Are you a happy mom or dad or a party guest at a huge first birthday party? Chances are you want to celebrate the special day with the best presents for 1-year-olds. What do you get for a child in that in-between phase?
Almost anything. A one-year-old is an easy audience, because, to them, everything is fair game when it comes to play. This type of exploration is the foundation for learning about the world around them, says Jody LeVos, PhD, an expert in early play. A 2019 scientific report from the American Academy of Pediatrics echoes this and recommends selecting “toys that will grow with the child, foster interactions with caregivers, encourage exploration and problem-solving, and spark the child’s imagination.” This means sensory toys, puzzles, musical instruments, play tables, and walkers are all winners, if you’re shopping for the perfect baby gift.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall Gift for 1-Year-Olds: Step2 Whisper Ride-On Push Toy Car $85
- Best Personalized Gift for 1-Year-Olds: Personalized Large Learning Busy Board for Toddlers $149
- Best Montessori Gift for 1-Year-Olds: Lovevery The Block Set $90
- Best Birthday Gift for 1-Year-Olds: Shopflowerlane Monogrammed Birthday Crown $44
It’s important to note that at this stage you’re really gifting the parents. The birthday child may not even pay attention to their stack of gifts. That’s exactly why a useful gift for the parents is one of the best presents you can give a one-year-old. Think practical play mats and a few new-mom gifts that will make parents’ and caregivers’ lives easier. Maybe even an all-terrain Jeep stroller to help them take the adventurous toddler phase in stride.
From highly acclaimed Montessori-style brands like Melissa & Doug and Lovevery to new favorites from baby-focused brands like Lalo, and personalized baby gifts, shop our gift guide for the best presents for 1-year-olds, curated by moms (including me– I’ve got 4 kids under 6 at home), and dads who’ve seen the joy these products brought their kids. (BTW, we also rounded up the cutest clothes, the best presents for 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, and 4-year-olds, if you’ve got a few more little people on your list.)
Meet the experts
- Shanna Shipin is a mommy to a toddler in Los Angeles, as well as an author specializing in motherhood and parenting, with over a decade of experience. She’s the former commerce director and managing editor for shopping content at Allure, Glamour, SELF, and Teen Vogue.
- Brigitt Earley is an author and editor focusing on kids shopping, beauty, home, and of course, parenting– she has 4 kids under the age of 6.
Psst: Looking for other gift ideas? Shop our guides for the best presents for four-year-olds, presents for five-year-olds,
