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The best toys for 1 year olds

Finding the perfect toy for a 1-year-old can be a fun yet daunting task. At this age, children are curious, exploring their surroundings, and beginning to develop key skills through play. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday gift or just looking to inspire their imagination, our guide to the best toys for 1-year-olds will help you make an informed choice.

A baby pulling a toy along.

Best toys for 1-year-old boys

When selecting toys for 1-year-old boys, think about activities that encourage movement, curiosity, and discovery. Look for:

  • Interactive toys
    Items like musical instruments or talking toys capture their attention and promote sensory exploration. These toys can also be useful for teaching simple words and phrases.
  • Stacking and building toys
    Blocks or stacking rings help improve hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills.
  • Push-and-pull toys
    These encourage gross motor development as your little one toddles around.
A baby pulling a toy along.

Best toys for 1-year-old girls

Toys for 1-year-old girls often focus on creativity and sensory play. Popular choices include:

  • Role play toys
    Items like mini doctor’s sets, kitchens, or pretend phones help develop social and emotional skills.
  • Soft toys and dolls
    These provide comfort while encouraging nurturing play.
  • Musical toys
    Instruments like the Baby Einstein Hape Magic Touch Piano introduce them to music and rhythm.
A baby pulling a toy along.

Best bath toys for 1-year-olds

Bath time can be fun and educational with the right toys. The best bath toys for 1-year-olds are:

  • Floating animals
    These are simple yet entertaining, perfect for sensory play in the water.
  • Water squirters and stackable cups
    Great for teaching cause-and-effect.
  • Interactive bath books
    Waterproof books with bright illustrations that captivate young minds.
A baby playing with a toy book.

Best educational toys for a 1-year-old

Educational toys make learning fun and encourage developmental milestones. Look for:

  • Interactive learning toys
    These toys help to introduce vocabulary in an engaging way.
  • Shape sorters and puzzles
    These teach problem-solving and fine motor skills. For a tactile feel, look for wooden toys.
  • Musical toys
    Toys like these combine education with fun sounds and music.

Top baby toys for 1-year-olds

Here are some of the most popular toys loved by 1-year-olds: