25 Best Gifts For One Year Olds From Parents Who Know Their Stuff

Jan 12, 2024

By Bianca London and Shanna Shipin

Looking for the best gifts for one-year-olds? You've come to the right place. Celebrating a baby's first birthday is a major milestone (for both baby and parent). The parents have officially nailed 365 and a quarter days of nappy changes and sleepless nights – and their little one is growing into a proper little person with buckets of personality.

OK, enough with the soppy stuff and on to the practical: what on earth do you buy a one-year-old to mark such a momentous occasion?

We've already covered the best newborn gifts, as well as the best gifts for baby girls and boys. But turning one marks a major developmental milestone, so you'll want to buy them something practical, fun and, let's be honest, aesthetically pleasing – but it also has to aid their physical and cognitive development.

Thankfully, there's plethora of toys made specifically to help one-year-olds reach age-appropriate developmental milestones (those that promote problem-solving, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and more) and we've tested hundreds to bring you a concise list of the very best.

Because what new mum has the time to sit still for an hour plus?

By Bianca London and Lucy Smith

Don't know where to begin? Sensory toys, puzzles, musical instruments, play tables, and walkers are all winners, but the truth is, the type of toy you pick is less important than how you and your children play with it. Decades of research suggests that the most important thing parents can do is interact with their little ones by talking, reading, singing, and getting down on their level to play.

A 2019 clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics echoes this, noting: “The most educational toy is one that fosters interactions between caregivers and children in supportive, unconditional play.” The authors recommend choosing “toys that will grow with the child, foster interactions with caregivers, encourage exploration and problem-solving, and spark the child’s imagination.”

And while you really can’t go wrong with something eye-catching for your little one, we all know you’re also very much gifting the parents who are coping with early-stage toddlerhood so you want to plump for something they'll enjoy using with their toddler that's ideally in a colour hue that won't turn their house into a migraine-inducing rainbow rave.

Sharing her advice, Kirsty Douglas, Parenting Expert at Kiddies Kingdom, said: “When children get to 12 months, they’re beginning to develop more social and communication skills. You can help your child reach these exciting milestones by introducing plenty of imaginative and creativity-based toys. Musical toys are brilliant for this as they help children understand cues and practice mimicking sounds.

“At around 12 months, your child will typically be eating weaning snacks such as vegetable sticks alongside meals. Using toys which require sorting, picking up and moving will allow your little one to build out the fine motor skills needed to help them feed themselves independently. For this, toys such as ring towers and stackers are perfect, as they support fine motor development whilst keeping your child engaged and entertained. This type of toy can also be a terrific way to support cognitive thinking.”

Our Website Director, Bianca, is mother to a two-year-old with another baby on the way. After extensive research shopping for her (very active and inquisitive) daughter's first birthday present, as well as those of all her friends' children, she has become quite the expert. She has also tested these toys on her daughter over a year-long period and only included the ones that she felt really went the distance and kept her daughter engaged over a long period of time. She also grilled all her mum friends and parenting experts to get the best recommendations.

We've accounted for all budgets, from purse-friendly book bundles to play kitchens that make for a special treat. Our guide not only includes uniquely educational toys that are ideal for development, but also plenty of meaningful presents that aren’t toys, like personalised baby gifts, practical play mats, and sentimental presents that both baby and parent will treasure forever.

This may be on the pricier end but I can attest that my daughter plays with this more than any other toy. We bought it her for her first birthday and she's since spend hours role playing in the kitchen. You can also buy add ons, such as coffee machines, tea seats and wooden groceries. Genius.

They say a child learns everything from their caregivers and this is 100% true - that's why they'll love emulating their grown-ups with this mini-me pretend set. They'll love making phone calls on the lightweight flip and peek phone, as well as playing with the easy-to-grasp music and lights key ring for exploring sound and refining motor skills.

Dolls can help toddlers learn how to nurture and empathise—which is especially meaningful when the toy they’re caring for resembles them. Manhattan Toy has six Playdate Friends of differing sexes and skin tones, each with their own stuffed animal companion. The doll is “super soft, durable, washable, and a cute little companion,” says one shopper. “Hard to decide which one to get—might have to get another one.”

Who doesn't love the Very Hungry Caterpillar? Based on Eric Carle's beloved character (the book is also a must), the wooden puzzle is a simple way to introduce young children to shapes, colours and numbers, as well as developing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Plus, it's a great purse-friendly option.

By Laura Hampson

By Annabelle Spranklen

By Charlie Teather

Let the music maestro go wild on this top-rated table. The surface is flat with all kinds of musical decals on it that react to touch (or, let’s be real, banging). Though the little one may start with it on the floor, it can grow with them into a standing instrument-meets-table that their siblings or other kids can play with. Hello, cacophony of sound.

If you're looking for a high ticket item that's practical and will last for years to come, it has to be this high chair. The Tripp Trapp highchair sits right up at the table so your child is fully included with the family at mealtimes. It's designed to grow with them, with an adjustable seat and footplates so lasts from birth to big kid. You can also get a personalised edition if you want to make it extra special.

There's a reason Tonies is the fastest growing toy brand in the UK in the last 12 months and this box is tipped to be the most in-demand Christmas present for little ones. The portable speaker box, which plays stories via 'tonies' characters which you rest on the top of the speaker, is an amazing way to keep kids occupied away. It will be treasured for years.

This is a must-have for any child desperate to get on their feet (most of them, then). It's crafted from repurposed wood and decorated with colourful garden, woodland and rainbow motifs, making it a welcome addition to your carefully-curated living room. It has 12 different play activities that foster mobility and coordination.

By Laura Hampson

By Annabelle Spranklen

By Charlie Teather

Whilst this guide is primarily toys, we couldn't help sneaking in a wonderfully chic ensemble from one of our favourite childrenswear designers (and The Princess of Wales is a fan, too!). This Rachel Riley dress-and-bloomers set is crafted from soft cotton and makes the perfect Christmas present for a one year old (just think of the Christmas Day Instagram content).

Looking for a unique and stylish way to keep all of life's treasures organised and safe for a child to keep forever? This gorgeous vintage suitcase-style memory keepsake box is just the ticket. The trunk-style design allows for plenty of storage space, with enough room to hold even A3-sized items in the base. The baby themselves might not appreciate this gift right now but one day, they'll be so thankful.

Musical toys are great developmental gifts for babies and toddlers. This one is a regular on “best toys” lists and is one of the most wished-for items at Maisonette. (It also happens to be one of the most popular toys in this guide, according to Glamour readers.) With a mini xylophone, clacking saddles, and a detachable maraca, this little llama will make a standout first-birthday gift.

Praised by Glamour editors with kids, this musical bath toy will make the experience so much for engaging for your one-year-old. Each whale has a spout for water and functions like a piano key; but if the kiddo isn’t feeling like pushing buttons, the toy plays five different songs on its own.

By Laura Hampson

By Annabelle Spranklen

By Charlie Teather

When in doubt, snag a pull toy (that essentially doubles as a push toy) to help encourage movement and coordination. Hape makes a series of animal-themed ones that have hidden talents, like this cat whose yarn ball bobbles up and down with every step. And as a nice little bonus that’ll make you seem totally in the know: My friends gush about the fact that Hape is one of the most storied sustainable toy brands out there.

Need something extra quiet for play in the car or on a plane? Press toys are gaining traction as the new fidget spinners (you see versions of this in every goodie bag that comes home), but they’re much safer for babies to engage with. This aesthetically pleasing imitation paint palette will keep their little hands—and brains—occupied with minimal sound.

A step up from the traditional name puzzle (because that only keeps them occupied for so long!), this personalised, top-reviewed, sensory board has other engaging elements for development that will keep a toddler, well, busy. It has all kinds of stimulating gizmos on it, including removable puzzle shapes and a “flying” object at the top that the baby can trace back and forth. What’s more, it’s made with plywood with a nontoxic acrylic finish, and lies flat for easy storage.

Year one of a baby’s life is full of opportunities to build their fine motor skills (movements that involve smaller muscles, like those in fingers), and by 12 months they may be able to grab—and control—crayons. These chubby little nontoxic sticks are safe if babies are still mouthing objects, since they’re made of 100% pure New Zealand beeswax and food-grade colouring ingredients. They don’t break like normal crayons, either, which will save the parents from finding little nubs all over the house.

By Laura Hampson

By Annabelle Spranklen

By Charlie Teather

For more fun with colors, keep the exploration going with these artfully designed wooden blocks. They make great stacking toys and building blocks, as the sloshy water helps develop hand-eye coordination. Bonus: They also catch the light beautifully when the sun hits them, which will give the nursery a kaleidoscopic feel. There’s life beyond the one-year-old phase too. As kids get older, parents we know say you can put two colors together to teach kids about mixing new shades.

Imaginative play will be right around the corner, and the parents don’t need to find space for a replica of their kitchen to get their child started. Small sets like this little doctor’s case can help introduce pretend play and may help ward off some of the “stranger danger” reactions at their next doctor visit. Pro tip: We gave this to our oldest child when his younger brother was born, and it was a definite ice-breaker for the pair. He loved giving his little sibling “checkups.”

One of the most highly anticipated milestones happens around the time baby turns one: They’ll finally utter a few words. And one of the best ways for little ones to learn language is through repetition. You might have to listen to the same words over and over again, but babies love pushing the buttons in this interactive book. “The audio is very clear and easy to understand, so any child trying to learn words should have no trouble with it,” says one user. “Also, I love that it has the option to change to Spanish. Why not make him bilingual?”

A subscription to Lovevery is the most perfect gift, with the recipient receiving an age-appropriate box with toys suited to their development every three months. Your toddler may be finding their voice so this kit offers new challenges in balance, object permanence, and spatial awareness, as well as an early introduction to physics (yes, really!). You can also add on Book Bundles to your kit. This much-welcome box keeps them entertained for aaaaages.

By Laura Hampson

By Annabelle Spranklen

By Charlie Teather

There’s an endless array of baby bath toys that’ll serve as wonderful distractions while their parents are going in on those neck folds, but how about the promise of a glow-in-the-dark tub? Drop this little birthday buddy into the water, and he lights up, making the experience more like a party than a daily chore. My kids have had these—there are tons of characters to choose from, and believe me, you’ll collect them all—for going on four years now, and are just as obsessed as they were on day one.

What better way to help learn their ABCs than with Eva Chen’s board book featuring legendary women across history? This book was written by Instagram’s very own Eva Chen, author of popular storybook Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes. The great thing about this board book is that it’s oversized, making it easier for little hands to try turning pages. There’s also a surprise on the very last page (which we won’t spoil here!).

Is there anything more joyous than designing your child's bedroom or nursery? We've discovered the most beautiful brand based in Scotland and we're going to let you in on the secret. Allow us to introduce you to family-run Cotton and Company, that create the most exquisite pieces for your home. We're obsessed with the bedroom linen and accessories (each piece of the 100% cotton percale bed linen is beautifully sewn by hand and is designed to be treasured for years to come.) If you're really looking for something special, may we suggest the bespoke service - where co-founder Sophie creates beautifully embroidered homewares to fit your exact brief (from your child's favourite fairy to car). Lovely Sophie will discuss your ideas and create a bespoke design, hand-drawing each element before turning it into embroidery. She'll conjure up something magical for your child's bedroom that is sure to be treasured for generations.

Every kids' nursery needs one of these and this one is beautifully designed using a 5-pole solid wood structure and 100% cotton canvas to please parents too (because they're the ones who have to stare at it all day). A play tent gives little ones the creative space to make their own and keeps them occupied for hours.

By Laura Hampson

By Annabelle Spranklen

By Charlie Teather

Whether their baby loves bath time or not, a water table will blow their minds. And parents, trust me: It’s a saviour when you want to kick your feet up. Whatever size you end up buying (this top-rated one has room for multiple kiddos to splish and splash), a “baby laughs or your money back” guarantee could come on the box. Side note: Little ones begin to walk around the year mark and, soon after, get very comfortable hurtling themselves across surfaces—wet ones included, so keep a towel handy!

Parents and children will love this practical gift: a clip hanger to store all of those hair clips that so often end up behind the sofa / in the dog's basket. It's the perfect solution for keeping hair clips safely stored in one place and also makes for lovely nursery decor.

By Bianca London

By Sophie Cockett

By Bianca London

By Alexandra Fullerton