
The fun is never-ending with this wooden ramp racing set, which allows each of the 4 colored and numbered cars included to drop from one level to the next without stopping.
$21.99
If you’re looking for a 1 year old’s first teddy bear, then look no further than this gorgeous bear from GUND, which is super soft and huggable and measures a substantial 17”.
$19.50
This may be their first rodeo, but it’ll also be the best thanks to this absolutely adorable Rodeo Rocker, which features the cutest little zebra ever taking center stage.
$39.99
Fisher-Price Bounce and Spin Puppy
Bouncing or spinning – whichever your toddler prefers, this little puppy will be happy to oblige! With a comfy saddle and sturdy handles, this musical, educational pup will give them hours of fun.
$44.44
‘Where’s Spot?’ is an absolute classic which has graced the bookshelves of many a library, and now this much-loved book has been given a makeover with colors which bring it to life.
$5.00
Let your 1 year old join in with the mischievous antics of the residents in the zoo as the keeper thinks all of the animals are safely tucked up in their beds.
$6.69
Made from sustainable bamboo fibers and wrapped in biodegradable packaging, this monthly subscription of kind-to-the-skin diapers will make life a lot easier for a 1 year old’s mommy.
Prices vary
They’ll have tons of fun with the Mirari Pop! Pop! Piano as they press the keys to hear the music notes, as well as watch the colored balls popping out of the top.
$29.99
Baby University Alphabet Board Book
If you thought science books were an unsuitable gift for 1 year olds, take a look at these board books which use science, math, space, and physics to teach the ABC.
$29.22
Snuggle time is just made for Peek-a-Boo books, so get comfy with your little one as you read ‘Peek-a-Who?’ to discover which creatures are hiding behind the liftable flaps.
$5.99
Slide out the colorful xylophone to play a little ditty, or keep it in place to hear the notes as the balls are hammered through the holes and land on the instrument below.
$25.98
Toddlers like nothing better than being just like Mommy or Daddy. Let them follow in your footsteps with this cheerful toy vacuum which features lights, colors, counting, and real vacuum sounds.
Prices Vary
Pages can get torn in the hands of an excited tot, but the Lamaze Peek-a-Boo Forest book is made from durable fabric so it will withstand the most vigorous of page-turners.
$10.99
There’ll be lots of laughs in the bath when they see this duo bobbing about in the water. Lightweight and cheerful, the polar bear and penguin are excellent for developing their motor skills.
$7.49
Unlike many books designed for 1 year olds, this version uses only black and white for high contrast pictures which will grab the little one’s attention as they ‘read’.
$7.95
A wonderful introduction to animals, Big Red Barn is a board book which will delight little ones as they listen to the rhyming words which tell the story of life on the farm.
$5.00
Sesame Street Love to Hug Elmo
A hug is one of life’s greatest comforts, whether you're 1 or 101, which is why Love to Hug Elmo makes such a beautiful gift – he sings, he talks, and of course, he cuddles.
$13.97
Little Baby Bum Wheels on The Bus Climber and Slide
If they like Little Bum, they will love the Wheels on the Bus Climber from the popular show – it features a musical dashboard, slide, and an exciting climbable side, too.
$129.99
Fisher-Price Classic Xylophone
This classic xylophone can go everywhere with them, as it comes with an attached cord for pulling it along, and a mallet for striking the keys which is also secured.
$12.79
Teach children the different parts of the body while they also learn about animals with this fun book by Eric Carle, which features beautifully illustrated creatures as they move their heads, necks, and more.
$7.39
LeapFrog Spin and Sing Alphabet Zoo
Never mind the wheel of fortune, THIS spinner is where it’s at! With three modes to choose from, toddlers can spin the wheel to hear sounds, names, or songs when they press the light-up buttons.
$19.99
Not only does Moby look super cute, but he is there to protect tots from getting bath-time bumps and scrapes, too. Once he’s done his job, he can hang by the tail and dry.
$9.59
Baby Shark Melody Shape Sorter
The shape sorter has been brought bang up to date with this musical version which plays Baby Shark when all the creatures are in the right place, or says the name in shape mode.
$19.97
There are surprises galore inside this simple but oh-so-fun picture book, which invites readers to press the dot, tilt, and shake the pages for changing illustrations before their very eyes.
$5.76
Reminiscent of a classic wooden toy, this super cute puppy will follow his master everywhere as your child pulls him along, and makes him sit, stand, and even beg!
$19.42
With three ways to play, this adorable Bright Starts Ford F-150 converts from a baby walker (whole car or dash), to push-along, all with real truck sounds, gear shift, lights, and steering wheel.
$71.00
With content that changes as your baby does, this Smart Stages Piggy Bank includes more than 40 songs and tunes, and colorful coins to deposit which teach numbers, colors, and animals.
Prices Vary
VTech Spin and Learn Color Flashlight
Animals, colors, and numbers are all there at the touch of a button with this flashlight from VTech. With more than 50 songs, sounds, and phrases, it will brighten up playtime no end.
Prices Vary
Even Jim the chimpanzee has bad days, as shown in this wonderfully illustrated book which tells the story of how Jim’s friends try to help him get out of the grumps.
Prices Vary
The learning opportunities are endless when you give your 1 year old this delightful dino. Feed him the colored discs and he’ll recognize the food and the color, and even teach them to count!
Prices Vary
Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon
Sometimes the classic toys are the best, and this iconic Radio Flyer walker flies the traditional red of this enduring favorite, and features house-friendly bumpers and removable side panels.
$59.00
Stack carefully. Knock over. Repeat. Such is the agenda of a one-year old child with a nice collection of big, soft blocks at hand. With the occasional break for eating, getting the diaper changed, and fits of crying and/or laughter. These blocks are big, soft and totally kid safe.
$13.99
On the one hand, this wooden toy is a great lesson in the universal rule of cause and effect. The child makes one peg go down, and another comes up. It’s a fascinating learning experience. On the other hand, it’s really just a blast to hit things.
$13.59
Once you get them this playset, they’ll be set for years. Set it up in the back yard and that lucky one-year old will never know life without a climbing wall, swings, and an entire universe of play, right there waiting for them. Your house will be the go-to neighborhood playdate destination.
$1,599.00
There’s nothing more fun for a kid than taking a jump into the unknown—as long as you, the parent, know that the landing is going to be one hundred percent safe and soft. This little pit of plastic balls will give a one year old hours of fun.
$13.99
So a one-year old is still years away from reading books. That doesn’t matter. Parents have to get them started on the classics as early as possible. And we’re not talking about Shakespeare. We’re talking about the one and only Theodor Seuss Geisel, the best writer of anything ever.
$12.17
Forget the learning, let’s just knock stuff down! Plush bowling is ideal for a one-year old gift because it takes advantage of the innate desire to throw stuff into other stuff so it falls over. Pretty basic—but you have to remember: everything is basic for a one-year old.
$19.99
They’ll take their little cars and follow the lines on this city street carpet, making vroom-vroom noises the whole time. Then when they get older they’ll be able to identify buildings, and they’ll actually understand what they’re doing. Carpets like these last for years, and protect the floors under them, too.
$34.99
This scoot along tricycle is the perfect way to get a little one on the path that eventually leads to a bicycle. No pedals, no balancing, no pressure. They’ll want to get on this adorable little giraffe and zoom around the room with foot power, which will prepare them for pedal power in a couple of years.
$28.19
Mozart could play the violin and keyboard by age five and began composing symphonies at age eight—so what are you waiting for? J/k! This cube will foster the love of music in a child’s heart, while keeping things nice and fun.
$27.80
This basket of fabric vegetable will have them fascinated for years. They’re soft, big, and ready for elaborate feasts of the imagination. It will also get kids used to having vegetable on their plates. Parents of one-year olds, you want to get ahead of the curve on the veggie thing. Trust us.
$25.99
This play house is made of durable plastic that’s equally suited for an indoor playroom or outside in the back yard. Kids can lose themselves in their imaginations in this little house for hours on end. They’ll explore opening and closing doors, playing peekaboo, and much more.
Prices Vary
This walker is just the right height to get a kid who’s on the verge of walking from the falling down stage to taking full steps across the room. The key is to get them distracted, standing, leaning, and playing, and before you know it, they’ll just let go of the walker and then…they’ll be walking.
$79.00
Bath time is the best time. Warm, bubbly, fun. At age one, kids still need their parents with them in the bath tub, and these shapes will make bath time more fun for everyone. They’re totally kid safe, because there’s no doubt that the little one will try to eat them.
Prices Vary
Manhattan Toy Tree Top Adventure Activity Center
Give your little one a tree-mendous gift this year with this super fun Tree Top Adventure activity center. With more activities than they could shake a stick at, this wooden toy is sturdy, colorful, and will stir those little imaginations for great adventures that they can revisit again and again.
$65.99
There’ll be no toil and trouble when toddlers tend to the lawn with this adorable mower, but there will be plenty of bubbles! Little ones can mimic Mom and Dad as they push the mower along, delighting in the sound effects and, even more excitingly, the bubbles that pour forth as they ‘mow’ the garden.
$21.99
Radio Flyer 3-in-1 EZ Folding Wagon
Let your 1 year old hitch a ride in style in the Radio Flyer 3-in-1 folding wagon. With enough seating for your tot and a friend, this wagon allows you to take your little ones on adventures without tiring their little legs by walking on tough terrain, with enough room for cargo as well.
$68.00
Munchkin Bath Fun Bubble Blower Toy
In or out of the tub, this little penguin will bring screeches of laughter and looks of wonder as he blows scores of bubbles into the air. Featuring 10 bubble wands which rotate constantly, bath time can become laugh time as little ones strive to catch those elusive globes of iridescent color.
$11.99
Playskool Chase n Go Ball Popper
If the bright colors on this adorable elephant aren’t enough to attract your child, the exciting popping action certainly will be. Little ones can practice their gross motor skills as they insert the balls into the elephant’s body and watch as they pop right back out, teaching them cause and effect as well.
$32.99
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn 3-in-1 Smart Car
Young drivers can walk, bounce, and ride their way to independence with the cheery looking Laugh & Learn 3-in-1 Smart Car by Fisher-Price. With flashing lights, fun songs and sounds, and multiple buttons and switches to press, this interactive car makes the perfect gift for 1 year olds on the go.
Prices Vary
You can’t beat this toy – actually, you can do just that, because this fabulous set from Vtech is a drum set! With 9 melodies to play along to, young musicians can bash and crash their way to musical stardom as they choose one of the four modes of play which include freestyle and follow-along.
$17.99
Green Toys Car Carrier Vehicle Set Toy
Some toys cost the earth, and we’re not just talking about your hard earned dollars. Green Toys make their toys from 100% recycled plastic, making them better for the environment, and this rugged car carrier is no exception, Perfect for both indoor and outdoor play, this vehicle set comes with lorry and three cars for imaginative play.
$14.99
Ah, life on the farm. This playset includes an entire set of toys that a one-year old will love. From the farmer to the tractor to the crops and all the livestock, there’s years of play packed into this one little set. And it all packs up and it ready to take anywhere, which is a parent’s dream.
$51.99
Parents, listen: you cannot stop them. You cannot control them. You can only hope to contain them. This modular play pen lets you keep your adventurous one-year old in a specific while you do things around the house or yard. As cute as they are, they just can’t really help rake or do dishes.
$117.75
We’re getting the band back together…wait, they’re getting their first band together. This musical set for toddlers has everything the little ones need to get started on a life making music. There’s a xylophone, a drum, and three shakers for the backup dancers.
$29.99
It’s not a doll house. That wouldn’t do it justice. It’s really a doll mansion. This play center has four floors of wonder, eight rooms, and thirty five pieces of furniture to mix and match. This one will grow with a child from age one all the way through elementary school.
Prices Vary
There’s more to this tea set than meets the eye. It’s interactive and educational. That’s what most toys claim, but this one really delivers because it’s very well designed. It comes with songs, asks kids questions, and all parts are durable and snap-fit into their places like they’re supposed to.
$19.66
HABA makes really great toys. They’re all wood and all natural, they don’t need batteries, and all of them serve some developmental or educational purpose. This set of musical eggs will get the little tykes shaking, rattling and rolling all day long.
$35.99
This is an octopus with skills. Hug it, it sings a melody. Squeeze its parts, and it tells you what they are—in English, French, and Spanish. On top of all that, it’s totally cute and cuddly. Get this for a one-year old, and remember: don’t get jealous of the octopus just because it’s smarter than you.
$14.99
Sports fans cannot wait to get their kids involved with their favorite sport. This kit is perfect for the ultimate set up. Line them up, and watch carefully: will your child pick the football, the baseball, the basketball, or the soccer ball? And just which one of those sports has the highest salary?
$17.23
This one is really a gift for the parents and the kids. It’s an eating set made of bamboo and printed with an African safari theme. It’s all natural, free of toxins and dishwasher safe. This is a great first eating kit for little kids, but mom and dad need to be there when they use it.
$29.95
Yes! Too cute. You gotta have a little baby wool cap to keep that little baby head nice and warm in the winter. Remember the old Scandinavian saying: leave them in the cold for a couple of hours—when you come back, they’ll be beautiful. Disclaimer: we’re not saying leave kids unsupervised. It’s a folk saying!
$7.99
Okay, okay: maybe this particular Radio Flyer is a little bit extreme for a one year old, but we’re just saying. Somebody in this kid’s life needs to get him or her a bangin’ red wagon, and it needs to happen sooner than later. This one is the all-terrain model, made for some serious backyard adventuring.
$125.99
These dolls will spark the imagination, because there’s room for the imagination. All a kid needs is an excuse to jump into the world of fantasy and play. These dolls don’t do all the work for them. They’re simple, functional, and inspire children to do what they do best: play.
$55.81
Because giant six foot sock monkey! That’s why! The manufacturer’s recommended age for this big guy is three years and up, but we’ll leave it up to discerning parents and family members to decide. Keep him in your room for supervised play—but how can you resist the giant six foot sock monkey!
$187.11
This foam floor mat is a blessing for kids and parents alike. It’s great for kids because it’s fun, colorful, and free of toxic chemicals like BPA’s and phthalates. It’s great for parents because it teaches kids while saving the wear and tire on carpet or wooden floors.
$12.98
Toys made by Grimm are well-known for their high quality, durability, and elegance of design. These nesting shapes tick all three of those boxes. They’re carved from one piece of wood, so they fit together perfectly, and they also teach kids about color, shape, and relative size.
$34.95
These cards have bold shapes and that will capture a child’s attention. Each one is simple and evoked the spirit of the animal. They’re a great extra gift for a one-year old you know is going to get a bunch of fancy stuff from the grandparents and everyone else—but we bet these will be favorites.
Prices Vary
When parents of older kids see a pair of Robeez on someone else’s toddler, they automatically say “Awww, I miss these!” And it’s true. Robeez are cool. Get these for the one-year old in your life, and remind the parents to cherish the days of easy, cute, slip-on shoes.
$26.00
The title says it all: First Slide. Remember when nothing in life was more important than going down the slide? And nothing was worse than not getting your turn? Well, put this slide in the little one’s back yard and they’ll always be first in line.
Prices Vary
(Related: 105 Must-Buy Gifts for 1 Year Old Boys and Girls)
13 DIY Gifts and Toys for 1 Year Olds
When you’re heading out to a one-year old’s birthday party, just remember: the parents and the grandparents are going to cover all the major stuff. If you’re not one of them, why not do something different, like make the kid the fun bath paints in this cool DIY tutorial?
Faaaabulous, darling, absolutely faaabulous. Every little girl needs to stay one step ahead of the fasion curve. You can keep the one-year old lovely in your life on the cutting edge by making her this super cute headband. She’ll be the envy of every toddler on the block!
Kids love Elmo, there’s no doubt about it. Something about this little red fella just speaks to all their best instincts. This DIY shows you how to make any Elmo9 tee for the toddling one-year old who has your heart. The best part about this one: it’s no sew—so it’s super easy.
If you want to show up with one of the coolest gifts at the party, then take a moment and check out this DIY. In 9 basic steps it teaches you how to make a wooden camera that the little one will love playing with for years.
This DIY is super-detailed and just perfect for a one-year old gift. It’s a step-by-step set of instructions on how to make a pair of dinosaur shoes that look like they come from a designer baby boutique. These are the kind of shoes the parents will save as part of a keepsake box.
The kiddo is going to need a smock for all the art projects coming up in life. They may be limited to finger-paint variations for a while, but you might as well get them their own work apron for it. This tutorial takes some sewing skill.
This fun project will give that little one-year old a head start on the outdoors lifestyle. Not that they’re going trekking in Nepal anytime soon, but they’re coming up on the age when a campout on the living room floor is just as good.
Ready, set, commit! To making the best DIY gift for a one-year old, ever in the history of gifts. This twelve step DIY shows you how to make an awesome indoor swing that the little lovely can hang out in for at least a year. You need sewing skill, and you need all the materials on the list. You. Can. Do. It.
Superhero Hooded Towel Tutorials
Wrap up your gift giving this year with one of these superhero hooded towels that you can make yourself at home. Using a small and large towel, some fabric in your chosen superhero’s colors, and iron on heat transfer paper, you can conjure up these ‘absorbing’ gifts in no time at all.
Kids are rowdy, and so they should be as they’re filled with energy, wonder, and curiosity. But sometimes, even the most boisterous of babies (and moms) need a little calm, which is where these quiet books come in. Handmade at home, these books can be filled with whatever your little one loves – aah, peace at last.
Have fun and tick off a few tots on your Christmas gift list with these super adorable ‘Munster’ dolls. Fully customizable, these little monsters can be made in the colors of your choice, and feature the cutest zipper mouths for that added playability factor (not to mention fine motor skill practice!)
This blog post isn’t so much a tutorial as a kick starter for your own take on a DIY play kitchen for your kids. Using an old wooden TV stand, Terri at Fresh Cut Flours created a beautiful toy for her grandchildren; use the photographs and suggestions as inspiration for your own.
(You may also like: 55 Cute and Huggable Gifts for 1 Year Olds)
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