The best toys for 1-year-olds
Explore educational toys for 1-year-olds that spark curiosity from day one. Think stacking toys, musical toys, wooden toys, and more. Designed to develop their early skills, these toys are sure to make your little one's playtime more creative, fun, and engaging.
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By Steven Smith | Last edited: October 2026
Finding the perfect toy for a 1-year-old can be a fun yet daunting task. At this age, children are curious, exploring their surroundings, and beginning to develop their motor skills, coordination, and cognitive skills. Support this learning journey with our ideas on best toys for 1-year-olds. Whether you’re shopping for the ideal first birthday gift or just looking to inspire their imagination with educational toys for newborns, our guide is sure to help you make the right choice.
Best toys for 1-year-old girls and boys
While children's toy choice mainly depends on their interests, explore the most popular picks with our guide. From stacking wooden toys and push-and-pull toys for 1-year-old boys to soft plushies and role play toys for 1-year-old girls - we've got all their favourites covered.
Best toys for 1-year-old boys
Got a tiny tot with big curiosity? Here are some of the best toys for 1-year-old boys. Think about activities that support movement, curiosity, and discovery.
- Interactive toys: Toy laptops, children's musical instruments, or talking toys capture their attention and promote interactive play. These toys are great for teaching simple words and phrases.
- Stacking and building toys: Blocks, chunky puzzles, or stacking rings help improve hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills.
- Push-and-pull toys: These encourage gross motor development and help build balance and confidence as your little one toddles around.
- Role play toys: Pretend cooking or baking sets, phones or toolboxes are great for sparking imagination and improving social and emotional skills.
Best toys for 1-year-old girls
Let their imagination bloom. Here are some of the best toys for 1-year-old girls, with a focus on creativity and sensory play to make their playtime precious.
- Role play toys: Simple pretend toys such as doctor’s or kitchen sets, pretend phones or ice cream and coffee stalls help develop social skills while building their confidence..
- Sensory toys, soft toys, and dolls: Sensory toys help develop early cognitive skills, while soft toys and dolls can provide comfort and encourage nurturing play.
- Musical toys: Instruments like mini xylophones, toy keyboards, shakers, mini drums and interactive music boxes can introduce rhythm and encourage exploration through cause-and-effect play.
Top toys for 1-year-olds
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Bath toys
Make a splash with bath time toys
Make bath time a playful mini adventure with newborn bath toys.
- Floating animals: From classic rubber ducks to other cute animals, these are simple yet entertaining and are perfect for sensory play in the water.
- Water squirters and stackable cups: Available in fun characters such as Peppa Pig and Bluey, these can make bath time super fun. They also support learning through cause-and-effect play.
- Interactive bath books: Make bath time wholesome with waterproof books. Bright illustrations are perfect for capturing toddlers’ attention and keeping them engaged.
Educational toys
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How to play and engage with your 1-year-old
Exploring some fun activities to do with your 1-year-old? Here are some tips and ideas to make playtime with them more wholesome:
- Let them take the spotlight: Let them lead with their choice of toy and decide how to play. Encouraging their exploration can help them feel confident about trying new things
- Use play mats and play gyms: Getting down on the floor to their level can improve interaction and connection.
- Incorporate playtime without a toy: Try games such as peek-a-boo and making funny faces, or recite rhymes together for some low-stimulation play and quality time. This can help develop social and language skills.
- Talk through the moments: Narrate everything they do to help them build their vocabulary.
- Introduce pretend toys: Play a role in their pretend play. Use toys such as pretend phones or an ice cream stall. Perhaps they’ll enjoy running a bakery or pizza shop. Support their early development milestones while making precious memories.
Explore more fun activities to do with your 1-year-old
1-year-old birthday gift ideas
A big milestone for your little one? It might be time for a special gift. From wooden favourites and ride-on toys to musical fun, discover 1st birthday gifts designed to inspire play, exploration and plenty of smiles.
Frequently asked questions about toys for 1-year-olds
What is the 10-toy or 20-toy rule?
A simple decluttering strategy based on minimalism, a 10-toy or 20-toy rule helps kids manage their space while developing their focus. The strategy involves keeping only 10 or 20 of their favourite toys accessible while others are either donated or stored away for rotation. This can encourage children to be more creative and prevent them from feeling overwhelmed by clutter and too many choices.
What toys should a 1-year-old have?
Helping build motor skills and curiosity, an ideal set of toys for a 1-year-old should include safe sensory toys and early learning toys such as shapes, blocks, and soft activity sets. Interactive toys such as activity tables and musical toys can also help with early learning. Read here to explore a guide on choosing safe toys for your toddler.
Can a 1-year-old play with wooden blocks?
Yes, wooden blocks and toys are a popular choice amongst toddler parents for being sturdy, eco-friendly, and free of toxins. For safe playtime with wooden blocks, ensure that they are smooth and large enough to avoid choking hazards.
What to buy for a boy's 1st birthday?
Some great gift ideas for a boy's 1st birthday are chunky blocks or stacking toys, car toys, soft balls, or musical toys. These are fun, engaging and encourage early skills.
What toys are best for 1-year-old development?
Early learning toys such as simple shape sorters, stacking toys, push-and-pull toys, are perfect for developing motor skills, coordination, and even boost cognitive development.
What is an appropriate gift for a 1-year-old?
An appropriate gift for a 1-year-old can include fun toys such as stacking cups, bath toys, soft plushies, and musical toys. You can even consider non-toy gifts such as bath accessories, sensory books, and cosy blankets for the little one.
What is a traditional 1st birthday gift?
Traditional 1st birthday present ideas often include keepsake gifts, wooden toys, books or ride-on toys that can be enjoyed as little ones grow. Choose something age-appropriate that matches their stage of play and creates lasting memories of this special milestone.
What to buy a 1-year-old who has everything?
If a 1 year old seems to have everything, look for gifts that add a new way to play. A first ride-on, musical toy, sensory activity centre or personalised keepsake can feel more unique than another everyday toy.
What is a good ride-on toy for a 1-year-old?
A good ride-on toy for a 1-year-old should be age-appropriate, stable and easy to use. Options such as push-along ride-ons or foot-to-floor vehicles can encourage active play and exploration, while helping little ones build confidence as they move and play.
