Toys for 1 Year Old Boys & Girls

Perfect gifts for 1-year-olds! Explore Montessori, STEM, educational, and developmental toys to spark their growth and joy.

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An image of 1 year olds playing with climbing toys

Choosing the right toys for your 1-year-old is a wonderful way to fuel their development and spark endless hours of playful learning.

One-year-olds are full of energy, curiosity, and a budding desire to explore the world around them.

This guide offers a curated selection of toys spanning various categories, designed to enhance their growing minds and bodies.

Plus, you’ll find expert videos and resources for even more insight into the power of Play & Toys!

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Table Summery of Toys for 1-Year-Olds.

Toy CategoryDescription & Examples for 1-Year-Olds Boys & Girls
Montessori ToysHelp children learn through self-directed play and exploration (e.g., Object permanence box, stacking rings/cups, simple wooden puzzles, shape sorter)
Educational & Learning ToysHelp children learn basic skills like colors, shapes, and cause-and-effect (e.g., Nesting cups, soft blocks, busy boards, car toys, musical instruments like tambourines and shakers)
Ride-On, Push & Pull ToysHelp children develop gross motor skills as they start walking (e.g., Push walkers, pull toys with wheels, low-to-the-ground scooters )
STEM ToysIntroduce basic science and engineering concepts in an age-appropriate way (e.g., Simple gears, hammer & peg sets, basic wooden blocks)
Water ToysGreat way for children to have fun and explore water (e.g., Stacking bath cups, watering can, floating toys)
Sensory ToysHelp children explore their senses (e.g., Textured balls, soft fabrics, simple water play)
Outdoor & Sports ToysEncourage movement and outdoor play (e.g., Soft balls of various sizes, bubble machine, miniature gardening tools)
Climbing ToysSupport safe climbing and exploration for developing gross motor skills (e.g., Pikler triangle, foam climbing blocks, low balance beam)
Musical ToysHelp children develop rhythm, hand-eye coordination, and a love of music (e.g., Tambourines, shakers, baby xylophone, toy piano)
Interactive ToysEngage children with simple interactions and promote problem-solving (e.g., Shape sorters, ball drop toys, activity cubes)
Toy Ideas for 1-Year-Olds by Developmental Focus

According Dr Claire McCarthy, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, the best toys are the ones that promote open ended play, spark creativity and storytelling, as well as simple games and activities that encourage parent-child bonding. Also note, every child develops at their own pace. Follow your one-year-old’s lead to choose the right toy for them.

How Playing with Toys support Early learning in Toddlers By Zero to Three

Popular & Trending 1 Year Old Toys on amazon.com

Montessori Toys for 1-Year-Olds

The Montessori approach to early childhood education values hands-on learning, independence, and a child’s natural desire to explore. Montessori-inspired toys offer a wonderful way to encourage these principles in your 1-year-old.

  • Object Permanence Box: This classic toy helps babies understand the concept that objects exist even when hidden, boosting cognitive development.
  • Stacking Rings or Cups: Simple, yet brilliant for building fine motor skills, color recognition, and size concepts.
  • Shape Sorters: Introduce problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and shape recognition in a fun way.
  • Wooden Puzzles: Chunky puzzles with knobs are perfect for tiny hands to practice their grasp and spatial reasoning.
Building babies’ brains through play by Dr. Jack Shonkoff

Educational & Learning Toys for 1-Year-Olds

One-year-olds are rapidly developing their understanding of the world. Educational toys provide a platform for playful learning, introducing basic concepts and enriching their growing minds.

  • Musical Instruments: Tambourines, maracas, and simple xylophones promote musical exploration while developing hand-eye coordination.
  • Car Toys: Some car toys have matching elements (shapes, colors) or make sounds, incorporating an educational aspect.
  • Nesting and Stacking Cups: These versatile cups can be used in so many ways—stacking, scooping, and even in the bath!
  • Large Soft Blocks: Building, knocking down, and exploring spatial concepts—all with safe, soft blocks.
  • Busy Boards: Different textures, latches, and gadgets on a board provide exciting tactile exploration.
When does Learning Begin in babies by UNICEF Parenting

Ride-On, Push & Pull Toys for 1-Year-Olds

As your little one progresses from crawling to those first wobbly steps, ride-on, push, and pull toys support their gross motor development, fostering coordination and a sense of confident movement.

  • Push Walkers: Sturdy walkers provide support as wobbly toddlers find their footing.
  • Pull Toys: Cute animals on wheels become walking companions, fostering exploration.
  • Wheeled Scooters: Low-riding scooters let toddlers zoom around with more stability.

STEM Toys for 1-Year-Olds

Even at this young age, carefully chosen toys can spark an interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. These early STEM toys lay the foundation for future curiosity and problem-solving skills.

  • Simple Gears: Interlocking gears offer a basic understanding of cause and effect and mechanical principles.
  • Hammer & Peg Sets: Pounding fun connects hand-eye coordination, color recognition, and a bit of engineering.
  • Basic Building Blocks: Even simple wooden blocks promote spatial reasoning and those first architectural concepts.
How Playing with Toys support Early STEM in kids By Zero to Three

Water Toys for 1-Year-Olds

Water offers a delightful sensory experience for 1-year-olds. Simple water toys encourage exploration, promote hand-eye coordination, and offer a way to beat the summer heat!

  • Stacking Bath Cups: Water play is infinitely more fun with stackable cups with holes!
  • Watering Can: Their own little watering can adds purposeful fun to bath time or outdoor play.
  • Floating Toys: Rubber ducks and colorful boats encourage splashing and simple water exploration.

Outdoor & Sports Toys for 1-Year-Olds

Help your tiny one develop gross motor skills and foster a love of the outdoors with age-appropriate active toys. These choices promote movement, coordination, and a sense of adventure in the fresh air.

  • Balls: Soft, easy-to-grasp balls are essential for kicking, rolling, and developing gross motor skills.
  • Sand & Water Table: Sensory playtime and exploration are endless with a sand and water table.
  • Bubble Machine: Bubbles are a simple joy for kids and encourage movement and play.
Outdoor Toys For Toddlers approved by American Academy of Pediatrics

Climbing Toys for 1-Year-Olds

Climbing is a natural instinct for toddlers and supports their physical development. Safe, age-appropriate climbing toys offer controlled environments for exploration, building balance and strength.

  • Pikler Triangle: This versatile climbing structure lets them climb and explore at their own pace.
  • Foam Climbing Blocks: Soft foam lets them create their own structures to climb with less risk of bumps.
  • Low Balance Beam: Practice those balancing skills in a safe environment.

Musical Toys for 1-Year-Olds

Exposing 1-year-olds to music promotes a lifelong appreciation and boosts their auditory development. Simple instruments encourage rhythm exploration and spark a sense of joy.

  • Tambourines & Shakers: Easy-to-use instruments promote rhythm and musical exploration.
  • Baby Xylophone: Experimenting with melodies and sounds is great for budding musical interest.
  • Toy Piano: A floor piano encourages a love of music and introduces them to a keyboard.
Importance of Music to Babies

Interactive Toys for 1-Year-Olds

Toys that react with sounds, lights, or movement capture a 1-year-old’s attention and encourage focus. Interactive toys also develop their understanding of cause and effect.

  • Shape Sorters: Help them identify colors, shapes, and practice those matching skills.
  • Ball Drop Toys: Dropping and watching objects disappear and reappear promotes cause-and-effect understanding.
  • Activity Cubes: Tactile exploration and sensory stimulation from a multi-sided cube keep little hands busy.
Importance of Blocks for Kids By Amy Shelton

Developmental Toys for 1-Year-Olds

One-year-olds make huge strides in various developmental areas. A wide range of toys supports the multifaceted growth happening at this exciting age, enhancing their cognitive, social, and physical skills.

  • Stacking & Nesting Toys: Enhance fine motor skills and problem-solving with colorful nesting and stacking options.
  • Large Soft Blocks: Tried-and-true building blocks never lose their appeal and boost gross motor development.
  • Textured/Sensory Balls: Develop tactile sense through bumpy, ridged, and soft sensory balls.

Tips for Choosing the Right Toy & Playtime Success

  • Keep it clean: Toys get grimy fast! Regularly wash and sanitize them, especially those your one-year-old may put in their mouth.
  • Tidy and accessible: Use toy baskets, toy bins, a toy chest, toy box or toy shelves to keep the play area organized. Your toddler will be able to find their favorites and help with clean-up time.
  • Eco-conscious choices: Look for toys made from sustainable materials like wood, or opt for gently used toys for an eco-friendly option.
  • The joy of rotation: One-year-olds love “new”! Switch out a few toys every week to keep things exciting and encourage exploration.
  • Age-appropriate is everything: Choose toys specifically designed for one-year-olds. Look for labels indicating the age range.
  • Safety is non-negotiable: Always supervise playtime, especially if there are toys with small parts. Your watchful eye is the best protection!

Resources

If you could have just five toys for your 1-2 year old, what would they be?
byu/nightshadeaubergine inbeyondthebump
Reddit Discussion on Toys for 1 Year Old
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