To help you with your search, we researched the best gift options for 1-year-old girls and boys, considering age-appropriateness, safety, and educational value. Our favorite picks include a T-Ball Set from Little Tikes to burn off energy, colorful stacking toys from Fisher-Price, and soft blocks from B. Toys for fostering fine motor skills. Here are the best toys for 1-year-olds in your life. This set includes five plastic tee balls so your child can practice batting over and over again. Thanks to the unique hang-on-the-wall design, you can easily store this set on any hook once playtime is over. One thing to note is that it can be a bit difficult to snap the bat in place. Holding the bat can be tricky for 1-year-olds, but this toy helps develop their fine motor skills as they learn how to do it, adding to the educational value of this pick. Reviewers appreciate that the tee stands up easily and feels sturdy, even when hit with the bat, ensuring this toy will provide years of fun with minimal wear and tear.
Ages/Levels
Before you purchase a gift, consider the individual child’s learning/development level. Some children are typically-developing, and some may be behind their peers. As you choose a game, be sure that the age range and difficulty level appropriately matches the child you’re buying for, otherwise the toy will be frustrating or disengaging.
Education vs. Play
Some toys are intended solely for play and some are more learning-based. You’ll want to think about the child and his/her family before making a purchase to ensure there’s a match. For example, if the family prioritizes play, then a toy that’s more ‘fun’ and/or engaging would be best. If the family is striving to introduce learning through play, than something more educational would be a best fit.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Lexi Dwyer has written about hot holiday gifts and Frozen-themed presents for The Spruce. Her kids are now in elementary school, but she still thinks the best gift for a one-year-old is a pair of strong cocktails for their parents. Additional reporting was done by Marisa Donnelly, a writer and editor with over 12 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Huffington Post, Bustle, BossBabe, Thought Catalog, and more.
