Before you pick a birthday or Christmas gift for a 1 year old baby, you might want to understand what they can and can’t do, at this age.
At 12 months, babies are usually able to sit without support. They might also be able to stand up without support, or at least pull themselves up to a standing position. So, when you choose gifts for a 1 year old boy or 1 year old girl, you might want to bear these milestones in mind.
At this stage, they have reasonable hand & eye co-ordination but tend to put everything into their mouths as well.
So, please be very careful when you pick a gift for an active and curious 1 year old child – make sure there are no small parts or toxic components.
Good gifts for 1 year old boys or girls who like books
Touch-and-feel books, lift-the-flap, sound, lights and other such sensory books are the best birthday gifts for 1 year old boys and girls. Here’s a list of books that are perfect for one year old curious babies. Most of the books in this list are books that my twins (boy & girl) loved when they were one year old. In fact, they are 3 now and they still go back to some of these books from time to time. I’ve actually pulled out most of these from my own Amazon orders.
Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? By Karen Katz
Lift-the-Flap Book
This book is a real hit with toddlers, it was one of my kids’ favorite books too. Needs to be read out aloud to a 12 month old baby. Adding a little drama to your voice and clapping, when the flap opens would be a very nice touch! The flaps are not strong enough to withstand the strength of a determined toddler, so you will need to be a little careful with that.
Sound Book with a steering wheel
If you are looking for a gift for a one year old who likes cars and books, this book by Eric Carle combines both loves. It has a steering wheel which your one year old can move. Plus, sound buttons too. He’s got to love this!
Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat, what can you see? By Jo Lodge
Wiggle and Giggle Book
You need to move the tabs marked with arrows and you’ll see the cat’s eyes moving. It has 4 pages – one each for a cat, donkey, rabbit and a fox ( who eats a fly). Thick pages that are bound very well – and should be able to stand up to a toddler’s rough handling too. Highly recommended.
Where is Baby’s Mommy? By Karen Katz
Lift-the-flap book
Another popular lift the flap book by Karen Katz, that one year olds will really enjoy. Baby looks for Mummy everywhere and finds her in the end 🙂
If your budget allows it, you could choose to buy this gift set of 3 Karen Katz books that includes ‘Where is Baby’s Mommy‘, ‘Where is Baby’s Belly Button‘ and ‘Toes, Ears, & Nose‘.
It has 5 pages with one animal sound each and the last page has all the animals together. Nice ‘realistic’ sounds. Makes for a nice Christmas present for a one year old girl or boy who likes animals.
LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book
A book with sounds and attractive pictures, it has words across 12 categories that include pets, animals, food, mealtime, colors, activities, opposites, outside, vehicles, clothes, my body and fruit. While the recommended age on the book is 18+ months, Mommy can entertain a one year old with this book easily enough. She can continue to use this over the next year…by which time it will be time for you to buy another birthday gift.
Gift for a 1 year old (not books)
If you are looking for 1st birthday gift ideas (besides books), read on.
Melissa & Doug Soft Blocks Set
Here’s a toy that will last a long time – it’s washable, soft and can be used in so many different ways, as your child grows. After a few months, when simply stacking up the blocks doesn’t amuse your not-one-year-old-anymore, she can match them and learn new skills. Contains 14 fabric-covered blocks, that bounce when thrown down.
A small, undeniably cute wooden pull along toy. A good gift for a 1 year old boy or a 1 year old girl who might just be starting with their first baby steps and could do with a friendly companion 🙂
Fisher-Price Baby’s First Blocks and Rock-a-Stack gift set
A stacking toy and a block set that my twins have used for a long time, so I can vouch for these. These toys have been thrown in the bath tub, in the sand pit and all over their play area, but have managed to stand up to all this rough use.
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Singing Soccer Ball
A cute little colourful ball that also makes fun noises when pressed, shaken or rolled. You can reduce the volume for those times when you can do with some quiet time. If you remove the electronics inside, you can wash it in your washing machine as well.
It is a trike that a 1 year old child can grow into. It has a 3-point safety harness and a strong bar that parents can use to push and steer. When your 12 month old baby (or niece / nephew), grows up and is ready to pedal, you can fold away the foot rest. Makes a very good gift for a 1 year old.
HighChair – practical gift for 1 year old
If your budget allows it, you can get a good, sturdy high chair for around $150. When choosing a high chair, make sure you select one that is safe, stable and easy to clean. I personally prefer a booster seat, because I need one that I can move around the house or simply dismantle, fold and take with me when we travel. Plus, it can be tucked away when not in use, so it saves space as well.
This Fisher Price toy is a stationary car, not one that your 12 month old can ride in. But there’s so much your baby can do without it, he probably won’t notice. There are interactive buttons, lights, sounds, songs and balls to keep him busy. It really is a toy that will grow along with him. Available in pink and blue. Best gift for a 1 year old who needs to be entertained when Mommy needs a break.
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