Wow, that's a tricky question. It should be up to you how many toys you would like that your kid has. But keep in mind that kids very quickly lose interest and many toys end up collecting dust after some time. You should try to stick to 20 toys rule. This way, kids value and appreciate their toys more.
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Finding The Best Toys For 1 Year Old In 2023
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Last Updated: 21 March 2023
You are going to your niece's first birthday party. Or your son’s? What could you buy as 1-year old birthday gifts?? If you are on a hunt for gifts for 1 year old, you will realize even before you begin that it is a particularly challenging task. They aren't babies, but they are also not toddlers, but something in between. In this period, their minds are developing rapidly, and they are becoming increasingly curious. So, all those baby toys that you used to buy, simply won’t cut it anymore. One-year-olds are looking for more stimulation, so if you want to keep them interested in your gift, you need to look for something more meaningful. To give you an idea, we advise you to consider toys that include sensory features or mobility features.
But then, while looking for meaningful gifts for one year old, you ran into a big problem. Most of the toys that are fun and interesting can also be dangerous at this age. The thing with kids this age is that they are at the very beginning of getting to understand the world. They are super curious, but they still learn most of relying on their senses, so they are putting everything they can find in their mouth. A lot of exciting and interactive toys have small parts that pose a choking hazard, so experts say that they are appropriate for children aged three and older.
So what can you do? How to find age appropriate toys for 1 year old girl or boy that they will like?
As if choosing the best gifts for 1 year old isn’t complicated enough, another thing is that there are so many popular toys for 1 year old out there that it is tough to understand where to start. It is even a more significant challenge to figure out whether the kid will like it.
Some years ago, when the internet wasn't so accessible, it was even harder because we had to go from store to store physically and check out every single toy before making a decision. It was not just frustrating but also time-consuming. Now things changed because we can research everything online.
Nevertheless, it is understandable that a lot of people still don't have so much time to spend on checking and comparing the info from all the websites. We know how it feels to be in your shoes, so we took this responsibility and created this article about top toys for 1 year old.
TOP 10 Best Toys For 1 Year Old: Comparison Chart
Here you will find the reviews of some of the toys that we liked the most but also information about recommended types of toys and ways your children can benefit from them. We hope that you will enjoy it and find it useful when you are making a decision. Let’s take a look at our suggestions for best toys for 1 year old 2023.
Little Tikes Rocking Horse
VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck
Woby Musical Flapping Yellow Duck
VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker
Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube
$24.99
$25.64
$18.86
$37.99
$24.49
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-
-
-
-
Size
33 x 10 x 17.5 inches
7.56 x 9.9 x 5.43 inches
4.5 x 6.7 x 5.1 inches
16.5 x 14.2 x 18.1 inches
5.25 x 5.25 x 5.25 inches
Weight
6.5 pounds
1.19 pounds
14.4 ounces
5 pounds
‎1 pounds
Material
Plastic
Plastic
Plastic
Plastic
Plastic
Batteries
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
‎3 AAA batteries
Little Tikes Rocking Horse
$24.99
-
Size
33 x 10 x 17.5 inches
Weight
6.5 pounds
Material
Plastic
Batteries
No
VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck
$25.64
-
Size
7.56 x 9.9 x 5.43 inches
Weight
1.19 pounds
Material
Plastic
Batteries
Yes
Woby Musical Flapping Yellow Duck
$18.86
-
Size
4.5 x 6.7 x 5.1 inches
Weight
14.4 ounces
Material
Plastic
Batteries
Yes
VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker
$37.99
-
Size
16.5 x 14.2 x 18.1 inches
Weight
5 pounds
Material
Plastic
Batteries
Yes
Hape Pound & Tap Bench with Slide Out Xylophone
VTech Pull and Sing Puppy
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy
VTech Smart Shots Sports Center
TOP BRIGHT Wooden Activity Cube Educational Toy
$23.89
$9.96
$8.88
$42.99
Price not available
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-
16,937 Reviews
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Size
9.4 x 5.3 x 5.9 inches
4.21 x 7.87 x 6.69 inches
‎5.13 x 5.13 x 1.08 inches
16.53 x 22.83 x 24 inches
5.91 x 5.91 x 11.81 inches
Weight
4.8 ounces
13.2 ounces
‎3.68 ounces
2 pounds
1.87 pounds
Material
Plastic
Plastic
Polypropylene
Plastic
Plastic
Batteries
No
2 AA batteries required. (included)
2 AA batteries required. (included)
3 AA batteries (not included)
No
Hape Pound & Tap Bench with Slide Out Xylophone
$23.89
-
Size
9.4 x 5.3 x 5.9 inches
Weight
4.8 ounces
Material
Plastic
Batteries
No
VTech Pull and Sing Puppy
$9.96
-
Size
4.21 x 7.87 x 6.69 inches
Weight
13.2 ounces
Material
Plastic
Batteries
2 AA batteries required. (included)
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy
$8.88
16,937 Reviews
Size
‎5.13 x 5.13 x 1.08 inches
Weight
‎3.68 ounces
Material
Polypropylene
Batteries
2 AA batteries required. (included)
VTech Smart Shots Sports Center
$42.99
-
Size
16.53 x 22.83 x 24 inches
Weight
2 pounds
Material
Plastic
Batteries
3 AA batteries (not included)
TOP BRIGHT Wooden Activity Cube Educational Toy
Price not available
-
-
Size
5.91 x 5.91 x 11.81 inches
Weight
1.87 pounds
Material
Plastic
Batteries
No
Sale
Best Overall: Blue Rocking Horse Review
When making this rocking horse, the manufacturer used a most typical old fashioned toy and added a modern touch, which makes it one of the best ride on toys for 1 year old. It is perfectly safe because all the edges and corners are smooth, so accidents are highly unlikely. It is great for learning balance and coordination. The saddle is designed in a way that a child is sitting low, but it has high back support for added stability. This is one of the very good toys for 1 year old also because it is lightweight, which means that you can take outside or bring it back inside without any effort.
Your kids love riding through all kinds of adventures on this little rocking horse.
Why We Like It
- Safe
- Lightweight
- Durable
- For indoors and outdoors
- For stability
- For balance and coordination
For Dexterity: Drop &Go Truck Review
This is one of the fantastic toys for 1 year old boys. They will love pretending that balls are rocks and pulling the truck around. It has a dumping feature as well, which will make playing with it even more exciting. It is fantastic for developing excellent motor skills. Kids are thrilled about the fact that one of the best cars for 1 year old comes with a string so they can where they want without having to push. Also, the music and funny noises make them so ecstatic that we think we won't make a mistake by saying that this is one of the great learning toys for 1 year old.
No one will be able to take away your smile as you watch kids’ excitement as they unload and load this toy truck and pull it around
Why We Like It
- Great for fine motor skills
- Fun
- Musical toy
- Encourages creativity
Sale
Good Musical Toy: Flapping Duck Woby Review
Have you noticed that your kids express interest in music? Do they try to sing like you? Then this is one of the best musical toys for one year old you can find. It has different features, but each of them is designed to improve your baby's senses and cognitive skills. By imitating the sounds and music, they will be able to learn the rhythm and develop better listening skills. Different animal sounds will also help them to learn about the animal kingdom, so we can say that it is also one of the educational toys for 1 year old.
If you decide to buy this toy, be sure that your kids will have a lot of fun dancing and singing.
Why We Like It
- Develops interest in music
- Learning colors and sounds
- Better listening skills
- Develop a sense of rhythm
For First Steps: Sit to Stand Baby Walker Review
If your kid is about to start making first steps and you are looking for walking toys for 1 year old this one is an excellent choice. It is one of the most popular interactive toys for 1 year old children because of its versatility and stability. The manufacturer made it in attractive colors and added over 70 songs so that kids won't lose interest. The assembly is pretty straightforward, as it doesn't require any tools. It is also effortless to disassemble it, which makes it one of the best travel toys for 1 year old. It is possible to lock the back wheels but not the front ones so it can move on its own.
Your little walker will be thrilled this as a support.
Pros
- Interactive
- Easy to assemble
- Versatile
- Great for walking
Cons
- Wheel lock can be improved
Sale
For a Composer: Mozart Cube Review
If you think that it is too early to introduce your child to the magic of classical music, then we can say this is one of fun toys for 1 year old that you will adore. There are plenty of musical toys out there, but this particular thing about this one is that it plays 'real' music instead of nursery rhymes. The sounds are from the piano, violin, French horn, harp, and flute, and each of the instruments is connected to specific colors. It also has an orchestra button that plays all instruments at once. The only downside is that it is a bit big and bulky, but other than that it can be one of the excellent toys for one year old girl.
If you get this toy, you will be able to listen to your child composing without wishing to buy earplugs.
Pros
- Good music
- Different instruments
- Flashing lights
- Volume control
Cons
- Heavy
Sale
For Motor Skills: Bench with Xylophone Review
This is one of wooden toys for 1 year old that is designed to teach them music, but it has other purposes as well. It helps children develop motor skills but also hand and eye coordination. Additionally, when they are hitting the keys on the xylophone, kids are learning about cause and effect. It is also suitable for introducing your kids to the basics of music, but if you want to get a bit more serious, we, unfortunately, have to say that it is not tuned.
It is a fun toy that can support your kid’s development in many ways
Pros
- Excellent for motor and cognitive skills
- Entertaining
- Durable
Cons
- Out of tune
Sale
For animal lovers: Singing Puppy Review
This can be one choice for outdoor toys for 1 year old if your kids want a puppy, but you still don't feel ready to adopt. It is educational as it comes with over 60 different songs and melodies, which includes sounds and phrases teaching alphabet, colors, numbers, and parts of the body. It behaves like a real puppy and comes with a leash so your little one can take her or his pet for a walk. The puppy will move its legs, and bark like a real puppy would do. The main downside of it is that the string is too short, so it is not so easy to pull it, but other than that, it is a well designed and affordable toy.
If your kid loves animals, this will be a great gift to start with before you get a real dog.
Pros
- Acts like a puppy
- Educational
- Inexpensive
- For outdoors and indoors
Cons
- Short leash
Sale
Little Genius: Baby Einstein Musical Toy Review
If music is vital for you, surely you will want to pass that passion on to your child. This is a budget-friendly toy that will inspire a lifelong passion for music. The beautiful thing about it is that you can start using it as soon as your baby turns 3 months. There is an excellent choice of songs and 2 volume setting so both you and the kid can enjoy. Children love the caterpillar handle. The only disappointing thing that we found is that the melodies last only 30 to 50 seconds.
This toy combines the works of most celebrated composers of all times so both you and your kids will enjoy it.
Pros
- Inspires love for music
- Nice tunes
- Babies can play
- Nice design
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Songs are short
For Active Kids: 2in1 Sports Center Review
This is one of the best summer toys for 1 year old because it is 2 in1 sports center, which has a basketball hoop on top and soccer goal at the bottom. When kids shoot the ball through the hoop or kick it in a goal, it makes sounds. It has an LED scoreboard that it animated and counts your kid's scores. Assembly is effortless, but it does require batteries that you have to buy separately. It is fun but also enables kids to learn strategy, reward systems, and develop motor skills. The downside is that it is a bit small, but it won't prevent your child from enjoying it.
If you want your kids to develop a passion for sports, this is an ideal gift.
Pros
- Great for sports
- Music
- Educational
Cons
- Small
For Little Explorers: Activity Cube Maze Toy Review
This one offers 5 different activities your kids can get engaged with. They can choose from shape sorting, spinning gears, playing with slider, clock, and a 3D bead maze. There are so many things to explore here that the kids will be focused on playing with this cube for hours. The cube is made of wood, so it is pretty durable and designed to be used for years. Some parts are small, though, so you have to supervise the kids while they are playing with it.
Your little explorer will enjoy going through various activities this toy offers
Pros
- Educational
- Good for exploring
- A lot of different activities
- Durable
Cons
- Some parts are too small
Buyer’s Guide: All You Need to Know About the Best Toys for 1 Year Old
So, as you can see, there are various best toys for 1 year old children, and many features, one needs to think about before deciding which one to buy. It is the same as buying the best baby toys. They all seem super exciting and attractive, but it is difficult to understand whether the kids will like them. Usually, thy aren’t expensive, but it is better to get well informed and choose toys for one-year-olds or best toys for 2 year olds that will be useful. No one likes having things that just collect dust around the home, so let’s take a look at some critical things to consider when you are buying gifts for 1 year old.
What Are Development Milestones of One Year Old Baby?
As we mentioned before, this is a period of rapid development in a child’s life. Development milestones are things most kids can do by a certain age.
- In terms of physical milestones, they are capable of sitting without support already. Still, now they are making first steps while holding on to a piece of furniture, assuming hands – and – knees position, stretch out their arms and legs when they are getting dressed, and so on.
- In terms of cognitive milestones, they can begin to use everyday objects, like a spoon or a phone, point to their own head, start following simple directions, react to familiar songs and sounds, etc.
- They can also start making sounds like they want to talk with you, recognize and say essential words, express emotions.
When Do Babies Reach For Toys?
Babies can hold something from the day they are born. It is not uncommon that they grab mothers’ fingers while still in the hospital. This is, however, the more the question of reflex. When they are three months old, they will start reaching out for different objects, and this is when you can begin buying the best baby gifts.
What Toys Are Suitable for a 1 Year Old?
In this period, kids are completely fascinated by cause and effect, so toys that respond to this will satisfy them. For example, toys that allow them to hit balls with a hammer or press buttons to play music will be a great option as the best toys for 1 year old.
How to Choose the Best Toys for 1 Year Old
SIZE
Keep in mind that when you are choosing gifts for 1 year old, you need to pay attention that the size is adequate for them to use with their hands and also to carry it around. There are plenty of baby dolls for 1 year olds that satisfy this standard.
SAFETY
At this age their curiosity is going through the rough, and they still don’t know that they shouldn’t put things in their mouths. To prevent any potential medical emergencies, you need to look for toys that don’t contain any small parts. If it turns out they do, the child can play still but with your supervision.
Some people like to buy climbing toys for 1 year old. This is okay as long as you are in the same room.
MATERIAL
The majority of best toys for 1 year old are made of wood or high-quality plastic. Both materials are suitable as they don’t pose any danger and are durable.
RECOMMENDED AGE
It is advised to check if the toy you are buying for your child is age-appropriate. If not, things can get complicated. Imagine buying something like toys for 2 year old girls and giving it to a 7 year old girl? We are pretty sure she won’t be happy.
EDUCATION VALUE
Most of the toys for 1 year olds as well as for older kids have certain educational features. Children are best learning through play. That’s why it is important to pick a gift that will contribute to the development of your child’s motor or cognitive, language, or social skills.
LIFESPAN
It is pretty tricky to determine the lifespan of a toy. After all, it depends on you and the child. That’s also why a lot of toys don’t come with a warranty. However, as most are made of sturdy materials, they are designed to last a more extended time.
INTERACTIVITY
Most children’s toys for this age have interactive features. This means that they require engagement. Kids do something, and the reactions follow. In this stage of life, they learn most through cause and effect.
PRICE
Generally, gifts for 1 year old kids aren’t too expensive. Still, some options are more budget-friendly than others, which can be vital since they quickly lose interest in things.
Best Toys for 1 Year Old Types
Stacking and Sorting Toys for 1 Year Old
These types of best toys for 1 year old can teach kids about different sizes. Kids also learn how to organize things according to size from the smallest to the biggest and vice versa.
Blocks for 1 Year Old
Blocks help develop an eye to hand coordination. They are also useful for developing excellent motor skills. The kids learn how to arrange blocks one over the other without destroying the tower.
Push and Pull Toys for 1 Year Old
This is a period when kids learn how to walk. During this time, push and pull toys can help them with balance and building their confidence.
Toy Cars for 1 Year Old
A lot of toy cars for one year old kids have push and pull options because they come with some sort of a string. They also have a dumping feature. They have the same benefits as toys we mentioned above. Plus, they teach kids to organize things.
Ride on Toys for 1 Year Old
These kinds of best toys for 1 year old are useful for improving balance and coordination. There is a chance that kids who play with ride on toys learn to ride bicycle quicker than those who don’t.
Musical Toys for 1 Year Old
Musical toys are a fantastic option for gifts for 1 year old kids because they promote verbal interactions and natural learning. They also inspire a love for music and desire to play instruments later in life. Additionally, they improve a child’s sense of rhythm and social skills.
Animals and Dolls for 1 Year Old
Stuffed toys and baby dolls for 1 year olds offer a lot of benefits. They develop a softer side in your kid – love, tenderness, empathy, and so on. They also inspire imagination and additionally improve their language skills.
Bath Toys for 1 Year Old
There aren’t any specific benefits of having bath toys, except maybe one. Many children don’t like taking a bath, so this can be an excellent way to make bath time more comfortable and entertaining.
VERDICT AND OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR 2023
As you have seen, many things need to be considered when choosing gifts for 1 year old, and when you have all the information, it is not as complicated is it might seem. On the other hand, many of these toys are genuinely remarkable, and choosing the best toys for 1 year old is quite a task. We liked Blue Rocking Horse the most because it is a much better version of what we grew up with. In the end, we just want to invite you to revisit us because we are preparing a lot of amazing articles at parenthoodroutine.com.
Contents
- 1 TOP 10 Best Toys For 1 Year Old: Comparison Chart
- 2 Buyer’s Guide: All You Need to Know About the Best Toys for 1 Year Old
- 3 VERDICT AND OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR 2023
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In short, yes, they are. It is okay if toys have vibrant colors because this can help them learn and differentiate colors more easily. Also, they will be more attracted to toys that have intense colors.
The best way is to give them or make a toy that can make them occupied. As you could see in the text, there are plenty of interactive toys that will keep them focused for a longer time. One of the best is Bench with xylophone, which they can use to play music but also to play with hammer and balls.
PRODUCTS TESTED BY Parenthoodroutine.com
How We Tested
We analyzed how different toys on the market correspond to the needs of 1-year-old kids. We also researched to understand what requirements should best toys for 1 year old satisfy to be age appropriate and for the kids to benefit the most. We consulted child development and behavior experts and parents.
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