The first birthday is a significant celebration both for the little one and their parents, so the question of what to give a child for their 1st birthday should be approached with full responsibility. If an adult can, as a last resort, be given money, that trick won’t work with a child. To surprise and delight the baby, your gift doesn’t have to be prestigious or expensive. Any bright and fun toy will impress the child. However, it’s best if it is developmental and safe.
If the festive event is just around the corner and you still haven’t decided what to give a 1-year-old, don’t panic. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of modern toys, but the experts at topchuk.com have prepared a selection where you’ll find interesting ideas for any taste and budget. With the help of these tips, you’ll even be able to create an original gift with your own hands!
The baby is unlikely to remember this exciting holiday, but gifts chosen with love and care will delight the little one for years to come. When choosing a present, try to consider the family’s needs and the child’s temperament, and don’t forget that toys should contribute to physical and creative development. Then your gift will definitely be unmatched!
80+ Ideas of What to Give a Child for Their 1st Birthday
- Ride-on toy car.
- Dry ball pit.
- Doll with lots of accessories.
- Inflatable pool.
- Toy swing.
- Height chart.
- Non-popping soap bubbles.
- Children’s dish set.
- Crib bedding.
- Balls of different sizes.
- Push-along toy with a handle.
- Toy storage rack or basket.
- Children’s dance mat.
- Playhouse or tent.
- Festive cake with a “1” candle.
- Coloring book with stickers.
- Stacking pyramid.
- Small home trampoline.
- Magnetic fishing game.
- Wooden toys.
- Doll stroller.
- Toy tool set in a case.
- Soft play complex.
- Glowing toy train set.
- Mini slide.
- Battery-powered ride-on car with parental remote control.
- Rocking chair.
- Natural baby cosmetics (bath gel, shampoo, etc.).
- Developmental construction set.
- Soft children’s armchair.
- Inset frames / shape sorters.
- Soft mat with cartoon characters.
- Potty or child toilet seat.
- Puzzle mat.
- Baby swings.
- Sandpit-pool combo.
- Toy steering wheel with buttons.
- Set of dolls.
- Air purifier/ionizer for the child’s room.
- Set of teethers.
- Large-piece mosaic.
- Shape sorter.
- First words learning set with cards and pictures.
- Car seat.
- Ring toss game.
- Tumbler doll (roly-poly).
- Balance bike.
- Poncho towel.
- Set of children’s markers and crayons.
- Sled-stroller.
- Bath thermometer.
- Snow castle building kit.
- Soft animal-themed pajamas.
- Shopping cart with groceries.
- High chair with adjustable backrest.
- Activity table center.
- Remote-control car.
- Toy book.
- Velcro fruit and vegetable set.
- Musical activity mat.
- Suction-cup dishes.
- Set of stacking cubes.
- Thermos or sippy cup.
- Children’s bowling set.
- Cute animal hat.
- Musical instrument (xylophone, maracas, drum, etc.).
- Cozy animal slippers.
- Playhouse with tunnel.
- Soft fabric dolls or animals filled with grains.
- Set of figurines.
- Pop-up 3D character books.
- Bamboo children’s tableware.
- Musical walker.
- Bath toys.
- Plush animal onesie.
- Musical spinning top.
- Maze puzzles.
- Finger puppet dolls.
- Hammer toys.
- Bath crayons/markers.
- Musical jewelry box.
- Sand play set.
- Children’s plush blanket.
Original Gifts for a One-Year-Old
With the holiday approaching, you start wondering what to give a 1-year-old child. Of course, the baby will be happy with any new bright toy, but you also want to impress the parents and stand out among the other guests—without emptying your wallet. Here are interesting ideas that meet all these requirements.
- Busy board. A great option for a 1-year-old boy. At this age, children especially need developmental toys. This is a board with various household items (switches, latches, zippers, buttons, etc.). The child won’t just play—they’ll develop fine motor skills, get acquainted with everyday objects, and learn self-care skills.
- Interactive animal. A wonderful idea for a 1-year-old girl. All kids love cute pets. Since the birthday child is still too young to care for a real animal, an interactive plush pet is perfect. It will teach empathy, develop tactile perception, and become a loyal friend for years.
- Comfort toy / sleep buddy. A fantastic gift for a 1-year-old. This safe, soft toy is loved by parents worldwide. It accompanies the child everywhere, making it less scary to fall asleep or be without mom, giving a sense of security and comfort.
- Tree sapling. An original gift for a boy’s first anniversary. The tree will grow together with the child—a symbol of life and health. Planting a tree is always done for a special occasion, and a first birthday is perfect. Families with their own yard will especially appreciate it.
Inexpensive Gifts for a 1-Year-Old
When choosing gifts for a 1-year-old, expensive options aren’t always necessary. The child won’t remember what you gave anyway, and an expensive gift isn’t always the most successful.
To avoid mistakes and make the right choice, consider these interesting and budget-friendly ideas.
- Educational shoes/slippers. A lovely birthday gift. These developmental slippers have lots of Velcro, buttons, laces, and fasteners that will keep the birthday child entertained for a long time while developing fine motor skills, thinking, color recognition, and self-dressing skills.
- Talking poster. Another fun gift. This interactive poster teaches letters, numbers, objects, and phenomena in a playful way. It runs on batteries and is easy even for a small child to use.
- Warming toy. A great gift for a 1-year-old girl. Often filled with cherry pits, lavender, or wheat. It helps with colds, muscle or teething pain—just warm it up and place on the sore spot to improve blood flow and relieve discomfort.
- Superhero or fairy-tale character costume. An unusual and fun gift for a boy’s first birthday. Perfect for an unforgettable photo session that will bring smiles years later.
Useful Gift Ideas for a One-Year-Old
Many people, thinking of gift ideas for a 1-year-old, opt for practical options.
Choose one of the presents suggested here, and you can be sure it will be used—and you’ll be remembered with gratitude.
- Oral care items. A nice gift for a one-year-old. This can be a quality toothbrush (or several), pastes with different flavors, a fun toothbrush holder, etc. The first teeth have appeared—it’s time to take care of them. Bright accessories will teach hygiene habits from an early age.
- Art table and chair. Perfect for a child who wants to draw, mold clay, etc. Create comfortable conditions for development. Tip: buy adjustable “grow-with-me” furniture.
- Silicone bib. Makes feeding much easier and more pleasant for both baby and parents. It saves on laundry and time, securely fastens without discomfort.
- Plush night-light toy. Some children are afraid of the dark. This cute toy provides soft light and a feeling of comfort. Some models also play soothing melodies.
Memorable Gifts
Choosing a memorable gift for a child is also a great decision. Such items will serve as a wonderful reminder of the first birthday. Feel free to pick any you like—you won’t go wrong!
- Personalized silver spoon. A classic first-birthday gift. It is believed to bring prosperity and success and protect from negative energy.
- Jewelry item. It doesn’t have to be worn right away. A chain, earrings (for a girl), or a safety pin (universal) can serve as a protective talisman.
- Hand/footprint kit. A wonderful way to preserve a unique family keepsake of childhood moments. The set includes everything needed and clear instructions.
- Silver coins. A simple commemorative coin or one with custom engraving.
Gifts for Physical Development
The child should develop harmoniously, so the following gifts will definitely not be superfluous. Choose your favorite and make the child and parents happy.
- Bouncy hopper toy. Great for spine health, muscle strengthening, posture, coordination, vestibular system, and lots of fun.
- Tricycle. A wonderful grandparent gift. Soon the child will be ready to pedal, developing strength, endurance, coordination, attention, and memory.
- Children’s home gym. An awesome gift. The child will never be bored and can burn energy regardless of the weather, developing agility and strength.
- Orthopedic sensory mat. Running on textured squares prevents flat feet, strengthens bones and joints, improves circulation, immunity, and confident walking.
Creative Gifts
Creative development is just as important. The gifts in this category will be gratefully received by both the child and the parents.
- Finger paints. Safe, non-toxic paints perfect for little artists who haven’t yet mastered brushes. Great for self-expression and fine motor skills.
- Kinetic sand. No need to go outside—kinetic sand flows like magic and allows creating endless shapes, developing imagination and attention.
- Water doodle mat. Prevents wall and furniture “art.” Drawings appear with water and disappear as they dry—no mess!
- Finger puppet theater. More than just a toy—puppets become friends and help develop speech, emotions, imagination, and social skills.
DIY Gifts for a 1-Year-Old
Handmade gifts carry a piece of your soul, making them more valuable than store-bought ones.
You don’t need special skills or tools—just some materials, time, and imagination.
Nursing (Sling) Beads
A lifesaver when teeth are coming in or you’re waiting in line. Easy to crochet if you know the basics.
What you’ll need:
- Wooden beads of different sizes (unpainted);
- Cotton yarn (solid or multicolored);
- Crochet hook of suitable size;
- Ribbon.
How to make:
- Crochet around each bead;
- Secure all knots tightly and hide yarn tails;
- Measure and string all beads onto the ribbon;
- Tie the ribbon securely—done!
Tips
There are countless gift ideas for a 1-year-old. Use these tips to choose the perfect one.
Developmental gifts. Give items that help explore the world.
Safety. Babies put everything in their mouths—make sure there are no small parts or easily accessible batteries.
Age-appropriate. Don’t buy toys “for later”—they’ll be set aside and forgotten.
Quality. Avoid unnaturally bright colors or strong chemical smells. Ask for a quality certificate.
Don’t forget mom. Pair the child’s gift with flowers or a small sweet treat for the mother.
Ask for advice. If you’re out of ideas, ask the parents or experienced friends.
Money. Many parents don’t mind cash, but make it fun—give a children’s store gift card.
Presentation. Beautiful wrapping may not interest the baby, but parents will appreciate it.
What NOT to Give
To keep the first birthday joyful and carefree, avoid these anti-gifts.
- Large stuffed animals. Interest fades quickly, and they just collect dust (and allergens).
- Entertainers/animators. Many one-year-olds are wary of strangers.
- Toys with small parts. Risk of choking.
- Very loud toys. Can scare the child and annoy parents.
- Overly expensive gifts. May make parents uncomfortable if you’re not very close.
- Too practical items. The child won’t appreciate them—add a small toy just for the baby.
- Chocolate and sweets. Risk of allergies.
- Pets. Parents may not be ready, and the child will treat them like toys.
Conclusion
All the gift options presented here are wonderful! The main thing is that your present immediately catches the child’s interest and is useful in everyday life.
See also:
Funny New Year Gifts: To Stand Out from the Crowd
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