It sure does happen fast.
In the blink of an eye, your swaddled-up newborn will be running around the house wreaking havoc, and in no time all your friends and family will be wondering, ‘What are the best gifts for one-year-olds?’
As a first-time mom, I was delighted to discover countless toys that could probably keep my daughter entertained for hours on end. The tricky part is finding the right ones for her unique interests and developmental stage.
Do a quick search on Amazon, and you’ll find hundreds of best-selling toys from plush play sets to Barbie Dream Houses and bubble-spewing lawnmowers. It can be difficult to sort through all the options, which is why we’ve also turned to experts in both child development and retail trends to provide expertise on what the most resourceful items are to benefit their learning.
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“The best toys that aid in a child’s learning development are those that are both entertaining (to keep them engaged) and educational – whether that’s motor skills or emotional play,” Joe Glass, Zulily’s resident toy expert, told the New York Post. “For instance, a wonderfully colorful toy that offers children unlimited creativity and imagination, while also teaching them about ‘building’ skills is great.”
Wondering how we know these toys are the real deal? We put them up against the toughest judge — my fifteen-month-old daughter.
Below, find our gift guide for the best toys for one-year-olds, and be sure to browse our other favorite toys for five and 10-year-olds, too. We know these great buys are going to make the unwrapping experience ten times better.
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Best Toys for One-Year-Olds Overall
Best Stuffed Animal for One-Year-Olds: LeapFrog My Pal Scout
It’s the teddy bear, reimagined. The LeapFrog My Pal Scout is one of the hottest toys this year, according to our experts, and has nearly 15,000 positive reviews on Amazon. With more than 15 different activities, it’ll teach your one-year-old first words, feelings, emotions, colors, and counting.
Best Barbie Toy: Fisher-Price Barbie Little Dreamhouse
Finally, there’s a Barbie Dreamhouse suitable for one-year-olds. We’re telling everyone about this IRL for its traditional Little Peoples figurines and incredible learning play set that encourages sensory learning (especially with an elevator that moves up and down), along with sounds and phrases thanks to its ability to play music.
For more options, check out our guide to the best Barbie-themed gifts.
The Best Gift for One-Year-Olds: Fat Brain Toys Lamaze Squeeze Beats First Drum Set
Kickstart your one-year-old’s musical ability early with the Fat Brain Toys Lamaze Squeeze Beats First Drum Set. For less than $50, it encourages sensory learning, motor skills, and cause-and-effect learning, thanks to its pat-and-make-sound functionality. Plus, the vibrant colors make it adorable for any baby.
Best Car Toy: Top Bright Wooden Race Track Car Ramp Racer
“One of my favorite toys for vehicle play is this Top Bright Wooden Ramp Racer,” Krystal Starke, PhD candidate at Buffalo University’s Graduate School of Education says. “By design, the cars can be put on in any orientation and still ride down the ramps. This allows the baby to play without frustration while still working through that hand-eye coordination of placing the car onto the ramp.”
Plus, this all-in-one play set is an Amazon’s Choice product with nearly 11,000 rave reviews.
Best Interactive Toy for One-Year-Olds: LeapFrog 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch
Allow your one-year-old to enjoy the benefits of stage-based learning with the LeapFrog 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch. With several songs, sounds, and phrases, along with interactive multi-color lights, it’s a toy that’ll serve as a wonderful learning aid.
Editor’s Note: My daughter always sees me typing away, and naturally she wants to copy everything I do. This little LeapFrog laptop keeps her entertained with a variety of learning games that encourage sounding out words and singing. It’s adorable to watch her figure it out on her own and keeps her distracted from reaching for the adult technology.
Best Snow Gear for One-Year-Olds: Stonz Trek-toddler Snow boots
Baby needs boots, too! These adorable Stonz Trek-toddler boots will keep their toes toasty warm (and dry) no matter the weather — rain, shine, or snow. They’re offered in a range of sizes suitable for one-year-olds and toddlers, and you can choose from a few delightful colors that will stand out in the powder.
Best Chair for One-Year-Olds: CoComelon Upholstered Chaise Chair
If you’re seeking the best gifts for one-year-old boys or the best gifts for one-year-old girls, this is a gender neutral winner. We all love CoComelon, the Netflix show that’s taking over the world by storm. This Upholstered Chaise Chair makes a great gift and is great to teach your little one how to prop themselves up and climb (with supervision, of course).
Best Plush Toy: GUND My Little Food Truck 5-Piece Plush Playset
“I’m really obsessed with how cute this is!” Ali Mierzejewski, editor-in-chief at The Toy Insider shares, recommending the GUND My Little Food Truck 5-Piece Plush Playset. “It’s awesome to have a playset safe for babies made out of plush — but it’s a super-trendy food truck that parents will love, too.”
It also has more than 15,000 rave reviews and is travel-friendly (#score).
Best Non-Toy Gift for One-Year-Olds: BabyBjörn Bouncer
Though the BabyBjörn Bouncer isn’t a toy per se, our retail experts recommend encouraging movement and mobility. Plus, it’s great for on-the-go use to help keep your baby in a safe, contained area.
Best Toy for One-Year-Olds on Amazon: Yeaye Baby Crawling Crab
We can’t get over how adorable this crawling crab is. As a No. 1 Amazon best-seller, this treat from the sea is a toy your one-year-old will love chasing around, teaching them how to avoid obstacles in their path. Plus, it helps improve hand-eye coordination, cognitive ability, and senses of sight, hearing and touch.
Editor’s Note: A few of my mom friends have purchased the Talking Crab for their little ones and swear it’s the number one toy in their household. You might be staring at it, thinking, ‘What could this strange animal really have that other toys don’t?’ Well, the fact that it moves around and side-to-side like a real-life crustacean, makes it a pretty convincing model. Apparently, kids love trying to keep up with it, which seems like a great way to get their wiggles out.
Best Magical Treehouse: Playmobil 1.2.3. & Disney: Winnie’s & Piglet’s Tree House
“With its 100th anniversary celebration, Disney is hot, hot, HOT this year, and this playset is no exception,” Mierzejewski says. “Bringing everyone’s favorite silly old bear to playrooms and nurseries, this set is not only good for imaginative play but is also a shape sorter!”
Not to mention, we recommend sprinting to this trending toy ASAP before it sells out.
Best Holiday Pajamas: Hanna Andersson Baby Holiday 2-Way Zip Sleeper
Winter is here, and it’s time to bundle up your baby. There’s no better winter uniform for this occasion than a cozy sleeper from Hanna Andersson. These pajamas are soft, hypoallergenic, and come in more colors than you can count. Not to mention, they’re on sale.
Editor’s Note: Hanna Andersson is one of my all-time favorite children’s clothing brands. The material is eco-friendly, which is always a win in my book when baby clothes are concerned — it feels like my daughter cycles through new sizes every other week. Hanna’s signature TENCEL Lyocell is easy on little ones’ skin, and has an impressive amount of stretch, so you can enjoy it for longer than you’d expect! Their seasonal designs are unmatched, and you can mix and match for a holiday look for the entire family.”
Best CoComelon Toy: CoComelon My Friend Nina with Attached Bunny Plush
“CoComelon is so, so popular — and there are tons of JJ toys out there — so we’re excited to see this one featuring Nina!” Mierzejewski says. “Of course, there’s tons of learning packed into this doll, but it’s also bilingual as an added bonus.”
For more options, check out our guide to the best CoComelon toys.
Best Phone for Babies: VTech Touch and Swipe Baby Phone
Ring, ring, help! My one-year-old can’t set down her phone. As long as you don’t fall under the ‘no technology allowed in the house,’ parenting style, this little light-up gadget is essential.
Editor’s Note: Some might call it an easy out, but it’s been one of the best distractions I can hand my daughter when she’s cranky. It keeps her engaged for long enough for me to take my phone call if I’m in a pickle, which I consider a major win in parenting terms.
Best Play House for One-Year-Olds: Fisher-Price Little People Friends Together Play House
“These are great investments as kids can work to grow their little world as they get older, with the wide age grade of 1-5 years old,” Starke shares. “At one-years-old, you can expect the baby to explore the buttons and sounds of these toys, carry around their favorite figures as a comfort item, and even begin to role play with the characters after watching their grown-ups create stories with them!”
We love the traditional dollhouse feel of this set, too, along with the included people and adorable, vibrant furniture pieces.
Best Hot Wheels Toy for One-Year-Olds: Fisher-Price Hot Wheels Racing Loops Tower
The Fisher-Price Hot Wheels Racing Loops Tower is a wonderful less-than-$50 buy that’s the play set of any one-year-old’s dreams. With a major stunt ramp, a loop-de-loop, and sounds, it encourages motor skills and sharing.
Best Small Toy for One-Year-Olds: Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Rings
As far as motor skills and hand-eye coordination go, the Sassy Stacks of Circles are a wonderful investment. Each ring has a different color and texture, which teaches baby how to use a variety of grips and gauge the distance between the ring and the stacking pole.
Editor’s Note: This is a super rewarding toy for the baby who is just starting to grab things on their own. I got these for my daughter when she was about 10 months old, and she still can’t put it down. I also love the fact that this little set is small enough to hide in a corner when trying to clean the house fast.
Best Activity Toy for One-Year-Olds: Playskool Sit N Spin Activity Toy
Another Amazon exclusive we love is the Playskool Sit N Spin Activity Toy. With nearly 44,000 rave reviews, it’s no surprise it’s a frequently purchased (and loved) toy that’s great for helping practice balance, coordination, and motor skills.
Best Gift for Bathtime: Gerber Baby 4 Piece Animal Character Hooded Towel and Washcloth Set
This great gift idea comes to you right from Gerber, the ultimate desitation for baby food, and now — absolutely adorable baby gear from the childrenswear line. This soft cotton hooded jersey towel will make bathtime all the more exciting. It comes in a few diffirent charecters, so you and your little one can take your pick.
Best Doll for One-Year-Olds: Madame Alexander 13″ Hugs and Giggles Doll
“These are the perfect first baby dolls!” Mierzejewski attests, recommending the Madame Alexander 13″ Hugs and Giggles Doll. “Dolls teach kids important social and emotional skills — and these come in three skin tones and trendy outfits. The soft-bodied dolls are huggable and encourage nurturing skills.”
Plus, the bow accent and adorable outfit are ones that your little one will adore.
Best Baby Einstein Toy: Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy
For less than $15, grab the Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy. It’s one our nieces love, much ado to its bright colors, sensory play, and its versatility to entertain your little one during feeding, while in the stroller or chilling in the car seat.
Best Fidget Toy for One-Year-Olds: Learning Resources Steggy Expansion: Fidget Triceratops
“Fidget toys are great for kids at this age as little ones develop their motor skills — and they don’t get much cuter than Tracy!” Mierzejewski notes. “This brightly colored dino pal will keep kids engaged as they play.”
Not to mention, this motor skills-boosting dinosaur is a wonderful toy for less than $25.
Best Spinning Toy for One-Year-Olds: JoySprout Spinner Toys for Babies
Made specially for babies between the ages of one and three, these cute little spinning flowers are designed with intense suction so they can be stuck to a variety of surfaces (even the back of a car seat for road trips). The fast spinning motion ignites little ones’ senses and can keep them entertained for hours on end.
Editor’s Note: Never underestimate the power of spinning toys. These are so mesmerizing that they can almost put parents in a trance. Plenty of baby toys can be a bit of an eyesore, but I actually find these flowers to be pretty adorable. Plus, they’re hard to lose, since they stay stuck until you remove them.
Best Collectibles for One-Year-Olds: Creative Minds Assorted Baby Basket Set
For a fun collectible that teaches one-year-olds colors and how to clean up, the Creative Minds Assorted Baby Basket Set is a wonderful less-than-$50 buy for the holiday season. Not only are the plushies safe to hold and walk around with, but they make great friends!
Best Mini Figures: Fisher-Price Little People Musical Travel Together Airplane with Lights
Let’s be real — every little one loves stacking and lining up Little People. This adorable Fisher-Price Little People Musical Travel Together Airplane with Lights, Sounds & Figures is a great toy less than $25 and will allow your little one to learn about jet-setting before preschool. Plus, its musical nature is sure to keep them well-entertained.
Outdoor Toys for One-Year-Olds
Best toy for An Aspiring Archaeologist: Dynacraft Jurassic World 6V T-Rex Quad
Speaking of rides, the Dynacraft Jurassic World 6V T-Rex Quad is just shy of $75 and is one of the coolest toys on this list. Not only do we want one in an adult version (if only) but it features an easy-to-use acceleration button that keeps the dinosaur steady and stable.
Your one-year-old is about to score big! Start them off playing hoops while they’re young, and they could be in the big leagues soon enough. This great backyard game will help them practice their hand-eye coordination and teach them how to throw and aim. Plus, it’s a fun opportunity for parents to get involved and show them the ropes of sports.
Editor’s Note: You might assume that a little basketball net is too advanced for a one-year-old. I completely disagree. My daughter has been trying to play toss with me for the last few months, and the height of this sports center is completely adjustable. I will be adding this to my cart ASAP.
Best Pop-A-Ball Gift: VTech Pop-a-Balls Push & Pop Bulldozer
Similarly, the VTech Pop-a-Balls Push & Pop Bulldozer is a snazzy, vehicle-revamped version of the classic corn popper, clad with features to help learn colors, numbers, phrases, and music. Plus, gripping onto the chunky handle helps encourage motor development.
Editor’s Note: I’m all for any toy that gets the kids to enjoy going outside. My daughter discovered a Pop-a-Balls Bulldozer at the park the other day and spent thirty minutes with a glazed-over stare in amusement. The only downside? Now, we can’t pass the park with a meltdown! She just wants to go back and find it. It’s safe to say I’ll be putting one of these under the Christmas tree this year.
Best Car for One-Year-Olds: Baghera Speedsters Ride-On Car
We haven’t met a more chic toy than the Baghera Speedsters Ride-On Car from Neiman Marcus. Like other ride-on toys our experts recommended, this one has a center wheel for movement and mobility while having an on-trend, modern aesthetic.
For more options, check out our guide to the best ride-on toys.
Most Fun Toy for One-Year-Olds: Flybar FunPark Racer Bumper Car
You don’t have to go to an amusement park to reap the benefits of a sweet ride. The Flybar FunPark Racer Bumper Car is a hidden gem at Target that the toy experts love. Not only does it have a cute black-and-white checkered flag at its end, but it provides a safe and comfortable ride.
Best Slide for one-year-Olds: Little Tikes First Slide
Everyone’s racing to the Little Tikes First Slide, and for a good reason. Not only is it a wonderful outdoor toy with which to welcome the upcoming springtime season, but it’s also safe, easy to set up, and American-made.
Editor’s Note: This one is a no-brainer to me. Babies adore slides. This one is small enough for parents to help assist them down until they’re ready to slide solo. If you have room for one of these in your backyard, I say go ahead and order it right now.
Best Rollercoaster: Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster Rapid Ride & Hide
Exclusively on Amazon, your little one will adore the Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster. Along with adult supervision, Starke adds, this colorful set is ideal to help practice balance, hand-eye coordination and sharing.
Best for the Baby That Loves Bubbles: Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower
We love walking toys, if you couldn’t tell. The Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower is a great budget buy that has more than 23,000 rave reviews on Amazon. It’s great for both indoor and outdoor use and even comes with three bubble solutions and bubble sticks.
Best Truck Toy for One-Year-Olds: VTech Drop & Go Dump Truck
The VTech Drop & Go Dump Truck is a unique addition to your one-year-old’s vehicle collection (other than the typical car). When a play rock is dumped into the top of the truck, it’ll tumble into the bucket and then play music and teach numbers.
Developmental Toys for One-year-olds
Best Toy Subscription: Lovevery The Babbler Play Kit
Though a splurge, Lovevery’s play kits are worth every penny for developmental learning. Specifically, its Babbler Play Kit encourages cause-and-effect learning, fine motor skills, routines, rotation, spatial relationships, and parts of a whole.
Editor’s Note: As a new, first-time mom, I couldn’t have been happier with by Loveevery subscription. These toy kits make playtime that much more convenient and take the guesswork out of your toy shopping trips. Each box supplies you with toys that your little one is sure to love at their stage in the game and comes with directions for the best ways to play with your little one and support their development.
Best Shape-Learning Toy: LeapFrog Shapes & Sharing Picnic Basket
We’re just about ready to frolic to a picnic ourselves with this outrageously cute Shapes & Sharing Picnic Basket by LeapFrog. For less than $30, it’s one many babies love, thanks to its ability to teach shapes and colors and discover where items fit.
Editor’s Note: Who said learning shapes had to be boring? This little picnic basket presents the perfect opportunity for your babies to figure out what fits where in a real-life situation. My daughter is yet to lose her fascination with this toy, and I’ve noticed her shape placement abilities improving week by week.
Best for the Babies That Likes to Move: SANMERSEN Piano Floor Mat
Independent movement is a major stage in development, which is why parents are always looking for interactive toys that help little ones learn how to place one foot in front of the other and balance. There are few options as fun as the floor piano. It’s a great way to get them in the rhythm on their own!
Editor’s Note: Pretty much as soon as my daughter started standing up, she started dancing, and this little piano floor mat is the one-year-old’s version of a club-banger. She’s rocking from side to side and spinning in circles all day long. I like to let her get all her energy out on this mat before her morning nap. It’s never failed me.
Best Stacking Toy for One-Year-Olds: Melissa & Doug Multi-Sensory Pineapple Soft Stacker Toy
You know what they say — be like a pineapple and stand tall. The Melissa & Doug Multi-Sensory Pineapple Soft Stacker Toy is a great less-than-$25 buy that’s a unique way for one-year-olds to discover textures and sounds. Plus, it’s great for car and stroller playtime.
Best Tummy Time Toy: Crawligator Tummy Time Toy
Tummy time is encouraged by pediatricians to develop strong neck and shoulder muscles, so the Crawligator Tummy Time Toy is perfect to supplement your one-year-old’s growth. Namely, it provides mobility and a comfortable surface to lounge on (what’s better than that)?
Best Cute Toy: Fisher-Price DJ Bouncin’ Beats Interactive Toy
The Fisher-Price DJ Bouncin’ Beats Interactive Toy is another less-than-$50 buy that’ll teach little ones the alphabet, colors, counting from one to 10, and even opposites. Plus, there are more than 75 songs and phrases with multi-colored lights and bouncing action.
Best Pet Toys for One-Year-Olds: Farm Animals Learning Toy Set
This little learning animal toy set is a major hit with kids these days. Not only will this all-in-one set allow your little one to learn colors and farm animals, but it’ll also help improve their fine motor skills and sorting. Oh, and it’s just too cute.
Editor’s Note: My daughter loves pets (especially if they have wagging tails), and these little mini figures are the easiest way to put a quick smile on her face. Each barn detaches easily, so babies can quickly learn how to open and close them. It’s a great way to practice simple animal names before a first trip to the zoo!
Best Toy for Aspiring Musicians: CoComelon My First Sing-Along Boombox
For a toy your one-year-old can grow with, the CoComelon My First Sing-Along Boombox is that perfect $50 gift that they’ll love. It features Bluetooth compatibility to stream to your device, 24 built-in songs to encourage learning and a rechargeable battery (charging cable included).
Best Dancing Toy for One-Year-Olds: Dancing Cactus Toy
We’ve never seen a toy like the Dancing Cactus Toy, and we’re absolutely glad we did. Not only are we mesmerized by its glowing, spinning and singing nature but it’ll encourage your one-year-old to dance and laugh.
Best Learning Toy for One-Year-Olds: Talking Flash Cards with 224 Sight Words
The Talking Flash Cards Learning Toy is a great budget buy that teaches directions, colors, shapes and numbers. When the buttons are pushed down, lights, music, and hands-on activities will play.
Editor’s Note: My daughter isn’t quite talking yet, but she understands quite a few words and can identify different objects, thanks to this Talking Flash Word device from Amazon. I love the fact that it presents each new word with an image of the object while sounding it out, providing two clues at once to help them learn! I also love that it’s under $20.
Best Little Tikes Toy: Little Tikes Look & Learn Window
We have nieces, and this is number one on our shopping list. The Little Tikes Look & Learn Window is a wonderful way to teach your child shapes, colors, and the weather in this all-in-one learning hub. It’s even two-sided, so there are nighttime features on its flip side.
Best Video Game Toy: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Video Game Controller with Games & Activities
Though you can’t necessarily purchase an Xbox for a one-year-old, you can purchase the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Video Game Controller with Games & Activities. For less than $15, it features music lights, activities and a portable, on-the-go entertaining hub for your one-year-old.
Editor’s Note: Since I have already admitted to letting my one-year-old play with some toys that mimic technology, I can’t see why I wouldn’t add this one to her list. It teaches shapes, numbers, letters, and more and is delivered in a small package that wouldn’t be hard to toss to the side if guests are on their way over.
Best Fluffy Puppy Toy: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy
“This advanced stuffy supports the baby’s cognitive development from number, letter, shape and color recognition to body parts and first words,” Starke adds. “This is a great all-in-one learning content gift for baby that can be brought just about anywhere with them.”
What’s more, it’ll introduce more than 100 words to your one-year-old, and encourage motor skill development by pressing the soft buttons.
Best Building-Block Toy: Mega Blocks 54-Piece Green Town Grow & Protect Farm Building Set
The Mega Blocks 54-Piece Green Town Building Set is perfect for teaching your one-year-old how to build a green thumb early. Even better, all the pieces are Carbon Neutral-certified, so you’ll feel good about your sustainable purchase.
Best Splurge Toy for One-Year-Olds: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Playhouse
For more of a splurge, pick up the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Playhouse. It’s the perfect addition to your living room, too, many thanks to its immersive learning center filled with the following: an interactive “hub” crawl-through door, a porch light (that turns on!), a role-play kitchen center, and more.
Best for the Baby Who Needs a Laugh: Playskool Busy Ball Popper Toy For Toddlers
OK, we’re all the educational toys, but can’t we also teach the littles how to have a great sense of humor? This Ball Popper toy will be flying right over their heads, and show them a bit of cause-and-effect while doing it. All you have to do is press start, then sit back, and take in all the fun.
Editor’s Note: If your little one is due for a giggle the ball hopper is the way to go. It’s amusing, but also impactful. Each time a kiddo places the ball in the shoot, they’ll watch it pop into the air and wind down the slide. The step-by-step process is a great way for them to begin understanding actions have effects. My daughter is always in a puddle of tears when I put this little play set back in its box.
Best Toy for Practicing Balance: Fisher-Price Corn Popper
The Fisher-Price Corn Popper is that top-tier toy that has stood the test of time. Not only great for encouraging balance and walking, but its vibrant popping balls also help improve sensory learning.
Best Toy to Inspire Healthy Habits: Bebe Fuerte Stack & Count Kettlebell Activity Toy
According to Mierzejewski, this is “the ultimate baby fitspo!” And, we wholeheartedly agree.
“This cute stacker is part of TOMY’s language inclusive line, co-created by Peloton’s vice president and head instructor Robin Arzón,” she explains. “The colors are super cute and it can help to instill healthy habits early on!”
Best Toy Walker for One-Year-Olds: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Baby Walker & Musical Learning Toy
The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Baby Walker is one of our favorites on this list (along with Starke’s), namely for it being a two-in-one musical toy. It’s also versatile, too, as your little one can sit and play or stand and walk with this $25 buy.
Editor’s Note: Alright, I admit some lazy parenting on this one. My daughter was gifted the Fisher-Price baby walker for her first birthday, but I never got around to putting it together (i.e. it’s all bear, no walker). However, my daughter has happily played with the talking bear all by itself, and I have no qualms with the fact that she carries it around the house everywhere.
Best Toy for Different Life Stages: Fisher-Price Rollin’ Rovee Learning Toy
We think this may be one of our favorite Fisher-Price toys yet. The brand’s Rollin’ Rovee (love the name, BTW) will grow throughout different life stages (from baby to preschooler) and features an interactive play model — all while teaching the alphabet, colors and more.
Montessori Toys for One-year-olds
Kids are constantly surrounded by screens and synthetic sounds, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Montessori toys are a wonderful alternative for parents looking for a more natural approach to playtime. Music-making is a wonderful place to begin.
Editor’s Note: Like many new parents, I was put on to Montessori toys very early on. Cut the plastics, go for the wood. Nothing over the top and flashy, but something simple and safe. The point of Montessori toys is to allow children to experience them the way they want to. While my one-year-old won’t be producing any musical masterpiece any time soon, she does love experimenting with this little xylophone and I won’t stop her — it’s music to my ears when she is happy.
Best Wooden Toy for One-Year-Olds: Melissa & Doug Wooden Work & Play Desktop Activity Board
“Kids love to imitate grown-ups and if you’re working from home, now they can do!” Mierzejewski highlights. “This cute little work desk is all in one piece, so you don’t have to worry about losing the accessories. Plus, it’s Melissa & Doug, so you know that the quality is top-tier!”
Oh, and the smiley-faced accessories are ones you can’t pass up, either.
Best Puzzle Toy for One-Year-Olds: Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle
To add a fun puzzle to the mix, consider the Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle. For less than $20, it’s one of the best — and simplistic — toys to teach colors, shapes and where pieces fit.
BestToy for Babies Who Love Bright Colors: Montessori UFO Food Grade Pull String Activity Toy
Montessori toys are in, and we’re glad they are for their simplistic nature. On that note, the UFO Food Grade Pull String Activity Toy makes a great gift to stimulate a baby’s curiosity and exercise the ability of their little fingers. It features bright colors, too, which helps inspire their vision development.
Best LeapFrog Toy: LeapFrog Touch & Learn Wooden Activity Cube
“What’s not to love?” Mierzejewski questions. “It’s packed full of LeapFrog learning, it has tons of activities to keep babies busy, and it’s looks super cute on your playroom shelves!”
If you’re looking for good gifts for one-year-olds that are under $40, this is it!
Best Pushing Cart for One-Year-Olds: Melissa & Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Grocery Cart
Also from Melissa & Doug: the Wooden Shape Sorting Grocery Cart. Its all-in-one toy helps encourage walking while teaching your little one shapes, colors and fruit! Plus, it’s one of the best (and cutest) toys to teach balance.
Best Sensory Toy for One-Year-Olds: Tissue Box Montessori Toy
Have you ever seen those adorable YouTube videos of babies laughing to pulling tissues? Well, we have, and they’re so cute, which is why we were thrilled with Starke recommending the Magic Tissue Box Montessori Toy. It’s affordable, vibrant, and encourages sensory play.
Best Cause-and-Effect Toy for One-Year-Olds: Fat Brain Toys Forest Friends Discovery Tree
Gift an all-in-one learning center with the Fat Brain Toys Forest Friends Discovery Tree. For just $75, it features several abacuses, vibrant colors, and blocks to play with. Comprehensively, it promotes sensory exploration, cause-and-effect learning, and experimentation.
What are the best toys for one-year-olds for learning, according to experts
“It’s important to note that the best toy for your one-year-old may not be the best toy for another one-year-old, and that’s okay,” says Starke. “What’s great about the toy industry’s approach to designing these products is that there really is something for everyone.”
From a child development perspective, there really isn’t a difference between what boys and girls need at this age, Starke adds. “Traditionally, ‘boy toys’ focus on vehicle play with more bold and primary colors, and ‘girl toys’ focus on doll play, with more pastel and secondary colors. Providing your child with a balance between these options is the best way to let them show you their interests, because following the child’s lead will ultimately lead to the best play and development.”
What’s more, that perfect toy for a one-year-old is going to look different than, say, a toy for a three-year-old. “For [one-year-olds], we look for toys that are stimulating and engaging for babies and toddlers,” Ali Mierzejewsk, shared with the New York Post. “We look for things that start to hone those basic developmental skills, including fine motor skills, movement, exploration and more.”
According to Mierzejewski, this extends to interactive toys with bright colors, tactile play or lights and sounds to keep babies engaged.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.
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