"A baby’s first birthday feels like a milestone reached for both the baby and their parents. The first year of caring for and tending to a tiny human is something to be celebrated. A baby’s first year is full of incredible moments and memories—from first smiles to first laughs. Another momentous occasion is their first birthday party. How many of us have our own first birthday cake photos preserved in an album tucked away somewhere?
While families have different birthday traditions, there’s certainly a staple of most first birthdays: the gifts! And, to take the guesswork out of what to get the birthday girl or boy, we’ve curated a list below of the best gifts for 1-year-olds to make shopping easy-peasy.
How we chose the best gifts
There are moms with kids of all ages on The Everymom team. They’ve conquered the baby phase, changed all the diapers, and celebrated first birthdays. On top of that, our commerce and editorial teams are always on the hunt for the best products for kids, moms, and families. If there’s a new must-have, must-try, or must-see in the kids or parenting space, we’re on it. Real life experience combined with knowing the current trends allows us to put together a well-rounded list of gifts.
What makes a great gift for a 1-year-old?
First birthday gifts should be engaging, developmentally appropriate, and, most importantly, safe for little ones. From introducing letters and colors to working on those fine and gross motor skills—and some that are just plain cute—this list includes presents sure to delight any little one you’re looking to spoil. Plus, we’ve rounded up plenty of handmade and personalized options sure to be cherished by the whole family.
Because they’re still so little, 1-year-olds don’t know the difference between big-ticket items and smaller presents. Going smaller doesn’t mean compromising on fun, functionality, or personality. That being said, it doesn’t hurt to splurge on them every now and then. That’s why we’ve selected both budget-friendly finds under $50 as well as some investment options. Keep reading for 26 of the best gifts for 1-year-olds!
Gifts for 1-Year-Olds Under $50
Little ones who love vehicles, watch out! These soft-sided and colorful vehicles rev up and go—plus, they reinforce sensory, fine motor, and gross motor skills.
A reader and editor favorite, this personalized puzzle helps little ones learn their name and can be a fun photo prop or nursery decor.
If your little one is obsessed with being just like mom or dad, this pretend play desktop will surely be a hit. All of the pieces stay attached to the board, and it has a handle for carrying, which makes it a perfect toy for travel.
Practical and personalized, this hooded towel can be used after a bath or at the beach!
multiple colors and patterns available
Nighttime can still be bright with this lovely personalized night light showcasing a name or love note from Mom and Dad.
As your 1-year-old baby starts walking, they’re going to get extra adventurous. Feed their excitement with a pull-along companion like this sweet crocodile.
Celebrate your baby’s big day with a reminder of just how special they are! Then, use this accessory for dress-up and imaginative play after their birthday.
Jumbo knobs make this introductory puzzle perfect for little hands while they practice their shapes.
Cozy, cute, and birthday-themed! These super soft pajamas will be worn way past their special day.
available in sizes 0-18 months
Make the special 1-year-old in your life the star of their own storybook. I See Me offers plenty of story options, like this one focused on positive traits and the alphabet.
Help your baby find their style with this embroidered baseball cap made just for them.
several colors available
“This custom hat is a great way for your little ones to show their personality. My boys have owned several sizes of these hats, and I have one too! They are my go-to gift for a more personal and functional present.”
– Ally Pagar-Wolf, Chief of Sales & Marketing
This timeless heirloom toy includes a wooden pony with a pull string. Little ones will love the hands-on play—plus, you can choose from other colors and creatures and add personalization to really make it special!
Little ones can roll, stack, and grasp three double-sided “GO Tots” friends and make them spin and bounce in this cute toy.
We love Slumberkins’ mission to build emotional intelligence in kids, and this gift set promotes a growth mindset.
“Slumberkins are thoroughly adored in our household by both kids and adults alike. We purchased our first Hammerhead Kin to help our oldest work through his mad feelings and we’ve amassed quite a collection of ‘Slumbies’ since then. Each Slumberkin comes with two board books that explain a different emotional concept in developmentally appropriate ways, plus help us connect with our kids when we’re struggling to find the right words. From processing big feelings to prepping for school, our kids’ Slumberkins are there for them (and us) through every life change as they grow.”
– Steph Alleva Cornell, Branded Content Editor
Spruce up their nursery with an adorable personalized bunny doll. No kid will ever turn down a stuffed animal, and this is one they’ll cherish for years to come.
Speaking of personalized, an embroidered sweater is one of those clothing items you’ll want to hold onto long after they outgrow it.
Gifts for 1-Year-Olds Over $50
Adorable and functional, this busy board aids in the development of small motor skills and color recognition.
This sensory toy is one that will leave your little one occupied for longer than most. They’ll love the fun colors and optical illusions, as well as the excitement of watching the cars go back and forth.
This 16-piece toy helps babies explore shapes and colors and practice problem-solving skills and imaginative play.
This silicone rainbow toy has many fun uses: a teether, a puzzle, a stacking toy, and even a bath toy!
This mini waterpark play area is perfect for exercising social skills and understanding cause and effect. You will never regret buying this staple for hours of summer play.
“My two boys still enjoy playing with this water table at ages 3 and 5. It provides endless hours of outdoor fun and can easily be turned into a sensory table in colder weather. It is easy to clean and drain and simple to set up!”
– Ally Pagar-Wolf, Chief of Sales & Marketing
Make crawling even more exciting with a lightweight and chic play tunnel that will provide all sorts of entertainment.
2 colors available
When you can’t make it to the park, this beautiful macrame swing is the perfect alternative for at-home play.
This BPA-safe ball pit is ideal for sensory (and fun) play!
multiple colors available
Take your home fort-building to the next level with this fun play couch. Besides inspiring creativity, it’s great for hide-and-seek and getting the wiggles out.
multiple colors available
To assist with balance and motor skills, this ride-on toy is perfectly sized for little ones aged 12 months and up.
Why You Can Count on Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
A mom of two, Kathy is passionately committed to sharing the honest, helpful—and often humorous—stories of motherhood, as she navigates her own everyday adventures of work, marriage, and parenting. She honed her creative and strategic skills at advertising agencies in Detroit and Chicago, before pivoting from marketing to editorial. Now instead of telling brand stories, she’s sharing her own, with articles published across popular parenting sites—including hundreds of stories on The Everymom.
Steph Alleva Cornell, Branded Content Editor
Since becoming a young mama in 2020, Steph has found joy in creating beautiful yet relatable content surrounding the raw realities of motherhood. She believes showcasing both the wonders and struggles of being a parent helps other mothers understand that they are not alone in their journey.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor
As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!