40 Best Gifts for 1 Year Olds: Toys They’ll Love & Enjoy

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If you’re looking for the best gifts for 1 year olds, then you’re in the right place! Finding the perfect gift can be a challenge since toddlers at this stage are growing, exploring, and learning at a rapid pace.

When it comes to finding the best gifts for 1 year olds, the options are endless! The best toys should be safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate, helping little ones improve their motor skills, cognitive abilities, and sensory exploration. The right toys can not only bring joy but also support their early development, helping them grow, explore, and learn through play.

Experts recommend choosing open-ended toys that encourage creativity and multiple ways to play. Classic options like stacking cups and blocks promote problem-solving and fine motor skills. According to Sarah Cleveland, director of a child-care center near Austin, Texas, 1-year-olds thrive on sensory exploration and motor development, making toys with different textures, bright colors, and engaging sounds excellent choices. Ride-on toys also provide a great opportunity for little ones to practice movement and coordination as they gain confidence on their feet.

This is also the perfect time to invest in keepsake gifts—special items that children can cherish as they grow. Thoughtful gifts like personalized books, memory boxes, or high-quality wooden toys can become treasured childhood favorites.

Whether you’re looking for an educational toy, a sensory play item, or a fun ride-on, I have compiled the ultimate list of best gifts to help you choose the best gifts for kids that will bring smiles and encourage learning .

What Are Open-Ended Toys?

Open-ended toys are toys that offer limitless possibilities for play—there’s no single “right” way to use them. Instead of guiding children toward a specific outcome, these toys encourage creativity, problem-solving, and independent thinking.

Often described as 90% child and 10% toy, open-ended toys allow kids to take the lead in how they play. Give the same toy to ten different children, and each one will find a unique way to interact with it, depending on their interests, developmental stage, and imagination. These toys grow with your child—what starts as a simple stacking game for a baby can turn into a building challenge for a preschooler and beyond.

Because they adapt to different ages and abilities, open-ended toys provide long-lasting value and endless fun. They inspire curiosity, encourage experimentation, and help develop important cognitive and motor skills—all while making playtime more engaging and meaningful.

How to Choose the Best Gifts for 1 Year Olds

Before diving into our list, here are a few things to consider when selecting the perfect gift for a toddler:

• Safety First: Choose non-toxic, BPA-free materials with no small parts.
• Educational Value: Look for toys that encourage problem-solving, creativity, and sensory development.
• Durability: Toddlers can be rough on toys, so opt for sturdy and well-made items.
• Entertainment Factor: The best toys keep little ones engaged and excited to play.

Now, let’s explore the best gifts for 1 year olds available on Amazon!

Best Gifts For 1 Year Olds: The Ultimate Toy List

With so many toys on the market, it can be tough to know which ones are truly the best for a 1-year-old. That’s why I’ve created this ultimate toy list—a carefully curated selection of toys that are fun, safe, and developmentally beneficial for toddlers. These toys encourage exploration, creativity, and learning while keeping little ones engaged and entertained.

Below I have chosen a few of the most popular toys on the market today and then I have showcased a few of best gifts for 1 year olds.

Let’s dive into the top picks!

1. Interactive & Educational Toys: Boost Learning Through Play

At 1 year old, toddlers are like little sponges—absorbing everything around them. This is the perfect time to introduce interactive and educational toys that help develop essential skills while keeping them engaged. These toys encourage early learning by stimulating language development, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive growth. By choosing the right toys, you’re not just giving a gift—you’re providing opportunities for your child to explore, discover, and build confidence in their abilities.

Here are some of the best interactive and educational toys that parents and toddlers love:

LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book

LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book – A bilingual touch-and-learn book that introduces new words through sounds and music.

Why It’s Great: This bilingual touch-and-learn book introduces toddlers to new words in both English and Spanish through interactive pages, fun sounds, and cheerful animations.

• Encourages language development—helps toddlers recognize words, objects, and animals.
• Interactive learning experience—touch-sensitive pages make learning fun and engaging.
• Grows with your child—offers both beginner and advanced learning levels.

Perfect for little learners who love flipping through books and listening to sounds!

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy

Why It’s Great: This cuddly puppy is more than just a plush toy—it’s an interactive learning companion that teaches colors, numbers, body parts, and more through songs and phrases.

• Boosts early communication skills—helps toddlers associate words with objects.
• Encourages emotional bonding—the soft, huggable design provides comfort while teaching.
• Adapts as your child grows—multiple learning levels keep toddlers engaged as they develop new skills.

Ideal for parents looking for a comforting, interactive toy that makes learning fun!

VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker

Why It’s Great: This toy is a game-changer for little ones learning to walk. It transitions from a sit-down activity center to a push walker, making it a toy that grows with your child.

• Supports physical development—helps toddlers strengthen leg muscles and improve balance.
• Packed with fun learning features—buttons, lights, and music introduce numbers, shapes, and animals.
• Perfect for different developmental stages—toddlers can sit and play or stand and push as they grow.

A fantastic gift for little adventurers eager to take their first steps!

Why Interactive & Educational Toys Matter

At this stage, play is learning, and the best toys offer a mix of entertainment and skill-building. These interactive options help your toddler improve language skills, motor coordination, problem-solving abilities, and confidence in exploring the world around them.

By choosing an interactive educational toy, you’re not just giving a fun plaything—you’re investing in your child’s growth and future success!

2. Sensory & Developmental Toys: Engaging the Senses for Growth and Learning

At 1 year old, children are naturally curious about the world around them, and sensory play is one of the best ways to support their development. At this stage, babies and toddlers explore through touch, sight, sound, and even taste, making sensory and developmental toys essential for engaging their growing minds and bodies.

These toys do more than just entertain—they help strengthen fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cognitive growth, and problem-solving abilities. The right sensory toy can encourage focus, creativity, and early understanding of cause and effect. Plus, sensory play has been linked to improved emotional regulation, helping little ones learn how to calm themselves and process new experiences.

Here are some of the best sensory and developmental toys that will captivate and engage your 1-year-old:

Toys That Encourage Touch & Fine Motor Skills

Fat Brain Toys Dimpl Baby Toy

Why It’s Great: This simple yet fascinating toy features colorful silicone bubbles that little fingers love to push and pop. It’s incredibly satisfying and provides hours of sensory fun.

• Strengthens fine motor skills and encourages finger dexterity.
• Provides tactile sensory stimulation with soft, BPA-free silicone.
• Offers calming and soothing effects, making it a great toy for on-the-go entertainment.

A must-have for parents looking for a toy that keeps babies engaged while supporting sensory development!

Green Toys Stacking Cups

Why It’s Great: Stacking, nesting, and pouring—these classic cups provide endless possibilities for open-ended play. Whether in the playroom or the bathtub, they encourage hands-on learning and problem-solving.

• Promotes spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination.
• Teaches early problem-solving skills through stacking and balancing.
• Made from eco-friendly, BPA-free materials, safe for all kinds of play.

These special stacking cups offer dozens of possibilities for bath and play time. You can scoop and pour water, build towers by turning upside down or sort the cups by sizes. Furthermore these colourful cups teach basic counting. Fill for example cup 1 and 2 and it will equal the volume of cup 3. Perfect for indoor and outdoor.

A fantastic choice for parents who want an affordable, long-lasting toy that encourages exploration and creativity! A great newborn or first birthday gift. Babys start playing with these cups from about 6-9 months by stacking them. Later kids can use them for play fun in the sand to learn counting.

Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog

Why It’s Great: This adorable hedgehog isn’t just cute—it’s a fantastic tool for helping little ones develop fine motor skills and hand strength while making learning fun!

• Encourages grasping and hand-eye coordination as children replace Spike’s colorful “quills.”
• Teaches color recognition, sorting, and early counting skills through engaging play.
• Supports pattern and sequencing development, promoting cognitive growth.
• Easy to clean and compact for storage, with feathers that fit inside Spike’s body.

This toy is perfect for parents looking to combine hands-on learning with developmental play, making it a must-have for toddlers!

Boon Pipes Toddler Bath Toys

Why It’s Great: Bath time just got a whole lot more exciting! These interactive suction bath toys let toddlers experiment with water flow while strengthening hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

• Encourages creativity and problem-solving as toddlers figure out how to connect and arrange the pipes.
• Interactive water play teaches cause and effect as water cascades through different shapes.
• Keeps bath time mess-free—water stays in the tub, not on the floor!
• Bright, fun colors and durable BPA-free materials make it a safe, long-lasting toy.
• Five unique pipes with different water flow functions provide endless possibilities for play.

These bath toys are perfect for parents who want to make bath time more engaging while supporting their child’s sensory and fine motor skill development. With Boon Pipes, your little one won’t just be getting clean—they’ll be learning, experimenting, and having fun!

Toys That Encourage Sound & Musical Exploration

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy

Why It’s Great: Music is a fantastic way to engage a child’s auditory senses. This toy plays classical melodies, helping little ones develop an appreciation for rhythm and sound.

• Encourages early music exposure, which supports brain development.
• Easy for little hands to hold and press buttons.
• Engaging lights and sounds stimulate auditory and visual senses.

Perfect for soothing babies on car rides or during quiet time!

Hape Pound & Tap Bench with Xylophone

Why It’s Great: A fun combination of a pounding bench and a xylophone, this toy encourages cause-and-effect learning as babies hit the balls and watch them roll down onto the keys.

• Improves hand-eye coordination and encourages problem-solving.
• Introduces early musical play, which helps with auditory processing.
• Made from high-quality wood and non-toxic materials.

A wonderful pick for kids who love making sounds and experimenting with movement!

Why Sensory & Developmental Toys Matter

Sensory toys are more than just fun—they lay the foundation for early learning. They help babies refine motor skills, improve focus, and gain a better understanding of their environment.

✅ Develop Fine & Gross Motor Skills – Helps strengthen little hands and bodies.
✅ Encourage Curiosity & Exploration – Supports problem-solving and creativity.
✅ Promote Emotional Regulation – Sensory play can be soothing and engaging.
✅ Provide Long-Term Play Value – Open-ended sensory toys grow with your child.

By choosing sensory-rich toys, you’re giving your child an engaging way to discover textures, sounds, movement, and more—all while boosting their confidence and independence.

Investing in the right developmental toys means giving your child a head start in essential life skills. Whether it’s a teething toy that soothes, a pop-and-push activity that entertains, or a stacking set that challenges, these toys encourage exploration and creativity while making playtime fun and meaningful.

3. Ride-On & Active Toys: Encouraging Movement, Balance & Confidence

As 1-year-olds grow, they’re eager to explore the world around them, and ride-on and active toys play a crucial role in building their physical strength, coordination, and confidence. At this stage, babies are learning to balance, stand, and take their first steps, making movement-based toys a fantastic way to develop gross motor skills while having fun.

These toys are more than just a way to keep little ones entertained—they help toddlers strengthen muscles, improve spatial awareness, and boost independence. Whether it’s a push toy that helps steady those first steps, a ride-on that builds leg strength, or an active toy that encourages movement, these options provide healthy, screen-free play that benefits both body and mind.

Here are some of the best ride-on and active toys to get your child moving while ensuring hours of fun and developmental growth:

Toys That Encourage Walking & Early Balance

Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon

Why It’s Great: A sturdy wooden push wagon that supports early walkers while also being a fun way to transport stuffed animals and toys around the house.

• Helps build balance and coordination for those learning to walk.
• Encourages muscle strength through active play.
• Classic design makes it a long-lasting, keepsake toy.

A fantastic first walker that grows with your child, offering both support and imaginative play!

VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker

Why It’s Great: This interactive push walker doubles as an activity center, helping babies transition from crawling to walking while also engaging their minds with lights, sounds, and buttons.

• Provides stability for early walkers, preventing falls.
• Includes interactive learning features, such as shape sorting and musical play.
• Grows with your child—babies can use it for floor play before transitioning to walking.

A great 2-in-1 toy that combines movement with early learning activities!

Toys That Encourage Independent Movement

Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike

Why It’s Great: Designed for little riders, this balance bike teaches coordination and balance without the need for pedals. It’s the perfect first step toward bike riding in the future!

• Builds core strength and balance to make the transition to a real bike smoother.
• No training wheels needed—kids learn to steer and glide naturally.
• Lightweight and adjustable for growing toddlers.
• Suggested age: 18 months – 5 years.

A perfect long-term investment that helps kids develop bike-riding skills early!

Toys That Promote Active & Outdoor Play

Little Tikes Rocking Horse

Why It’s Great: A classic rocking toy that provides safe, fun movement while developing balance and coordination.

• Encourages core strength through gentle rocking motion.
• Helps toddlers practice balance and stability in a controlled way.
• Compact and lightweight—great for both indoor and outdoor use.

A must-have for active toddlers who love gentle movement-based play!

Step2 Whisper Ride II Push Car

Why It’s Great: A fun alternative to strollers, this push car allows toddlers to enjoy outdoor adventures while parents control the ride.

• Provides a safe and comfortable ride with a secure seatbelt.
• Encourages early steering and coordination skills with an interactive horn.
• Perfect for walks in the park or neighborhood strolls.

A great way for little ones to feel independent while still being safely guided by parents!

Why Ride-On & Active Toys Matter

At 1 year old, toddlers are full of energy and love to move. Ride-on and active toys help channel that energy into healthy, developmental play. These toys:

✅ Support Gross Motor Development – Strengthen muscles, improve balance, and encourage walking.
✅ Boost Confidence & Independence – Help toddlers feel capable and adventurous as they explore.
✅ Encourage Outdoor Play – Provides a fun, screen-free way to enjoy fresh air and movement.
✅ Offer Long-Term Play Value – Many options grow with your child, making them great investments.

By choosing the right ride-on and active toys, you’re setting the foundation for a lifetime of movement, confidence, and exploration. Whether it’s a push walker for those first steps, a ride-on for indoor fun, or a balance bike for outdoor adventures, these toys provide endless opportunities for active play and development.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds

Finding the best gifts for 1-year-olds is all about choosing toys that spark curiosity, encourage development, and provide hours of fun. At this stage, babies are exploring the world around them through touch, movement, and interactive play, making sensory, educational, ride-on, and open-ended toys some of the best options to support their growth.

From fine motor skill builders like Spike the Hedgehog to ride-on toys that boost confidence, each toy on this list offers valuable learning experiences while keeping little ones entertained. Whether you’re looking for a birthday gift, holiday present, or a just-because surprise, these carefully selected toys will support early development, inspire creativity, and create joyful moments for both parents and children.

No matter what you choose, the best gifts are those that encourage exploration, engagement, and endless playtime fun. So go ahead—pick the perfect toy and watch your 1-year-old’s face light up with excitement!

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