Best Gifts for a 1 Year Old

Now that my daughter is almost 18 months I feel I have a good grasp on what makes the perfect gift for a 1-year-old.  I always struggle with gift-giving, especially when it comes to children and what toys are appropriate for what ages.  The suggested ages on the packaging are always wrong.  I hope some of you are able to benefit from my new-found knowledge of what makes the best gifts for a 1-year-old.

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Climber (#1 Pick!!)

If the child you are shopping for is anything like my daughter this will be the best present you could ever give. 

We don’t have one yet because it is summer and we are making use of all the local playgrounds but believe me, as soon as that first snowflake falls a climber will be in our playroom.  I say the bigger the climber the better (but size is usually correlated with price).

UPDATE – We got one!! Our daughters play on their climber every single day. In summer it is outside and then for winter, we move it inside so they can keep playing on it.

Roller Coaster Ride On

Another great gift for active toddlers that can be used inside too is this ride along toy and track.  Cora plays on this at a local indoor playground on rainy days and loves, loves, loves it.

Musical Instruments

What kid doesn’t love shaker eggs, recorders, and other toys they are allowed to bang together and make noise with?

This musical instrument set will keep toddlers entertained for a long time. Plus, musical toys are great to help teach sharing and taking turns.

Picnic Table

As you can see in the picture above, another awesome gift for a 1-year-old is a toddler-sized picnic table.  Cora not only loves to dine with friends at her own table but we have brought it inside because she loves to play on/under it all the time.  The table comes apart easily to store flat.

Kiddie Pool & Balls

Don’t bother buying a ball pit just buy a kiddie pool!  The pool can be used outside in summer for water play and can be brought inside to be used as a ball pit filled with balls.

Kitchen Stool

This stool has been one of the best gifts my daughter has ever received. Truly it was a gift for me!

Cora eats breakfast and lunch standing at the counter because she has a hard time sitting still. The stool keeps her safe and contained unlike standing on a kitchen chair.

She spends a lot of her day coloring, playing Play-Doh, “baking”, and other various activities in this stool. A total lifesaver for parents!

UPDATE: Autumn loves the safety stool too! We may have to purchase another so both girls can play at the kitchen counter at the same time.

Fold-Out Couch

This couch is fantastic!  Cora loves to sit on it, fold it out and back in over and over again.  Plus, when friends’ kids are over sometimes they nap on it instead of having to set up a pack ‘n play.

Animal Farm Playset

One-year-olds seem to be obsessed with animals, specifically farm animals.  If there is one toy toddlers seem to fight over the most it is this animal farm playset.

Sorting Shapes Toy

Here is an inexpensive toy that provides learning experiences and fun.  In addition, it has a handle.  Anything that has a handle is a bonus in a toddler’s eye.

Play Kitchen

Both of our toddlers spend time every day rearranging their kitchen, playing with fake food, and having a blast. 

UPDATE: We now have this play kitchen because it is nice and tall to accommodate our 2, 4, and 6-year-old children. Bonus – it has excellent storage spaces within it.

Experiences

Not into material items? Does the child already have a ridiculous amount of toys? Give the gift of an awesome memory like a gift card to the local children’s museum, the zoo, or some type of lessons (tumbling, swimming, music classes, etc).  If you choose classes just make sure to consult the parents first!

I hope this list helps you find the perfect gift for the 1-year-olds in your life!

Need more gift ideas? Check out these great QUIET gifts for toddlers.