The Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds

When it comes to finding the perfect gift for a 1-year-old, don’t just grab any brightly colored toy off the aisle. This age is filled with exciting milestones, and the right gift is one that’s high-quality, open-ended, and beneficial for their development. The vast majority of toys out there will end up collecting dust in a matter of weeks, or even days. Instead, consider investing in something that can be used year after year, and child after child. Here are our top gifts for 1-year-olds that are worth every single penny.

1. Toki Kids Play Couch

This couch-to-lounger is the perfect size for babies and toddlers to sit, lay, and lounge. Made from soft, non-toxic foam, this 2-in-1 couch fosters independence and makes a cozy spot in their playroom, reading nook, or wherever it’s placed in the house. In a world where everything is big and unreachable for them, furniture that’s just their size makes the perfect spot to call their own.  

2. Piccalio Mini Chef Foldable Helper Tower

Little ones this age are wonderfully curious, and a learning tower lets them see everything at adult height. For children standing independently, this is a great way to foster independence and give them a sense of autonomy. This tower by Piccalio is foldable and easily stores away when not in use. Perfect for using in the kitchen or the bathroom, it gives little ones a boost in hard-to-reach places.

3. Toki Kids Play Cube

At a year old, many little ones are learning how to stack blocks and objects to build towers. These play cubes are perfectly oversized for little hands to grasp, and are made from a soft, non-toxic foam that’s lightweight and easy to move around. Toddlers can stack the cubes in a tower and knock it down for ouch-free play. These cubes are also perfect for practicing balancing, or as a prop during imaginative play. 

4. Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike

With three different ways to ride, this tricycle is the perfect pick to grow with little ones. A seat belt and safety ring keep toddlers securely in the seat, while an adjustable push handle lets adults steer the tricycle when needed. This trike helps little ones learn basic riding skills and is a great precursor to a balance bike or a pedal bike. 

5. Toki Kids Bean Bag

This bean bag is intentionally overstuffed with food-grade EPS microbeads and comes with a buttery soft, stretchy bamboo jersey cover. Super plush with cloud-like comfort, it’s ultra comfortable for lounging and also makes the perfect crash pad for little ones who love to move. Lightweight enough for toddlers to move around on their own, this bean bag is sure to be their favorite seat in the house. 

6. Step2 Rain Showers Water Table

When the weather is warm, this water table is a great way to keep little ones entertained with outdoor sensory play. For younger 1-year-olds who may not yet be steady on two feet, the low height of this table makes it easy to cruise along. Accessories like cups, a bucket, gears, and more allow little ones to improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through play. 

7. Janod Busy Board Ourson

This busy board can be hung on the wall at toddler height to keep them entertained and help with their fine motor development. Crafted from sustainably harvested wood, this board has over 20 activities for little ones to explore, including rotating eyes, felt cheekbones, a zippered pouch, a rotating hourglass, a wheel, straps, a castanet, a hidden mirror, and much more. 

8. Toki Kids Play Tent

This play tent makes a cozy space for toddlers to develop a sense of independence and privacy. Perfect for imaginary play and as a calm down corner, this is a great tool for developing creativity and self-regulation as little ones grow. This tent is made from soft but durable OEKO-TEX certified fabric, and collapses for compact storage.