39 Best Gifts for 1

By Shanna Shipin

Smash cakes may be fun, but the best gifts for 1-year-olds last a bit longer than 30 seconds—and hopefully don't immediately wind up in the trash.

If you’re asking yourself, "What do 1-year-olds even want?" the overwhelming answer is…any toy. That's because play is the primary way in which children explore and interact with the world around them, says Jody LeVos, PhD, an expert in early play and chief learning officer for the early learning program Homer. Of course, there are still plenty of toys made specifically to help 1-year-olds reach age-appropriate developmental milestones—those that promote problem-solving, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and more.

Sensory toys, puzzles, musical instruments, play tables, and walkers are all winners, if you’re shopping for a great baby gift, but the truth is, the type of toy you pick is less important than how kids play with it. Decades of research says that the most important thing parents can do is interact with their kids—talk, read, sing, and get down on their level to play, says Dr. LeVos. A 2019 clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics echoes this: "The most educational toy is one that fosters interactions between caregivers and children in supportive, unconditional play." The authors recommend choosing "toys that will grow with the child, foster interactions with caregivers, encourage exploration and problem-solving, and spark the child's imagination."

And while you really can't go wrong with something colorful and drool-friendly for the little tyke, you’re also very much gifting the parents who are coping with early-stage toddlerhood. So, ahead not only will you find unique educational toys that are ideal for development, but also plenty of meaningful presents that aren't toys, like personalized baby gifts, practical play mats, and a few new-mom gifts that will make parents’ and caretakers’ lives easier.

From highly reviewed brands like Melissa & Doug to new favorites from Lovevery and Doona, shop our edit of the best gifts for 1-year-olds, curated by moms who’ve seen the joy they’ve brought their kids. (BTW, we also rounded the cutest clothes, baby swimsuits, and the best gifts for 2-year-olds if you’ve got a few more littles on your list.)

Our Top Picks

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

First things first: a crown for the little king or queen's first birthday. There's a reason you see this product all over your social feeds—it was a finalist in the Etsy Design Awards last year. It's not hard to see why, either. You can customize the pom-pom colors and the thread, but no matter what you choose, the design will be picture-perfect. The best part is that this linen birthday crown can be used for years to come, thanks to easily adjustable cotton ties.

Is it really the year Barbie premieres if you didn't get the baby in your life a hot pink ride-on toy? By all means, you can go with the classic Little Tikes Cozy Coupe (my kids go crazy for the ice cream truck version), but a little kitsch will add some razzle to daily walks. In fact, this very same car (in red) is what got my family out of the house for long walks every day during the height of the pandemic. There's a safety belt and a foldable handle, but the toy's unique features are the so-called Whisper Wheels and the poppable hood for storage (yes, like a Tesla frunk).

FYI, the Step2 car also comes in a cool blue for something a little more chill.

Remember what we said about fine motor skills? Here's a way to get them going. Sure, the parents can take an old Kleenex box and wrap rubber bands around it for the same effect, but that takes more effort, plus this will last longer and ensure no miniature hands are snapped in the toy-rescuing process.

There's an endless array of baby bath toys that’ll serve as wonderful distractions while their parents are going in on those neck folds, but how about the promise of a glow-in-the-dark tub? Drop this little birthday buddy into the water, and he lights up, making the experience more like a party than a daily chore. My kids have had these—there are tons of characters to choose from, and believe me, you’ll collect them all—for going on four years now, and are just as obsessed as they were on day one.

Praised by Glamour editors with kids, this musical bath toy will make the experience so much for engaging for your one-year-old. Each whale has a spout for water and functions like a piano key; but if the kiddo isn't feeling like pushing buttons, the toy plays five different songs on its own.

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Dolls can help toddlers learn how to nurture and empathize—which is especially meaningful when the toy they’re caring for resembles them. Manhattan Toy has six Playdate Friends of differing sexes and skin tones, each with their own stuffed animal companion. The doll is "super soft, durable, washable, and a cute little companion," says one shopper. "Hard to decide which one to get—might have to get another one."

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By Jake Smith

By Emily Tannenbaum

By Madeline Dangmann

Whether their baby loves bath time or not, a water table will blow their minds. And parents, trust me: It's a savior when you want to kick your feet up. Whatever size you end up buying (this top-rated one has room for multiple kiddos to splish and splash), a "baby laughs or your money back" guarantee could come on the box. Side note: Little ones begin to walk around the year mark and, soon after, get very comfortable hurtling themselves across surfaces—wet ones included, so keep a towel handy!

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What better way to help learn their ABCs than with Eva Chen's board book featuring legendary women across history? This book was written by Instagram's very own Eva Chen, author of popular storybook Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes. The great thing about this board book is that it's oversized, making it easier for little hands to try turning pages. There's also a surprise on the very last page (which we won't spoil here!).

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If you’re looking for a stuffed animal, make sure you check out Gund. It's one of the oldest makers of soft toys in the US, having been established more than 100 years ago. While Gund is known for its vintage-looking teddy bears, we love the additional selection of somewhat unusual animals, like this too-cute hippopotamus—a find my friend's child takes, well, everywhere. Her mom doesn't mind, either, since it's 100% machine-washable.

In the world of baby toys, you’d be hard-pressed to come across a wish list without Melissa & Doug on it. (I know I couldn't even begin to count the number of toys my four kids have from this brand!) And why not? The manufacturer—the owners are parents of six!—is beloved for its unique wooden puzzles that are as educational as they are durable. If the babe already has a puzzle, level up their collection with this larger wooden activity toy. The adorable barn helps little ones with so much skill building: shape recognition, problem-solving, and sorting, just to name a few.

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By Jake Smith

By Emily Tannenbaum

By Madeline Dangmann

Musical toys are great developmental gifts for babies and toddlers. This one is a regular on "best toys" lists and is one of the most wished-for items at Maisonette. (It also happens to be one of the most popular toys in this guide, according to Glamour readers.) With a mini xylophone, clacking saddles, and a detachable maraca, this little llama will make a standout first-birthday gift.

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Littles love a "Swiss Army knife" toy (as do caretakers), and this wagon is ideal for tots on the move. It's designed to grow through three stages: during pre-walking, it's a seated wagon for riding along; during early walking, they can push or pull the vehicle; and once the toddler has enough balance and coordination, it works as a scooter. The best part? At whatever stage the baby boy or girl is in, the scooter is a storage bin. Did we mention you can use it indoors or out?

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Preach. Bella Tunno makes favorite teethers for a reason—and it's not just because the printed phrases are perfectly matched to precocious toddlers. My twins had no trouble grasping the wheel and would happily gnaw for hours to relieve their aching gums. Pro tip: Pop it in the freezer for a bonus cooling effect.

Parents who are teaching their baby sign language—or who just want a great personalized picture board book—will love this customizable option from Pinhole Press. It's more unique than the usual "insert your name" book, as each page is made to be edited with family photos and whatever text you want.

By Jake Smith

By Emily Tannenbaum

By Madeline Dangmann

Let the music maestro go wild on this top-rated table. The surface is flat with all kinds of musical decals on it that react to touch (or, let's be real, banging). Though the little one may start with it on the floor, it can grow with them into a standing instrument-meets-table that their siblings or other kids can play with. Hello, cacophony of sound.

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When in doubt, snag a pull toy (that essentially doubles as a push toy) to help encourage movement and coordination. Hape makes a series of animal-themed ones that have hidden talents, like this cat whose yarn ball bobbles up and down with every step. And as a nice little bonus that’ll make you seem totally in the know: My friends gush about the fact that Hape is one of the most storied sustainable toy brands out there.

Babes don't always play with toys the "right" way, and that's okay. Until they’re developmentally ready to engage with this versatile set as a shape sorter, the shapes can be played with on their own. It's also especially useful for parents and kids on the go, since it allows for easy transport and even easier clean-up.

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Need something extra quiet for play in the car or on a plane? Press toys are gaining traction as the new fidget spinners (you see versions of this in every goodie bag that comes home), but they’re much safer for babies to engage with. This aesthetically pleasing imitation paint palette will keep their little hands—and brains—occupied with minimal sound.

By Jake Smith

By Emily Tannenbaum

By Madeline Dangmann

A step up from the traditional name puzzle (because that only keeps them occupied for so long!), this personalized, top-reviewed, sensory board has other engaging elements for development that will keep a toddler, well, busy. It has all kinds of stimulating gizmos on it, including removable puzzle shapes and a "flying" object at the top that the baby can trace back and forth. What's more, it's made with plywood with a nontoxic acrylic finish, and lies flat for easy storage.

One-year-olds are in the cause-and-effect stage, so this walker is great for helping them understand that actions have consequences. At the base of the contraption there's a set of jangling beads that rotate with every step they take. And if they aren't taking steps quite yet, the face of this walker has plenty of activities for sitters and squatters. As a parent who knows toys never really get put away where they should, I appreciate the muted aesthetic too.

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While there's always a place for high-contrast art for little ones, the 1-year-old may be craving a bit more of the rainbow. Leave it to Pantone to make a series of board books, with each volume dedicated to a "Roy G Biv" color. Each book is outfitted with peekaboo holes for dexterous little hands to interact with while learning about every shade.

When it comes to sensory activities, bubbles are a surefire win. This will save Mom and Dad from expending all their energy blowing for minutes on end. It's battery-operated, so you can bring it anywhere—it’ll pump out hundreds of bubblers per minute. Bonus: The bubble formula is premixed and won't leave the kiddo with sticky hands.

By Jake Smith

By Emily Tannenbaum

By Madeline Dangmann

Year one of a baby's life is full of opportunities to build their fine motor skills (movements that involve smaller muscles, like those in fingers), and by 12 months they may be able to grab—and control—crayons. These chubby little nontoxic sticks are safe if babies are still mouthing objects, since they’re made of 100% pure New Zealand beeswax and food-grade coloring ingredients. They don't break like normal crayons, either, which will save the parents from finding little nubs all over the house.

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For more fun with colors, keep the exploration going with these artfully designed wooden blocks. They make great stacking toys and building blocks, as the sloshy water helps develop hand-eye coordination. Bonus: They also catch the light beautifully when the sun hits them, which will give the nursery a kaleidoscopic feel. There's life beyond the one-year-old phase too. As kids get older, parents we know say you can put two colors together to teach kids about mixing new shades.

Searching for something photo-worthy? An adorable animal-themed robe or towel for bath time is a guaranteed content machine. "It was so cute and soft," says one happy shopper. "I gave it for a gift and received the cutest picture of the little guy wrapped up in it." The smaller sizes even come with the cutest little bath slippers anyone's ever seen.

If farm animals aren't their style, make bathtime a bit more whimsical with this set of TikTok-approved teacups. This Alice in Wonderland–esque tea set is great for parents who prefer bath toys that allow for even drying since the cups and kettle have holes.

By Jake Smith

By Emily Tannenbaum

By Madeline Dangmann

Imaginative play will be right around the corner, and the parents don't need to find space for a replica of their kitchen to get their child started. Small sets like this little doctor's case can help introduce pretend play and may help ward off some of the "stranger danger" reactions at their next doctor visit. Pro tip: We gave this to our oldest child when his younger brother was born, and it was a definite ice-breaker for the pair. He loved giving his little sibling "checkups."

This toy covers everything from animals to colors to numbers, but (shh) we think the 1-year-old will enjoy it simply because it has large colored buttons. VTech is another modern toy brand that makes items that are reactive to play, and this product in particular has more than 21,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.

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The parents may be familiar with Lovevery's Play Kits, but the cost can be prohibitive. Thankfully the brand has a line of Montessori-inspired developmental toys and products available at Target. Our favorite is this versatile set of pouring and stacking cups. Simple? Yes. Engaging? You betcha. Parents rave: "This toy is the best purchase I have made in a long time. My 5- and 1-year-old boys LOVE these—we use them in the bath, on the carpet, with water beads, everywhere."

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A meaningful gift for the kid who deserves shoes that fit correctly on both feet. These American Pediatric Medical Association–approved sneakers have sturdy toe caps, a grippy tongue, and removable insoles. Want to go the extra mile? There are matching Velcro extenders to accommodate orthotics. Either way, my friend says these are the only shoes her kiddo didn't refuse.

By Jake Smith

By Emily Tannenbaum

By Madeline Dangmann

This Scandi-inspired table and chairs will ensure their little one has a petite space to play, eat, and chill for years (and years) to come. And because Lalo would never leave parents hanging, you can add giant coloring sheets (that fit the table perfectly) to the order.

One-year-olds have energy to spare, but they’re not exactly the most coordinated individuals. This adorable rocker (from former Teen Vogue editor in chief Elaine Welteroth's curated Pottery Barn guide) will help them practice their balance and—even better—channel their energy into contained motions.

Say goodbye to clunky strollers and hello to the parents’ (and the 1-year-old's) new obsession. If you’re not in the market for a toy gift, the Doona tricycle will grow with their child from 10 to 36 months in five phases (think lightweight stroller to actual trike). Plus it folds easily and fits right into a little backpack that can double as a carry-on while traveling.

This standing chair fosters family bonding time over dinner prep by getting the little one at counter level and into the mix. The stool is adjustable to three levels and is incredibly sturdy—it holds up to 150 pounds. It also comes in four finishes to suit your decor. It's no wonder I see a version of this step stool in almost every house I walk into.

Save when you shop for the best 1-year-old gifts with these Target promo codes.

By Jake Smith

By Emily Tannenbaum

By Madeline Dangmann

While this mealtime set can't exactly ward off tantrums or picky eating, it will help keep the toddler's feeding area clean(er) and organized. With a suction plate, sturdy snack containers, and a stainless-steel no-spill straw cup, the food-throwing baby may have met their match. It doesn't hurt that the pink and blue combo will look chic on the tray or, heck, on the floor.

Meet the perfect transition out of any wearable baby monitor. After the first year, parents may not want to strap their kids into a smart onesie or feel the need to watch their little one's heart rate and blood oxygen level as closely, which is where the Miku can be especially helpful. It gives you all the goodness of smart baby monitoring—baby movement, breathing, and sleep tracking included—without any kind of contraption (other than the camera itself) to work its magic.

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Zoos, theme parks, uneven sidewalks—they’re no match for the Veer Cruiser. If the classic stroller is a minivan, consider the Veer a Bronco, with room for more than one kid (whether that kid is a 3-year-old or is in a car seat). It has endless attachments to soup it up, from cup holders to canopies, and much, much more. If you’re looking for an OMG-worthy baby gift, look no further.

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Kids love building blocks—especially when they’re as colorful as this set from the beloved toy brand Lovevery. When the tot is on the younger side of one, parents and caregivers can assemble the tower, then let baby bat it down. (A sure squeal inducer!) As they get older, they’ll create their own patterns and structures. This 10-piece block set is extra special too—it comes with a guide that illustrates 20 stage-based activities to help families make the most of the toy.

By Jake Smith

By Emily Tannenbaum

By Madeline Dangmann

One of the most highly anticipated milestones happens around the time baby turns one: They’ll finally utter a few words. And one of the best ways for little ones to learn language is through repetition. You might have to listen to the same words over and over again, but babies love pushing the buttons in this interactive book. "The audio is very clear and easy to understand, so any child trying to learn words should have no trouble with it," says one user. "Also, I love that it has the option to change to Spanish. Why not make him bilingual?"

By Jake Smith

By Jake Smith

By Jake Smith

By Brigitt Earley