48 Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds, According to Parents

Is it really the year Barbie premieres if you didn’t get the baby in your life a hot pink ride-on toy? By all means, you can go with the classic Little Tikes Cozy Coupe (my kids go crazy for the ice cream truck version), but a little kitsch will add some razzle to daily walks. There’s a safety belt and a foldable handle, but the toy’s unique features are the Whisper Wheels and the poppable hood for storage (yes, like a Tesla frunk). FYI, the Step2 car also comes in a cool blue for something a little more chill.

What our expert says: My kids all cycled through a red version of this car when they were in the 1- to 2-year-old range. It was such a hit. And it clearly is with everyone else in my neighborhood, since I see these cars all over the place on a daily basis! —B.E.

Musical toys are great developmental gifts for babies and toddlers, and this one is a regular on “best toys” lists for playtime. 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.

Save when you shop for the best 1-year-old gifts with these Target promo codes.

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.

What our expert says: This toy is so adorable in action. 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 toddler toy brands out there. —B.E.

Remember what we said about fine motor skills? Here’s a way to get their hand-eye coordination going. Sure, the parents can take an old Kleenex box and wrap rubber bands around it for the same effect, but that takes more effort, plus this will last longer and ensure no miniature hands are snapped in the toy-rescuing process.

What our expert says: This is a simple toy that gets a surprising amount of mileage. It’s a little challenging at first, especially for kids just turning one, but that’s a good thing, since it’ll grow with them. If your baby is anything like mine, they’ll probably shake it around for the rattle sounds until about 18 months when they’ll master the toy for what it’s really meant for. —B.E.

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. There are tons of other characters available, too, including faves like Sesame Street characters and Daniel Tiger. This is a very good thing, because your kiddos will definitely ask for more.

What our expert says: 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. They make bath time so much fun! —B.E.

If you’re looking for a plush toy, make sure you check out Gund. It’s one of the oldest makers of soft toys in the US, having been established more than 100 years ago. While Gund is known for its vintage-looking teddy bears, we think the additional selection of somewhat unusual animals, like this too-cute hippopotamus, make great gifts. They’re not just ultracute—they’re thoughtfully designed with features like quilted feet and ears to promote tactile play.

What our expert says: It’s rare to see my friend’s child without this hippo in tow. Her mom doesn’t mind, either, since it’s 100% machine-washable.” —B.E.

In the world of baby toys, you’d be hard-pressed to come across a wish list without Melissa & Doug on it. And why not? The manufacturer—the owners are parents of six!—is beloved for its unique wooden puzzles that are as educational as they are durable. If the babe already has a puzzle, level up their collection with this larger wooden activity table.

What our expert says: I couldn’t even begin to count the number of toys my four kids have from this brand! The wood is highly durable, so the toys really hold up through years of rigorous play. —B.E.

Save when you shop for the best 1-year-old gifts with these Target and Bloomingdale’s promo codes.

Need something extra quiet for play in the car or on a plane? Silicone 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.

What our expert says: My twins take theirs (“my poppy”) everywhere, even their cribs at nap time. I don’t mind, because it’s quiet and mess-free. —B.E.

One-year-olds are in the cause-and-effect stage, so this walker is great for helping them understand that actions have consequences. At the base of the contraption, there’s a set of jangling beads that rotate with every step they take. And if they aren’t taking steps quite yet, the face of this walker has plenty of activities for sitters and squatters.

What our expert says: This toy has tons of play potential, which is obviously a great thing for a busy 1-year-old. But as a parent who knows toys never really get put away where they should, I really appreciate the muted aesthetic too. —B.E.

Save when you shop for the best 1-year-old gifts with these Nordstrom promo codes.

When it comes to sensory activities, bubbles are a surefire win. But kids at this age can’t do it themselves (they just spill the liquid everywhere), so the onus is on the caregiver—fun for the first five minutes! Thankfully, this gal is very lightweight and battery-operated, so you can bring it anywhere, and it’ll pump out hundreds of bubblers per minute. Bonus: The bubble formula is premixed and won’t leave the kiddo with sticky hands.

What our expert says: At the risk of sounding lazy, I love that I don’t have to blow bubbles for minutes on end—just switch it on. —B.E.

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, especially larger ones. 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 coloring ingredients. They don’t break like normal crayons, either.

What our expert says: I put these to the test, but they didn’t snap, even when I gave it my all. —B.E.

Save when you shop for the best 1-year-old gifts with these Target promo codes.

One-year-olds have energy to spare, but they’re not exactly the most coordinated individuals. This adorable rocker (from former Teen Vogue editor in chief Elaine Welteroth’s curated Pottery Barn guide) will help them practice their balance and—even better—channel their energy into contained motions. Make it even more meaningful by personalizing it with the little one’s name.

Baby dolls can help toddlers learn how to nurture and empathize—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 some serious sartorial style and their own stuffed animal companion. The doll is super soft (great for cuddles!) and durable, but what parents love the most? The entire thing is washable—perfect when your child totes theirs, well, everywhere.

What our expert says: I like the 14-inch size of this doll, plus the fact that it’s made of such a soft material. At this age, the hard plastic dolls are too heavy for their little hands. —B.E.

Kids love building blocks and shape sorting—especially when the pieces are as colorful as this set from the beloved toy brand Lovevery. When the tot is on the younger side, parents and caregivers can assemble the tower, then let baby bat it down. (A sure squeal inducer!) As they get older, they’ll create their own patterns and structures. This 10-piece block set is extra special, since it comes in fun colors and comes with a guide that illustrates 20 stage-based activities.

What our expert says: We’ve had these wooden blocks since they first came out a couple of years ago, and they still look brand new, despite all the play time they’ve seen. Now that my kids are a little older, I regularly ask them to go downstairs and build me a tower when we’re struggling to find an activity. They build the most inspiring structures, and are so proud of their creations! —B.E.

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?”

You don’t have to do all kinds of research to find out what kind of toys are developmentally appropriate for a 1-year-old—you can just buy this curated play kit from Lalo. Each play box is filled with sustainably made nontoxic toys that support specific stages of growth.

What our expert says: My twins recently received a box, and we were blown away how beautifully made everything is. Even better, they’ve held the kids’ attention for weeks, even the older siblings'! —B.E.

A personalized puzzle is my go-to gift for one-year-olds. It’s not all that expensive yet still feels super thoughtful. Plus, it’s a fun activity that’ll help the budding toddler—eventually—learn to recognize and even spell their name.

What our expert says: This iteration is one of the more customizable ones I’ve seen. You can include up to 20 characters, choose pegs (great for this age group) or no pegs, choose from 15 color schemes, opt for free engraving on the back, and even add a display stand (genius!) for a small fee. —B.E.

As the little munchkin gets more vocal, their feelings get bigger…much, much bigger. This adorable little plush comes with a companion book that tackles tough topics like conflict resolution to help kiddos—parents!—navigate the tough stuff.

What our experts say: Slumberkins have helped me immensely with all four of my children, plus they’re some of the softest stuffed animals I’ve ever snuggled. —B.E.

Parents who swear by Montessori-style play say a Pikler triangle climbing set is the perfect antidote to a rainy afternoon. This version is stable and well-made, so you don’t have to worry about your little one’s safety. (Of course, we do recommend supervising this activity!) It also has three lockable height positions to suit your child’s motor skills now and as they grow.

What our experts say: I think this is the only thing we’ve ever owned that kept my energetic kids from jumping off the couch over and over again. —B.E.

Think of this set as their very first dollhouse. All of the pieces and figurines are the perfect easy-to-grasp size for 1-year-olds. The house itself is sturdy enough to withstand play, plus packed with interactive features to help hone those fine motor skills. Tiny hands will have fun sending Batman chasing after The Joker in the included push-along vehicles, moving the elevator chair up and down, turning lights on and off, and more.

What our expert says: My friend’s 18-month-old loves all of her Little People (she has Disney characters, farm animals, and more), so much that she refuses to go to bed without saying goodnight to each and every one.

For little ones still mastering the art of walking, a push toy like this shopping cart is a helpful aid. As they grow, they’ll find new ways to play with the wooden toy. Will they use it as the shopping cart it’s intended to be? The jury is out on that one, but it doesn’t matter. Kids sure do like pushing this wooden cart around and filling it up with whatever is in their path, including one another (not recommended!). Parents praise it as a looker—something that can’t be said for a lot of other kids’ toys.

Uggs have been on a many a Christmas list over the years, and we recommend adding it to your newly minted toddler’s ASAP. The tiny suede and wool shoes are just as comfy and stylish as their adult counterparts but feature a very important design feature for this age group: a discrete hook-and-loop closure on the front for easy on and off. Your kiddo will be putting these on without your help before you know it.

What our experts say: Baby Uggs are just one of those things that grab everyone’s attention. But it’s the special closure that seals the deal on these for me. I learned a long time ago: I don’t want to be struggling to put on four pairs of shoes every morning! —B.E.

This colorful toy has three strong suction cups that adhere to the surface of baby’s tub to create a floating piano of sorts. Each whale functions as a key—press them and they’ll sing the notes do, re, mi, sol, la while spraying water from their spouts. It’s engaging and interactive, and also teaches baby all about cause and effect.

They may be all tiny and adorable, but make no mistake: 1-year-olds like to bang things. Help the parents ensure their house escapes the beating by giving the energetic child a toy that can take the brunt of that excess energy. This ball ramp comes with a toddler-safe plastic hammer kiddos can use to bang the four included balls into the chamber and through the maze…again and again and again.

What our expert says: This toy was a huge hit with my eldest child. (Admittedly, we lost all the balls after him!) You could see the little wheels turning in his head as he learned the concept of cause and effect. It’s definitely great for honing those fine motor skills too. —B.E.

What mom doesn’t love to see her little girl all done up in a sparkly denim jacket like this one? It’s a personalized gift that’s bound to elicit all kinds of oohs and ahhs…probably even a few squeals of delight. Sizes start at 12–18 months, but we recommend sizing up. Kids grow like weeds at this age, and this is a jacket you’ll want to make sure fits them for as long as possible.

What our expert says: My three-year-old daughter absolutely loves this jacket, but I think I might love it even more. It instantly elevates any OOTD and is ripe for any photo op. I ordered a size up, and she’s been comfortable rocking it for more than six months now. For anyone worried about the durability of the patches: We’ve washed ours on more than one occasion without any issue. —B.E.

Is it a couch? It is the foundation for a fort? Is it a climbing set? Well, it’s all of the above. Parents praise this viral couch not only for its fun aesthetic but also for its seemingly endless versatility. It’s a playroom must-have for this age set and an investment well worth it—the kiddos in your life will get years and years of use out of this thing.

What our expert says: There are so many great colors to choose from—there’s truly something to suit every space. And while the versatility is great, it’s worth noting how durable the fabric is. Toddlers play rough, and this couch can take it. The covers are also fully machine-washable, which is key. —B.E.

TikTok told us to buy this kids’ bookshelf, and let’s just say it didn’t disappoint. You do have to assemble it yourself, but it’s a super-easy process that yields an adorable piece of decor for a bedroom or playroom. There’s plenty of room for robust book collections, thanks to four two-sided shelves and six pockets. Did we mention the whole thing rotates 360 degrees to make picking your little one’s favorite title a breeze?

What our expert says: I love the playfulness of this bookshelf. It makes it so much more fun to pick out a book. You can even use half of it as a bookshelf and the other as a dollhouse. Gotta love double-duty decor! —B.E.

For truck-obsessed 1-year-olds (they’re a dime a dozen!), you can’t beat this wooden dump truck by renowned kids’ toy brand Melissa & Doug. It’s not just any old truck they can zoom around (though they totally can!); it’s also a shape sorter to help little ones hone fine motor skills and develop skills like color and shape identification.

What our expert says: This is a high-quality wooden toy that got a lot of love in our house. There are so many ways to play, the kids never seemed to tire of it. —B.E.

For this age, you’re better off skipping toddler favorites like Hot Wheels in favor of larger cars a 1-year-old’s tiny hands can manipulate more easily. These are extra fun because they have a special pull-back feature that sends them zooming full speed ahead.

What our expert says: Your kiddo will probably need a little help making the cars go at first, but there’s nothing like the giggles it’ll elicit. I love the plush design too. It’s much gentler on the woodwork in your house. —B.E.

This toy has been an Amazon bestseller for years. It’s simple yet colorful and engaging—perfect for the 1-year-old in your life. All they have to do is tip one of the included four mini cars off of the parking deck up top, then watch it zig-zag down the ramp.

What our expert says: It’s smaller than it looks, but that’s part of the beauty of it. Nobody wants a giant race track overtaking their playroom. And it’s still incredibly engaging. I like that the paint is all nontoxic too. —B.E.

Chances are you’ve spotted one of these ball pits on your social media feeds—and for good reason. Not only do they make the most adorable little photo opp, but kids absolutely love ’em. And if it’ll save the new parents from a trip to a germ-laden play place? Well, they’ll love it too.

What our expert says: All four of my kids had a blast with our ball pit, whether actually in it or rolling and throwing the balls all over the basement. Just note: You have to buy the balls separately! —B.E.

This pretend play set comes with everything a little girl could ever want. The adorable purse is packed with more than 30 accessories, including a phone, a set of keys, sunglasses, toy makeup, a wallet with pretend money, a pack of tissues, and even a bottle of hand sanitizer, to name a fraction of the goodies. At age 1, they’ll love simply taking everything out and putting it back in; as they grow, the possibilities for imaginative play are seemingly endless.

What our expert says: This purse was so much fun for my (then) 1-year-old to unbox. She took her time pulling out each item and checking it out. Two years later and this is still one of her absolute favorites. Now she really knows how to use it for pretend play!” —B.E.

Another affordable personalized gift that’s bound to be a hit, this toy functions as nursery decor, a moving train, and a puzzle. Each piece connects via durable magnets that are easy for tiny hands to manipulate. And in addition to color customizations, you can also add an eight-piece wooden track to expand the possibilities for play.

What our expert says: You can never go wrong with a train set for this age, but this personalized version is so much more giftable than your average set. It’s a cute and functional gift that has a high probability of turning into a special keepsake. —B.E.

The Toniebox is one of the most popular toys for toddlers for a reason: this small, plush square offers hours and hours of screen-free entertainment. The box works as a player for figurines called “Tonies” that play music, songs, and stories for kids—from popular Disney characters to folk songs and more.

What our expert says: My daughter got her box as a gift for her first birthday, and has been adding to her Tonie collection ever since. She’s matured from only listening to baby songs to now being engaged by stories, and has learned to operate the box herself. And as someone who is desperately trying to not have my apartment overrun with plastic toys, adding to her Tonie collection has been a perfect gift for every holiday. -Stephanie McNeal

This innovative stuffed toy is not only a cuddly friend, it's a warm one—literally. Warmies can be heated up in the microwave, so they are an extra cozy snuggle buddy in the cold months.

What our expert says: My parents gifted my twins a set of Warmies, and they instantly became a game changer this winter. We'd pop them in the microwave before walking in the stroller to keep them warm, then again at bedtime to maximize the soothing effects of the French lavender scent. Warmies can also be used as a cold pack by placing them in the freezer, a trick I have no doubt we'll be employing this summer. -Anna Moeslein

Hanna Andersson is a staple of many kids' wardrobes for a reason. Their clothes are the magic combo of durable and fashionable, and hold up wash after wash.

What our expert says: I try not to go crazy when spending money on clothes for my toddler, but I could not resist spending [redacted] on a special birthday dress to celebrate when she turned 1. This adorable rainbow tulle dress from Hanna Andersson is the perfect festive option for a girl’s big day, and is the type of thing that her mom may not splurge for on her own. You’ll definitely get some adorable photos as a thank you. -SM

One thing about toddlers? They suddenly want to do everything by themselves. This line of books from Calis gives them the ability to play songs on their own by pressing the buttons, and even practice “reading.”

What our expert says: No toddler can resist the allure of The Wheels on the Bus. It’s seriously embedded into our DNA or something. Now, parents don't have to sing it over and over themselves. Their vocal cords will thank you. -SM

The SlumberPod is the answer to hotel room sharing with a curious toddler. A blackout tent that pops over any travel crib, it allows parents to stay up past their kids’ bedtime while ensuring they snooze away in their own little cocoon.

What our expert says: Okay, this is more of a gift for the parents, but when I asked my friends what their number one necessary product was for traveling with toddlers they all told me this. Seriously, it works, and it’s a great way to show the toddler parents in your life you are wishing them happy trails. -SM

From the minds behind "Purple Monkey in a Bubblegum Tree" (IYKYK) comes this music-themed activity center and toddler play table. It supports baby as they learn to stand, then grows with them as they become more confident on their feet.

What our expert says: My kiddos are younger than 1, but I love that they'll be able to grow with this toy as they age. Plus, the piano is removable for an easy way to keep the little one entertained during car trips. -AM

Toddlers love pretend play, especially when they are mimicking things they see every day. Bonus: the stroller can work first as a walking support for little ones taking their first steps.

What our expert says: My daughter’s play stroller is not just her favorite toy; it’s every toddler on the playground’s favorite. Seriously—when she brings it to the park, children follow her around with big eyes begging to play with it. -SM

Hanna Andersson just came out with a line of PJs in extra-soft bamboo. The fabric feels luxe and is good for sensitive skin.

What our expert says: I'm of the opinion that you can never have too many sleep and play pajamas—it's basically all my kids live in. I particularly love how soft bamboo PJs are. -AM

This adorable set teaches kids about matching, numbers, and to identify different animals. Bonus: you can use the figurines to teach them all those super cute animal noises.

What our expert says: A friend of mine told me that her son received this farm animals toy set for his first birthday and has played with it “literally every day since.” Given that her son is now two-and-a-half, that is a glowing recommendation. -SM

There’s nothing toddlers love more than taking an object out of a container and putting it in another container. But with this picnic basket from LeapFrog, they are learning about different foods, shapes, and colors while doing their beloved sorting.

What our expert says: This is another toy that comes highly recommended from a close friend, who raves about its ability to keep her daughter's attention. Plus, who doesn't like a pretend picnic? -SM

This luxury hooded towel from Copper Pearl is meant to last from toddlerhood and beyond. Its thick and plush and comes in a variety of chic designs.

What our expert says: You’ve heard that kids grow out of their clothes and their shoes, but it never occurred to me that my daughter would start growing out of her towels. Alas, a bigger hooded towel is one of those things I found myself needing once I realized the oh-so-cute ones from our baby shower were barely covering her up anymore. I love Copper Pearl's towels for how soft and cozy they are. -SM

Babies and toddlers love touch-and-feel books, but we're partial to this series because they are the perfect size for small hands to hold all on their own.

What our expert says: I’ll never forget the blessed moment when my husband and I realized that my then 11-month-old was sitting and “reading” this book to herself in total silence—and then continued for a solid 30 minutes. We were able to…have a conversation? It was bliss. -SM