As your child transitions from a baby to a curious toddler, selecting the right toys and gifts becomes essential for their development and enjoyment. While some familiar playthings may still hold their interest, introducing new options tailored to their expanding skills and interests can enhance their learning experience.
According to Dr. Emily Carter, an early childhood development specialist, toddlers thrive on imaginative play and problem-solving through hands-on experiences. “Play is the foundation of learning for children,” emphasizes child development expert Sarah Johnson, LCSW. “They learn best by interacting with their environment and manipulating objects.”
As a parent of a toddler myself, I collaborated with our team to curate an expert list of the best toys and gifts for one-year-olds. Many of these selections have been favorites in my own home!
Our Top Picks:
- Magnetic Cars for Fine Motor Skills: KiwiCo Magnetic Car Set at KiwiCo, $39.95 [Jump to Review]
- Ride-On Toy for Gross Motor Skills: Disney Kiddieland Mickey Mouse Ride on Airplane at Amazon, $56 [Jump to Review]
- Huggable Plush for Calming: Jellycat Peanut Penguin at Walmart, $28.32 [Jump to Review]
- Shape Sorter for Independent Play: Melissa & Doug Match and Roll Shape Sorter at Amazon, $13.69 [Jump to Review]
- Bath Toy for Sensory Exploration: Loulou Lollipop Bath Toy Set at Amazon, $19.99 [Jump to Review]
- Imaginative Soft Toy Car Set: Bessome Construction Vehicle Car Toys at Amazon, $37.99 [Jump to Review]
- Interactive Toy to Develop Focus: Fisher-Price DJ Bouncin’ Beats Electronic Baby & Toddler Learning Toy at Target, $30.49 [Jump to Review]
- Building Blocks for Spatial Awareness: Mega Bloks at Amazon, $16 [Jump to Review]
- Tactile Sensory Ball: Edushape The Original Sensory Ball for Baby at Fat Brain Toys, $37.95 [Jump to Review]
- Subscription Kit for Cognitive Development: Lovevery Babbler Kit (13-15m) at Lovevery, $120 [Jump to Review]
How We Selected the Best Toys for One-Year-Olds
To create this curated list of toys and gifts for one-year-olds, we surveyed parents in our community to gather insights on their favorite options. We also consulted various experts, including child psychologists and pediatricians, to ensure our recommendations are well-informed.
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To Summarize:
Selecting appropriate toys and gifts for one-year-olds is crucial for their growth and exploration. With the right toys, children can engage in imaginative play, develop fine and gross motor skills, and enhance sensory experiences. By keeping your child’s interests and developmental needs in mind, you can ensure they have a fun and educational playtime.