47 Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds That Are Parent Approved 2024

The one-year mark is a huge deal for proud new moms and dads, and it’s a milestone you’ll definitely want to celebrate with the best gifts for one-year-olds. But what do you get for the kiddo in that tricky not-quite-a-baby, not-quite-a-toddler stage?

What’s a good present for a 1-year-old?Just about anything is a good present for a 1-year-old. Okay, well, not a laptop, but seriously anything age-appropriate is a good gift. News flash: At a mere 12 months old, babies aren’t all that clued into what’s happening on their birthday. They may even take more interest in the paper or the box rather than the gift that was nestled inside. Mom and dad are the ones taking notes here!

That’s precisely why a useful present for the parents is one of the best gifts you can give a 1-year-old. Think practical play mats and a few new-dad gifts that will make parents’ and caretakers’ lives easier.

What does a 1-year-old need?If you’re really on the hunt for something babies need—something that’s going to help their development—the best toys for this stage are products that inspire creativity. A 2019 clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests buying “toys that will grow with the child, foster interactions with caregivers, encourage exploration and problem-solving, and spark the child’s imagination.” This means sensory toys like a water table, puzzles, musical instruments, activity centers, and walkers are all winners when you’re shopping for the perfect baby gift. Plus, all the parents we spoke to said push cars to help them get the confidence to venture out during the dizzying toddler era are also great gifts.

Top gifts for 1-year-olds, at a glanceBest Overall Gift for 1-Year-Olds: Skip Hop Baby Activity Push Walker to Toddler Scooter, $53Most Meaningful Gift for 1-Year-Olds: Shopflowerlane Monogrammed Birthday Crown, $44Best Developmental Toy for 1-Year-Olds: LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book, $18Best Gift for 1-Year-Olds Thats Not a Toy: Ugg Toddlers Neumel EZ-Fit Shoes, $66Most Useful Gift for 1-Year-Olds: The Original Nugget Play Couch, $249Best Gift Under $25 for 1-Year-Olds: Kidzco Puzzles Wooden Train Name Puzzle, $10Best Personalized Gift for 1-Year-Olds: Personalized Wooden Name Puzzle, $14Best Musical Toy for 1-Year-Olds: Manhattan Toy Musical Lili Llama, $42From highly reviewed Montessori-style toys from trusted brands like Melissa & Doug and Lovevery to new favorites from baby-focused brands like Lalo, and personalized baby gifts from talented artisans, shop our gift guide for the best gifts for 1-year-olds, curated by moms (including me—I’ve got four kids under six at home) and dads who’ve seen the joy these items brought their kids.

Psst: Looking for other present ideas? Shop our guides for the best gifts for 2-year-olds, gifts for 3-year-olds, gifts for 4-year-olds, gifts for 5-year-olds, gifts for toddlers, and gifts for kids.

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.

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Best Overall Gift for 1-Year-Olds: Skip Hop 3-in-1 Baby Activity Push Walker to Toddler Scooter

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 prewalking, 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.

What our expert says: Kids love this, because they love a place to put stuff. Not just their toys—pillows, the charging cord you can’t find, you name it. My kids load toys like this up with whatever they can find and happily cruise around the house for what seems like hours. — Brigitt Earley

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

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Best Overall Gift for 1-Year-Olds: Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Play Table

Whether 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.

What our expert says: This toy makes hot days in the backyard so much more bearable (for both the parent and child!). My kids spent hours splashing about in this water table. It’s perfect for playdates too. —B.E.

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