Gift Ideas For A One Year Old

We are soon to be the parents of a one year old again. I don’t know about you, but I am constantly forgetting what items are good for different ages of children when it comes to toys, activities, and busy-keepers. Sure, Amazon, Target, and Toys R Us all have their opinions. The ideas of top sellers and highest-rated. But as a mom who lives it every day, I have a few items that are definitely on Harrison’s list this year. With a birthday and Christmas all within a two week period, people are asking me what the little guy “needs”. In truth, he is in need of nothing, but I was able to come up with some items that will keep him stimulated and engaged… and the engagement piece can often be the trickiest part with this age bracket… or that I just plain love. We already have a few of these in our arsenal but some are so great, I wanted to include with glowing reviews.

Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Chair – These chairs might seem a bit spendy, but after having one for both of the older bros, I can assure you they hold their shape, wash up nicely, and work exceptionally well as a surfing space when turned upside down. Our boys beat these up daily and they have been no worse for the wear {the chairs, or the boys}. H will be getting a red one to match the olders, complete with his {very long} name.

Knock Knock Blocks – We actually already have these but I love love love them. A “framily member” gifted them a couple of years ago and they are still a go-to item. They are soft. Which means I can give him one while traveling in the car or in his crib without fearing any poking out of eyeballs. There are colored blocks and black and white for variety, and they have different elements — bells inside of one, crinkle paper sounds, and door “flaps” that open up — so they are so much more than one note. And Jonah still thinks they’re fun so I’d give them points for longevity.

Zoomster Push n Back Car – Much like the other pullback cars, I love that this type of car models cause and effect. And happen to by quite affordable. Another easy peasy item to haul around while out and about. And there are no annoying sounds or lights! Holla!

Duplo Legos – Harrison loves to take things out and put things in. As such, our good old fashioned container of Duplo Legos seem to keep him pretty happy. And no, he’s not some genius Lego builder. He just knocks them together, puts them in his mouth, and takes them out and puts them back in. I recommend these over MegaBlocks. For some reason, all three of our boys have preferred Duplos to other similar products.

Squigz – These little dudes are recommended for ages 3 and up so if you buy these for a child younger, any incidents are not my fault {Disclaimer covered}. My parents purchased these for their house from Fat Brain toys last year and H loves them. Again, he loves when I pour out the container and he can put them back in. And he loves when I pop them together and pull them apart. He also loves how soft they are to chew on and they take the chewing very well. And, if you haven’t visited the Fat Brain store in Omaha or checked them out online, I highly recommend it. Love the place.

Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Crawl Around Car – I have it on good authority that this is a slamdunk for the one year old age group. In looking at the description, I love that it doesn’t move and that the child can get in and out of it, unlike an exersaucer. As a rule, I generally hate things that come with little balls but these do not seem overwhelming. Of note, the mom who gave this rave reviews mentioned that her older boys also find this toy to be entertaining. Win/win.

Zutano Booties & Clothes – My sister-in-law gifted us a Zutano sleeper for H last winter and man, I didn’t know what I’d been missing. I love how soft this brand of clothing is, and how nicely it washes. I love the booties because they keep little tootsies warm and also, can’t be pulled off as easily as socks. Oh, and the fact that I can order with Amazon Prime, that’s just icing on the cake.

LeapFrog Animal Adventure Learning Table – We had an activity table for Barrett and Jonah and it has since, bit the dust. Harrison’s main goal these days is to figure out what there is to do as he stands. So, a new activity table is on his wants. And I believe grandma and grandpa will be answering that request for his birthday. Yay!

B. Weeee-Is Pullback cars – I love the B. brand of toys for the colors and the concepts. These little pullback cars are washable and won’t pinch little fingers. And I can store one in my purse or diaper bag {mind you, I carry larger purses these days} for times at friends’ houses. Winning!

Nuby Splish Splash Stacking Bath Cups – You know what’s gross… realizing you haven’t purchased new bath toys in 5 years. So bath toys are on the list this year in our house. These cups are open so no bacteria will grow inside and can be thrown in the dishwasher, too. Bonus.

Fisher-Price Bright Beginnings Activity Walker – In my experience, activity walkers can be tricky. Some are not sturdy or the legs are wonky and it makes it hard to balance. But I do think that they have their value for this age. Though H is not a walkin’ yet, I would say that a lot of one year olds would love one of these bad boys… and I like the price point on this one. Of note, V Tech makes one that is the top rated but as a general rule, we despise V Tech toys. Why on earth doesn’t the music ever turn off??? WHY???

Melissa and Doug Chomp and Clack Alligator Walker Push Toy – This is one of the most annoying toys ever, but every kid I’ve seen that has one, adores it. H isn’t quite ready to walk yet but I think it’s a good thing for a few months down the road. As a rule, I love Melissa and Doug toys.

So that’s my list. Of course, one of our current faves, I was unable to locate in the Amazon toys section. But it’s one of our daily must-play items. That’s right, friends. An old-school Tupperware bowl with random objects to place inside. Further proving that, I suppose, kids really don’t need toys, BUT gosh, do the right finds make my days easier.