35+ Gift Ideas for 1-Year-Olds That Encourage Learning & Play

The key to finding the perfect gift for your little one is to find something that will be stimulating, educational, and fun…over-and-over again! Those little brains learn a lot in their first year. So, it’s important to find a gift that will grow with them, evoke sensory stimulation, and ideally have a variety of ways to interact with it.

Luckily, I’ve done a lot of research, scoured all the toys, and come up with a pretty hefty list of some of the best I’ve found. Whether you’re looking for something unique or something more classic and simple, I have compiled a list of 35+ toys for your 1-year-old. From quiet-time activities to outdoor play equipment, both small and big, I’ve got you covered!

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1. Personalized Books

Reading to your toddler is essential for their development and future success. The AAP recommends reading aloud for a minimum of 20 minutes each day. While there are plenty of books out there that are wonderful for a 1-year-old, it’s always nice to have one or two that are personalized!

Personalized books usually include your child’s name in the story itself, which is just a total delight for a 1-year-old. whether your child’s name is used for a character, or the narrative explores the letters in your child’s name, it can be such a fun experience! Some personalized books may even include a character that you can customize to look like your child.

While there are many options on the market, definitely do your research and make sure the story is something that will appeal to your child. I recommend the I See Me brand. They have a great selection of different stories. From superheroes and big sister/brother books to more classic goodnight stories and alphabet books, there’s one for your child!

2. Lovevery Play Kit

Lovevery’s Play Kits deliver Montessori-style toys for children from birth to age three…straight to your doorstep. Full of new toys and activities, this subscription box ensures your little one always has something wonderful to play with.

The coolest thing about the Play Kits is not only the fact that you receive age-appropriate toys every couple of months, and thought that goes into each box. It’s also that the toys are so versatile.

Your toddler will be able to play with these toys in a variety of ways, so they definitely won’t get bored.

You’ll get a box every 2 months for ages 0-12 months, and every 3 months for children 1-3 years old. The price varies slightly per month depending on the age of your child, but they are very affordable. Lovevery’s Baby Play Kits cost $80 each and are delivered every two months. The Toddler Play Kits cost $120 each and are delivered every three months.

If you pay for several months upfront, you’ll also save 10%. You can purchase a whole box at the time, or you can save a bit of money by investing in a subscription.

Lovevery Play Kit

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3. Ride-on Toy

At this age, your toddler might begin to use a ride-on toy. Of course, you don’t just want to go and purchase any ride-on toy. Most are made from low-quality plastic and are full of BPAs.

Instead, I recommend choosing a higher quality option, like these by Wishbone Design. Their Flips are wonderfully made of poplar wood, perfect for your growing one-year-old.

These ride-on toys will grow with your child and are perfect for all abilities from 9 months through age 3.

4. Pikler Triangle

Once your child is mobile, they need to burn off all their extra energy. When you can’t get outside to let them run around, you can bring out the Pikler Triangle instead. These versatile wooden toys are made to climb on, which is precisely what toddlers want to do. Made of all-natural birch wood, the Pikler Triangle will teach your toddler how to balance, climb, and inspire creativity.

You can also buy other add-ons for more climbing opportunities. While these do take up a bit of space, they fold up to store when you aren’t using them.

5. Water Table

When a toddler wants to play, the best thing you can do is add water! Water tables are great for outdoor play. While water tables don’t make a huge mess, water will definitely spill out with active play, but that’s part of the fun!

And – during the colder months, you can fill the table with other sensory items and play indoors.

Most tables will come with fun pathways to drop balls into, a spinner to churn the water, and feature ways in which your child can pour and catch water.

Water tables come in all different shapes and sizes. I like the Little Tikes Spiralin’ Sea Waterpark Table, and if you’re up for incorporating sand, the Step2 Cascading Cove Sand and Water Table is fun.

6. Board Books

Board books are always a good choice when shopping for gifts for babies and toddlers of all ages. Reading aloud, pointing and naming objects, and making animal noises, are all an integral part of early literacy.

There are many books out there for you to choose from, and you can find plenty of suggestions online specific to your child’s age and interests. Definitely check out my article on the best baby books for some good titles.

Here are a few favorites to consider, too. For birthdays, I recommend Now You Are One, Suess’s Happy Birthday Nursery Collection, Happy Birthday Hungry Caterpillar.

And for Christmas time, you may like the First Christmas Lift Board Book and Little Truck’s Christmas.

7. Panda Crate from KiwiCo

A subscription box is an easy way to keep your child entertained all year. With new toys continually coming in, you have to do far less shopping around. Out of all the subscription boxes available for his age group, the Panda Crate is one of the best options.

Every other month, your child will receive a curated box of age-appropriate activities to inspire and promote new skills. These activities are fun collaborative projects to do with your child – and I promise you both will have fun! Included in each box are activity cards that give directions as well as ideas to further explore concepts.

I really like that each crate is backed by actual scientific research. Note, you can always buy one crate rather than signing up for a subscription if you want to try it out first!

8. Tegu Magnets

Blocks are an integral part of childhood. They teach your child how to build, stack, and destruct. However, not all blocks are made equal.

I personally love the Tegu Magnet Set. These blocks are both wooden and magnetic and finished with a water-based finish. 24 pieces and 6 shapes—your toddler will love the open-ended nature of these building blocks!

9. An Art Easel

Toddlers love coloring and painting! An easel is a perfect gift to give for to the curious young artist to paint, color, draw! These activities will help both their fine and gross motor skills. From hand-eye coordination to cause-and-effect, shapes, colors, numbers, and letters, an easel is the perfect place to learn!

For an inexpensive option, I like this Easel.

10. Lego Duplo Blocks

While one-year-olds are too young for regular Legos, Duplo Blocks are perfect for this age. Lego Duplo sets are specifically designed for babies and toddlers. The pieces are larger and easier for little hands to build and put together. Since Lego first launched the Duplo line, they have added some amazing sets.

As a starter set, I recommend the Classic Brick Box. This set comes with 85 different pieces in a variety of colors, along with a car and two people. This is a set that your children can continue to play with as they get older, too.

For more options, you can also check out my full guide to the best Lego Duplo Sets for toddlers.

11. Uncle Goose Wooden Blocks

Classic building blocks are another excellent option for one-year-olds. I like and trust the Uncle Goose Wooden Blocks because they are hand-painted with non-toxic, mouth-safe inks and made in the USA.

This is a traditional set with letters and pictures embossed onto Michigan basswood square blocks. Great for sorting, stacking, and matching! A perfect gift for a 1-year-old!

12. Balance Bike

A one-year-old is not coordinated enough to ride on a bike or tricycle yet. However, once they are walking, this is the perfect age to introduce a balance bike.

If you aren’t familiar with balance bikes, they are small bikes without pedals or training wheels. Toddlers as young as 18 months old can propel and guide themselves using their feet. It’s really great for gross motor skills and developing balance and coordination.

So, when it comes time to add pedals, your child will be ready and have a good grasp on their own balance. If your little one has older siblings, this is also a great way to make them feel included when it’s bike riding time.

I prefer natural wood options like the Wishbone Design Studio Original. It’s made from sustainably harvested birch and eucalyptus. All the glues and finishes used are non-toxic, and the packaging is made from recycled materials.

13. Musical Instruments

As you probably already know, toddlers love to make noise! Singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments are great ways to develop sensory skills as well as fine and gross motor skills.

Between banging on drums, opening and closing cymbals, and shaking rattles, there is an instrument for every toddler. Musical activities can also improve their mood and is a great distraction and redirect technique.

You may want to consider a music set like the Melissa & Doug Band-in-a-Box. This set includes ten different musical instruments that are really diverse and fun to play with!

14. Radio Flyer Push Bike

While one-year-olds are not old enough to use a tricycle, you can look ahead by getting the Radio Flyer Push Bike. This bike grows with your child.

When they’re younger, you can use the tricycle by pushing your toddler in it.(we LOVED this!). And as they get older, you can slowly convert it into an independent tricycle. I love that this setup will last you for a couple of years.

Plus, I like that it has accessories like a removable UV protection canopy, a storage area for your phone and keys, and a wrap-around tray with a drink holder.

15. Hape Activity Cube

Hape makes a variety of high-quality children’s toys that are more than just buttons and noise. I particularly like the Hape Activity Cube for this age group. It has mazes, wooden balls, a shape sorter, and a turnplate, along with other play opportunities.

This activity cube is made out of sturdy wood and water-based paints. It is child-safe, even if yours still likes exploring things with their mouth.

This activity cube can replace various toys, which is one reason I recommend it so highly. Instead of buying your child a few smaller toys, you might just want to invest in this play cube.

16. Experiences

You don’t have to purchase your one-year-old physical gifts. Instead, you can invest in experiences or non-toy gifts. Tickets or season passes to the zoo or aquarium are good options. You may also want to look for toddler classes near you. Many places have toddler yoga, dance, and music classes. Purchasing a class bundle makes a great gift and keeps your little one both social and active!

This is also a gift that the whole family will enjoy. If your one-year-old already has tons of toys, this is a good option to avoid filling up their room with more stuff.

17. Wooden Play Kitchen

Toddlers love to cook like mommy and daddy do! As your one-year-old enters toddlerhood, you’ll find that he will start spending much of their day imitating the chores and tasks you do. It’s how they learn, develop their imagination, and have fun. You can encourage this play and keep them entertained by providing them with their own toys similar to their adult counterparts.

A great example of this is a wooden play kitchen. They can “cook” in a play kitchen all they want. I love the kitchens by Elves & Angels though they are more expensive than other options. If you want a non-toxic, wooden play kitchen, these are excellent quality, durability, and 100% safe.

Some other brands to consider are Lalo and TinyLand.

18. Wooden Play Food

If you end up getting a play kitchen, you’ll need play food to go with it.

Of course, you don’t have to have a play kitchen for your children to enjoy play food. Anything by Tender Leaf Toys is a fantastic non-toxic option, like these wooden eggs. Melissa and Doug and Hape also make wooden, non-toxic play food as well. 

One particularly fun pretend food item is the Melissa & Doug Cutting Fruit Set. It provides a unique opportunity for children to practice “cutting” – a challenging fine motor skill.

19. Freshly Picked Soft Soled Moccasins

Freshly Picked makes the best moccasins. Made of buttery soft Italian leather, these come in a wide variety of styles and colors that will keep those little toes warm! Especially if you don’t like the traditional style, you will love the different designs they make.

These mocs are great introductory shoes with a soft-soled bottom. They protect your toddler’s feet while also letting them feel the ground, balance, and learn proper coordination.

With an easy on-and-off elastic band, these are great for parents trying to squish those baby feet into shoes. And don’t be surprised if your one-year-old loves these, too! Shoes are super exciting for new walkers.

20. A Basketball Hoop

A child-sized basketball hoop can be fun for both indoor and outdoor play. The Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set is a reliable option if you want to go this route. It is adjustable from 2.5 feet to 4 feet, which should be just the right size for now and later. The base can be weighted for stability as well to prevent it from falling over. The rim is oversized, and it comes with three small balls.

21. Grimm’s Rainbow

Grimm’s Rainbows are popular toys in Montessori and Waldorf circles. They’re the ultimate open-ended toy and are considered a must-have by parents.

These toys can make a solid gifting option for one-year-olds. They are open-ended, but let your child work on important fine motor skills.

There is a Large Grimm’s Rainbow option and a Small Grimm’s Rainbow. Both are great! You can also choose a natural wood version or even pastel rainbows if you want to skip the bright colors. My kids have loved our Grimm’s rainbow. (Shop more Grimm’s toys here.)

22. Personalized Name Puzzle

Children at this age are just starting to get into simple puzzles. There are many different puzzles out there, but this is the perfect time to introduce a personalized name puzzle. They teach name recognition and are easy enough for most one-year-olds to do with a bit of help. I like the Fat Brain Toys Personalized Name Puzzle. It’s a flat price for up to nine letters.

23. Play Tent

Teepees or play tents are unique and exciting play spaces. They look lovely in playrooms, and many children enjoy reading and playing pretend inside them. There are many tents and teepees available on the market, but I really like the Lalo Tent for Kids.

24. An Organic Stuffed Animal

Stuffed animals can easily be a child’s best friend. The favorites usually accompany toddlers on errands, to doctor’s visits, even to their first day of preschool. Plush toys become much-loved, prized possessions. They can also provide foundational support for learning social and emotional skills.

25. Play Silks

Play Silks are the ultimate open-ended toy option. They can be used for practically everything: superhero caps, baby blankets, and tent-crafting. And the texture of real silk is a love of many one-year-olds.

Sarah’s Silks Enchanted Play Silks are the best option. They are made from real silk and made to last for years of endless imaginative play! Please be sure to supervise any time your little one uses these.

26. An Indoor Slide

Some one-year-olds could slide all day. However, heading outside isn’t always possible. So, an indoor slide can be the perfect gift.

I recommend the Step2 Play and Fold Jr. Slide in particular. It is durable and compact, so it should fit into most places. The large steps and handrails make it easy for even small children to climb and slide safely.

27. Drum Set

We’ve already discussed musical instrument sets, which usually come with drums. However, many children love drums!

The fact that your little can hit this toy as much as they want often makes this a favorite toy for many. A complete drum set can be super fun. Many of the drum sets have different sounds when they are played, which can be an entertaining way for your toddler to understand sound and rhythm.

Plan Toys makes some wonderful wooden drums that will last a long time (here’s another option)! We had ours for many years. If you are open to an electronic drum, the VTech KidiBeats Drum Set is one of the best options out there. It is inexpensive and plays a variety of songs and melodies. And each drum has a unique LED light that lights up whenever it is hit.

28. Wooden Race Track

A wooden race track combines cars and motion – two things toddlers love. I recommend choosing a high-quality, solid wood race track, as it will likely get a lot of use.

I like the Top Bright Ramp Racer. Top Bright has produced a really durable, non-toxic car race track that is perfect for this age group. Toddlers love to watch the bright-colored cars blaze through the track. And while having fun, they’ll also be working on dexterity and hand-eye coordination. This toy will also outlast several children while staying intact and ready for repeated play!

29. Wooden Tool Box

Similar to play kitchens, a wooden toolbox allows children to mimic their parents without reaching for a real hammer or wrench. So, next time you’re hanging pictures, fixing a hinge, or putting together a piece of furniture, your toddler can bring his very own toolbox to help!

I really like the Hape Wooden Tool Box. It includes a hammer, wrench, screwdriver, and plenty of other tools! There are a few gears included as well, which can provide some simple cause-and-effect education.

30. Shape Sorting Puzzle

Children at this age are developing spatial skills. They are continually developing their ability to notice small changes in their environment. For example, the difference between shapes and sizes. You can help them develop these skills by providing shape sorting puzzles. These puzzles will ask your toddler to figure out which shape is appropriate for a space, and 1-year-olds love these activities!

An easy one to start with is the Carrot Harvest Puzzle. This puzzle is made from sustainable New Zealand pinewood and non-toxic, water-based paints. It features a sorting game where your child will need to put the carrots in the correctly sized spaces. It’s really eye-catching, bright, and fun!

31. Montessori Sensory Bin Tools

Sensory bins are trending across social media these days – and there is a good reason. Most children seek sensory input. They play in water, pour stuff out, and constantly want to touch everything! Sensory bins allow them to play with their senses in a safe way.

The SimplytoPlay Sensory Bin Tools are great additions to any sensory bin. This set includes smooth wooden bowls, scoops, and a variety of other tools that can be used in any sensory bin you’ve set up. If your child loves to scoop and pour, they will love these toys. Just throw in some rice, and you’re good to go!

32. Suction Cups

Squishy, bright-colored suction cups are also super fun to throw in a sensory bin. They can be used to pour, scoop, and suction! Your one-year-old will love to experiment with these toys all around the house. I recommend Fat Brain Suction Cups because they are entirely non-toxic. Kids can even drink for them if the need arises.

33. Rubber Duck

Rubber ducks are a simple and classic childhood toy perfect for bath time or even within a water table. 1-year-olds love to imagine with their floating duck as they bathe during their end-of-day routine. I like the HEVEA Kawan Mini Rubber Duck. It’s made from natural rubber, soft, and teething friendly. It is free of BPA, phthalates, and PVC.

34. InnyBin

An InnyBin is a unique tactile challenge. This toy is a cube covered in taught and stretchy plastic “strings.” Your toddler can put shapes and toys inside the cube, and then can work to remove them. As you might imagine, this toy is intriguing, especially to a one-year-old! The unique shape exploration will encourage your child to use their fine motor skills as they pinch, grip, drop, and grab shapes to fit in and take out of the bin. I also love that this is very easy to store. You just put everything inside and put it away!

35. Stacking Train

Staking trains combine wheels, motion, and stacking blocks. They are a great all-in-one, multifunctional toy that young toddlers love! From imaginative play to exploring shapes, colors, and tactile exploration, this will be a go-to toy for any one-year-old.

I recommend the Fat Brain Stacking Train for this very reason. It is very safe and made to last. The wood is high-quality, and it is painted with vibrant non-toxic paint.

36. PipSquigz

PipSquigz are silicone suction and pop toys. They’re excellent fidget toys that are perfect for the stroller, high chair, or even the bathtub! You could easily pop them in a diaper bag as well for a toy on-the-go. Each PipSquigz shape can suction to a smooth surface, be pulled, squeezed, pushed, and shaken. Your toddler will love to hear the pop sound when the PipSquigz detaches from a surface! One-year-olds are also pretty fascinated by sticking the shapes together and pulling them apart. With wavy bumps and ridges, bright colors, and rattle sounds, these are great for sensory play!

And there you have it! I hope you found some great gift ideas for your one-year-old! What did you choose? I’d love to hear!

Keep Reading:

• 20 Healthy Smash Cake Recipes for Your Baby’s 1st Birthday
• 30+ Genius Non-Toy Gifts for Toddlers
• 30+ Best Toy and Gift Ideas for Babies
• The 11 Best Block Sets for Babies and Toddlers
• Lovevery Play Kits Review: Get Montessori Toys Delivered to Your Door
• 13 Best Pikler Triangles That Your Child Will Love