Plus, it’s not like an infant can vocalize what they want for their birthday or the holidays. And of course, you’re also buying the gift for their parents. So, what do 1-year-old babies (and their parents) really want?
Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds
Keep reading for the best gifts designed explicitly for 1-year-old babies! As always, the prices listed may fluctuate over time.
1. A Busy Baby Silicone Placemat
Babies are busy beings! That’s why they need A Busy Baby Silicone Placemat—you know, for all the things they have to accomplish. Made of safe silicone and designed to withstand all the natural movements that come with a young toddler eating and playing (because you can’t have one without the other), such as tugging, throwing and smashing. The phthalate- and BPA-free mat comes with two toy straps to safely secure your mealtime toys or binkies. No more constantly bending down for mom and dad, picking up toy cars as dinner progresses! Trust—this tyke’s parents will thank you for this ingenious gift.
Buy at Busy Baby for $24.99.
2. Maison Me Luxe Baby Gift Set, Cream and Sage Multi
Have you ever noticed that babies are some of the chicest dressers ever? Seriously, we dress tots better than we dress ourselves! Keep that energy going with the ultimate parent-approved present—the Maison Me Baby Luxe Gift Set from Maisonette. Featuring the kid company’s bestselling essentials—two onesies, a matching animal print bib, a beanie, leggings and a cardigan—the set’s packaging is just as cute in an adorable animal print box. Of course, each item in the gift set can be mix-and-matched with the rest of Maisonette’s adorable clothing for 1-year-olds, too!
Buy at Maisonette for $98.
3. LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons Ergonomic All-Positions Baby Carrier
4. Nimble Diaper Clutch and Changer
OK, so this one’s for the bambino but, you know, indirectly. That’s because it’s a baby-related accessory for the parents, but 1-year-olds definitely need and benefit from the Nimble Clutch and Changer. A versatile and efficient micro-bag of sorts, it’s everything you need in a diaper bag but condensed. You’ve got your compact, fold-out clutch, a padded changing pad, pockets for diapers (which also moonlight as pillows for Baby’s head during diaper changes), a pocket for wipes and an exterior pocket for other baby-related essentials. Also, it’s not so hard on the eyes, either. Who doesn’t love a modern, rainbow-inspired print?!
Buy at Petunia Pickle Bottom for $29.
5. Oli & Carol Fruit Teethers Gift Set
Teething can start around the four-month mark but continue well past a baby’s first year. That’s why every 1-year-old should have the Fruit Teethers Gift Set from Oli & Carol (in our very humble opinion). Featuring sweet designs inspired by nature, the set features apple, watermelon, coconut, banana, orange and avocado (yes, it’s a fruit!) teethers. It’s like a baby-friendly farmer’s market right in their crib! Every teether from Oli & Carol is made of safe, natural rubber that’s eco-friendly, non-toxic and made by hand into a healthy toy that will soothe achy gums. Baby can even use them in the bath!
Buy at Oli & Carol for $124.99.
6. LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book
7. Little Tykes Easy Score Basketball Set
8. J.K. Rowling’s Tales of Beedle The Bard: The Illustrated Edition
Calling all millennials who are just now becoming parents! Your sweet babe needs Scholastic’s The Tales of Beedle the Bard: The Illustrated Edition, a nod to your favorite childhood classic, the Harry Potter series. A brand new illustrated version of the original book from the canon of J.K. Rowling’s design, each page is full of classic tales from the Wizarding World—all of which are illustrated in full-color by award-winning artist Lisbeth Zweger. You’ll even find some of the stories translated from ancient runes by Hermione Granger herself with a touch of commentary from Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.
Buy at Saks Fifth Avenue for $35.
9. TT x Chasing Paper Gift Set
Do you know what good clean fun is for babies? Bathtime! The TT x Chasing Paper Gift Set—a collaboration between Chasing Paper and Tubby Todd Bath Co.—ensures that little tykes enjoy all the clean and comfort a bath should provide. The trio, outfitted with festively designed packaging, includes Fresh Berry Grapefruit Hair and Body Wash, Pumpkin Warm Vanilla Bubble Bath, Sweet Sage Citrus Everyday Lotion and the option to add a Winter Bath Bomb Bundle to your purchase. Baby bathtime has never smelled so good!
Buy at Tubby Todd Bath Co. for $45.
10. Wooden Montessori Bookshelf
Designed after the wooden Montessori bookshelves we see in nursery schools and kindergarten classrooms everywhere, this one from Child Universe helps tots feel more comfortable transitioning to daycare or school. After all, they have the same one in their bedroom! Made of natural wood and designed to provide essential book storage, all while fostering children’s freedom of choice and independence, the Wooden Montessori Bookshelf gives kids easy access to their favorite stories. It’s a must-have in every childhood bedroom!
Buy at Child Universe for $149.
11. UGG Bixbee and Beanie
Who says UGG is just for the comfort of adults’ feet? Not anymore! UGG makes prime baby accessories to keep tiny toes and little heads snuggly and warm (even when it’s snowing outside). Made with fleece lining and featuring Teddy Bear ears on the beanie and a slip-resistant print and hook-and-loop closure on the booties, parents will adore that each piece is machine washable, too. Plus, those slip-resistant booties help 1-year-olds gain traction as they bumble on, taking their first steps.
Buy at UGG for $70.
12. You Matter Hardcover by Christian Robinson
A New York Times bestseller, You Matter by Christian Robinson, is making waves with little kids and families everywhere. That’s because the message is so universal and so, so needed! Also named Best Book of the Year by Barnes and Noble, You Matter is a big, bright picture that shows kids, at an early age, that there are so many different perspectives around the world. There are so many, and that’s a good thing because we’re all connected, and we all matter.
Buy at Barnes and Noble for $17.99.
13. Diapers and Wipes Subscription
Though you may think of diapers and wipes as more of a baby shower gift, 1-year-olds still need these things—unless they’re like, the most evolved baby ever! The Diaper and Wipes Subscription from Honest Company is always a good idea, and though the 1-year-old in your life may not be too impressed, each nappy and each wipe will undoubtedly go to good use. This is another practical gift that parents will certainly be thankful for!
Buy at Honest Company for $55.96.
14. Kiddieland Disney Mickey Mouse Plane Light and Sound Activity Ride-On
Ride-on toys are practically designed for little ones this age! They’re just learning how to walk and get around, so the Kiddieland Disney Mickey Mouse Plane Light and Sound Activity Ride-On is the perfect interactive toy for 1-year-olds on the move. As they ride, Mickey moves side by side to the Mickey Mouse March Song, and the ride-on makes radio frequency, shifting and revving sounds. It also features realistic landing and lift-off sounds and propellers that rotate in time to light patterns.
15. Lovevery The Babbler Play Kit
A subscription to or gift from Lovevery is perhaps the best gift you can give a baby (or parent) of any age! The baby- and toddler-friendly subscription service curates play kits and other playthings based on your little one’s age demographic. The Babbler is ideal for tots during months 12, 13, 14 and 15. After all, they’re learning to talk and finding their place in this big, crazy world, so they need all the right stuff to get them ready. As toddlers learn the ins and outs of balance, object permanence and spatial awareness, the toys in The Babbler help them adjust to cause-and-effect, build fine motor skills, become more comfortable with routines and time and explore exciting things like rotation, spatial awareness and more. So, what does that mean in terms of toys? Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: This kit includes eight different toys—plus a play guide to support parents during playtime and a bedtime board book. Toys include (but aren’t limited to) a coin bank, wooden coins, Circle of Friends Puzzle, wooden stacker and Bunnies in a Felt Burrow, a hide-and-seek game.
Buy at Lovevery for $120.
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