The 1-Year-Old On Your Gifting List Will Love These Educational Presents

Shopping for friends and family is okay, but shopping for kids? That's where the fun's at.

Children make various developmental strides at age 1, says Rebecca Parlakian, senior director of programming at Zero To Three, an organization that works with families with infants and toddlers. They’re likely saying their first words or are starting to understand what words mean even if they can’t say them yet. A child is also starting to combine objects in their play, like brushing a doll’s hair or putting a spoon in a cup. “Play is how children explore and experiment with the world safely,” Parlakian says.

That’s why developmental toys that can help them understand their world are some of the best gifts you can get a 1-year-old. Those gifts can come in the form of anything from a pretend kitchen or a toy vacuum.

“You want to give children an opportunity to test and develop these emerging problem-solving and thinking skills,” Parlakian says. “So things like stacking cups, stacking rings, and simple puzzles, the ones with big knobs, [are good options].

So, with that in mind, here are some of the best toys to get the 1-year-olds in your life, per an expert's recommendations.