The 37 Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds of 2023

From robots to stuffed animals to books to play kits, there are plenty of options to gift to 1-year-olds to help celebrate their transition from baby to toddler and help them hit developmental milestones. The best gifts are practical, fun, and add a touch of personalization.

Shopping for 1-year-olds can be a challenge since you'll need to find a toy or item that's safe, age-appropriate, and, most importantly, something they'll really use and enjoy. Other important features to look for include durability and ease of cleaning. We researched the top options from trusted brands with these features in mind.

Here are our picks for the best gifts for 1-year-olds.

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected the Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds
What to Look For
Why Trust Verywell Family

Courtesy of Walmart

The Fisher-Price Rollin' Rovee is one of our top choices for its sensory engagement and overall value. It's made from durable plastic and has hair and soft fabrics integrated into its design to help introduce kids to new textures. It also plays peek-a-boo, throws a ball, counts, crawls, dances, lights up, and plays fun music, so basically, it has it all. It has four different stages of play and becomes more advanced as your baby grows, so it has great longevity. Designed for kids between 6 months old and 5 years old, Rovee says more than 190 phrases, teaches the alphabet, numbers, and more, and is simply just a lot of fun for kids to play with.

Price at time of publication: $57

Amazon

For your baby who is getting ready to be "on the go!" This cute walker plays songs and offers an array of brightly colored, lit-up buttons for endless practicing and fun.

Price at time of publication: $40

Lalo

Little kids love table sets that are sized for them, and this one is specifically made for kids as young as a year old. It comes with a white table and two chairs, which come in a few different colors and can be mixed and matched. The pieces are made from beechwood so they can be wiped down easily, meaning kids can eat, play, or craft without worrying about destroying the furniture.

Price at time of publication: $330

Courtesy of Skip Hop

Bath time is fun for babies, but it’s really fun for toddlers as they continue to refine their fine and gross motor skills. One thing they definitely love to do is pour water from one cup to the next, which is exactly what this set is made for. It comes with five buckets, each with its own animal design, that have holes in the bottoms so kids can watch the water drain out or try to pour it out before it all drains out first. These cups are safe for kids as young as 9 months old and will only become more fun as your little one grows.

Price at time of publication: $10

Courtesy of Amazon

Start teaching your kiddo about some amazing activists early with this book. It comes as a board book and each page teaches them about someone who stood up and fought for what's right including Gloria Steinem, Martin Luther King Jr., Alice Paul, and even Greta Thunberg.

Price at time of publication: $11

Amazon

If you plan to teach them how to ride a two-wheeler by using a balance bike, you can start them out early with this toddler-size one. It has four wheels, so they don’t have to actually balance to stay on it, but it will get them used to that style as opposed to a tricycle or bike with training wheels so that when it’s time to transition to a larger balance bike, they’ll be ready. This bike is available in four different styles and is safe for kids between 10 and 36 months old.

Price at time of publication: $50

Courtesy of Amazon

Attractive and sturdy, this colorful crocodile will quickly become one of your child's favorite things to drag around the house. Even if they aren't walking yet, they'll enjoy pushing it back and forth on the floor. The wheels are rimmed with rubber so they won't scratch wood floors, and your little one will love watching the croc's tail wiggle as it moves.

Price at time of publication: $27

Courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids

Instead of a rocking horse, gift them with an adorable, soft rocking giraffe. The runners and handles of the toy are made from strong, durable solid wood (so it won’t fall apart easily) and the fur of the giraffe is so snuggly kids won’t want to get off it. The toy is safe for kids between 1 and 5 years old, and can even be personalized.

Price at time of publication: $179

Courtesy of Pantone

You get six separate books in this set, each focusing on its own color. They come in board book format and have different ways for kids to interact with them thanks to peek-through cutouts. Great for learning colors, this mini board book set is a great addition to any library.

Price at time of publication: $15

Courtesy of EZPZ

Truthfully, this gift may be more for the caregiver than for the 1-year-old, but that’s totally fine. It’s a silicone mat with a bowl in the middle that will help kids master eating out of it without making a giant mess.

The mat, which comes in several color options, sticks to the table to keep the bowl in place, and then, once the snack or meal is over, the mat just peels off and can be tossed in the dishwasher or wiped down with some soapy water.

Price at time of publication: $23

Courtesy of Mon Ami

At one year old, kids are still playing on the floor a lot, and if they live in a house with hardwood versus carpet, this playmat will make the space a little cozier. It measures 36 x 28 inches, is made with super-soft fabrics and is filled just enough to keep it fluffy without being too plush.

Price at time of publication: $88

This book not only teaches kids shapes, but also shows them how the shapes may appear in everyday life, like a circle cookie, the star on the end of a magic wand, or a triangle slice of pizza. It comes in hardcover format and each page is full of pretty and unique illustrations that are engaging and educational.

Price at time of publication: $13

Courtesy of Radio Flyer

Once they reach 18 months old, they can safely ride around in this very cool wagon. It has a three-in-one design so it can be set up as a wagon with a canopy, a bench, or a traditional wagon. When it’s not in use, it can collapse down for easy storage with just a pull of a handle.

The wagon is also equipped with water bottle holders, a storage pocket, two seat belts, and the canopy is perfect for keeping them protected on hot sunny days.

Price at time of publication: $110

Etsy

This whimsical, gender-neutral t-shirt, which pays homage to the classic children's book Where the Wild Things Are, is perfect for first birthday photos. Made from soft cotton, it will also get plenty of use beyond the party. It comes with either short or long sleeves, and you have the option to choose either a black or white background.

Price at time of publication: $20

Amazon

Whether you're rolling or tossing, engaging in ball play can help babies develop hand-eye coordination. But many of the balls designed for older children can be heavy and hard to hold. This one was built with little ones in mind: It's 7 inches across and weighs just under 7 ounces, with a nubby texture designed to stimulate the developing sense of touch. The ball comes in blue, pink, and red, as well as a glow-in-the-dark version that would be fun to play with outside on a summer night.

Price at time of publication: $15

Melissa & Doug

Whether they’re working on learning to walk or they’ve mastered the skill already, little kids will love pushing this wooden toy along and watching the alligators chomp their teeth together with every step. It’s safe for kids 12 months old and up and is covered in bright colors and fun designs like spinning butterflies!

Price at time of publication: $75

Courtesy of Skip Hop

While a 1-year-old may not be able to master getting all eight pieces of this puzzle in their correct spots right away, it is a fun challenge for them to work towards (and maybe even master by the time they’re 2). As a whole, the puzzle has an adorable design, and each piece is its own little character including a unicorn, sunshine, puppy, butterfly, and more.

Price at time of publication: $10

Courtesy of Amazon

Grabbing, tossing, and stacking are all fair game with this toy set. The simple stacking mechanisms enforce building and motor skills in the easiest way possible. At the same time, littles can work on learning colors and numbers when playing with the different discs.

Price at time of publication: $8

Courtesy of Ingrid & Isabel

How cute is this jacket? It comes in sizes from 0-6M all the way up to 6T, so you can purchase one that’s just the right fit for now, or even go a size bigger to make it last through their next growth spurt. The jacket is made from 99% cotton and has all of the features of an adult jacket like button closure, pockets, and an adorable collar.

Price at time of publication: $68

Courtesy of LeapFrog

This toy teaches colors, matching, and gives kids an excuse to enjoy a little tea party while engaging in pretend play. It comes with a teapot that talks, sings, and makes sounds when it’s “poured” or is “brewing” its tea. The set also comes with a cake with four different slices, each their own color and flavor, as well as two teacups for a complete tea party.

Price at time of publication: $25

4.7

Amazon

Introduce your child to baseball, softball, or Wiffle ball in the least intimidating way with the Little Tikes T-Ball Set. This set includes five plastic tee balls so your child can practice batting over and over again. Thanks to the unique hang-on-the-wall design, you can easily store this set on any hook once playtime is over. Plus, the height is adjustable, so toddlers of various sizes can play, and the toy can grow with your child over time.

Price at time of publication: $20

Courtesy of Lalaboom

Great for sensory play and fine motor skill development, these colorful balls and beads click together, stack, and can be played with in so many different ways. They’re safe for kids between 10 and 36 months and are made from plastic that can be easily wiped clean.

Price at time of publication: $32

Amazon

This chunky wooden puzzle makes an ideal gift for a one-year-old. Fitting the pieces into the correct shapes helps them practice hand-eye coordination, and they'll also learn about patience and trial and error as they make mistakes. The smiley farm animals will be familiar to a toddler, and you can even sing Old MacDonald or try out the different animal sounds as you put the pieces into place.

Price at time of publication: $25

Walmart

This loud, addictive toy has a simple premise: Your kid pushes or pulls, and the balls move around, making a delightful racket. As your child gets older, it can be a fun part of imaginative play as he or she pretends to vacuum. It's true that those jiggling balls may hurt your ears, but they're helping teach the important concept of cause and effect (move the toy, see the balls bounce), which is an important part of learning.

Price at time of publication: $22

Amazon

There's a reason why blocks are so beloved by seasoned preschool teachers: They can help kids practice hand-eye coordination, get familiar with early math concepts, and understand cause and effect (build a tower too high, it falls down). These are colorful and ideal for teething toddlers, since they have a silicone-like texture that's safe and comfortable for chewing. Each of the 10 blocks is hand-sculpted, and the sides are decorated with animals, numerals, and shapes that create different textures.

Price at time of publication: $14

Courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids

Few things are as cute as little footie pajamas, and these ones that feature characters from Where The Wild Things Are are no exception. They’re available in sizes 0-3M up to 18-24M, made from 100% organic cotton, and feature a zipper closure with a snap at the top.

The fabric is super soft and light, so kids won’t get too hot when they’re wearing them, and it's safe to toss into the washer and dryer after each wear.

Price at time of publication: $46

Amazon

Inspired by a playtime classic, this toy truck is actually made from durable, recyclable materials that are easy to clean with mild soap. The wheels and working dumper help improve your child's motor skills, help him become more aware of dirt versus cleanliness, and teaches cause and effect.

Price at time of publication: $28

Amazon

These multi-hued stacking cups are all numbered to help kids get familiar with concepts like counting and numeral recognition. But, the most genius aspect is the fact that each one has holes on the bottom which correspond to the number of the cup, which creates a fountain effect and also means less water spilled on the bathroom floor.

Price at time of publication: $8

Kohl's

Whether you have a boy or a girl, it's never too early to introduce your child to the idea of being a nurturer. Dolls can also encourage pretend play, as your kiddo mimics his or her parents' or caregivers' actions, such as rocking to sleep or changing a diaper. This 12-inch option is the perfect size for hugging during story time, and it has a light lavender scent.

The pacifier comes with a skillfully hidden magnet that allows it to stick on perfectly (your baby will soon become obsessed with taking it on and off) as well as a magnetic-tipped bottle, book, and teddy bear. If you're hoping to expand beyond the usual blonde baby dolls, the Baby Stella line offers a variety of skin tones and hair styles.

Price at time of publication: $35

Courtesy of Amazon

This ride-on option, which has a working steering wheel, puts the power back into your little one's hands. Not only that, scoot toys like this one encourage kids to practice their gross motor (or large muscle) skills, which are important for proper physical development. Although it's priced a bit higher than other wheeled toys, it's built to last through several kids: The tires are rubber, the seat is ergonomic and supportive, and the front accent piece is made from shiny chrome, giving it stylish retro vibes.

Price at time of publication: $68

Kohl's

This fabulous, fold-out house has five rooms across two levels, and comes with three easy-to-grasp Little People figures (two children and a dog). The homey layout will feel comfortable and familiar to a little one, who will eventually come to love acting out household scenarios such as taking the dog for a walk, putting toys away, and tucking a child into bed. There are also lots of cool sound effects, like a barking dog and flushing toilet, and the house can be folded closed with the pieces inside when it's not in use.

Price at time of publication: $90

Maisonette

Offer your baby some sensory fun in the bath via these vibrant books. They are soft, waterproof, and change colors when they come into contact with H2O.

Price at time of publication: $20

Amazon

This teddy bear plays white noise to soothe your baby to sleep. The best part? If your little one wakes up, the "smart bear" detects it and starts playing the shusshing sounds again.

Price at time of publication: $60

Amazon

This adorable little garden allows young children to sort shapes and colors, while beginning to sharpen their counting skills. And how sweet is that little bunny?

Price at time of publication: $26

Walmart

For the baby and toddler sports fans (ok, maybe the sports fan parents!) this interactive, 4-in-1 play center include basketball, soccer, and baseball toys as well as a pretend concession stand. But instead of keeping score, it helps teach ABCs, 123s, colors, shapes and teamwork. Talk about a win for the home team!

Price at time of publication: $50

Courtesy of Amazon

When your little one is ready to move, this pup will be there to help! Babies can ride on top of the puppy, or push it like a walker, plus sort the shapes that fit in the toy's side (to help with those finer motor skills).

Price at time of publication: $60

Amazon

Perfect for little hands, this puzzle is full of bright colors to help your tiny tot recognize some basic farm animals. They'll be saying "moo!" and "baa!" in no time flat.

Price at time of publication: $25

Final Verdict

Any of these products would make for a great gift for a one-year-old, so you really can’t go wrong with any of them. However, the Fisher-Price Rollin’ Rovee and The Play Kit Table & Chairs rank highest for us for a toy, and the EZPZ Happy Bowl is our favorite gift for a caregiver of a 1-year-old.

How We Selected the Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds

We chose the best gifts for 1-year-olds by researching reviews from customers and competitors, and studying the features and designs of more than 50 products on the market. We considered design, size, ease of use, age recommendations, toy safety, and value when deciding our picks. Additionally, we reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on how to buy safe toys for children.

What to Look for in Gifts for 1-Year-Olds

Safety

When it comes to one-year-olds, safety is always the priority. In some toys, there are small pieces that can be dangerous to little mouths and little hands. As you search for the right gift, take a peek at the recommended age ranges and note if there are any little parts. It's best to avoid anything that can be choked on (which is really anything smaller than a fist).

Practicality

Busy parents will undoubtedly appreciate practical gifts. One-year-olds are on the move, which means there are lots of outfit changes, messes, and toys to play with. Gifts like clothing, blankets, bath products, dinnerwear, and toys are likely to be well-used and gratefully received.

Fun

Toddlers love to explore, learn, and play. So give a gift that engages a 1-year-old's senses and attention and offers opportunities for development and skill-building. Think toys and other gear that offers different textures, colors, shapes, and sounds.

Personalization

Parents tend to love gifts that can be customized for their child. Often, clothing or other items can be monogrammed or personalized with the toddler's name. Or you can match the color of your gift to their nursery or eye color, Alternatively, choose a theme based on something the child (or their parents) loves, such as music, sports, construction vehicles, dinosaurs, or a particular animal.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a full time parenting writer and mom to a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old. Over the years, she has researched and tested hundreds of children’s products from clothes, to diapers, to car seats, to toys, both professionally and personally. When creating this list, she considered the products’ quality, longevity, entertainment value, and safety, as well as shopper reviews.

More Toys and Gifts for Kids

When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here: