Finding unique presents for young kids, especially ones that can be bought at the last minute, can feel like a challenge. Getting a meaningful gift for a 1-year-old, however, might be easier than you think: It’s that age when the box really can be more exciting than the toy inside.
That’s because favorite activities at age 1 include pushing and pulling, putting things together and taking them apart, and — yes — moving things in and out of boxes.
“It’s a very active time,” says Tovah Klein, Director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development in New York City, and the author of “How Toddlers Thrive.”
Gifts under $25 | Developmental toys | Play houses | Activity centers | Push, pull and ride-on toys | Stuffed animals and dolls | Musical toys | Puzzles and shape-sorters | Personalized gifts | Books | Meet the experts
What do 1-year-olds like to play with?
From their first birthday onward, one-year-olds are moving on from baby toys and practicing speaking and recognizing rhymes, so they’re primed for books that teach words or engage them with lifting flaps. In toys, look for a variety of textures they can explore with their hands, says Marie Conti, Director of Regional Community Relations for American Montessori Society and the former head of The Wetherill School in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania.
Development experts agree open-ended toys are best. Look for something that lets 1-year-old boys and girls do what they want instead of following specific instructions.
To quickly jump to the category you're looking for, click on the links below or keep scrolling to see our picks for the best gifts for the 1-year-old who already has everything.
Best gifts for 1-year-olds under $25
Back to the basics: Fisher-Price Baby’s First Blocks
These blocks are also a shape-sorter that is perfect for teaching your little one how to identify shapes and colors. Plus, once playtime is over, they can be neatly stored in the bucket and stowed away.
It's an avocado! Thanks: Learning Resources Learn-a-Lot Avocados
Spin the “pit” to see different faces and emotions on these pull-apart avocados that let your 1-year-old work on fine motor skills, colors and feelings.
Call me, beep me, if you want to reach me: Mushie Silicone Blue Phone Baby Press Toy
They'll love having their very own cell phone to "take calls" just like they see Mom and Dad do. Since it's made with food-grade silicone, it's also safe for them to inevitably put in their mouths (like everything else).
Through the years: VTech Pop-a-Balls Push & Pop
Targeted for kids aged one to three, this bestselling bulldozer pops balls out of the chimney into the bucket and an handle for when they’re ready to get moving.
A household name: Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Jumbo
“Crayola’s been a mainstay in generations of households, so it’s no surprise that the brand’s quickly become a regular presence in my niece and nephew’s,” says senior editor Jess Bender. “I’ve really been loving their washable line of products for mess-free fun, and their new Scribble Scrubbie Pet will sure to be just as cherished in their playroom. Also, how cute is Wilbur’s little face?!”
On cloud nine: Skip Hop Baby Popper Push Toy
A push toy with popping sounds is a classic you probably used as a kid (that you probably don’t remember). Introduce the joy of a popping push toy to a new generation with this adorable cloud-themed version.
Learn from a sea friend: VTech Touch and Teach Sea Turtle
This adorable learning toy has won over countless parents and grandparents. Beyond teaching them all about fundamentals like numbers and the ABCs, it’ll also keep them engaged and active with the bright lights and catchy tunes.
Everyone should be cozy: Dearfoams Sherpa Baby Bear Slippers
Although technically not a toy, there’s no denying they’ll be cozy and comfortable in these sherpa slippers decorated with the words “baby bear” on them.
Bath time band practice: Munchkin Bath Beats
This kit comes fully loaded with a floating octopus that doubles as a drum and handheld maze, two starfish shakers and a stingray-shaped xylophone that'll help them put on a concert for Mom and Dad every night.
When the washing machine has eaten the rest: Carter’s Baby 10-Pack Crew Socks
“My niece can never get enough socks (partially because she keeps losing them while she’s wobbling around the house),” shares Bender. “An extra stockpile of slip-resistant socks is more of a gift for her parents to give them extra ease of mind, but her feet feel extra good engulfed in their soft cotton.”
Ready, set, go!: Wooden Race Track Car Ramp Racer
Little ones will love the ability to race four different mini cars on this wooden tabletop track. It’s perfect for solo play or play with friends that’ll turn it more into a competition.
Developmental toys for 1-year-olds
From the ground up: Mushie Stacking Cups
These stacking cups allow baby to put a tower together and apart, a favorite activity for 1-year-olds. The set of six is offered in several colorways.
Starting their green thumb: Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set
“I’m constantly in awe of my sister-in-law who effortlessly integrates learning into my niece and nephew’s playtime — she was teaching them the ABCs, 123s and other practical life skills from the moment they both started playing with toys. This set doesn’t just look tasty — it also got the kids impressing their daycare mates with their introductory knowledge of colors!” raves Bender.
A classic story in 3D: Eric Carle "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" Train Set
This classic train comes in a baby-friendly size for pushing, pulling apart and putting back together. It's also a great way to help them start recognizing the different animals and colors that appear throughout.
Adventures with Mickey and Minnie: Playmobil 1.2.3. & Disney: Mickey and Minnie’s Cloud Home
“My friend’s daughter is a big Disney fan, so she really adored this dreamy play set with two of her favorite characters,” says Bender. The set comes with pieces that can be used multiple ways and encourages little ones to get creative with their imagination.
Future scientist on the way: KiwiCo Atom Bead Maze
Play two ways with this bead maze and clutching toy that fit together to look like an atom. It comes with a picture book to get your little scientist started.
Grocery shopping like Mom and Dad: Melissa & Doug Wooden Shape-Sorting Grocery Cart
It’s a walker, a shape sorter and food play all in one. The shape-sorting grocery cart from Melissa & Doug comes with puzzle boards and chunky pieces that help with motor skills, sorting and more. Plus, there’s a cup holder so they can down some coffee on the go, just like their parents. (Don’t worry, this coffee won’t keep them up at night.)
A throne fit for royalty: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair
Who needs a TV when they’ve got this chair that’ll keep them entertained for hours? Music is activated when they sit down or stand up and it comes equipped with an integrated remote on one armrest and an illustrated flipbook on the other. The seat even flips up to reveal more hidden surprises!
Curated playtime: Lalo Play Boxes
Deals editor Rebecca Brown adores these play boxes from Lalo that provide stimulating and engaging toys for children in each phase of their infancy.
"Lalo just came out with these age-appropriate play boxes, which are so great for exhausted parents who are overwhelmed with making decisions and finding the ‘right’ toy. Each one of these boxes comes with research-backed toys that encourage development, not to mention, they’re gorgeous," says Brown.
This gift was also featured in last year's Shop TODAY Gifts We Love list, making a mark for itself as an "easy gift" you can customize by age.
Best play houses for 1 year-olds
E-I-E-I-O: Melissa & Doug Go Tots Barnyard Tumble
Melissa & Doug's Go Tots round figures work in several of the brand's play sets and are perfect for rolling through the play barnyard. Think of it as Connect 4 for little ones.
“Hey, Alexa”: Playskool Weebles My Smart House
Little ones will have a blast with this pretend smart house that features everything from a pretend smart speaker to a pretend laptop where their little characters can video chat with grandparents!
A village of friends: Fisher-Price Little People Friends Together Play House
Little People figures have been around long enough that parents and even grandparents probably remember playing with them. This play house combines nostalgia with updates including a kitchen “tablet,” a radio that lights up and a flushing toilet.
Best activity centers for 1-year-olds
A little bit of everything: LeapFrog Touch & Learn Wooden Activity Cube
Landing on The Toy Insider's Hot 20 list last year, editor-in-chief Marissa Silva had this to say about LeapFrog's eco-friendly activity cube: "There’s just so much play and learning built into all sides of this cube. So it’s one of those toys for 1-year-olds that is not going to cost you an arm and a leg, it’s good for the environment and kids are gonna get so much out of it.”
Fun at home and on the go: Fisher-Price 3-in-1 Hit Wonder Activity Center
This activity center is designed to grow with them from six months through the toddler stage. It not only has music-themed toys, it also has a removeable piano toy that actually plays music for up to 20 minutes.
An at-home activity hub: Hape Country Critters Activity Play Cube
This play box is a shape sorter, maze and more all in one, with plenty of colorful, playful activities on each side. It's perfect for helping with dexterity and color and shape recognition.
Best push, pull and ride-on toys for 1-year-olds
Pop, pop, pop!: Fisher Price Corn Popper
This classic Fisher Price toy is always a favorite among babies, thanks to its fun sounds and ease of use. It's perfect for new walkers who need extra practice!
Vroom, vroom: Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Pull-Back Vehicle Set
Pull-back cars are classic toys that kids of all ages love, but your 1-year-old will be especially entranced by them. The set comes with four types of vehicles they’re likely already becoming familiar with: a school bus, fire truck, police car and family car. Plus, it has a soft (washable) body and a carrying case for easy storage.
Let the adventures begin: Green Toys Wagon
The classic wagon (currently one of the most gifted pull-along wagons on Amazon) is a perfect pull toy that will last for years to come. "My mom got this for my daughter because she was obsessed with loading the big one we have at my parents house and trying to push it around," shares commerce vice president Jen Birkhofer. "This little orange wagon is the perfect size for a toddler and my kids love loading their toys in it and pulling them around."
Bust a move: PlanToys Dancing Alligator
This bestselling alligator “dances” and makes click-clacking noises as a child pulls. It also comes in unpainted, natural wood.
Where's Wilma?: Bababoo and Friends Whale Wilma Pull-Along Toy
This whale’s eyes roll and colorful wheels mesmerize as she moves along. She even has a bell that will get them excited to make some noise.
Supporting first steps: VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker
Another inclusion on Amazon’s Toys We Love list last year, this activity walker will keep them plenty occupied as they take on the challenge of standing and moving on their two feet.
“Pretty much every house I go into has this walker. It’s great for babies who are learning to walk,” says Birkhofer. “It also has a ton of fun buttons on the front and sings songs. If your kiddo isn’t quite walking yet, they can use it as a busy board until they start.”
I'm a big kid now: Retrospec Cricket Baby Walker
Your little one can learn to walk and balance on a bike at the same time with this balance bike walker. Featured last year on the second hour of TODAY, this beginner bike proves to be a favorite among young infants (and their parents!).
A little more storage never hurt: Skip Hop 3-in-1 Scooter Wagon
Most walkers are designed to be obsolete fairly quickly, if all goes to plan and the baby starts walking independently. Not so with the Skip Hop 3-in-1, which transforms into a ride-on toy and a scooter as baby grows. The seat can also be flipped over and used as a storage place for their toys.
The friendliest alligators you’ll ever meet: Melissa & Doug Chomp and Clack Alligator Push Toy
This walker toy features chomping alligators, fish on the wheels, and spinning butterfly and ladybug beads. It also makes a gratifying click-clack sound as 1-year-olds push it along.
Grow with them: Wishbone Flip
The Wishbone Flip grows with a child from age one to five, converting from rocker to push toy to ride-on. It'll help them build balance and coordination, according to the brand.
Parents and kids will love: Doona Liki Trike S3
It’s a stroller; it’s a tricycle; it’s a bike. This little ride-on is designed to grow with your 1-year-old. Best of all, it comes out of the box fully assembled and folds up for easy storage so it's easy to take on-the-go.
Best stuffed animals and dolls for 1-year-olds
The toy seen around the world: Sophie The Giraffe Teether
What started as a simple teething toy in France has since captured the attention of children and parents everywhere, making Sophie the Giraffe a teething solution everyone can be thankful for. "This is an absolute staple for any 6 month old+. This teether is actually easy to hold onto and there are a ton of different angles that your baby can fit into their mouth and chew on. Both my daughters loved their Sophies," raves Birkhofer.
Their new bestie: Gund Toothpick Teddy Bear
Choose this sweet stuffed animal in corduroy to gives tactile feedback, or jaunty stripes to shake up the toy box. Either way, it’s small enough to tuck easily in a stroller for play on the go.
XOXO: Gund Animated Kissy the Penguin
They'll become fast friends with this penguin plush that sings, flaps her wings and teaches them how to blow kisses with an interactive game.
A comforting friend: Warmies Microwavable Plush Animal
Available in a variety of animals, these stuffed toys (previously one of Oprah's Favorite Things!) are scented with French lavender and are microwavable to bring warmth, comfort and stress relief for bedtime, daytime or during travel.
Save our sea friends: Follow Your Legend Sea Turtle Legend Plushie
This sweet little plush not only comes with the cutest tiny pillow to rest its head, but the brand says each purchase contributes to the Olive Ridley Project which helps save injured sea turtles. It’s an easy way to introduce your little one to giving back!
Be yourself!: Slumberkins Dragon Kin
Slumberkins are a gifting favorite of several editors. Each kin is created to help kids learn something new — whether that's dealing with an emotion or harnessing a new skill — and it comes with a board book to match so they can cuddle their new friend during story time. This kin is meant to help learn how to understand and embrace emotions to be your authentic self.
Best musical toys for 1-year-olds
Feeling the rhythm: Hape Baby Drum
Drums are great for pounding out rhythm and developing fine motor skills. When the drum rolls around, it emits melodies and flashing lights.
Hakuna matata: Baby Einstein Magic Touch Ukulele
Kids can get an early start developing a love for music and rocking out with this 2-in-1 toy ukulele and banjo. It plays six popular melodies and even has buttons for the animal voices of a cow and a duck.
For the musical protégé: Baby Einstein and Hape Magic Touch Piano
Have a budding Mozart on your hands? Tap into their creativity young while strengthening other essential life skills with this tot-friendly wooden piano that allows them to create their own original tunes.
Baby beats: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn DJ Set
Making its way onto several hot holiday toys lists, Fisher-Price's retro-inspired play table features three Smart Stages learning levels that target various fine motor skills as they continue to grow. They also might create the next hot mixtape in the process!
More than music: Hape Pound & Tap Bench with Slide-Out Xylophone
Little ones pound the balls on top until they cascade down to the xylophone, which also pulls out for independent play. It can also help with color identification and coordination.
Best puzzles and shape-sorters for 1-year-olds
Repetitive play: Melissa & Doug Shape-Sorting Cube
This classic wooden shape-sorter lets 1-year-olds put things inside a box and take them back out — similar to the joy of opening a gift box.
Sensory starter pack: Melissa & Doug Peek-a-Boo Touch and Feel Puzzle
If your 1-year-old is tactile, this touch-and-feel puzzle will be one of their favorites. It’s a good starter puzzle as tiny hands learn to fit pieces together.
For small hands: Melissa & Doug Jumbo Knob Puzzle
This Melissa & Dough puzzle has jumbo knobs that are perfect for tiny hands, making this a great gift for 1-year-olds. Birkhofer says her two-year-old and four-year-old still use this puzzle! “It’s great for small hands. We sing ‘Old McDonald’ while we put the pieces in,” she says.
Personalized gifts for 1-year-olds
Splish, splash, all done in the bath: Pottery Barn Kids Hooded Towel
Birkhofer notes that a personalized hooded towel is her “go-to gift for parents because it’s cute, they wouldn’t get it for themselves, and it can be used for a long time.” She likes to pair it with a set of wash cloths, too.
This cotton terry cloth and polyester blend towel from Pottery Barn Kids is available in five different colors, with the option to get their name or initials embroidered in a matching color.
For the (pine)apple of your eye: Melissa and Doug Pineapple Stackable Toy
Similar to the plastic stacking ring that’s been around for decades, this adorable pineapple stacker helps to develop hand and eye coordination. This unique version of the toy is soft, squishy and makes for thoughtful gifting since it can be personalized with their name.
Score big or go home: Personalization Mall "My First Mini Sports Bag"
If your little one is already proving to sport a passion for all things football, baseball, soccer or basketball, gift them with this sports bag embroidered with their name.
This set includes four plush sports balls, that double as rattles, crinkle toys and squeak toys.
Best books for 1-year-olds
Rhyme and reason: “Little Star,” by Lisa Edwards and Kat Kalindi
This rhyming book celebrates the little star that lights up the sky, shooting so fast a year has passed. A great book for 1-year-olds, Little Star is a sensory book filled with animals that your tot can touch and feel to have a fun, tactile experience.
Fun for the whole family: “Adurable: Little Pups in Big Trucks,” by Bob Shea and Brian Won
Books are always a great gift for 1-year-olds. This board book series features little pups with jobs to do, and enough humor to make repeat readings fun for parents, too.
Movin' and groovin': “Sunrise Dance,” by Serena Gingold Allen and Teagan White
Toddlers and 1-year-olds are huge fans of books with flaps. We recommend this flap-filled book, in which animals start their days with lively dances — that just may have your little one wiggling, too. Push and pull the tabs to make the animals shimmy, mambo and cha-cha.
A reimagined classic: “Hush, Little Trucker,” by Kim Norman and Toshiki Nakamura
Little ones will love this truck-centric take on “Hush Little Baby” (which was overdue for an update). And if that tired Mom won’t sing, its pleasing rhyme is just the thing.
Just one more story: “I Just Want to Say Good Night,” by Rachel Isadora
It’s time for bed in the African plains, but Lala isn’t ready for her day to end, so she says good night to the animals, a rock, and of course, in a nod to Margaret Wise Brown, the moon.
Feelin' good: “My Fade Is Fresh,” by Shauntay Grant and Kitt Thomas
A little girl heads to the neighborhood barbershop to get “the freshest fade on the block” and gets a lot of other suggestions from her mom and others. Her triumph in her less-expected look is a sweet resolution.
Furry friends: "Bathe the Cat," by Alice B. McGinty and David Roberts
This family has to get the house in order — and bathe the cat — before grandma arrives. But the clever cat finds a way to scramble the chore list into ever more ridiculous chores, like sweeping the dishes, scrubbing the fish and mowing the floor.
Meet the experts
- Marie Conti is Director of Regional Community Relations for American Montessori Society. She was the former head of The Wetherill School in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. Conti is based in Greater Philadelphia.
- Tovah P. Klein, Ph.D., is Director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development in New York, as well as the author of “How Toddlers Thrive." She focuses on young children's social and emotional development, as well as parents' experiences raising them. Klein is also an adjunct associate professor and teaches a year-long course on toddler development.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present for every kid on your list including babies, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 8-year-olds, 9-year-olds and 10-year-olds.