Choosing toys for a one-year-old can be great fun, but with so many options available, it can be tricky to know where to start. At this age, little ones are discovering the world around them, learning new skills and becoming more curious about everything they see, hear and touch.
The best toys for one-year-olds combine simple, engaging play with opportunities to explore. From colourful stacking toys and sensory activities to cuddly companions and toys that encourage movement, there are plenty of ways to make playtime exciting.
Whether you're shopping for a first birthday, looking for a thoughtful present or simply adding something new to the toy box, here's what to look for when choosing toys for one-year-olds.
What toys are best for one-year-olds?
Every child develops at their own pace, so there's no single perfect toy for every one-year-old. However, toys that encourage exploration, movement and hands-on play are often a great place to start.
At around 12 months, many children are becoming more confident at sitting, crawling, standing or taking their first steps. They're also learning how objects work by picking them up, shaking them, stacking them and seeing what happens when they let go! Look for toys that encourage curiosity without being too complicated. Bright colours, interesting textures, gentle sounds and simple actions can all help keep little hands and minds busy.
Here are some popular types of toys to consider.
1. Sensory toys for curious little minds
One-year-olds experience the world through their senses. Toys that offer different textures, colours, sounds and shapes can provide plenty to explore during everyday play.
Sensory Blocks from Bigjigs Toys are a great example. This set includes eight wooden blocks, each offering a different sensory experience, including a mirror, a bell, felt textures and rattling sounds. The blocks can also be stacked, combining sensory discovery with early coordination practice.
These toys can encourage children to investigate their surroundings and discover how different objects feel and sound. Adults can make playtime more interactive by naming colours, describing textures and demonstrating the different sounds.
Discover more options in Toy Street's baby and pre-school toy collection.
2. Stacking toys for hands-on fun
Stacking toys are a classic choice for young children, and it's easy to see why. Building a tower, knocking it down and starting again can provide plenty of entertainment while introducing simple ideas about balance, size and cause and effect.
The Stacking Apple and Pear set from Bigjigs Toys offers a colourful twist on traditional stacking toys. Made from silicone, the set includes an apple and a pear, each with five stacking pieces.
As children experiment with arranging the pieces, they can practise hand-eye coordination and explore different sizes. The pieces can also be useful for supervised sensory play. Stacking toys are particularly appealing because they can be enjoyed in different ways as children grow. At first, little ones might simply handle the pieces, before gradually experimenting with putting them together.
3. Activity sets that encourage discovery
If you're looking for a gift with plenty to explore, an activity set can be a brilliant option. Different activities offer variety, helping children move between exploring shapes, making sounds and practising simple movements.
The 12 Months Garden Playtime Set from Mentari Toys is designed for children aged 12 to 18 months. It includes five early-learning toys, featuring a shape-sorting birdhouse, turning cogs and gears, a kitten on wheels, a clacking ladybird and a leaf-shaped rainmaker.
Each activity introduces something different, from fitting shapes into spaces to discovering how movement creates sound. This variety makes the set an appealing gift for a first birthday or another special occasion. Activity toys are also a useful way for grown-ups to join in. Demonstrating an activity, encouraging little ones to have a go and celebrating their discoveries can make playtime even more engaging.
4. Push-and-pull toys for little adventurers
As children become more mobile, toys that encourage movement can be especially exciting. Depending on their stage of development, they might enjoy pushing a toy along the floor, crawling after it or pulling it towards them.
These toys can make ordinary playtime feel like a little adventure, encouraging children to explore their surroundings and experiment with movement. When choosing a push toy, look for one suited to your child's age and abilities. Not every one-year-old is ready for the same type of toy, and a toy intended for pushing should not automatically be treated as a walking aid. Simple wheeled toys can also introduce cause and effect: push the toy, and it moves! It's an easy concept that can keep young children coming back for another go.
Explore the toys for one-year-olds collection to discover options for different stages of early development.
5. Soft toys and comforting companions
Not every toy needs to teach a new skill or involve an activity. Sometimes, a soft toy is simply a lovely gift that a child can cuddle, carry around or enjoy during quiet moments. Soft toys can become familiar companions at home and on family outings. They also make thoughtful presents for birthdays and other occasions, particularly when you want something warm and easy to enjoy. When choosing a soft toy for a one-year-old, check the manufacturer's recommended age and ensure it has no loose parts or other features that could pose a choking risk. Always follow the product's safety guidance.
Toy Street's baby and pre-school range is a useful place to explore different options for little ones.
How to choose the right gift for a one-year-old
Still deciding? A few simple considerations can help narrow down your options.
-
Check the age recommendation. Choose toys designed for the child's age and developmental stage, and follow all safety instructions.
-
Think about their interests. Some children love making sounds, while others prefer exploring textures, stacking objects or moving toys around.
-
Look for opportunities to play together. Toys that encourage interaction can give parents and carers plenty of ways to join in.
-
Consider how long the toy can be enjoyed. Some toys offer different ways to play as children develop new skills.
-
Keep safety in mind. Avoid toys with small parts that could present a choking hazard, and supervise play as recommended by the manufacturer.
You don't need to choose the biggest or most complicated toy to make a great gift. Simple toys that encourage children to explore at their own pace can be just as rewarding.
Find toys for one-year-olds at Toy Street
From sensory blocks and colourful stacking toys to activity sets and cuddly companions, there are plenty of ways to make playtime special for a one-year-old.
The key is to choose something that's appropriate for their age, suits their interests and gives them opportunities to discover something new. Whether you're shopping for a first birthday or looking for a little surprise, a thoughtful toy can bring plenty of fun to everyday play.
Explore Toy Street's toys for one-year-olds collection to find your next gift for a little explorer!
