Gifts for 1-Year-Olds: Fun, Functional, and Perfect for Their Milestone Year
Shopping for a 1-year-old can be tricky—they’re busy exploring the world, learning new skills, and growing faster than you can say “toddler!” Since Wyatt just celebrated his first birthday in November, and with the Holiday’s fast upon us, I thought it’d be the perfect time to share the toys and gifts he’s absolutely loving right now. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, holiday, or just-because, these picks are tried, tested, and toddler-approved!
Push Toys
Push toys are perfect for building walking confidence while keeping babes entertained with fun sounds and interactive buttons. It’s also so cute to watch the waddle around the house like a little pro!
Bath Toys
Bath time is one of Wyatt’s favorite parts of the day, thanks to his fun bath toys! Floating animals, water mazes, stacking cups, and space lights make splashing around even more exciting. To be completely honest, toys make bath time feel like playtime for both of us.
Ball Pit
A ball pit is such a simple but entertaining gift. Wyatt loves diving in, tossing the balls around, and giggling as he plays. It’s also a great way for him to burn off energy indoors, and I see us getting a lot of use out of it this summer when it’s extra hot outside.
Local Memberships
One of the most thoughtful gifts you can give are memberships to local attractions. These give year-round access to family-friendly adventures that are both fun and educational. It’s a gift that keeps on giving! We especially love places like:
The Flock Srq
Mote Marine
The Tampa Zoo
The Florida Aquarium
Balance Bike
Even though Wyatt’s still hasn’t learned to walk, the balance bike was high on our list this year. It will help him work on balance and coordination while giving him a taste of independence. It’s a gift that will grow with him as he gets more confident and I am SO looking forward to seeing him be a little dude on his bike! Don’t forget the helmet!
Water Table
A water table has been an outdoor favorite at this age for years. Toddlers loves splashing, scooping, and pouring water with their little cups and toys. It’s perfect for sensory play and keeps them entertained for ages. If a big water table isn’t in the cards for you space wise, they have these really cool sinks that cycle water and act like a little mini water table you could even play with inside.
Ride On Toys
Wyatt’s ride-on car is one of his most-used and most-loved toys. He loves sitting in it, steering, and honking the horn like he’s in a real vehicle. We use it for both play and for walks. It folds up easy and can fit right in the trunk.
Books
Board books are always a hit! But I recently stumbled upon these books that are drool, chew, rip, bite, everything proof. They’re even washable, so we’ll be adding a couple of those to our collection. We’re also giving him a couple of children’s series by some of our favorite personal development authors.
Pro-tip: Make sure to check the local thrift store bookstores because the ones around here are PACKED with childrens books.
Vehicles
Toy cars and trucks are another favorite. Wyatt loves rolling them across the floor, crashing them into blocks, and exploring how they move. Vehicles are simple but endlessly entertaining for little ones.
Play Couch
A play couch (like a Nugget or a box store dupe) is an amazing gift that is perfect for climbing, lounging, or building forts as as our babes get older. It’s a long-term gift that can grow with them and encourages imaginative play.
Bounce House
This one was a showstopper for Wyatt’s birthday! A small bounce house is perfect for burning energy and having a blast. It’s safe, compact, and ideal for toddlers who love to jump. I am so looking forward to having it this summer when it’s too hot to be outside.
Screen Free Fun
We are blessed in the sense that Wyatt is being gifted a Tonies from my parents but if that’s not in your budget, an alternative that we LOVE is the moonlite projector. It’s classic stories, reimagined and it’s something both Wyatt and I look forward to at bedtime!
Water Cup
It might sound simple, but a good water cup will go a long way for your sanity. A spill-proof, easy-to-grip cup has made drinking water fun for him. Plus, it’s an essential as we start transitioning him to eating more solids and being more independent at meals!
The Suncoast Mom 
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