Discover 6 Unforgettable Gift Ideas to Delight One-Year-Olds

When it comes to choosing gift ideas for 1-year-olds, they’re not too fussy. Sometimes they’re just as excited about the wrapping as they are about what’s inside. (Don’t forget to save those boxes!) At this age, kids are starting to show their likes and dislikes, personalities, and abilities. With the right toys and gifts, you can set your child up for years of fun.

Sarah Cleveland, from a child-care center in Austin, Texas, recommends open-ended toys such as blocks and stacking cups. Toys like these offer versatile play, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills in children. Playtime for 1-year-olds is mostly about exploring their senses and improving their motor skills. Toys featuring various textures encourage exploration and tactile learning, ideal for infants discovering the world around them. Starter ride-on toys are also great because they give them the chance to move around and explore.

This is also a good time to think about keepsake items that will be special as your child grows up. To find the best gift ideas for little ones, we talked to Cleveland and other child-development experts. To enhance SEO, simplify sentences, focus on keywords, and maintain a passive voice below 10%. Consider the child’s developmental stage rather than their chronological age since children progress at various rates.

If you need more ideas for kids’ gifts, check out our guides for different age groups. And be sure to share your suggestions in the comments below!

Create a big impact

In my home, bath time has always been quite the event with my toddler. Initially, she wouldn’t even consider stepping into the tub, but now the tears only come when it’s time to leave. Upgrade your bath time with toys like Boon Pipes Building Bath Toys to make it more enjoyable for your little ones. These toys are simple for kids to stick onto the tub’s wall, and they can connect to form a fun water pathway. Not only do these pipes make bath time more enjoyable for little ones, but they also serve as a fantastic sensory learning tool, helping them understand cause and effect playfully. Help your child develop their motor skills with toys such as the Edushape Sensory Ball, designed for easy gripping and throwing.

Gift Ideas: Textured thrower

Many toddlers become really interested in balls, but since their fine motor skills are still developing, 1-year-olds might find it hard to hold and catch regular soccer or playground balls. When my kids were learning to grip and throw a ball, they loved playing with colorful, bumpy, easy-to-hold balls, like the Edushape Sensory Ball. Another thing they enjoyed was when friends came over and played ball with them, rolling, or tossing it back and forth patiently.

A small-sized comfy chair

The Crate & Kids Large Dino Kids Lounge Nod Chair is a soft and sturdy chair designed just right for toddlers. When my son turned one, he got one of these chairs as a gift, and it was so helpful as he practiced sitting and standing. Now that he’s got those skills down, he loves to snuggle up with a book in his chair. Sometimes, though, he tries to use it to reach things he shouldn’t! Despite that, I love how special it makes him feel with its perfect size. Plus, he can easily move it around using the built-in fabric handle. You can even personalize it with your child’s name embroidered on the back. It’s available in different sizes and has lots of fun designs.

A customized footstool

When we got the Damhorst Toys and Puzzles Step ’N Store Name Stool as a baby gift, we were thrilled to see our son’s name prominently displayed. Initially, the stool added a delightful touch to Jacob’s play area. As he grew, it became a handy support for him while he practiced standing. Jacob would sit charmingly on the bench while pretending to read. Eventually, he used it to reach his dresser drawer’s top. He enjoyed playing with the puzzle and perhaps unconsciously learning to spell his name. The wooden letters also became part of his building-block creations. It wasn’t until Jacob turned 10 that we removed the stickers and gave the stool away—to my sister’s neighbor, who had a newborn named Jacob.

Gift a Botanical Garden Membership

When my sons were little, we spent countless hours at Huntington’s Botanical Gardens near Pasadena, California. With a membership, you only need to visit a few times to make it worth it. The Children’s Garden was a favorite spot for playdates, both planned and spontaneous. While memberships to natural history or children’s museums are great for families with kids of all ages, a botanical garden membership is particularly wonderful for families with 1-year-olds. It provides a peaceful place for a stroll while your little one sleeps, and it’s a beautiful setting for babies to explore. Plus, it’s a perfect spot for adults to catch up while the kids enjoy the greenery and play areas.

Explore these six incredible gift ideas created for one-year-olds to make their special day even more memorable. Whether it’s sensory toys, personalized keepsakes, or memberships to botanical gardens, there’s something here to delight babies and parents alike. Share your gift suggestions in the comments below and spread the joy of giving to little ones everywhere!

At the end of the day, it's not about the gift itself, but the joy and laughter it brings to our little ones. So go ahead, wrap up those boxes, choose the perfect present, and let the fun begin! Remember, if all else fails, give them a cardboard box – it's the ultimate toy for any one-year-old adventurer!