Choosing the best gift for a one-year-old means finding something that is fun, age-appropriate and genuinely useful. At this stage, babies are becoming more mobile, curious and independent, so toys and activities that encourage movement, sensory exploration and early learning can be especially rewarding.
It’s also worth considering the child’s budding interests, developmental stage and personality, alongside the preferences of their parents. From colourful sensory toys and musical instruments to books, teddies and practical keepsakes, there are plenty of thoughtful gift ideas for one-year-olds, with options to suit every budget and occasion.
And we’re not just talking about birthday presents. For older babies – think 18 months to two years – we’ve got plenty of ideas for special non-birthday gift ideas, too. Children at this age tend to love gifts that involve movement, sound, discovery or a healthy dose of silliness, while parents will appreciate anything that is safe, durable and, perhaps most importantly, easy to store. Ready to find the perfect present? Here’s our edit of the best gifts for one-year-olds in 2026.
Read more: Best gifts for new mums and babies
The best gifts for one-year-olds in 2026 are:
- Best overall – TP 2ft toddler trampoline: £30, Thetoyshop.com
- Best sensory gift – Le Toy Van sensory activity table: £99.95, Letoyvan.co.uk
- Best for outdoor play – Little Dutch 4 in 1 trike: £129.99, Scandiborn.co.uk
- Best educational gift – Lovevery the babbler play kit: £120, Lovevery.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Toomies hide and squeak eggs: £6.99, Amazon.co.uk
Read more: Best gifts for nine-year-olds, approved by kids
TP 2ft toddler trampoline
Best: gift for one-year-olds overall
Why we love it
- Fantastic for strengthening muscles and developing balance
- Doesn’t take up much space
- Great price point
Take note
- Construction required
My one-year-old absolutely loved playing on this trampoline. A neat square shape, it has enough height to allow your baby to bounce – but is still reassuringly low enough should any tumbles occur. By its very nature, it’s a great way for your baby to practice standing, as well as develop their balancing skills.
It can be used indoors or outdoors (not on concrete); we tested it in our living room and my daughter was able to easily pull herself on to it and grip onto the handle bars, chuckling away as she bounced up and down. She particularly loved playing on it when we had music on in the background, and seemed to particularly enjoy jumping to Hop Littles Bunnies and Golden. (Yes, even my one-year-old is a K Pop Demon Hunters fan.)
The trampoline’s cute woodland pattern, set against a forest-y green background, is completely inoffensive and won’t look out of place in any home, while its sturdy yet simple design means it can stand up against a wall or be popped away when not in use. What I particularly like about this toy is that my daughter would actively seek it out of her own accord – on several occasions I’d glance away and then look back to see her crawling towards the trampoline or climbing on to it. And what higher praise could there be than that?
Key specifications
Buy now £30, Thetoyshop.com
Toomies hide and squeak eggs
Best: budget gift for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- A classic childhood toy
- Fantastic price point for budget-friendly gifting
- Offers effortless entertainment for babies
If you’re of a certain age, odds are that you probably played with these when you were a child yourself. Toomies is the baby and toddler toy line of TOMY, and its Hide and Squeak Eggs are designed to delight. Delivered in a bright yellow eggbox-style container, it comprises six eggs, which can be easily opened to reveal the colourful chicks within.
Three of the chicks squeak when pushed down, while the other three make a rattling sound. My daughter was fascinated by how the squeaking was produced and spent a long time carefully testing each egg to see what sort of sound it made. She also seemed to enjoy putting the egg shells back together and pulling them apart again, as well as putting the eggs back in the yellow eggbox. A toy that (kind of) encourages babies to tidy? It’s a yes from me…
Key specifications
Buy now £6.99, Amazon.co.uk
Le Toy Van sensory activity table
Best: sensory gift for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- Bursting with interesting details to keep babies busy
- Encourages little ones to practice standing
Take note
- Expensive but if you can make it work, it seems worth every penny
This fantastic activity table combines texture, sound and movement, with plenty to keep little ones entertained and engaged. My daughter was giggling with delight as we put it to the test, particularly enjoying the miniature xylophone and the shape sorter in the middle.
And it’s not all about fun: the sturdy design of the table gives wobbly-legged one-year-olds something to lean on as they practise standing, helping to build strength, balance and confidence as they find their feet. The activity table’s compact design means it doesn’t hog too much floor space, while its design is impressive: it’s made from FSC-certified wood and decorated with non-toxic paint. One extra final bonus? It took about 30 seconds to build.
Key specifications
Buy now £99.95, Letoyvan.co.uk
Little Dutch 4 in 1 trike
Best: outdoor play gift for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- Fantastic design, offering four different stages of use as your child grows
- Safe way to get your child on-the-move outdoors, outside of a pram
- Available in four stylish colours
Take note
- Make sure you use the harness to keep your baby safe when on the move
This trike is fantastic. My one-year-old adored it from the moment she set eyes on it, and the beaming smile on her face when she took her first ride will stay with me for a long time. It was straightforward to assemble, too, and I particularly liked the safety-first design, including the secure harness that helps keep little ones safely in place.The real selling point to my mind, however, is its versatility. It offers four different configurations, so it can grow alongside your child rather than being quickly outgrown.
It starts life as a parent-pushed trike with a handle, before transitioning into a pedal-powered trike. From there, it can be converted into a balance bike and, finally, a pedal bike simply by repositioning the pedals.A pedal bike might seem a long way off when you’re buying a gift for a tiny one-year-old, but that’s precisely what makes this such a great option for longevity. It’s an investment that can offer years of play as your child’s confidence and abilities develop.
Key specifications
Buy now £129.99, Scandiborn.co.uk
Lovevery the babbler play kit
Best: educational gift for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- Great assortment of toys and games included
- Encourages babies to develop their skills across various areas
- Great for independent play or playing together
Take note
- Lots of pieces involved!
Lovevery offers on age-specific toy ranges that nurture a child’s growing brain – and the brand’s The Babbler Play Kit focuses on the 13-15 month bracket. That all-important first quarter of being the grand old age of one will see babies continue to develop their fine-motor skills, as well as their communication and balance, with the toys in this beautifully boxed kit tapping into all three.
My daughter loved the colourful stacking toy and the box that she could slot wooden discs into. I thought the Circle of Friends puzzle, which reveals children’s faces hidden beneath each piece, was adorable. Just as adorable was hearing my baby cackle with delight when she rolled a ball down the spiral game, or watching her clap for herself when she successfully managed to slot a disc into the box. The only vague downside of this set – if I was really searching hard for something to critique – is that due to it containing several different games, it comes with a lot of pieces. You might prefer a game-by-game approach rather than emptying everything out at once if the thought of clutter on your carpets stresses you out.
Key specifications
Buy now £120, Lovevery.co.uk
Little Brushies brushi bear
Best: hygiene gift for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- Brush heads can be replaced
- Zero plastic packaging
- Rechargeable battery (lasts approximately 50 days without charging)
Take note
- Don’t be fooled by its sweet teddy-esque aesthetic and musicality – it’s very much not a toy
You know that friend who manages to be both adorable but also completely fierce and laser-focused on whatever it is they’re trying to do? The Brushi Bear™ is that friend in rechargeable electric toothbrush form. Perfect for encouraging teething babies to get into the habit of having their newly sprouted teeth brushed, this toothbrush has been designed by dentists who are parents themselves, meaning they understand just how tricky it can be to persuade a little one to open wide.
I loved its cute, Scandi-inspired aesthetic, and was impressed by its clever double-sided brush head, which means teeth can still be cleaned even when a baby inevitably bites down.Best of all, the brush can play a two-minute nursery rhyme, giving parents an easy and entertaining way to time each brushing session. It’s a thoughtful little touch that makes the whole experience feel more like play than a chore. Now, if only they made an adult version…
Key specifications
Buy now £69.5, Littlebrushies.com
Jojo Maman Bebe the Gruffalo pop-up toy
Best: character gift for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- Great way to bring the popular character to life for babies
- Beautiful wooden toy – no batteries or assembly required
Take note
- Be aware that some babies, allegedly, are not Gruffalo fans
Oh help, oh no! With the hotly-anticipated Gruffalo Granny due to hit shelves soon, Jojo Maman Bebe’s Gruffalo range of toys and clothes is a gifting must-consider. Whether the baby in your life is already a Gruffalo fan or has yet to take a stroll in the deep, dark wood, Jojo Maman Bebe’s range has got something for every baby.
My one-year-old loved the Gruffalo Pop-Up Toy, £28, which amused both her and her older sister. The characters from the book have been beautifully recreated into wooden format, which babies simply push down to make pop up again. A great way to help with hand-eye coordination development, my daughter enjoyed the challenge of lining the sticks up with the holes in the base before pushing down, watching them pop up, cackling and repeating the process.
I also liked that due to its gorgeous design, the toy looks great from a decorative POV when not in use. For older children, the toy can definitely encourage imaginative play, as well: my older daughter used the wooden sticks as puppets for an impromptu show.
Key specifications
Buy now £28, Jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Hape bubble blowing whale
Best: bathing gift for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- Colourful design
- Easy-to-use and gets a great reaction!
- Great price point
Take note
- Toy can be split in two to avoid mould
If bath toys usually give you “the ick” – because who hasn’t read about mould taking root inside rubber ducks? – then say hello to this clever whale. Yes, his main selling point is that he (I’ve decided he’s a he) blows bubbles. Simply fill his blowhole with a few squeezes of bubble bath or shampoo, slowly submerge him underwater and he’ll begin bubbling out of his blowhole. My one-year-old was in hysterics watching the trick over and over again, while the whale’s colourful design made him easy for her to track, even when he disappeared beneath the surface.
And the real selling point for me, the killjoy adult on mould watch? He’s refreshingly easy to clean and dry. The whale splits neatly into two pieces after bath time, allowing any trapped water to drain away and meaning the parts can air dry. A bath toy that’s entertaining for babies and doesn’t leave parents worrying about what’s growing inside it? Whale, whale, whale…
Key specifications
Buy now £11.99, Mulberrybush.co.uk
Lumie willow lamp
Best: nursery accessory gift for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- Perfect for helping your baby to wind down at nap time
- 3 cute designs to choose from
Take note
- Expensive compared to other nightlights
For some babies, a calming nightlight can make all the difference at bedtime, offering a little reassurance when the lights go out and helping to create a soothing environment for sleep. With that in mind, Lumie’s gorgeous new Disney Willow range – featuring Winnie the Pooh, The Lion King and Mickey Mouse designs – is well worth a look.
The Willow combines a low-stimulation nightlight with a clever 20-minute sunset mode, which gradually fades the light to help signal that it’s time for sleep. I loved the three character designs, and was genuinely impressed by how the warm white, orange and red LED lighting transformed my daughter’s nursery from functional to cosy and relaxing at bedtime.
It’s certainly not the cheapest nightlight around, but if you’re looking for a thoughtful first birthday gift that both baby and parent can appreciate, it’s a great option – and one that could become a much-loved part of a child’s bedtime routine.
Key specifications
Buy now £119, Lumie.com
Smart Max my first sounds and flowers
Best: magnetic gift for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- Combines bright colours with rattling noises and magnets
- Easy for little hands to hold thanks to chunky design
Take note
- The set contains six pieces but don’t be deterred – that’s more than enough
Magnetic toys are a great way for children to develop those all-important fine motor skills, as well as hone their hand-eye coordination and problem solving. This cheery set from Smart Max combines those skills into a six-piece set that encourages babies to piece together cheery-looking flowers that make a rattling noise when shaked.
Pleasingly, there’s zero set-up required: the set’s six pieces are ready to play with straightaway. I liked how the pieces were chunky enough for my baby to grab hold of instantly, and she realised pretty quickly that some of the pieces rattled. With its combination of colours, sounds and magnets, the set kept her effortlessly entertained. I also liked that there’s scope for the set to become more challenging as children get older and start experimenting with different ways to connect the pieces – my five-year-old was certainly intrigued.
Key specifications
Buy now £15.99, Smarttoysandgames.co.uk
Mega Bloks build and count bus building set
Best: building gift for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- Contains 45 chunky, easy-build blocks
- Introduces numbers and colours
Take note
- Be warned: the train is surprisingly harder to build than you might think!
Help your baby dip a toe into the world of block building with this colourful Mega Bloks set. The 45-piece collection can be assembled into a chunky bus, complete with moving wheels, but I think its real appeal lies in the endless ways little ones can play with the blocks beyond the instructions. My one-year-old loved experimenting with the blocks, stacking them into wobbly towers and gleefully knocking them down, as well as exploring how they fit together. Some of the blocks are also printed with colourful numbers from one to 10, providing a gentle introduction to counting and number recognition as they play.
I particularly like that there’s no ‘right’ way to use them: at this age, simply grasping, stacking, pulling apart and rebuilding the blocks is great for developing coordination and encouraging creativity. It’s a great first building set, and one that should continue to offer plenty of play value as your child becomes more confident with construction.
Key specifications
Buy now £16, Thetoyshop.com
John Lewis my first Noah’s ark
Best: wooden toy for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- Inspires play and encourages fine motor skills
- Classic toy that could double as a decorative nursery detail
Take note
- Animals can’t be stored inside the boat when not being used
In a world full of plastic (even recycled plastic), lurid colours and sound effects, a return to wood simply can’t be beaten. With that in mind, John Lewis’s gorgeous take on Noah’s Ark – which comes complete with five pairs of painted animals, as well as Noah and his wife – is great for encouraging creative play, without so much as a battery in sight.
My daughter loved positioning the characters around the ark, and also decided that they made great musical instruments. The roof of the boat can be removed, and we played a great game whereby I’d carefully put all the characters inside the boat before she’d empty them all out. The boat also features a ramp, which she enjoyed rolling some of the figures down. I can see this being a toy that she’ll enjoy playing imaginative games with as she gets older, and the classic aesthetic of the boat also means that it makes a great decorative addition to a shelf in a nursery or play area.
Key specifications
Buy now £45, Johnlewis.com
Tonies my first tonies sets
Best: audio gift for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- Cute way to relax a baby, whether used at nap time, bed time or for general “relax” time during the day
- Five themed sets can help to nurture an interest in a specific topic
Take note
- Each animal contains just over 10 minutes of content, so not as much as a standard Tonies figure
The My First Tonies range comprises five sets that are each themed around specific topics. We tested the farm set, which comes with horse, pig and cow Tonies figures. Other available sets have ocean, construction, jungle and travel themes. Combining sounds, songs and stories that are all linked to the theme, it’s a great way to bring the magic of Tonies to a younger audience, with the soundtrack for our farm-themed set including songs titled “Playing in the Mud”, “Cows in the Meadow” and “Trotting to the Apple Tree”. (And in the grand scheme of kids’ music that I’ve heard, they weren’t too grating to listen to as an adult, which is only ever a good thing.)
The Tonies themselves are designed to be squeezed and explored, should babies be curious, and they can be easily cleaned with wipes if any accidents occur. I should add that this gift only makes sense if the baby already owns a Toniebox or Toniebox 2 – the figures won’t work without one.
Key specifications
Buy now £29.99, Tonies.com
Doddl stage 2 bundle
Best: foodie gift for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- Designed to encourage confidence for babies who are already on their weaning journey
- Contains cutlery, a suction plate and a travel case
- Created in collaboration with occupational therapists and child development experts.
Take note
- Not as cheap as other cutlery solutions for babies, but with good reason
Doddl’s range has been specifically created to provide eating solutions to each phase of your baby’s weaning journey, from that first spoonful at six months all the way through to their own knife, fork and spoon when they’re fully-fledged toddlers. With that in mind, if you’re buying for a baby who’s firmly on their weaning journey, the brand’s handy Stage 2 Bundle set will help make things, well, a doddle – after all, it’s been created specifically to tackle eating between the ages of 12 and 24 months.
Two neutral colourways – Fresh Green and Dusky Rose – are available to choose from, with all products in the range made from BPA and phthalate-free non-toxic materials. The kit comes with a fork, spoon, suction plates and cutlery travel case, with everything designed to encourage a baby’s confidence when it comes to mealtimes. I loved how the fork and spoon have been created specifically to be held by a baby’s hands, with chunky easy-grip handles, while even the plate has been designed to help keep food closer to your child. (And if nothing else, your floors will thank you.)
Key specifications
Buy now £28.9, Doddl.com
Baby Einstein magic touch drums
Best: musical gift for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- Sensory toy that combines music, touch and colour
- Encourages creativity and a love of music
Take note
- Needs batteries (included)
Baby Einstein is well-known for its educational toys that sync learning with fun in a child’s formative years. Its Magic Touch Drums set is suitable for children aged six months or older, but I think around one year is the real sweet spot, as babies’ awareness of how they can make sounds seems to switch up a gear.
My baby was mesmerised by this music-making drum set, which comprises brightly painted wooden drums. When the big wooden drums are tapped, they play a sound – don’t ask me how it works, but it does. It stands out among other musical toys as the sounds it produces don’t jar, with multiple styles of music to choose from, including a selection of classic melodies. Each of the four drums is decorated with a cute character, with each drum having its own signature colour. The result is a vibrant, attention-grabbing gift that any baby would love.
Key specifications
Buy now £24.99, Amazon.co.uk
Jellycat smudge rabbit
Best: soft toy gift for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- The classic Jellycat rabbit meets naptime
- Super-soft and perfect for littles ones to cuddle up to
- Other animals available, including elephants, pigs and monkeys
Take note
- Sells out frequently!
You know a Jellycat is good when it has a tendency to sell out time after time, and the brand’s gorgeous Smudge range is a prime example of exactly that. Available in five adorable animal designs and a choice of sizes, these irresistibly soft teddies are made for cuddling, carrying and comforting. Their wonderfully floppy shape and strokeable fur make them particularly lovely for little hands, while the range of characters means there’s a Smudge to suit every personality. My baby quickly became attached to Smudge Rabbit, and it seems to have become the first teddy she’s formed any sort of real attachment to. (Which might be an age thing – or just a Smudge thing.)
I think they’d make a gorgeous first birthday gift or a thoughtful present for a one-year-old at any time of year – although, given how quickly they can disappear from shelves, you’ll want to snap one up when you can.
Key specifications
Buy now £30, Jellycat.com
Early Learning Centre my first sand & water table
Best: garden gift for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- A neatly sized addition to any garden
- Could also potentially work for indoor use
- Comes with a trio of accessories for play
Take note
- Sand not included. (Leading to my five-year-old daughter asking: “mummy, how is sand made…?”)
Babies love sand and water, so this clever all-in-one table makes a brilliant addition to any garden. It comes with a boat, spade and rake – arguably the essential trio for any sand-and-water adventure – and is guaranteed to inspire plenty of excited splashing and exploring. My daughter particularly loved patting the sand and splashing the water, delighting in the different textures and sensations.
It’s also another toy that doubles as a useful support for little ones who aren’t quite standing independently yet, giving them something to lean against as they play. I was impressed by the thoughtful design, too: the water tray slots neatly on top of the sand tray, while the fitted lid helps keep the sand clean when the table isn’t in use. Its compact dimensions also make it relatively easy to store away in a shed or garage, while the bright, colourful aesthetic makes it an appealing addition to the garden.
Key specifications
Buy now £50, Thetoyshop.com
Baby Born Lena cat doll
Best: doll for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- Cute doll that has eight realistic functions
- No batteries needed
Take note
- If your baby is anything like mine, they’ll almost certainly try to put the doll’s dummy and bottle in their mouth
Baby Lena Cat – and her male equivalent, Lukas Dog – is a new offering from Baby Born, the company behind Baby Annabell. Lena offers eight realistic-looking functions, including Magic Eyes (her eyes close when she’s laid down), drinking from a bottle and wetting her nappy.
But above all else, she’s a delightful first “baby” for your own baby. The doll comes with a selection of accessories, including a dummy, a bottle, a potty, reusable nappy and food. My daughter loved offering Lena her the aforementioned bottle and dummy, before deciding that, actually, she’d rather have the dummy and the bottle for herself. She also enjoyed cuddling her and at one point was dragging her around the living room by her foot as she was seemingly so determined not to put her down.
Key specifications
Buy now £29.99, Babyborn.com
Marks & Spencer kids wellies
Best: gift for newly-walking one-year-olds
Why we love it
- Great range of colours to choose from
- Pull-on design is perfect for putting on easily
Take note
- Get your child’s feet measured before you order – these wellies are sold by shoe size rather than by age range
In the immortal words of Peppa Pig, one of the best things about learning to walk is gaining access to “muddy puddles”. And what better way to keep wet toes and soggy socks at bay than with a trusty pair of Wellington boots? Marks & Spencer’s offering combines a smart selection of colours with a practical, wipe-clean design, making them a useful addition to any newly walking toddler’s wardrobe. (They also go well with M&S’s fantastic range of puddlesuits, too.)
They’re reasonably priced, as well – always a bonus when you consider how quickly kids’ feet seem to grow.I particularly liked the simple pull-on design, which means there are no laces, buckles or fiddly straps to contend with when you’re trying to get a wriggling one-year-old out of the door. Whether they’re destined for nursery, muddy garden adventures or rainy-day walks, a pair of wellies is a practical gift that’s likely to get plenty of use. In my view, M&S has got the balance of style, practicality and price just right - and in theirs words, I “love that”.
Key specifications
Buy now £13, Marksandspencer.com
My First Years personalised baby name blocks
Best: personalised gift for one-year-olds
Why we love it
- Gorgeous long-lasting gift that works well as a toy or a nursery decoration
- Multiple colour palettes to choose from
- Introduces the idea of the alphabet.
Take note
- Additional illustrated blocks can be purchased separately
My First Years arguably takes the crown when it comes to personalised kids’ gifts, with a range that spans everything from dressing gowns and backpacks to toy boxes and teddy bears. However, it’s these colourful blocks that have caught our eye as the best personalised toy for a one-year-old.
Why? For one thing, they come in a mix of different Pinterest-worthy colour palettes, meaning you can pick the shades that best match the look of your child’s bedroom. For another, you pay per letter, which adds to the bespoke element, and you can also opt to add cute illustrated blocks to your order as well.
But best of all, which child doesn’t just love blocks? Doubling neatly as a nursery decoration by night and a tumbling tower by day, I thought these blocks were great – and so did my baby.
Buy now £9, My1styears.com
What is the best gift for one-year-olds?
Choosing the best gift for a one-year-old doesn’t have to be complicated. The perfect pick is something that’s safe, engaging and suited to their stage of development, while offering enough versatility to keep them interested as they grow.
The options are plentiful. An energy-expending toy, like The Entertainer’s trampoline or the Little Dutch trike, are perfect for developing coordination skills and strength. A practical gift, like Marks & Spencer’s wellies or Doddl’s cutlery kit, will never go amiss, while something with a timeless feel, like John Lewis Noah’s Ark set or My First Years’ letter blocks, have enduring appeal that can likely be preserved for the next generation.
And while one-year-olds may not yet be able to tell you exactly what they’d like to receive, watching them discover a new toy, skill or activity for the first time is arguably the best part of all. (After the wrapping paper, of course.) Ultimately, the perfect present is one that brings some extra fun to their day – and to your day, as well.
How I tested gifts for one-year-olds
As the mum of two small children, I like to think I know a thing or two when it comes to shopping for kids’ gifts. Factors I considered when compiling this guide included:
And, of course, my very own one-year-old daughter was on hand as a co-tester – and she’s arguably far more qualified than me to judge which gifts are genuinely fun, engaging and worthy of a one-year-old’s approval.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
The Independent’s product reviews section, IndyBest, hosts product reviews from expert testers. Our knowledgeable reviewers use these products as you would in your own home to bring you an impartial list of the very best. IndyBest’s expert parenting writers have tested everything from baby monitors to high chairs and travel cots as well as a range of gifts and toys aimed at different age groups.
Katie Byrne is an experienced parenting writer and product tester. The mother of a one-year-old as well as an older toddler, she’s very familiar with what makes a good gift for the age.
For older siblings, cousins or friends, check out IndyBest’s guide to the best gifts for six-year-olds
