Here are great gifts for a one-year old. These are gifts that our playgroup (9 children!) loved at the age of one… and beyond. All of the toys have safe non-toxic finishes and have stood up to constant playtime. Click on the underlined title to see the product on a retail web site. I tried to include gifts in various price ranges.
This is a perfect first set of blocks. They are brightly colored with non-toxic finishes. Some of the blocks make little noises or have little mirrors or bells attached to them. Even though these blocks say 1+ year, you may want to take away the really small pieces until the baby is older.
(2) Djeco Creanimaux Blocks ($35 - $45)
Okay, yes, I admit that I love blocks. These are my favorite. These animal blocks come in either a Jungle ($45) or a Farm set ($35). They are made in Thailand and have completely non-toxic finishes. We have the Jungle blocks. The pieces are big and easy for toddlers to hold. 12-month olds won’t be able to stack and build the animals, but they are brightly colored and fun to look at and make a nice gift. My almost one year old loves looking at them - especially the little faces, clacking them together, and sorting them out in various ways. My almost 3 year old loves to build all sorts of different animals.
(3) Carolle Babipouce Doll ($25)
My daughter got this doll for Christmas when she was 9 months, and she is now completely attached to it. It is made in China, which may concern some moms out there due to all the recent recalls. However, I have done some research, and I think it is possible for things to be made responsibly in China. In fact Mothering Magazine gave this doll an award for being made of all-natural materials. If you know Mothering Magazine, you know that they are pretty radical in their zeal for things all natural (e.g., they question vaccinations, promote all organic foods for kids, etc.). Anyway I love that it is machine washable. And it is the perfect size for a one-year old to hold and hug and carry around.
(4) Haba Dragonstone Castle ($35)
This is a great little toy that can be “read” like a book or set up as a house… or just lay it on the floor and let your baby explore. There are little pockets in which little animals are hiding… and lots of movable parts, a couple mirrors and a squeaker (or two). It is made of fabric, and ours has held up very well. My 3 year old actually climbs in the house part, and runs around the house wearing it (?). It comes with 3 little dolls that are very cute. And the house part folds up into my diaper bag, so my one year old can play with it away from the house. My 3 year old actually acts out scenes with the princess, knight and dragon, so it is a toy that will grow with your child.
(5) Books ($8 - $10)
I don’t think you can go wrong with any books as a gift, but here are some that my kids AND I love reading…
- Where is Baby’s Belly Button? (We love all the Karen Katz books)
- Baby Talk (Or any book with big pictures of baby faces and babies. Oddly my 3 year old still likes this book.)
- Dr. Seuss ABC
- Moo-Baa La La La (You could also buy this 4-book set as a gift for $15)
- Any Usborne Touchy Feely Book
