Gifts for a 1-year-old… what is going through your head? A book, which they maybe already have… maybe a box of chocolates, no they’re going to be eaten by the parents of course.

The time has flown by, and that little one you know has already turned a year old! But what do you buy a child that is still learning how to speak, walk and walk? It is always a difficult question when you don’t know what to buy a full-grown adult, or better yet, a still-developing baby! It’s perfectly fine to feel a little less clued up on what to buy for a 1-year-old, which is why we are here to help, by compiling a list of our Top 5 Gifts To Buy A 1-Year-Old.

A Mystery Box

Here at Toystreet, we have a selection of Mystery Boxes specifically for boys and girls aged 1. However don’t get me wrong, we also have a page where you can specify age and gender to buy a Mystery Box for all children aged up to 11.

You have the choice to choose from the Green Box, which is the cheaper option, or the Orange Box, which is the slightly more expensive option but a better value for money! There is also a Family box you can purchase if you were looking for something a little more selective for the whole family.

This is the perfect gift choice if you are completely unsure as to what to buy and know you will struggle to make a decision – we make it for you! It also leaves the element of surprise there for you as well when you open up the box for the first time (if that’s what you decide to do).

100 Piece Wood Blocks Set

Next up we have a wooden block building set. Buying a gift like this for a 1-year-old will help aid their development, as well as help them to increase their knowledge of shapes! They are given a wide variety of shapes and colours to give them the opportunity to build whatever they like.

Something like this, I believe is quite a staple piece in any growing child’s early years as there are the elements of maths within building towers (and masterpieces) as well while also being a fun, time-killing activity.

Baby Einstein Magic Touch Deluxe Piano

How cool does this mini piano look?! Not only is this ideal for babies who come from a very music-orientated family, but it’s just as perfect for those whose parents only sing when they’re in the shower or trying (but sometimes failing) to get the little ones to sleep.

The little wooden piano is made with 11 colourful keys which, when tapped – literally just touching the wood, play real piano sounds. There are also 5 music sheets that are double-sided and play 10 melodies which is a great introduction to the world of music for little ones. This piano also gives babies a chance to express themselves and create their own pieces of music! Now if this isn’t one of the most perfect gifts for a 1-year-old, I don’t know what is!

The two-volume settings mean that the neighbours can’t get annoyed and will never know if Fur Elise was being played on volume 1 or 2 because of the quick and easy switcher button!

Skip Hop ZOO 3-in-1 Ride-On Toy Fox

Do you want to know something cool about this? There is also a Dog and a Unicorn version available to buy! Have I caught your attention yet? Yes, yes. I know you want one for yourself but here we are speaking about gifts for a 1-year-old, not you!  Well, I have another component that will truly grab your attention! So, you’re buying this for a 1-year-old, but this will last them until around the age of 4/5 as it has the ability to extend and grow with them as they grow! Speak about value for money!

Not only is it extremely adorable, but it is very aesthetically appealing and small enough to be able to put it out of the way when not in use. It is sturdy, also a key component for when children like to run into walls, and stable enough to aid them when walking!

Baby Einstein Symphony Sounds

This small wooden toy may look small, but it holds a whole lot of power! Much like the Baby Einstein Magic Touch Deluxe Piano, it just involves a simple tap on the wooden colours to create a sound. The mini features of all different animals and colours symbolising each different sound helps to influence the layering of sounds to create new melodies!

This is also a very good toy to sway into floor play. You could perhaps buy alongside this a floor mat such as this one here, as a cool little bundle gift in aid of floor play!

Did this countdown of gifts for a 1 year-old help you? We hope it did, but don’t forget to also check out our full, wide selection of toys on Toy Street!

Editors note: This post was originally published on 13th July 2022. Updated on 18th April 2024 to improve the information available.