45 Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds, Approved by Parents

Whether baby loves bath time or not, a water table will blow their mind. And parents, trust me: It’s a savior when you want to kick your feet up. Whatever size you end up buying (this top-rated one has room for multiple kiddos to splish and splash), a “baby laughs or your money back” guarantee could come on the box.

What our expert says: This toy makes hot days in the backyard so much more bearable (for both the parent and child!). My kids spent hours splashing about in this water table. It’s perfect for playdates too. —B.E.

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The water table above is one of the bestselling items in this gift guide, but if the family you know already has one, this splash pad is another great option for fun in the sun. It functions a bit like a sprinkler—you attach the hose, and water gently shoots up from tiny holes on the perimeter of the pad. As it runs, a small amount of water pools in the bottom for even more splashing about.

What our experts say: It’s totally worth having one of these and a water table. Attention span isn’t the greatest at this age, and toddlers appreciate having both at their disposal. It’s particularly helpful when you have playdates. —B.E.

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 one, 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. —Anna Moeslein, Glamour deputy editor and mom of twins

Busy boards have traditionally been some of the bestselling items in our gift guides for toddlers. It’s no surprise, really—just consider the name. Toddlers are some of the busiest people we know, so anything that’s made to keep them tinkering away is a huge win. We love this particular board because it has all the fun you want in a high-quality wooden design. Plus, it can be mounted to the wall of a playroom.

What our expert says: My friend swears by busy boards for her toddlers. She has one just like this in her playroom, but she also has a portable version she takes in the car, to the store, and to doctor appointments. —B.E.

Toddlers love pretend play, especially when they are mimicking things they see every day. Bonus: The stroller can work as a walking support for those first baby 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. —S.M.

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.

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You can’t go wrong with the classic Little Tikes Cozy Coupe (my kids go crazy for the ice cream truck version) to add a little 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 one- to two-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.

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.

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 parent is 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. Trust us, 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 to 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.

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 to 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 that toys never really get put away where they should, I really appreciate the muted aesthetic too. —B.E.

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When it comes to sensory activities, bubbles are a surefire win. But little ones 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. It’ll pump out hundreds of bubblers per minute, which is extremely entertaining—basically the perfect kid’s gift. 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.

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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 supersoft (great for cuddles!) and durable, but what parents love the most? The entire thing is washable—perfect when your child totes it, 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.

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?”

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 budding toddlers—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.

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 one-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. —B.E.

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 them 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: One-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-to-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.

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 one-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 one-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 one-year-old in your life. All they have to do is tip one of the included four mini cars off 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.

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 one, 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) one-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.

This adorable set teaches kids about numbers, matching, and identifying different animals. Bonus: You can use the figurines to teach them all those supercute animal noises.

What our expert says: A friend of mine told me that her son received this farm-animals 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. —S.M.

Anything that lights up and makes noise is a home run at this age. As is anything that resembles something the parents might use. This flashlight fits both bills and just so happens to be educational. The buttons all activate songs, phrases, and sounds that teach little ones about animals, colors, and numbers. And don’t worry, parents: It comes with an on-off button and two volume levels.

What our expert says: My son got one of these (the yellow one) from his grandma for his first birthday. It entertained him right away (that’s saying a lot) and was the perfect size for his little hands. All of the features are fun—and not too intrusive for caregivers—but what I like most about this toy is the durability. It’s stood up to a lot of banging, and the battery life is excellent. —B.E.

Forget tricycles and training wheels. Today balance bikes are all the rage, and that’s because they really set kids up for success once it comes time to ride a two-wheeler. The bike helps babies develop balance and coordination, plus peppers their confidence at an early age. Still, it’s perfectly safe and stable for little ones as young as one. We like the one for the youngest set, since it’s designed with a few extra safety features, like fully widened closed wheel to avoid clamping baby’s feet and a limited turning radius to prevent tipping.

What our expert says: All of my kids got balance bikes when they were one year old. They had so much fun zooming around on them—we’re talking years of entertainment. Just as importantly, they all learned to ride a two-wheeler at an early age, skipping right over training wheels. My youngest learned at just three and a half! —B.E.

Board books are great, but their lifespan is much shorter than something like a classic from Dr. Seuss. Sure, it may be a little advanced (and lengthy) for a one-year-old baby, but think of it this way: You may just be starting a new tradition for the family. They can pull this celebratory book from the shelf on each birthday from this year forward. Now that’s a special gift.

What our expert says: My grandmother gave this book to us when my first child turned one and paired it with a small gift for his college savings account. We thought it was so thoughtful in every way, and always think of her when we pull it out to read on birthdays and beyond. —B.E.

In the last few years, wooden toys have seen a resurgence, exploding in popularity. It’s all thanks to popular Montessori brands like Lovevery, but now classics like Fisher-Price are jumping on board. This cause-and-effect toy is one of the standouts from the brand. It features four fun activities, all of which help strengthen the child’s fine motor skills: Press, slide, turn, and toggle to engage.

What our expert says: A friend of mine said her child got this around eight months but was still very much engaged at the one-year mark. “It’s so simple, doesn’t make too much noise, but keeps my daughter very busy exploring,” she said. —B.E.

By now most parents are fully aware of Lovevery’s play kits, each dedicated to a different developmental stage. But not everyone may know that the brand has a few newer options for parents too—like this music set. It includes five instruments, a working metronome, and a Rhythm & Songs Book that helps parents and caregivers teach toddlers how to make their own music as young as one and a half years old. Baby Beethoven in the making.

What our expert says: I love that, unlike so many other rickety music sets for this age, this one is made from the same sustainably harvested wood as other Lovevery products. We’ve always used it more as entertainment than a true learning tool, but I’m impressed by the overall quality, and the kids love the instruments—especially the bells. —B.E.

More than a plush piece of decor for their nursery, this little bunny functions as a nighttime projector too. It illuminates a calming night-sky effect on the walls and ceiling, helping your little one drift off to sleep. Choose from three lights—green, blue, or amber—or opt for an ever-rotating trio. After 45 minutes, it shuts off by itself, so parents won’t have to sneak into the room on tiptoe.

What our expert says: We didn’t introduce a projector until my son was closer to two, and I kick myself for not doing it sooner. It didn’t fully solve our bedtime woes, but I credit it with significantly helping. He was so interested in the constellations that it had a mesmerizing effect, lulling him to sleep in half the time. —B.E.

Board books are great for tiny hands, because the sturdier pages are easier to turn. They’re also less prone to damage, like rips. Our editors have long loved this set, which features colorful illustrated portraits of female leaders like Maya Angelou, Malala Yousafza, Amelia Earhart, and Frida Kahlo. The set comes with four books, which feels like more of a substantial gift that a single. It’s the perfect addition to a growing first library.

What our experts say: My sister-in-law first tipped me off to this book set, and I’ve since given it to at least three other little girls—all to rave reviews from their parents. —B.E.

An oldie but a goodie, this swing has graced many a backyard—I remember having one when I was a kid! It’s fantastic, because you don’t need an entire swing set (a surprisingly pricey plaything!). Instead, a tree branch or a structure like a covered porch will do just fine. It has adjustable straps and a high weigh limit—50 pounds—so they’ll have many of years of fun ahead.

What our experts say: I had one of these growing up, so naturally I bought one for my own kids—as did some of my friends for theirs. Ours lasted for years (for reference, my four-year-old is 50 pounds!) and was still in good enough shape to pass on to a neighborhood friend once we were done. —B.E.

One year is a milestone for so many reasons—one of which is that experts say a baby can now (safely) have some blankets and toys in their crib. At this stage, you’ll find a lot of baby blankets are a bit too small to adequately cover them when they snooze, so this a great time to invest in a larger children's blanket, saving parents from having to re-tuck them in over and over. This option is great, because it comes in dozens of colors and patterns (pick the one that best suits their interests), plus you can personalize it with their name.

What our experts say: My eldest son received a similar blanket for his first birthday and is still holding on tight as a six-year-old. We ordered this one for the rest of the kids when they started asking why they didn’t have a blanket with their name on it, and I love the quality even more. The blankets are perfectly sized and supersoft, not to mention adorable. We have a video-game-themed one, a race car one, and a princess one. —B.E.

Think of this as a baby walker for kids who love construction vehicles (the vast majority!). As little ones push the bulldozer across the floor, little balls pop out of the chimney. Cue squeals of delight. There’s a learning component too. Motion sensors work to deliver songs, while buttons on the truck itself help kids learn colors, numbers, and basic phrases.

What our expert says: It’s kind of like an extreme jack-in-the-box. There’s just something so alluring about that surprise element for kids. My twins would walk the bulldozer back and forth for what seemed like hours. Even the bigger kids (age two and three at the time) wanted to get in on the action. —B.E.