Useful Toys for 1-Year-Olds!

When it comes to buying toys for 1-year-olds, it can get tricky! One-year-olds are still very much babies but they are beginning to become more toddler-like. They have started walking in the just last few months or will start walking within the next 6. They are also growing at a rapid pace for learning to speak, understanding spoken language, and are continuing to explore the world around them.

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That’s why I’m focusing this gift guide on toys that will be useful for meeting a 1-year-old where they are but also will grow with them over time. These toys for 1-year-olds are all tried and true toys with both of my boys. The best part is they were all used for at least 2 years, if not longer!

I have already written about books for one-year-olds (you can find that link here). So, today we’re diving into perfect toys for 1-year-olds. These are the toys that would be great for a one-year-old’s birthday or Christmas party.

1. Melissa and Doug Puzzle:

This Melissa and Doug puzzle has fun lift-the-flaps with moveable pieces. It’s fun for toddlers because they can move the pieces around and it’s always a surprise for them to find out what’s underneath.

This puzzle is great for language development as it teaches 1-year-olds different vocabulary. It will also support fine motor skills. This is because they will want to open and close the doors. The pieces are the perfect size for little hands and are magnetic making them easy to store.

 

2. Little People:

 

Both of my boys love Little People. If they didn’t play with them as much as they do I MIGHT feel guilty about how many of the sets we have.

 

My son was first gifted a Little People Farm by mom at Christmas. The sets we have include, the school, construction set, and many of the cars.

 

However, I would have to say that the Little People house is definitely a top contender for the favorite toy at our house. My mom gave it to my youngest at his first birthday party and it’s still played with by both of my boys on a regular basis.

   

3. Old Remote Control:

 

We dropped cable a couple of years ago but made sure to hold onto those old remotes. Our son has so much fun carrying it around, pointing it at the TV, and putting it up to his face to pretend it’s his phone. Sometimes to the best toys are things you already have laying around your home.

 

4. Water Table:

 

A water table is a great investment for any 1-year-old. They are useful for so many activities and grow with them as they get older.

 

Having a water table makes it easy to teach language skills, cause-and-effect, and works on motor skills. Don’t forget to bring it inside during colder months to use it as a sensory table. We use it for bubble foam, cheerios, rice, and more.

   

5. Books: 

 

Books are a favorite toy or activity for both of my boys. I know I already linked my one-year-old‘s favorite books above but I am also going to link here my best list of ways to find books on a budget. When looking for books for a 1-year-old be sure to look for books that have texture, lift-the-flaps, or board books.

 

 

6. Ride Along Toys:

 

I feel as though a ride-along toy whether it’s a scooter, a bus, a fire truck, or my favorite the Pewi Walking Ride-on Toy is a staple for this age! It is the best gift for any one-year-old. My three-year-old still loves riding around on these. They can use them inside and outside. 

   

7. Small Cars & Sets:

 

Small toy cars are great for open-ended play, imagination, and as a take-along toy! Our youngest son can’t get enough of cars, trains, and trucks. We keep small cars in our diaper bag for restaurants or other times we are waiting.

 

This set is the Little People Launch and Loop Raceway. It features a lot of fun, fast action for little cars. It also has a place for them to “fill up” the cars with gas.

   

8. Doctor Set:

 

A doctor set is great for make-believe play! One-year-olds and toddlers love to reenact what they see and experience themselves. Having a doctor set allows them to see, touch, and explore the experiences of the things that they typically would go through.

 

Having a doctor set also allows them to get to know about what could be considered scary equipment in a non-threatening way. Your little one will have all kinds of fun learning new vocabulary and about the human body using a doctor set like this one.

   

9. Cozy Coupe:

 

There is a good reason that the Cozy Coupe has been a favorite toy of little ones for years! We love this Cozy Coupe truck. It has been to the “mechanic”, in a drive-thru, it’s become a fire truck, and a garbage truck! This truck provides hours of open-ended play for both of my boys.

 

The truck is unique because it can haul things in the back of it. They can put down the tailgate and haul around each other! We keep ours in the basement but it can also be great for outside.

   

10. Chat Phone:

 

I know some mamas aren’t huge on electronic toys. But this phone is one I can get behind. My one-year-old loves to “talk” on it! It has also helped to teach him his numbers through all of the multiple games and activities.

 

The dog comes out and tells him stories which helps with language development. This toy grows with children too because as they learn new things they will be able to play more of the games and interact with it in different ways. We keep the Chat Phone in our car or diaper bag because it’s perfect for on the go. 

   

11. Leap Frog Computer:

 

Another car toy with this computer! It has eight games and surprisingly isn’t too expensive at around $20. This little laptop has music, teaches letters, and teaches following directions. It is perfect for growing with your child as they get older they’ll learn how to interact with it in different ways. 

   

12. Play Kitchen:

 

A kitchen is a staple 1-year-old toy that will be used for years! I know children in kindergarten that still use a play kitchen. I was on a thread of moms the other day asking if her two-year-old was worth getting a play kitchen for and the answer was an overwhelmingly, yes!!!

 

There is no wonder why. Our play kitchen has been a restaurant, ice cream shop, a home kitchen, and popcorn stand! The open-ended play associated with a kitchen is what makes it so valuable for toddlers and children alike.

   

13. Activity Table: 

 

I think it’s important for any child to have a table that’s perfect for their size. These small activity tables are great for doing puzzles, Play-Doh, coloring, playing games, and more. 

 

We have even turned ours into a picnic table and let them eat on the back porch during the summer months. If you have a little one in your life an activity table like this one would make a great gift for 1-year-olds!

   

14. Cleaning Tools/Broom:

 

Toddlers and one-year-olds love to reenact what they see you doing. This was evident on my back patio as I was sweeping away and my son kept taking my broom. It was then that I told my husband he needs a broom his size.

 

My husband went to the hardware store bought a two-dollar broom, came home, and cut the end off. It’s one of my son’s favorite toys. Sometimes it’s literally the little things. Here is also a great set from Melissa and Doug!

   

15. Flash Cards:

 

These flashcards are filled with fun textures & sensory. They are great toys for 1-year-olds because they are great for their small hands. They are the perfect addition to any one-year-old book collection. My kids love playing games, identifying what’s on them, and touching and feeling them. But they’re awesome for helping you with interacting with your child and they have questions on the back to help support their language development.

   

Well, there you have 15 useful toys for 1-year-olds. I hope you found some inspiration or the perfect gift for a toddler in your life! I’d love to hear in the comments below!

 

Don’t forget to share this with a parent looking for Christmas or birthday toys for 1-year-olds!

 

 

Love, Ashley E

 

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