This post was in partnership with Melissa & Doug but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
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.
One other 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!
But what does a 1-year-old really need? Especially a little person whose favorite toys consist of toilet paper rolls, pots, and empty water bottles? Since the year between one and two is also filled with incredible learning and growth, we’ve rounded up a list of first birthday gifts to support their upcoming year! From introducing letters and colors to working on those fine and gross motor skills, this list has gifts for 1 year olds to cover it all. Plus plenty of personalized options sure to be cherished in the future, if not by them, certainly by their parents as they look back on their baby’s special day. Here are 26 of the best first birthday gifts.
In this article
Gifts for 1 Year Olds Under $50
Melissa & Doug
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.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Etsy | Busy Puzzle
A reader and editor favorite, this personalized puzzle helps little ones learn their name and can be a fun photo prop or nursery decor.
Melissa & Doug
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.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Pottery Barn Kids
Practical and personalized, this hooded towel can be used after a bath or at the beach!
multiple colors and patterns available
Etsy | Lambalar
Nighttime can still be bright with this lovely personalized night light showcasing a name or love note from mom and dad.
Melissa & Doug
This super fun stacking toy is great for building early shape, color, and size differentiation skills!
Etsy | Shop Flower Lane
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.
multiple colors available
Melissa & Doug
Jumbo knobs make this introductory puzzle perfect for little hands while they practice their shapes.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Clover Baby & Kids
Cozy, cute, and birthday-themed! These super soft viscose/spandex pajamas will be worn way past their special day.
Etsy | I See Me
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.
Rey To Z
Help your baby find their style with this embroidered baseball cap made just for them.
Etsy | Friendly Toys
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!
Melissa & Doug
Little ones can roll, stack, and grasp three double-sided "GO Tots" friends and make them spin and bounce in this cute toy.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Slumberkins
We love Slumberkins' mission to build emotional intelligence in kids, and this gift set promotes a growth mindset.
Melissa & Doug
These are the perfect first dolls for nurturing, cuddling, and developing crucial social and emotional skills.
Gifts for 1 Year Olds Over $50
Melissa & Doug
This 16-piece toy helps babies explore shapes and colors and practice problem-solving skills and imaginative play.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Kido
This silicone rainbow toy has many fun uses: a teether, a puzzle, a stacking toy, and even a bath toy!
Amazon
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.
Melissa & Doug
Inspire imaginative play through this ocean-themed toy that features a wooden slide tower with a built-in bead maze and three "Rollables" friends.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Finn + Emma
When you can't make it to the park, this beautiful macrame swing is the perfect alternative for at-home play.
Amazon
This BPA-safe ball pit is ideal for sensory (and fun) play!
multiple colors available
Melissa & Doug
Part of Melissa & Doug's new GO Tots line, this slide play set encourages kinetic play and offers the opportunity to explore cause and effect.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Pottery Barn Kids
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
Baghera
To assist with balance and motor skills, this ride-on toy is perfectly sized for little ones aged 12 months and up.
This post was in partnership with Melissa & Doug® but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
