gifts for 1 year old educational

Advertisement

• Gifts for babies and kids

The 33 Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds

By Caitlin Giddings and Wirecutter Staff

When it comes to gifts, many 1-year-olds aren’t picky. In fact, they may be as excited by the packaging as by what’s inside. (Save those boxes!) Other kids this age have already begun to develop their own unique preferences, personalities, and abilities. With the right toys and gifts, you can set your child up for years of fun.

Look for toys that are open-ended, like blocks and stacking cups that can be played with in more than one way, said Sarah Cleveland, director of a child-care center near Austin, Texas. Play at this age is largely focused on sensory exploration and motor development, Cleveland explained. So toys with different textures that invite small hands (and, of course, mouths) to grab and investigate are good choices, as are starter ride-on toys that offer the opportunity to roam. This age is also a good time to invest in keepsake items that will remain special as a child grows up.

To identify fun and engaging gifts for the youngest recipients, we spoke with child-development experts and mined the collective knowledge of parents and other caregivers on our staff. We also offer more gift ideas for kids here .

Give me a sign

My First Signs: American Sign Language (Baby Signing)

With adorable illustrations, this 11-by-11-inch board book introduces the signs for 43 common words.

Buying Options

I introduced My First Signs: American Sign Language (Baby Signing) to my then-4-month-old during the early days of “I’ll try anything to keep you entertained for more than 2 minutes.” The sturdy board book soon proved to be tummy-time gold. Illustrated with pictures of sweetly rounded babies and their props, this book demonstrates the signs for 43 words, including eat , sleep , and drink , as well as for the more-complex I love you , on the last page. While lying there, my son would carefully study each baby’s expression, eventually picking up several signs (with some coaching, of course). Now that he’s older, we still enjoy looking at the pictures, and he continues to use the signs for please , help , and owie , which never fails to melt my heart.

— Kerry Davis McGuinness

Sortable shapes

Fat Brain Toys Oombee Cube

The six rubbery shapes in this puzzle cube give babies and toddlers something to chew on, literally.

Shape-sorting toys give babies and toddlers an early introduction to puzzles by helping them work on their problem-solving skills. The Oombee Cube was recommended by museum educator Heather Singh. The shapes are attached with thick strings, so you won’t be constantly hunting under the couch for the missing triangle, and this toy is easy to take along in the stroller. Sure, most 1-year-olds will simply put those rubbery, textured shapes directly into their mouths. But that’s fine—the teething-friendly Oombee is made from food-grade silicone, and it’s simple to clean with soap and water or in the dishwasher.

—Caitlin Giddings

Versatile wooden stackers

Melissa & Doug Geometric Stacker

With this rainbow wooden stacking toy, babies and toddlers can practice their fine motor skills.

There are endless varieties of these types of block-on-stick stackers. Over the years, the Melissa & Doug Geometric Stacker —a sort of deluxe wooden incarnation of the classic Fisher-Price baby toy—has provided tons of engagement for many kids in my family. At age 1, kids may like to sort by color or shape; the different-shaped towers offer more of a challenge as babies become toddlers. And there are just enough blocks here that bigger kids can stay engaged, stacking, and building at will.

—Kalee Thompson

The beat goes on

Plan Toys Solid Drum

Budding percussionists will enjoy banging on the instrument, while adults may even appreciate the pleasant sound.

Kids love making music, but kid-friendly instruments can sound loud and tinny. The genius of the Plan Toys Solid Drum is that it produces a lovely tone that doesn’t make me want to immediately flee the room. The wooden drum and rubber mallet are the perfect size for tiny hands to grasp, and my 1-year-old loves beating the drum and dancing to its rhythm. Our set has now withstood nearly four years of use and it still looks brand new.

— Jessica Bernhard

One moo, two moo

Learning Resources Snap-n-Learn Counting Cows

These cute plastic cows come apart and snap back together, and they can be matched by color and number.

Think of these 10 plastic Snap-n-Learn Counting Cows as two-piece, Lego-like heifers, with heads and hindquarters that snap together with a satisfying click. The pieces are interchangeable, but they can also be matched by counting the dots on each piece’s rear end and finding the front half with the corresponding number. At age 1, my son was entertained simply by taking the cows apart and putting them back together in any combination, a fine-motor-skills exercise that took a few attempts to master. At age 2, he liked to pair the pieces by color and arrange them in a make-believe cow lineup. Soon enough, I think he’ll understand that the dots on the sides correlate to actual numbers and take this counting toy to a whole new level.

A delightful distraction

Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Funnel

Kids can send water, sand, and even tiny rocks through this sturdy, versatile funnel toy.

Even though we live a half-day’s drive from the nearest beach, during our daughter’s early toddlerhood, we toted the Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Funnel almost everywhere we went. It was our secret weapon for keeping her entertained in a city full of restaurants and breweries with outdoor patio seating and crushed-gravel floors. Anytime we wanted to enjoy an adult conversation over dinner, we brought this funnel with us. Our daughter and her new toddler friends from surrounding tables would busy themselves by crouching on the ground and pouring tiny rocks and sand through the contraption, over and over again. This toy is made of sturdy plastic, and it has a handle so it’s easy to carry anywhere—whether that’s to a restaurant, to a park, or to the actual seaside.

Go, truck, go

Yiosion Push and Go Friction Powered Vehicles

These four small trucks go zoom with a little push, and they have lots of fun, interactive parts, such as a cement mixer that spins.

We’ve owned the Yiosion Push and Go Friction Powered Vehicles for over two years, and we still play with them regularly. The four vehicles—a tractor-trailer, a backhoe, a dump truck, and a concrete truck—are a great size for little hands. They’re also easy to push and can roll farther than you’d think. These little trucks have moveable parts (the tractor-trailer’s tailgate opens and closes), and they come in bright colors that look like a 1980s color-blocking homage. Plus, these trucks are the perfect size for traveling. We’ve even taken them camping, where our toddler lives out his dream by endlessly scooping up tiny rocks and sticks.

Make a splash

Boon Pipes Building Bath Toys

This set includes five colorful, plastic pipes that attach to the tub and liven up bath time.

In my house, bath time has always involved a fair amount of toddler drama. My daughter traditionally refused to get into the tub; now the meltdowns are reserved for when it’s time to get out. Her bath-time turnaround happened when we leveled up our bath toys with (among other things) Boon Pipes Building Bath Toys . It’s easy for kids to suction them to a tub’s wall, and they can be connected to create a twisted path for water. (We also recommend the Boon 13-Piece Building Bath Toy Set  in our guide to the best bath toys .) In addition to giving little ones a reason to look forward to bath time, these pipes are also a great sensory learning tool to help them explore cause and effect.

Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks Set

With 100 pieces in nine different shapes, this colorful set of blocks inspires creativity.

Building blocks are a rite of passage for most children, and when it was time to get some for my baby, I was drawn to the colorful, multi-shape Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks Set . The 100 wooden blocks include nine shapes, in a mix of red, blue, yellow, and green. The way my son uses these blocks has changed as his skills have advanced. At age 1, we’d build simple stacks that he loved to knock down. As a toddler, he liked to sort them by shapes and colors. By preschool, he was designing and building mazes and structures.

— Amy Miller Kravetz

Textured tosser

Edushape Sensory Ball (7 inches)

This tactile, rubbery ball is the perfect size for small hands that are still learning to grip, catch, and toss.

Many toddlers go through a period of ball obsession, but given their still-developing fine motor skills, 1-year-olds can get frustrated when trying to grip and catch regular soccer or playground balls. When they were first learning to grip and throw a ball, my kids loved colorful, nubby, grippy balls, similar to the Edushape Sensory Ball . Another hit with my boys: the visiting friends who would patiently roll or throw a ball back and forth with them dozens of times.

— Kalee Thompson

Six shape-sorting eggs

TOMY Toomies Hide & Squeak Eggs

These toy eggs are fun for imaginary play as well as for learning to match colors and shapes. And they make a silly chirping sound when placed in the carton.

Eggs are popular in our house. We talk about them, we cook them, and when my son was 2, he started playing with the TOMY Toomies Hide & Squeak Eggs daily. The six colorful eggs each have a differently shaped base that fits into a corresponding divot in the carton. My kid couldn’t get enough of matching up the shapes, fitting the shells together, and hiding them everywhere. When he popped them into a pot on his play kitchen’s stove and exclaimed, “Eggs!” I felt like our breakfast future was in good hands, too.

—Ingrid Skjong

Music to their ears

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy

This musical player introduces classical music to babies and toddlers, with mesmerizing flashing lights that pulse along with the beat.

When I was expecting my first child, a friend bequeathed me a garbage bag full of used baby gear, and this unassuming little piece of plastic was in the jumbled mix. Despite that humble introduction, the Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy would prove irresistible to my son and, later, his little sister. It plays an array of classical tunes, like Rossini’s William Tell Overture and Mozart’s Serenade No. 13 , as colorful lights flash along. I suspect the appeal lies in the generously sized, tempting center push-button (which activates the melodies), the easy-to-grasp beaded handle (my toddler daughter would clutch it in one hand while cruising around as if she were wielding a tiny boombox), and (perhaps most important) its tolerable sound level. With two civilized volume settings, this thing is just chirpy enough to stimulate tots—but without driving caregivers batty in the process. Because the best musical toy is the one that doesn’t end up “accidentally” buried in the diaper pail.

—Ingela Ratledge Amundson

The doctor is in

Fisher-Price Medical Kit

This classic doctor’s bag holds six toy medical instruments, including a plastic otoscope for ear examinations.

When my son had surgery, he seemed much more relaxed about medical tools, including a stethoscope, after he’d played with the Fisher-Price Medical Kit . This cute little doctor bag holds six green, blue, and red medical tools, including a spinning blood-pressure cuff, a bracelet-like reusable bandage, and a syringe with an easy spring motion (for painless pretend shots). Bonus: Unlike the five other toy medical kits we played with before deciding this was the best option, this kit comes with a forehead-scanning thermometer instead of an oral one. So hopefully kids will be less tempted to constantly stick it in their mouths during play.

Lots of latches

Melissa & Doug Latches Board

As little ones figure out how to open the six latches, colorful animal images are revealed.

There are a few toys at the Toybrary Austin, our local toy-lending library in Texas, that are so enticing and beloved that they’re always checked out. This wooden playboard with six types of latches, each of which opens a set of hinged doors and reveals an animal picture, counts itself among that group. Toybrary owner Liza Wilson said 1-year-olds become engrossed in figuring out how to hook, snap, click, or slide each latch. “The best baby toys are sensory, like this,” Wilson said. “They love lots of little grabby things and parts they can turn.”

— Caitlin Giddings

Appearing act

Playskool Busy Poppin’ Pals

This toy’s button, knob, and levers help young kids practice a range of fine motor skills, rewarding them with a playful animal surprise.

The Playskool Busy Poppin’ Pals toy is a classic baby plaything that never gets old (at least not for its pint-size fans). Tiny hands can pull a lever, twist a key, flip a switch, or press a button to pop up a cute animal—a great intro to cause and effect. There are numbers, too, and bright, inviting colors. (This toy is also featured as a pick in our guide to first toys for kids with disabilities .) Wirecutter senior editor Courtney Schley put the Poppin’ Pals back in her kids’ toy rotation after a brief retirement, and both her 6-month-old and 3-year-old couldn’t get enough of it.

A different kind of stacker

Fat Brain Toys SpinAgain

The classic stacking toy gets a fun update with this free-standing disc-and-pole combo.

Stacking is a developmental milestone—hence the many block sets designed to promote this skill. My 18-month-old loves the Fat Brain Toys SpinAgain, which puts a twist on a traditional stacking toy. To play, you first insert a white rod into a blue base, and then, one at a time, place six colorful pieces atop the rod and watch them twirl their way toward the blue bottom. At 16.5 inches high, this toy requires some space. That said, it’s a perfect fine-motor activity for my toddler, and my 4-year-old loves putting the pieces in “rainbow order.”

A cuddly friend

Jellycat Bashful Bunny (small)

For a comforting, snuggly companion, look no further than Jellycat’s adorable stuffed animals.

For the littlest kids, an especially soft and cuddly stuffed friend will make a sweet gift. Many Wirecutter kids are partial to London-based Jellycat’s stuffed toys. This company makes soft, pellet-filled stuffed animals in several sizes, but the small version is particularly easy for a 1-year-old to tote around. When we took away our daughter’s pacifier at 14 months, we gave her the Jellycat Bashful Bunny Stuffed Animal , which comes in seven sizes and loads of colors . The exchange was shockingly successful: Bun Bun became a constant companion in bed, at the park, on our bike commute, and at her day care (where Bun Bun replaced the word rabbit for the entire class). We eventually had three of them in rotation (lest one go missing even momentarily), and all were worn to the point of looking like they just completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Fortunately, they’re easy to wash and restore to their former sweet, plush selves.

Your name in print

I See Me! My Very Own Name Classic Cover Edition Personalized Book

This sweet story is full of friendly animals spelling out your child’s name. And it’s very likely to become a bedtime favorite.

I was introduced to the I See Me! My Very Own Name Classic Cover Edition Personalized Book 18 years ago, when it was given to my nephew, and it’s been my go-to baby gift ever since. The story follows a group of animals, led by the wise owl, as they each contribute a letter to the child’s name. The ordering process is simple, and the base price for the 9-by-11-inch soft-cover book includes a child’s birthday and first and last names. For an extra $5, you can add a middle name, and for another $5, you can upgrade to a hardcover version. My son loved looking at the colorful animal pictures and hearing the rhyming story, and as he grew older, the book helped him learn to spell his name. The company also offers a My Very Own Fairy Tal e version, as well as dozens of other personalized books.

—Amy Miller Kravetz

Peek-a-boo blocks

DJECO Topanifarm Nest and Stack Blocks Set

This farm-themed set’s six cardboard blocks and six plastic animals can be mixed and matched for stacking, nesting, and imaginary play.

It’s been fun watching my son grow alongside the Topanifarm Nest and Stack Blocks Set , a toy he originally received for his first birthday. The six multicolored cardboard blocks have cutout doors and windows, so they can also act as homes for six animal figurines (including a pig and a dog). Early on, my son focused hard on balancing and stacking the boxes and animals (hello, fine motor skills). At age 2, as imaginative play took over, the blocks doubled as garages for small cars or homes for some of his other figurine characters. And though my son hasn’t yet made the connection, each box has a number on the side that corresponds to the number of objects—like flowers and birds—illustrated on it. When he does make the connection, I know it will add another layer of dimension to the play.

—Kerry Davis McGuinness

Magnetic blocks for beginners

Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Building Blocks

These soft, lightweight magnetic foam pieces are easy to manipulate and combine to create creatures, cars, and other fun shapes.

In our house, Magna-Tiles once went by the name “Meltdown-Tiles” because they were constantly collapsing and infuriating my fumble-fingered toddler. Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Builders —which fall into a similar category of magnetic STEM building toys—were more her speed. The blocks are made of soft, durable foam that’s floatable (so you can use these as bath toys), and they easily click together to make rockets, helicopters, ant-like critters, and more. They’re simpler for small hands to grip, and they’re fun to sort, stack, and connect in creative new configurations that won’t cave in on a frustrated young builder.

Adorable ABCs

Teytoy Zoo Series Soft Alphabet Cards

A soft, cloth carrying bag holds a set of 26 pliable, cloth alphabet cards.

When you have little ones in tow, a good distraction is always needed for checkups or restaurant outings. The Teytoy Zoo Series Alphabet Cards do the trick. The set comes with 26 colorful cards and a cloth carrying bag with a soft handle and snaps (so it’s easy for small hands to tote with confidence). It also inspires motor-skills development and letter recognition. When my kids were 1 and 3, our younger one would excitedly grab each card out of the cloth carrying case, and our older one would call out each letter and color—earning a high-five for successfully naming the animal on the back.

—Courtney Ivey

A personalized board book

Pinhole Press ABC Board Book

Customize this sturdy, toddler-friendly board book with photos of loved ones.

Like many young kids, my son has always loved to look at photographs of himself, his favorite people, and his favorite things. But at the age of 1, he was also rough with his belongings, especially books, and prone to sticking things in his mouth. Pinhole Press—which lets you customize board books with your own photos—uses thick, glossy paper (better for small hands). The ABC Board Book is one of around three-dozen templates; others include All About My Sister , Grandpa & Me , and Count With Me . True, this gift takes considerable effort—you have to select and upload your photographs—but it makes a nice, durable keepsake that a child can enjoy for years.

A cuddly companion

Manhattan Toy Wee Baby Stella Doll

This soft baby doll is available in several skin tones and hairstyles. You can also add on accessories, such as a stroller and pajamas.

Baby dolls can make wonderful toys and companions for 1-year-olds because they allow kids this age to see some of their own needs (bottle, diaper, blankie) reflected back at them. Compared with a hard vinyl doll, Manhattan Toy’s plush Wee Baby Stella Doll is a great first friend (and also a pick in our guide to the best dolls ). This line offers a range of accessories that encourage early imaginative play, and the doll itself is soft and squishy enough for naps and cuddles. Baby Stella comes with a magnetic pacifier that has a thick handle, which is great for kids who are working on their pincer grasp and fine motor skills. (And the magnet is plenty strong to keep the pacifier from falling off during play.) All Wee Baby Stella dolls —including a more-toddler-like version—are available in peach, beige, and brown skin tones.

A long-lasting wagon

Radio Flyer Classic Push Walker Wagon

This sturdy wagon will last well beyond a baby’s learning-to-walk stage.

May be out of stock

Some toys hold a child’s attention for about three months before kids are ready to move on. But the Radio Flyer Classic Push Walker Wagon has served our family for 3 years and counting. My kids couldn’t get enough of the sturdy wagon when they were learning to walk—and its usefulness has lasted beyond that developmental window. The wagon’s hefty construction provides an ideal counterbalance for a toddling 1-year-old, and my children, now both confident walkers, love piling it high with toys to push around our house, or filling it with books and playing library.

—Jessica Bernhard

A rainbow on the shelf

Grimm’s Spiel und Holz Small Rainbow

This simple stackable wooden rainbow looks beautiful, and it comes apart to provide all sorts of imaginative possibilities.

This company makes beautifully crafted wooden stacking and puzzle toys that are as pleasing to look at as they are fun to play with. My niece loves to see the Grimm’s Spiel und Holz Small Rainbow stacker in its fully assembled form, and she has endless fun taking it apart and imagining new uses for the individual pieces. So far we’ve used the pieces as a belt, a phone, a hat, and a headband, and I have no doubt that we’ll continue to add to the list (the rainbow is also available in a majestic supersize version ). When playtime is over, you won’t mind seeing the rainbow stacker on a shelf. It’s such a lovely, cheery object that you may even opt to keep it there long after your child has outgrown stacking toys.

—Erin Price

A cute timekeeper

Popclox Owl Pendulum Clock

Available in an assortment of designs, this clock adds a touch of whimsy to a child’s room.

We were given a Popclox Owl Pendulum Clock when my first child was born. And with its cheery colors, charming design, and gentle tick-tock, it’s been a fixture in the kids’ bedroom ever since. (At one point, the clock’s pendulum stopped swinging, and the company sent us a replacement movement for free, returning the clock to tick-tock order.) Popclox offers dozens of designs , including a menagerie of plants and animals, things that go, and more off-the-wall options (like a skeleton ).

—Courtney Schley

A pushable trike

Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ’N Trike

With a three-point safety harness, this convertible tricycle can be used as a stroller with a baby, then turned into a trike kids can ride on their own later on.

If your baby fights against riding in a stroller during family walks, consider the Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ’N Trike instead. (It’s the top pick in our guide to the best tricycles .) This trike offers kids four ways to ride. Stage 1, or infant trike mode, features a sturdy safety harness that holds little ones in place, while footrests and lockable pedals keep parents in control of the steering. At 15 months old, my daughter loved riding in the Stroll ’N Trike because she felt in control; I loved pushing her because she was strapped in tightly enough that she couldn’t escape. As your child grows, remove the parent push handle, canopy, headrest, footrest, and other stroller components and voilà—a traditional trike your big kid can ride independently.

—Jenni Gritters

Real-life chutes and ladders

Goodevas 2in1 Montessori Climbing Set

This sturdy—though heavy—wooden structure provides a place for young kids to climb, balance, and practice gross motor skills indoors.

A climbing triangle—also known as a Pikler Triangle—looks like an oversize drying rack. It’s designed so that a baby or toddler can pull up on it and begin to climb when they’re ready—a boon for a little one’s brain and body awareness . Made of a hefty hardwood, the Goodevas 2in1 Montessori Climbing Set has become a key component in keeping my kid moving and happy during indoor-weather days. The ladder’s angle is adjustable, and there’s a slide that hooks onto the triangle and can be flipped over, for an additional climbing option. When we first got the set, my then-1-year-old needed constant, hands-on spotting anytime he went near it. A year into using it, however, he loved scrambling up the structure solo or racing toy cars down the slide. Keep in mind that this is not a small toy. It’s close to 2 feet wide and 6½ feet long with the slide attached at the medium slope. And since it’s almost 30 pounds, it can be a pain to move around the house. Currently, shipping is included within the continental US.

A pint-size armchair

Crate & Kids Large Dino Kids Lounge Nod Chair

This cushiony, cozy chair provides a special place for a child to read and relax.

The Crate & Kids Large Dino Kids Lounge Nod Chair is a soft yet sturdy armchair that’s perfectly sized to fit toddlers. My son received one as a gift for his first birthday, and it proved useful when he was practicing sitting down and standing up. Since he’s mastered these things, the chair has been a nice place for him to cozy up with a book (though sometimes he uses the chair as a step stool to reach things he’s not supposed to). Despite any unauthorized use of the chair, I appreciate that its size makes it feel like something special for my son. I also like that he can use the sewn-on fabric handle to drag it to a spot of his choosing. And you can personalize this chair for a specific child: It also comes in size small, as well as in dozens of different designs . And you can opt to get the child’s name embroidered on the back.

A personalized step stool

Damhorst Toys and Puzzles Step ’N Store Name Stool

This sturdy, customized stool offers a place to sit or stand along with a puzzle—the letters of the child’s name can be removed and put back in.

When we received the Damhorst Toys and Puzzles Step ’N Store Name Stool as a baby gift, we were charmed to pieces to see our son’s name in big, bold letters. At first, the stool was simply a welcome decorative element in his play space. As he grew bigger, he used it to support himself while he learned to stand. He sat adorably on the bench while “reading.” And, eventually, he used it to reach his top dresser drawer. He loved playing with the puzzle (and maybe subconsciously learning to spell his name), as well as incorporating the wooden letters into his building-block masterpieces. It wasn’t until our son turned 10 that we scrubbed off the stickers and gave the stool away—to my sister’s neighbor, who had a new baby boy with the same name.

—Joanne Chen

A standout balance bike

For bike-loving families, this tyke bike is agile, easy to assemble, and hand brake–equipped.

Woom’s concept is fairly simple: Start kids on a bike that’s beautifully made and thoughtfully designed just for them, and they’ll fall in love with riding bikes. It’s pretty cool to see it actually work with the little ones in my world. The Woom 1 is the line’s entry point, designed for kids ranging in age from 18 months to 3½, or 31 to 40 inches tall. (This bike is the upgrade pick in our guide to the best balance bikes .) The Woom 1 offers advanced features, such as a super-lightweight frame and mountain-bike-style handlebars. The ultra-low step-through frame is easy to mount and dismount without snagging a leg, something my dress-wearing child appreciated. It also has a hand brake—not all balance bikes do—that helps kids better transition to higher-end pedal bikes. Is it on the pricey side? You betcha. But when your child outgrows theirs, you’ll likely have options for reselling. (One Wirecutter contributor was able to resell her son’s Woom bike on Craigslist—after two years of regular use—for close to its original purchase price.)

Note: In July 2023, Woom bikes announced a recall following 77 incidents of handlebar stems malfunctioning, causing cuts, bruising, and abrasions. New Woom bikes, and those made after 2021, are not affected. Do not use an older bike until you’ve checked to see whether it was part of the recall. If so, it can be repaired with a free kit provided by Woom.

A box full of wonder

Lovevery The Play Kits

This subscription grows with your baby, delivering age-appropriate toys every two to three months.

When I had my second baby, I resolved to take a less-is-more approach to toys. I was desperate to avoid accruing another towering heap of tacky, light-up plastic monstrosities—or “Baby Vegas,” as we used to call it. So we sprang for a subscription to Lovevery’s Play Kits , vowing that its curated selections would be the only items we’d buy. Designed by child-development experts, the Montessori -inspired goodies are intended to complement tots’ interests as they move through various milestones One shipment, called The Babbler , for ages 13 months to 15 months, included a rudimentary coin bank, to help hone fine motor skills. Not every item has been an instant hit with my daughter. But we leave them out for her to explore, and she always warms to them eventually. And since the toys are unusually attractive and made from high-grade materials—many are solid wood—I barely wince at the sight of them scattered across the floor. (We have more information on Lovevery and other toy subscription boxes here .)

A botanical garden membership

The Huntington General Membership

A botanical garden membership opens the door to a year’s worth of enriching activities and outdoor adventures.

When my sons were toddlers, we spent many, many hours at The Huntington’s Botanical Gardens , in San Marino, California (just outside of Pasadena); a membership pays for itself in about three visits. The Huntington’s lovely Children’s Garden, in particular, was the site of countless playdates, both planned and impromptu. Membership to a natural history or children’s museum is also a thoughtful gift for families with kids of a wide age range, but membership to a botanical garden is especially nice for families with 1-year-olds. It offers a pleasant place to stroll while your little one naps, and a botanical garden is a picturesque spot for babies to toddle around. It can also be an ideal meet-up destination for adults who are mostly interested in chatting while the kids roll around in the grass or splash in fountains (the ones at The Huntington are especially cool).

Additional reporting by Julie Kim. This article was edited by Ellen Lee, Amy Miller Kravetz, and Kalee Thompson.

Meet your guides

Caitlin Giddings

Caitlin Giddings is a freelance writer based in Austin, Texas. Her work has appeared in Bicycling, Runner’s World, Lonely Planet, Outside magazine, and more.

Wirecutter Staff

Mentioned above

• A top-notch bath toy is engaging, easy to keep clean, and doesn’t surrender quickly to mold. We offer 15 options to keep your kids entertained in the tub. The Best Bath Toys  
• When you have a child with disabilities, the toy bin can become a toolbox filled with items to help them grow—and bring them joy. These First Toys for Kids With Disabilities Have Universal Appeal  
• For some children, a doll will be the most treasured toy they own. We tested 25 dolls to help you find one that feels just right for the kid in your life. The Best Dolls  
• Over the past six years, we’ve enlisted dozens of kids to try out 21 three-wheelers, and we have four top trikes to recommend. The Best Tricycles  
• We subjected a fleet of balance bikes to cadres of kids and found the best bikes for different budgets and ages. The Best Balance Bikes  
• We tested three top toy subscription box services to figure out if they’re worth the fuss (and the cost). Are Toy Subscription Boxes Worth It?  

Further reading

The 42 Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds

by Caitlin Giddings and Wirecutter Staff

Many 2-year-olds are learning to manipulate objects in more-precise ways, so look for toys and gifts that challenge their fine motor skills.

The 36 Best Gifts for 4-Year-Olds

by Kelly Glass, Caitlin Giddings, and Wirecutter Staff

Toys that encourage building, puzzling, role-playing, and creating will engage curious 4-year-olds.

The 43 Best Gifts for 3-Year-Olds

Open-ended toys that inspire role-playing and beginner board games that encourage cooperation make great gifts for 3-year-olds.

The 29 Best Gifts for Families

by Samantha Schoech

It’s hard to please everyone all of the time, but this list of gift ideas will at least please all of the family members much of the time.

20 Best Montessori Toys for 1-Year-Olds Who Love to Play

From color and shape sorters to walking and climbing toys, these will level-up those kids' skills!

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

When looking to buy gifts for 1-year-olds , there are lots of reasons to look for toys that alight with a Montessori philosophy. "Montessori materials for 1-year-olds often support fine motor and gross motor skills, sensory exploration, object permanence, and spacial awareness as well as concentration and independence," says Alanna Gallo, former teacher and founder of Play. Learn. Thrive. But what exactly is meant by "Montessori toy" can cause confusion, especially if you don't know what to look for.

What is a Montessori toy?

Actually, Gallo says, there's no such thing as a "Montessori toy," only toys that are aligned with or inspired by by the Montessori philosophy. These toys often have similar traits. "A toy that has been inspired by the Montessori philosophy is going to be designed to isolate or emphasize a single learning concept," Gallo says. "It will often be beautifully made of natural materials. It should be self-correcting — think a shape sorter or puzzle — so the child can easily recognize their mistakes. It will promote self-directed play and learning. Anything that is designed to simply entertain a child — lights up, talks, sings, etc. — is not aligned with the Montessori philosophy."

What are the best Montessori-Inspired toys for 1-year-olds?

With all that in mind, these are our favorites.

Our top picks for Montessori-inspired toys for 1-year-olds:

• Fat Brain Toys Geometry Puzzle , $6 on amazon.com
• Adena Montessori Coin Box , $16 on amazon.com
• Elite Montessori Color Sorting and Stacking Toy , $18 on amazon.com
• Ulanik Balls in Cups Toy , $30 on amazon.com
• Adena Montessori 6-in-1 Play Kit , $37 on amazon.com

There are a couple of things to look out for when searching for Montessori-aligned toys. The first is the expense, which can be great, often due to the quality of the materials used in making them. But if you're looking for bargains, this isn't the place. And the other, Gallo warns, is about companies that throw around the Montessori name recklessly as a marketing tactic. "The biggest issue is that most toys claiming to be Montessori do not align with the Montessori philosophy," she says. "Children would benefit more from a parent adopting a Montessori approach to parenting, versus buying 'Montessori” toys.'" But if you're looking for a place to start, consult our favorites from this list.

Looking for more great gifts for kids ? Check out these Good Housekeeping guides:

The Best Montessori Toys for 2-Year-Olds | The Best Toys for Infants | The Best Toys for Toddlers

Fat Brain Toys Geometry Puzzle

Puzzles help kids develop all sorts of skills: They promote spatial awareness, help with shape recognition and encourage problem-solving. This simple, wooden puzzle also has knobs on the pieces to make them easier for little hands to grasp. Ages 1+

Hape Counting Stacker

Kids work on their fine-motor coordination when they get these colorful, hexagonal pieces onto the proper pegs. They practice color sorting and counting, too, by learning that the one red block fits on the first peg, the two yellow blocks fit on the second and so on. Ages 1+

Melissa & Doug Safari Zig-Zag Tower

Being able to track moving objects with the eyes is an important Montessori skill, and it helps with hand-eye coordination, reading and writing later on. This Montessori-inspired toy lets kids insert the wooden animal pieces into the top and watch as they roll down the zig-zagging path, allowing them to try out their tracking skills. Ages 1+

Adena Montessori Coin Box

Object permanence is another Montessori focus. If you put the tokens into this box, will they sill be there when you open the drawer? This one comes with six colorful coins and also a ball, and both a slot and a hole in the top of the box for kids to drop them in, which also helps their fine motor coordination. Ages 6 months+

Elite Montessori Color Sorting and Stacking Toy

Kids will use different grasps when they pick up the discs in this toy and put them on the correct color pegs, which helps strengthen the muscles in their hands and helps their fine-motor coordination. They'll also practice their color recognition, starting with the three primary colors. Ages 8 months+

Meyor Discs on Horizontal Dowel

Once they've mastered stacking things vertically, they can move on to threading discs on a dowel horizontally, which presents more of a hand-eye challenge. It also encourages kids to get their hands to cross the "midline" — or the vertical line in the center of the body — which helps with things like writing and dressing later on. Ages 8 months+

Adena Montessori 4-in-1 Sorting Toy

Like other peg toys on this list, kids can use the four dowels here to sort the pieces by color or stack them by size. But this one also comes with a surprise: Two of the dowels have extra twists to them — the green one requires the pieces to be twisted in a certain direction or get snagged on small pegs, and the purple works more like s screw — that makes this more of a challenge. The base is also a simple jigsaw puzzle. Ages 1+

Balls in Cups Toy

Toddlers need focus, concentration and perseverance in order to take the spoon, pick up a colored ball and deliver it to the correct cup. And hey, if it helps them get better at self-feeding, too, that's a bonus! Ages 1+

PlanToys Wooden Musical Xylophone

Percussion instruments, like maracas and shakers, are great for toddlers. This wooden xylophone goes even further, and lets kids experiment with the different notes of the five-bar scale by hitting it with a wooden mallet. Ages 1+

Haba Wooden Discovery Blocks

Even if they're not ready for full-blown instruments, they can still experiment with different sounds in an open-ended way with these blocks. Each one makes a different acoustic sound, including squeaks, clacks and rattles. And toddlers can also stack the blocks and build with them like a construction toy. Ages 1+

Adena Montessori 6-in-1 Play Kit

With this toy, you get three different-sized boxes and a variety of tops to swap on to use in a multitude of different Montessori activities. They can stack the boxes. They can use it as a "ball drop" toy. They can put on the slotted lid and make it a coin bank. They can put on a lid with holes and plant and harvest the wooden carrots. There's also a color sorter and a tissue-box activity, too. Basically, sit a toddler in front of this and see where it takes them! Ages 6 months+

Push Along Musical Roller

Pushing this toy along will get little walkers up and moving and working on their gross motor skills. Inside, there are a couple of rolling balls along with a bell that makes a musical sound. Ages 1+

Haba Favorite Animals Sorting Box

This Montessori-inspired toy comes with six animal blocks, and toddlers will have to use their skills to match them to the correct spaces either at the puzzle on top or the shape-sorter around the side. There's a color-matching element to the game, too. Ages 1+

Hape Block and Roll Cart

This toy is a two-for-one: First, you get a push walker that encourages kids to get all their steps in. But since any good transport needs cargo, there's also a block set that kids can load and unload — it's a puzzle to fit them all in — or use to build with when they don't feel like walking anymore. Ages 1+

KiwiCo Tap and Go Spiral Activity Tower

This toy is on a roll! With this Montessori-inspired toy, kids bop the balls from the tower down onto the ramp with a hammer and watch them roll around and around on the ramp and into a hidden box at the bottom — which is good for eye-tracking and object permanence. Then, kids can use the same hammer to bop the see-saw on the bottom to make the balls roll out again. Ages 13 months+

Hape Scoot Around Ride-On Wood Bike

Kids can work on their strength, balance and coordination with this wooden balance bike, It has rubberized wheels for better control (and to protect your floors, since it also can be used indoors). Ages 1+

Little Partners Wobble Board

This open-ended arc can be used in a variety of ways. Kids can flip it like a "U" and try to balance on it, or they can turn it upright and use it like a play tunnel. They can sit in it and read while rocking like in a rocking chair. No matter how they use it, they'll probably be working their muscles as they do! No age recommendation given

Lovevery's Play Kits

If you want someone else to do all the toy-selecting work for you, you can subscribe to Lovevery's Play Kits. Each one comes with Montessori- and Waldorf-inspired toys tailored to a child's developmental age and stage, and they also come with information for adults about what's going on in their brains at that time and how to play with kids in a developmentally appropriate way. The "Babbler" Play Kit here is specifically meant for kids ages 13 months to 15 months, but they can continue up to 4 years. Ages 13 months to 15 months for box shown here; other boxes range from 0 months – 4+ years

Lalo's The Play Box

You can subscribe to Lalo's Play Box or get one as a one-time purchase, depending on what your needs are. Either way, it'll be filled with Montessori-inspired toys tailored to their developmental stage, like this one for 13- to 15-month-olds. There's even a program where you can donate your old boxes once the kids have outgrown them. Ages 13 months to 15 months for the box shown here; other boxes range from 0 – 24 months

Little Partners Learn 'N Climb Triangle Combo

Pikler triangles are loved by Montessori fans because they develop gross motor skills, are open-ended so can be used in imaginary play, and improve spatial awareness, balance and coordination. The toy experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute were so impressed with this one they gave it a Good Housekeeping Parenting Award — they liked how sturdy it was, and also how it can be combined with other triangles or accessories (like the slide). No age recommendation given

RELATED: The Best Pikler Triangles

Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

Toy Reviews

Toys That Help Kids Explore Emotions Through Play

20 Fun STEM Toys for Future Scientists

Shop GH's Best Toy Award Winners for Under $25

20 Best Toys and Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys

The Best Toys and Gifts for 2-Year-Olds

20 Best Toys and Gifts for 10-Year-Old Girls

The Bluey Advent Calendar Is an Amazon Best-Seller

20 Best Toys and Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys

Unique Gift Ideas for Every LEGO Fan

I Found the Best Gifts for 11-Year-Old Boys

These Are the Best New Toys Under $25

The Year's Hottest Toys Are...

53 Gift Ideas for 1-Year-Olds to Encourage Curiosity and Fun

Games, toys, and stories to nurture their love of learning.

If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

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!

Manhattan Toy Treetop Activity Center

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

Playkidz Pound-A-Ball

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.

Moncoland Toddler Ball Pit

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.

Little Tikes Easy Store Slide & Explore

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.

Qaba Giraffe Plush Rocker

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.

SEREED Balance Bike

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.

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Learning Home

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.

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.

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.

LotFancy Peg Sorter Toy

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.

Little Simon Boynton's Greatest Hits: The Big Yellow Box Set

No one does toddler stories like Sandra Boynton, and this boxed set comes with four of her greatest hits, The Going to Bed Book ; Horns to Toes ; Opposites ; and my personal favorite, But Not the Hippopotamus . The Big Blue Box and Green Box are also available .

Manhattan Toy Musical Llama

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!

Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano

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.

Move2Play Ring Stacking Toy

Available in both turtle and unicorn designs (honestly, you can't go wrong) this Montessori-style toy will help your 1-year-old develop vital developmental skills like grasping, stacking, and hand-eye coordination. The rings also make great rattles!

Melissa & Doug Pull-Back Vehicles

For the kiddo that loves everything with wheels, this set of four plush cars will satisfy their need for speed!

Push them along for a creative play, or pull back on the vehicles to send them zooming across the floor. Perfect for solo playtime or sharing with friends.

BEST LEARNING Learning Cube

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.

Fisher-Price Soothe & Glow Seahorse

This adorable little fishy is full of surprises. A fun toy, a huggable snuggle buddy, a gently glowing nightlight, a ocean-waves sound machine and a source of soothing music, the Soothe & Glow Seahorse is sure to be one of your 1-year-old's most beloved toys.

Hape Scoot Around Bike

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?

Fisher-Price Corn Popper

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.

Creative Kids Pull-Along Sensory Box

Have you ever seen a 1-year-old find a box of tissues? It’s utter chaos: They just. keep. pulling.

But they love it! Which is why this simple box of rainbow scarves is the perfect gift for that same satisfying sensory play without all the cleanup.

Jamie Kenney is a freelance writer for BestProducts.com; Her other work has appeared on Bustle , Parents , Playboy , McSweeny's Internet Tendency, the Takeout, and Romper, where she covers parenting, news, entertainment, and likes to help readers see the ridiculous (and hilarious) side of motherhood.

Gift Ideas for 2024

30 of the Best Gifts for Parents of Any Age

33 Gifts for Tween Boys That They’ll Actually Use

40 Gifts for the Energetic 3-Year-Old Kiddo

53 Best Gift Ideas for Your Wife

31 Gifts for Daughters She’ll Absolutely Cherish

Gifts That Wow Under $100

Gifts for PC Gamers to Level Up Their Setup

59 Tech Gifts Everyone in Your Life Will Love

Smart and Creative Gifts for 5-Year-Old Girls

60 Gifts Guaranteed to Wow Mom This Christmas

The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys

Games, Gadgets, and Toys Your Tween Will Love

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Products & Gear

The 35 Best Toys for 1-Year-Olds, Recommended by Parents and Experts

Playful, educational, and entertaining picks for curious minds.

Our Review Process

• Factors to Consider

Parents / Alli Waataja

The one-year mark in a child’s life is a big milestone as kids leave the baby stage and officially enter their toddler era. As they develop physically and emotionally, a whole new world of age-appropriate toys also opens for them. Children this age are intrigued by colors, sounds, and textures. But they also like to put things in their mouths (so choose toys that are safe and easy to keep clean ).

The best toys for 1-year-olds provide sensory enrichment, help develop motor skills, and encourage language learning. To find these toys, we surveyed 875 parents and caregivers and asked about their kids' favorite toys, what skills they help them practice, and how durable and easy to use they are. In addition, we interviewed a pediatrician and a toy industry expert to gain further insights into toy safety and the latest trends. A physician double board-certified in neonatology and pediatrics on our Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding the safety, ease of use, and developmental appropriateness of toys for 1-year-olds.

LeapFrog 4-in-1 Learning Hamburger

For any child fascinated by cause and effect, this simple but engaging toy is a great way for them to practice taking action and seeing what happens next . Each layer of this recycled plastic hamburger spins down the center pole to stack up in any order or pattern they choose, but each individual ring—in bright colors and featuring different textures—is interesting enough all on its own. Plus, it’s not electronic, so you won’t be annoyed by sound effects or melodies here.

Tiny Love Tiny Rockers Accordion

For budding musicians who love exploring the world through their sense of hearing, this handheld accordion includes seven melodies, all customizable with volume and mode settings. Its circular shape makes it easy for even newly turned 1-year-olds to hold and carry around , and we love that one side of the toy is also a mini piano with keys that light up when your child presses them, helping this toy build even more hand-eye coordination skills. 

Lego Duplo My First Daily Routines: Eating & Bedtime Toy

With their big, chunky size and bright colors, Lego Duplo blocks are an all-time favorite of parents and kids alike, and we love the opportunities for fun and learning the eating and bedtime routines set invites. Not only can your 1-year-old build, take apart, and rearrange the pieces in dozens of ways, but they can also role-play some of the most important parts of their own day using the adorable animal figures and prop blocks included.

Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog

Fine motor skills can be practiced with just about any household item, but bright, colorful, and cute animals will get their attention more effectively. This adorable hedgehog is a great tool to get your child using their hands, counting, and identifying colors as they place the 12 plastic quills back inside the holes in its back. Plus, parents will love that the hedgehog opens up to store all its pieces inside when not in use.

Melissa & Doug Pull-Back Vehicles, Soft Baby and Toddler Toy Set

There’s nothing we don’t love about this set of four vehicles: they’re soft, lightweight, durable, and washable . Your little one will enjoy the pull-back wheels that allow them to explore cause and effect as they pull the vehicles and then let go to watch them roll away. We also like the design of the vehicles—a school bus, fire truck, police car, and regular car, all with passengers pictured inside—for encouraging imaginative play .

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn 4-In-1 Farm-to-Market Tractor Ride-On

Once toddlers start walking independently , a whole new world of mobility opens up with ride-ons, pull and push toys, and more. The Fisher-Price Tractor Ride-On maximizes all these newly learned abilities. This learning toy features a market wagon that attaches to it or can be pulled with a handle, and removable shape-sorter fruits and veggies (and a credit card!).

The tractor plays over 75 songs to help kids learn their ABCs, numbers, shapes, and more. We love that this toy has a "smart stages" switch that enables you to pick the right level of learning for your kiddo , with simpler songs and concepts for the younger toddlers and more elaborate phrases as they learn and grow. If you're buying it as a gift, keep in mind that this toy requires three AA batteries (not included).

Hape Pound & Tap Bench with Slide Out Xylophone

This award-winning musical toy has been praised for its  colorful wooden design  and ability to teach kids about cause and effect. Rather than push a button, kids make their own music with a wooden hammer and balls, which little hands can place into the corresponding holes.

The Hape Pound and Tap Bench is made with high-quality wood with child-safe paint and rounded edges, making it easy to clean and safe for little hands and mouths. The parents we surveyed love how this toy keeps their toddlers engaged and entertained for hours and how they are able to find more creative ways to play. One of our editors also owns this xylophone, and she says this is the only toy her son plays with daily. Sometimes he taps the xylophone, but his favorite part is pushing the balls through the slots and putting them back in.

Manhattan Toy Little Rocket Finds Home Soft Activity Crinkle Book

By the time their first birthday rolls around, babies are usually starting to show more interest in exploring books on their own. With loads of  sensory experiences , this soft crinkle book gives them more than enough material to be amazed at. There are colorful illustrations, a variety of different textures (like a fluffy cloud), noises like a squeaker and rattle toy, and flaps and pockets for them to check out.

We appreciate the teether corner and the fact that this is  washable , and also love that it’s easy to pack up when heading out. And unlike other books for babies and toddlers, this one actually has a story you can read together as you explore the different textures. 

Fisher-Price Baby's First Blocks

This classic toy is an ultra-affordable option that is sure to please little ones. The set includes 10 colorful blocks that fit into identical slots in a  convenient carry case . The blocks promote a host of important skills, including matching, sorting, and problem-solving.

Radio Flyer Busy Buggy Sit to Stand Toddler Ride On Toy

The Radio Flyer Busy Buggy gets kids moving, whether pushing this adorable car around or interacting with one of its many features. One of our writers received a free sample of this Radio Flyer ride-on toy (but in pink), and it was a breeze to put together, requiring only the attachment of the handlebar. The Busy Buggy has 17 interactive features , like clicking dials and folding mirrors, which allow toddlers to enhance their fine motor skills. 

We love the storage compartment underneath the seat, where kids can pack their favorite toys (or the TV remote) for the ride. If kids don’t feel like walking, they can sit on the seat and power the car using their feet. 

Radio Flyer

Battat Wooden Activity Cube

With five different play surfaces and a variety of activities, the Battat Wooden Activity Cube will surely keep 1-year-olds occupied and engaged. The solid cube features a wire bead maze, spinning blocks, sliding knobs, little doors to open and shut, and rolling wood blocks with cheerful farm animals. The cube is also mindfully designed with  curved corners to help prevent bumps and bruises. 

The activities on the solid wood cube offer learning opportunities for matching, exploring cause and effect, and practicing hand-eye coordination. Vibrant colors, adorable pictures of animals, and a variety of activities will keep toddlers entertained for quite some time.

Melissa & Doug Safari Jumbo Knob Puzzle

Tots one year and up can practice problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills  with an adorable puzzle like the Melissa & Doug Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle. Each piece is cut from a thick piece of wood and has a  large knob  on top that’s just the right size for little hands to grasp to help them guide the piece into its place. There are a variety of theme options, too, like farm animals ,  colorful shapes , and  pets . 

Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Around the Town Learning Table

Little ones get to stand up while they play with the Fisher-Price Around the Town Learning Table, which is broken into four play zones , including a zoo, puppy house, market, and farm. Each section has different activities that let kids push buttons, flip switches, spin toys, and more. The table has lights and sounds, includes a toy phone for interactive play, and has three stages to meet your child’s developmental needs. Kids between 6 months and 3 years old are the perfect age to enjoy this table. 

Battat Stacking Cups

This set of 10 multicolor cups can be used to stack up tall towers, contain individual items, scoop and pour water in the tub, or nest within one another, opening up an infinite number of possibilities for play. The best part? The largest cup includes a handle, turning it into a bucket to store all the other cups or take with you on the go.

Tomy Toomies Hide & Squeak Eggs

Unlike a typical carton of eggs, children are encouraged to crack all of the eggs inside this TOMY Hide & Squeak set. Each egg has a removable top with a colorful face that matches the chick on the inside. When your kiddo presses down on the chick, it squeaks, which helps develop   sensory and fine motor skills. 

LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book

The LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book contains little activities to strengthen fine motor skills and sound bites that teach science, letters, and numbers. All of the sound features can be played in either English or Spanish  mode to further develop vocabulary and language skills. Kiddos will love all the buttons, lights, sounds, and interactive pages that teach them 100 words while having fun. 

B. Toys One Two Squeeze Baby Blocks

Littles between 6 months and 3 years old   can stack, sort, squeeze, toss, and even chew on these soft molding foam blocks . The set comes with 10 blocks in various colors, each with different images on all six sides, including numbers, animals, and shapes. When they’re not being played with, the blocks stack nicely into a little plastic carrying case for storage. 

Leapfrog Spin and Sing Alphabet Zoo

The LeapFrog Spin and Sing Alphabet Zoo is surprisingly functional. Even though it's small, the buttons on the base let little ones choose one of three modes of play: letters, animals, or music. When your child interacts by spinning the wheel or pushing any number of colorful buttons, they’ll be  building their vocabulary and improving motor skills .

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Light-Up Learning Vacuum

Did you know that kids learn a lot of skills simply from mimicking their parents? Foster good habits and an inclination to  help around the house  with this fun light-up vacuum. Your kiddo can push the vacuum around just like their parents and caregivers might, but this version plays learning songs and phrases as they push to help expand their vocabulary, too. 

Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano Wooden Musical Toy

Little Mozarts in the making will have a ton of fun with this piano that has  color-coded keys  and three sheets of music that will guide them in playing melodies. The coolest part? The Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano keys are all laid across a flat piece of wood, so they’re “magic.” This toy is best for budding musicians between 6 months and 3 years old.

Little Tikes Rocking Horse

The Little Tikes Rocking Horse is a great way for 1-year-olds to burn some of that extra energy. It’s designed for kids between 1 and 3 years old and under 50 pounds. Its tallest point stands just over 17 inches from the ground, it’s made from strong, durable plastic, and can be played with  indoors or outdoors .

Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy

Children up to 2 years old can clutch and teeth on the Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle all they want. It's  colorful and lightweight , so it's fun to fiddle with and throw around. This rattle toy is big enough to keep little ones entertained but small enough to easily tuck into a diaper bag or under the stroller. The teething tubes are made of BPA-free plastic, perfect for tiny hands and teeth.

VTech Pull and Sing Puppy

If your family isn’t quite ready for a real puppy, the VTech Pull and Sing Puppy is a great alternative. This dog’s got plenty of tricks: He walks, sings, and even teaches numbers, colors, and body parts  through more than 60 songs, melodies, sounds, and phrases. 

First 100 Words: A Padded Board Book

At 1 year of age,  your child's vocabulary is likely on the verge of exploding. This comprehensive book for little ones , complete with 100 words essential to a child’s daily life, provides a gentle nudge in the right direction. The board-book style makes "First 100 Words" easy for tiny hands to maneuver, and  bright, bold illustrations keep kids engaged. 

Tiny Land Teepee for Kids with Mat

At 47 inches wide and 59 inches tall, this tent it’s perfectly kid-sized, with just enough room for some toys, books, and stuffed animal friends. We love that it also comes with a string of starlights, a pretend campfire toy, and a drawstring bag for easy storage.

BusyPuzzle Personalized Name Puzzle With Pegs

For a unique gift that both littles and parents will love, try a personalized name puzzle. This artful toy is crafted with high-quality material to give it a super sophisticated vibe, but it’s functional, too. It’ll provide hours of fun that help children build problem-solving skills and fine motor function and—eventually— teach them how to spell their names . 

Little Tikes First Slide

When your new toddler is still a little too small for the playground, this beginner-level slide is a great alternative for a climbing toy. The Little Tikes First Slide is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, so you can enjoy active play no matter what the weather is like. Parents love that it  folds flat for portability  and convenient storage.

Manhattan Toy Tree Top Adventure Activity Center

There’s no shortage of fun to be had with this award-winning wooden toy. The  freestanding activity table , which features dozens of bead runs and gliders that facilitate grasping skills, is just the right size—small enough for the younger set to sit and play but large enough for toddlers to tinker while standing.

Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll 'N Trike

This ride-on toy is perfect for growing youngsters hitting new milestones all the time. It has  four different ways to ride : Use it as an infant trike, a steering trike with adult help, a learn-to-ride trike, or a classic trike suitable for more independent riders. Though the Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll 'N Trike is pricier, it’s a worthy investment because you'll use it for years; it’s suitable for children as young as 1 year and as old as 5 years.

Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag

The Mega Block Big Building Bag is a set of 80 large-scale blocks that provide the perfect introduction to  building blocks . The colorful pieces  easily click together , so kids can harness the power of their imagination and create any number of things—from towers to castles to cars and more.

Fat Brain Toys SpinAgain Kids Stacking Toy

This toy puts a new twist on the classic stacking toy. This set of six brightly colored, graduated  discs spin down a corkscrew pole , encouraging hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and the concept of cause and effect.

Boon Building Bath Toys Set

Get those creative juices flowing and those problem-solving skills into tip-top shape with this fun   bath-time building set. Kids will love figuring out how to connect the pipes to create a maze of working waterfalls . This set truly takes bath toys to a whole new level!

B. toys by Battat FunKeys Toy

There’s just something about keys—little kids love them. To ensure your set doesn’t go missing, give toddlers their own special set of keys they can chew on, rattle, and carry around. In addition to the eye-catching colors, these baby-safe keys have a realistic design and a functional remote that emits car sounds  and turns on a flashlight. 

VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck

This colorful dump truck is so much more than just a  pull-along toy . It’s a great tool for teaching kids basic counting—as they load the truck’s hinged bucket with rocks, the toy counts each one aloud. It also plays a variety of melodies and phrases that teach additional vocabulary, including colors and shapes.

VTech Smart Shots Sports Center

Toddlers are notorious for their short attention spans, but this activity center gives tots two choices—basketball or soccer—to ensure there’s no shortage of fun. The  light-up scoreboard  provides positive feedback when kids score and play fun songs and sounds.

People who play with kids on a daily basis are the best experts on toys that 1-year-olds love and actually engage with, so we surveyed 875 parents and caregivers to find out their kids' favorite toys, what they like most about them, how long they keep their attention, and their overall value and quality. We also interviewed these experts to learn more about the safety of toys for 1-year-olds and the latest toys and games for this age group:

• Natasha Burgert , MD, is a pediatrician in South Overland Park, Kansas. She's also the American Academy of Pediatrics’ national spokesperson and a regular contributor to multiple national media outlets.
• Kristin Morency Goldman , is a senior advisor of strategic communications for The Toy Association, an industry organization that represents hundreds of manufacturers and retailers dedicated to championing the benefits of play.

Factors to Consider When Buying Toys for 1-Year-Olds

• Ease of Use: Any toy for your child should be lightweight enough for them to carry and lift, and the features should be appropriate and easy for them to use. Also, think about how easy the toy will be to clean and store when not in use.
• Educational Value: There’s a lot for 1-year-olds to learn, from basic motor and language skills to letters, colors, sounds, and more. Consider what toys they already have and what skills they’re working on when you start shopping. 
• Age Appropriateness: Always check the age range of the toys you plan to buy. While you may be excited to teach your little one new things, you want to find a toy they can understand, enjoy, and fully engage with safely . 
• Safety: Babies love to grab, chew, and throw things, so choose toys that are made of safe, non-toxic materials and have soft edges. Additionally, watch out for toys with small parts that can be a choking hazard—generally, these toys are labeled 3+, says Morency Goldman.

Julie Evans  is a writer and editor who has worked with Microsoft, USA Today, Realtor.com, Brit + Co, CafeMom, SheKnows, and more. Evans received her master's degree in nonfiction writing from Johns Hopkins University. Her work covers topics including health and wellness, parenting, technology, finance, real estate, and pop culture.

Sarah Bradley is a freelance health and parenting writer from Connecticut, where she lives with her husband and three sons. As a homeschooling mom who works part-time, she understands the value of shopping for parenting products that are not only safe and affordable but also make family life easier (and more fun!).

Related Articles