16 useful (and fun!) birthday gifts for 1-year-olds



The first birthday is a major milestone and signals the transition from baby to toddler. Over the past 12 months, your favorite little has been exploring and discovering the world around them and is now ready to really dive into adventures and learning. From first words and first steps, this next year is going to be a big one. 🎉

If you're a mama unsure of what to suggest as gifts to friends and family, or attending a first birthday and have no idea what to bring, we rounded up our favorite gifts for 1-year-olds.


Bamboo baby feeding set


ekobo bamboo baby feeding kit

A dinnerware set encourages kids to eat on their own and learn how to properly use utensils—without messing up mama's good set. 😉This 3-piece one is non-toxic and eco-friendly and comes in a variety of colors that will match any kitchen.

Vintage kitchen


janod play kitchen

A play kitchen is sure to be a hit for years because it allows littles to use their imagination and encourages independent learning. With knobs that click and turn and drawers that open and close, this interactive kitchen makes them feel like they're in a real one.

Puzzle tower blocks


wise elk puzzle tower block

Blocks are one of those toys that are guaranteed to be a hit for kids of all ages. They're a great foundation toy that inspires open-ended play and builds their fine motor skills.

Silicone baby bib


mushie silicone baby bib

While they might have outgrown their bib, 1-year-olds are messy. We love the deep front pocket so food stays off of baby and their clothing. (We can't promise it will catch food thrown across the room. 😂)

Wooden llama ride-on


janod wooden llama ride-on

A push toy or ride-on helps baby take their first steps and master adventuring around. Plus, it has a shape sorter for even more fun once they're done riding around. And, how can you resist this llama?!

Swan WubbaNub


itsy glitzy wubbanub

Pacifier meets plush toy—what more could a little one want? Its size means you won't lose the pacifier during those moments you really need it, and the sweet swan design will be your babe's coziest companion.

Pull-along musical snail


janod pull along musical snail

Encourage walking with this fun pull-along snail, and open up the shell for a sweet surprise: a tambourine and xylophone for music time! The antennaes remove to be used as sticks to play the instruments.

Wooden rainbow stacking rings


plan toys wooden rainbow stacking rings

Let your little baby learn about size and order (hello, fine motor skills and coordination!) with this gorgeous stacking ring. Even better? The center rod easily folds to keep your child as safe as possible.

'Sign About Play Time' board book


child's play sign about play time board book

One of our favorite gifts to give is a book, and this one is extra special because it teaches baby basic sign language. Don't worry, it's super easy to walk through and has really engaging pictures to keep their attention.

Ocho play mat


ocho play mat

Meet the snuggliest play mat. Lay it out for plenty of cozy playtime or tuck it inside the octopus face to make a comfy pillow for movie night. Plus, it includes fish and starfish rattles for extra entertainment.

lil' sweat set


all the babies lil sweat set

Is there anything cuter than an adorable babe in an adorable sweatsuit? We don't think so. Crafted from 100% organic cotton, it's as comfortable as it is cute. The elastic waistband and ankles give plenty of space for them to grow.

Slip-on moccasins


baby on the go slip on moccasins

While it might seem far away, your little will be on the move soon. Choose a pair that is cute, will match plenty of outfits and has elastic around the top so you can easily slip them on and off.

Kids upholstered chair with cup holder


delta children kids chair

This chair creates the perfect space for kids to read, snuggle or play in for years to come. The grey neutral helps it fit in with the decor in your home and the white piping and tufted buttons are a great sophisticated touch you don't normally see on kid's furniture. Plus how can you not love the functional details of the cup holder and the side pocket for books?

Tree top adventure activity center


manhattan toy activity center

One-year-olds are curious and enjoy exploring—that's why we love gifting an activity table that encourages learning and creativity. With hands-on gadgets and a low height, toddlers get to play for hours in a safe setting.

'Little Feminist' board book set


little feminist board book

Reading the same books to your child over and over again has long-lasting benefits, but adding to their library is always a good idea. Hearing your words and see pictures sparks imagination at helps your little learn.

 College fund donation


ugift college fund

College tuition is pricy and it's hard to imagine just how much it'll cost by the time your favorite little will graduate. Jumpstart the process by sharing a monetary donation specifically for college each year.

Sites like UGift allow you to donate to a 529 fund (just read the fine print as some take a portion of your contribution). You can also gift via a US Savings Bond or a check that parents put directly into a college savings account.

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