My son turns one year old this month, which means family and friends have been asking for birthday gift ideas for him. With my daughter who is now three, I really wasn’t sure what to tell people when they asked this question since each day was a new adventure in the world of parenthood. Now that this is my second rodeo, I have some ideas of what the little man will want and need in his next year of life. I compiled a list of gifts that would be great for a one year old, whether it be their first birthday or Christmas (which is right around the corner!).
Push Toys
Push toys are perfect for this age when they are just learning to walk, but they are also great for pretend play for toddlers. Push toys are a huge hit in my household. A few of our favorites include the Step 2 Little Helper’s Shopping Cart, Fisher Price Little Mommy Doll Stroller, IKEA EKORRE wagon, and the Vtech Sit-to-Stand Alphabet Train. The Radio Flyer Classic Wagon is on my son’s wish list for his birthday, and I also think the Melissa & Doug Alligator Push Toy is adorable.
Stacking Toys
I love stacking (and nesting) toys. I think they are developmentally appropriate for this age and there are so many fun ones out there! My kids love the Fisher Price Stack & Roll Cups, green sprouts Stacking Cups which are great for bath time, and Melissa & Doug Alphabet Blocks. I would also love the Oball Anywhere Stacker, Fat Brain Toys Tobbles Neo, Melissa & Doug Geometric Stacker, and Green Toys My First Stacker.
The First Chair
We got my daughter the Pottery Barn Anywhere Chair for her first birthday and we’re doing the same for my son. Her chair has gotten so much use these past two years and I know it’ll continue to get used in the years to come. Right now, my son loves climbing on hers, so I know it’s going to be the perfect gift for him. There are other options out there as well, such as The Nod Chair and the IKEA POANG Children’s Chair.
Educational Toys
Of course any toy that promotes learning during play is wonderful. We have a lot of the Melissa & Doug puzzles, such as the alphabet, numbers, and latches board. The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn toys are also great and have different settings for learning songs, as well as Spanish. My daughter got the kitchen for her first birthday and my son has the workbench.
Experiences
If you’re not into a lot of toys cluttering your house, then suggest to friends and family that your child would really like a certain experience for their birthday or Christmas (this really goes for all ages). Luckily, we live in Central Florida and there are tons of family friendly things to do. Our family has an annual pass to the Orlando Science Center, and of course there is Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and the Kennedy Space Center right in our backyard. Also, in lieu of gifts, you can ask for contributions to your child’s college fund, which is a gift that keeps on giving.
What are some of your favorite gifts for a one year old?
Oh all those are so cute gifts. What superb thoughts. all kids love stacking toy and push toys are perfect gifts.