The 36 Best Gifts to Buy for a 1-Year-Old

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Buying gifts for a baby is...actually, not that easy. At least there are some protocols for newborns—sentimental stuffed animals, cases of diapers—but once that baby nears one, the task gets harder. First of all, (we say this with love) they are not going to remember this. But by getting a good baby gift, you're also giving something to the parents: a distraction, an activity, whatever.

At the ripe old age of one, a baby brain is developing its motor skills, exploring all the stuff that's around, and learning. That baby body is exploring, too, maybe experimenting with walking, holding onto edges of couches, or trying to climb the stairs.

Infant development varies in expediency but these are the big milestones to keep in mind when shopping for toys, games, and other baby things. Colors, textures, and sounds, to name a few, might be considered a 1-year-old's values. Best to make them feel seen.

Kids Lounge Nod Chair

This soft, low-to-the-ground chair is great for a 1-year-old to grow into. Plus, that Crate & Barrel aesthetic won't create an eyesore for the parents.

Snap-n-Learn Counting Cows

These adorable little cows teach a few different things: pattern recognition, motor skills, and of course counting.

Egg Shaped Crayons

No surface is safe once you give baby Picasso his tools.

My First Sports Bag

Children are investments. Baby's parents need to understand that these precious years of motor development can send certain kids' brains light years ahead of others. On draft day 2045, you can collect your 15 percent fee.

Highland Cow

Baby can't use a microwave, but their parents can heat this guy up to make cuddling extra special.

Replica Dyson

Never too early to learn the value of hard work.

Polo Bear

I mean, this is the obvious winner.

Thomas Bear Baby Rattle

A teddy bear for the child of Anglophiles. It rattles too!

Maple Wood Kids Building Blocks

A certified classic kids toy, it stimulates the imagination and won't rot their brain like an iPad.

Wooden Building Block

Sometimes baby's parents are worried the building blocks might fuck up their aesthetic. These won't.

Pehr Into the Wild Mobile

Okay, you might enjoy this more than them, but how cute is this?!

Roam Stroller

Our favorite running stroller is a great way for baby to see the world... Not bad for keeping the parents in shape, either.

Purifier Humidify+Cool

Baby's get a bunch of shit, and they don't really remember any of it. Give a baby gift that's more tailored towards the parents' worries.

Shopping Cart

No matter what you get, put it all in this shopping cart.

Cozy Coupe

At the one-year mark, they'll require some pushing, but come birthday number two, they'll be tearing around in this thing.

Toddler Musical Instruments

Some of these are a bit sophisticated of one-year-olds, but they'll grow into it. What you really need to think of is the two-pronged benefits here. 1. Baby learns all sorts of motor and tempo skills. 2. Baby's parents get lovely serenades at all hours.

Wooden Electronic Keyboard

It's amazing how quickly kids get good with these things.

Pop-Up Ball Pit

Speaking of aesthetic, look how chic this ball pit is?? It's small, self-contained, and will keep a baby entertained for quite some time.

Shapes of Emotions Wooden Block Set

This wheel of emotions is good for teaching as many babies about their own feelings as it is for adults. This will help them identify emotions rather than be overwhelmed by them.

Rainbow Stacker Toy

Stacker toys are hot gifts for 1 year old, and Mushie makes some of the coolest and prettiest stackers around. This rainbow one can stay stacked as decor when not in use, and strewn about the floor during playtime.

Balance Bike

For an active baby, a balance bike is a great way to 1. tire them out and 2. help them refine those motor skills and get in some core work as they transition from crawling to walking.

Activity Station Table

Baby Einstein's activity table is something they can grow into. There are knobs, gears, colors, sounds, and just about anything a newly developing brain needs. The legs are removable.

Baby Biceps Gift Set

For your favorite fitness baby, a set of home gym equipment. They're actually just rattles and teething toys but, hey, we all start somewhere.

Swim

A 1-year-old might not be old enough for a regular pool but they're old enough for this teeny tiny one. Just fill with water and let 'em splash.

Bunny Soother Blanket

This Jellycat stuffed animal is part buddy, part blanket. Very good for easing into the blow of that afternoon nap.

Baby Crawling Mat

This crawling mat gives them stuff to learn while they're on the move. It's both for playing and for teaching.

Explorer Trike

Level up those walks around the neighborhood. This Explorer trike is the Swiss army knife of bikes. Add and take off the wheels and the push mechanism as the baby's needs change.

Surprise Friends Baby Activity Chair

This activity chair is a phenomenal gift for parents who are trying to do things—like clean, cook, or, like, get dressed—while keeping their baby entertained and within eyesight.

Awesome Activity Table

This activity table reminds me of the pediatrician's office but with fewer germs and no one to share it with. It's the perfect height for babies who are starting to stand but not yet walking.

Tap-A-Tune Piano Baby Toy

Tiny piano for tiny hands. Mozart wishes.

Panda Buddie

Barefoot Dreams is an adult favorite for its super soft blankets and slippers, but the brand also brought that gentle texture to stuffed animals.

Stacking Toy

Melissa & Doug's wooden stacking toy is a classic baby gift. They're looking at shapes, sizes, colors, and organization. A multitasking gift of fun.

Little Feminist Board Book Sets

This set of blocky, easy-to-handle books illustrate famous women and their mini biographies.

Little Rocker Rainbow

They're starting to climb the stairs and it is a hazard. This low-to-the-ground contraption can be used as a stable climbing device or flipped over to be a rocker.

Play Kit

Baby's playroom needs an upgrade, and this pretty, useful set from Lalo does just that. A table for crafts, a tent for playing. All well-made and pretty to look at.

Animal Bath Wrap

A cute, soft, baby-sized bath wrap featuring their favorite animal is an easy way to get them to not freak out about bath time, probably.

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