36 Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds (Parent Picks)

Stephanie W. said:  This simple little toy was gifted to my daughter for her first birthday and has quickly become one of her favorites! She loves using the mallets to bang on the keys and the sound of the notes when she or I play make her light up! For 1 year olds who love music, this is a great gift idea!

christadiserio said:  At 1 year old your child is likely VERY active, making this folding tent tunnel the perfect gift. It'll give your child something to hide in, crawl through, and play in with plastic balls. Take it for what it's worth but my 17-month-old loves her tent tunnel. I'm the mom that sticks her head at the other side of the tunnel and has my daughter laughing hysterically before she comes through. This tunnel is a fun and interactive piece for children and parents, too.

Kristy Pepping said:  I received this for my daughter's first birthday and am now giving one to my nephew. The one I received, I saved for when other smaller children come over to play.

christadiserio said:  While your toddler walks this little dog and refines her gross motor skills, the dog will also sing its ABCs. So, the more they play with the dog, the better they will learn the alphabet and words that start with each letter. After just a few weeks of playing with this dog, my 18-month-old now knows her letters all the way through "p." It's a cute, fun and educational toy - you can't go wrong with this purchase.

Kristy Pepping said:  One-year-olds are on the move! They may not all be walking yet, but they sure do love to scoot. These rider toys let them do just that. They can use it to motor around or just sit and press light up buttons. A win-win for a toddler!

Kristy Pepping said:  Adjustable activity tables are great gifts for 1-year-olds! Every child sits up and starts walking at different ages. You can remove the legs of this table and let your child play on the floor or attach the legs and let them play standing up. It's sturdy enough while standing for even wobbly little ones to prop themselves up. Plus, there are plenty of lights, sounds and things to press to keep toddlers entertained for hours!

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  This toy doubles as a kitchen and a food truck! Kids will be busy creating and cooking the food in the kitchen grill, and then selling it at the food truck window. This immersive toy is sure to spark your little one's imagination and is a great tool for practicing hands-on activities. It includes countless features for countless hours of fun time!

Stephanie W. said:  These cars are the perfect size for one-year-old hands, they are brightly colored, and easily stacked! With 10 cars and 10 "levels" in the parking garage, there are so many great ways for kids to both play and learn - about counting, color-coding, etc. My daughter loves these little toys, because what 1 year old doesn't love wheels?? And best of all, I know she'll enjoy them down the road, too!

Lisa R said:  These bright toddler markers are 'ultra-washable' and come with blunt tips that won't twist off so you can let your little one scribble to their heart's content. They make a great addition to an arts and crafts or learning themed present, and are a useful stocking stuffer!

Jaclyn Keifer said:  The little climber/Pikler triangle is a beautiful open-ended toy to promote self confidence, gross motor skills, balance control, muscle growth, and expand creativity. Our children are 18m and 5YO and love climbing around on this. Accessories: rock climbing wall and slide.

Jaclyn Keifer said:  Inspired by Waldorf Toys, play silks allow children to use their imaginations. Use them for capes, dress up, doll blankets, costumes and accessories, and more! Bundle comes with 6 bright colors; red, blue, yellow, green, purple, and pink. Loved by both boys and girls. Your children will love to dance, move, and dress up with these scarves.

Stephanie W. said:  This simple toy is every toddler's dream (and might even keep you entertained, too!). It's as easy as it looks- push the different sized "dimples" in, and once you've done it, turn the toy over and start again! Though it's simple, it will truly keep your 1-year old entertained for full minutes at a time- which is a lot for a little one! It's also a great, quiet toy for travel.

Stephanie W. said:  A sorting bucket may seem like a cliche toddler gift idea, but kids love them and they can be entertained for long periods of time by them! My daughter has one and is just starting to get the hang of how to sort the different shapes. In the meantime, she has loved just taking the top off and putting the pieces in and out of the bucket. She also loves carrying it around on her arm and putting other toys inside!

Kelly R. said:  Baby Stella was the perfect first baby doll for my daughter, and I love that Manhattan Toy offers both sizes of its Baby Stella dolls in a range of skin tones. The doll and its accessories are completely plush and huggable, and my daughter got a kick out of the magnetic pacifier that attaches to baby's mouth.

Jaclyn Keifer said:  The classic Waldorf balance rocker reimagined! The Wobble stimulates balance and poise. It invites movement for young and old—and for everyone in between. Get fit while playing together! But it's so much more: a bridge; a shop; a fort; a seat; an elephant's back; a slide; and so much more!