1-Year-Old Toys: Best for Learning and Play

1-year-old toys are more than just playthings; they’re tools that help your little one learn and grow. As a mom of three boys, I’ve seen firsthand how the right toys keep kids entertained, stimulate their minds, and stand the test of time. 

I remember when my oldest turned one. I hunted for toys that were fun, educational, and durable enough to survive the “everything in the mouth” phase. I’m sure moms worldwide agree at this stage—it isn’t just about keeping kids busy. Rather, it’s about finding items that’ll aid their development. 

So, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or fabulous gift-giver, here are ideas for gifts for 1-year-olds. Pin, save, or share the image below for reference later!

10 Best Toys For 1-Year-Olds

1. Stacking Cups

Simple yet endlessly fun, stacking cups are great for developing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Plus, they’re perfect for the bath, sandbox, or just about anywhere. Stacking cups also helps with spatial awareness and understanding sizes, fundamental concepts in early math development.¹

2. Musical Instruments

Think xylophones, maracas, or tambourines. Musical toys introduce little ones to the joy of making noise—or music—and help develop their auditory skills and rhythm. Playing with musical instruments enhances auditory discrimination, which is crucial for language development. Moreover, it improves fine motor skills through grasping and shaking.²

3. Shape Sorters

Classic and educational, shape sorters help with problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. Look for ones with colorful, chunky shapes that are easy for tiny hands to grasp. These Montessori toys for 1-year-olds promote cognitive development by encouraging children to recognize shapes and develop problem-solving strategies.³

4. Board Books

Sturdy and chew-proof, board books are perfect for introducing your child to the wonderful world of reading. Look for ones with bright pictures, simple words, and textures to touch. Early exposure to books enhances language development, increases vocabulary, and promotes early literacy skills.⁴

5. Activity Cubes

These multi-sided toys often include bead mazes, spinners, sliders, and more. They keep kids engaged for long periods and help with fine motor skills, problem-solving, and sensory development. Activity cubes also stimulate multiple senses and cognitive areas. Thus, they promote holistic brain development and fine motor coordination.

6. Push and Pull Toys

For those little ones starting to walk, push-and-pull toys are fantastic. They encourage movement and balance while providing loads of fun. Look for ones with engaging features like flapping wings or spinning beads. These toys support gross motor skills, balance, and coordination, which are essential for walking and overall physical development.⁵

7. Soft Building Blocks

Soft, squishy blocks are great for stacking, knocking down, and even teething. They help with motor skills and are safe for those inevitable moments when they end up in the mouth. Building blocks enhance spatial awareness, motor skills, and early engineering skills through construction play.

8. Interactive Plush Toys

Think teddy bears that sing, talk, or light up. These toys can be comforting companions. Plus, they also offer interactive elements that teach basic concepts like numbers, letters, and colors. Interactive plush toys promote social-emotional development and early cognitive skills through interactive play.

9. Ride-On Toys

Perfect for indoor or outdoor play, ride-on toys help develop motor skills and balance. Choose one that’s sturdy and safe, with a handle for easy steering. Ride-on toys enhance gross motor skills, balance, and coordination, fostering physical development and spatial awareness.

10. Bath Toys

Make bath time more fun with floating toys, pouring cups, and squirt toys. They turn an everyday routine into a playful and educational experience. Bath toys stimulate sensory experiences and motor skills, and they can also introduce basic scientific concepts like buoyancy and water displacement.⁶

Toy Safety Tips

When choosing toys for 1-year-olds, safety must always be a priority. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind to ensure your little one plays safely:

1. Check age recommendations: Always check the age recommendations on the toy packaging. Toys for older children may have small parts that can pose a choking hazard.
2. Avoid small parts: Ensure that toys don’t have small detachable parts that they could swallow. A good rule of thumb is to avoid toys that can fit inside a toilet paper roll because they’re potential choking hazards.
3. Select non-toxic materials: Choose toys made from non-toxic, BPA-free materials. Babies tend to explore with their mouths, so the toys must be safe to chew on.
4. Prioritize sturdy construction: Opt for well-constructed toys that can withstand rough play without breaking into small, sharp pieces.
5. Choose smooth edges: Ensure toys have soft, rounded edges and no sharp points that could cause injury.
6. Avoid strings and cords: Stay away from toys with long strings or cords, as these can pose a strangulation risk. If the toy has a string, it should be no longer than 12 inches.
7. Practice supervised play: Always supervise your child while playing, especially with new toys. This ensures safety and also enhances the bonding experience.

Wrapping Up

Finding the right toy for a 1-year-old doesn’t have to be tricky. Whether you’re looking for something educational, entertaining, or built to last, these options will surely delight both tots and parents. 

What are your go-to 1-year-old birthday gifts? Share them in the comments below. Happy shopping!

1. Spatial reasoning.” Department for Education, 2024. ↩︎
2. Torppa et al. “Why and how music can be used to rehabilitate and develop speech and language skills in hearing-impaired children.” Hearing Research, 2019. ↩︎
3. “Shapes away to learning fun with a ‘shape sorter’!.” Kid Sense Child Development, 2016. ↩︎
4. Lowry, L. “Promoting Language with Books.” The Hanen Centre. ↩︎
5. “The Role of Push and Pull Toys in Child Development.” Erenjoy, 2023. ↩︎
6. “How Bath Toys and the Joy of Water Play Can Benefit Child Development.” The Toy Chest Australia, 2023. ↩︎