What Toy Gifts to Buy for a One-Year-Old Child

Playtime Presents for Birthdays, Holidays and Special Occasions

Dec 15, 2009 Debby Mayne

At the age of one year old, children's minds are still developing very quickly. Give them something age appropriate and that they can enjoy.

By the first birthday, most babies have developed individual personalities, complete with likes and dislikes. Girls often start to show their feminine side, while the average boy is exerting his masculinity. They are well on their way in language, social, emotional and physical development. Gifts for children at this age should present challenges and help build on the skills they have already started to learn. The age of one is around when most infants become toddlers.

Gifts to Help Develop Gross Motor Skills

From the moment they learn to walk, most children love anything they can ride, jump on or bounce around on. The right toys can keep them busy and having fun for hours, while helping increase their coordination and balance.

A Classic Tiny Trike made by Radio Flyer is ideal for the one-year-old’s first riding toy. It has a low foundation and has four wheels instead of three. The seat is padded, and the child has to use her feet to go.

Fisher Price makes the Baby Gymnastics Bounce and Spin Zebra, which is a fun way for one-year-olds to expand on those gross motor skills. The lights, music and motion provide an enjoyable sensory experience.

Gifts to Help Develop Fine Motor Skills

Some toys are ideal to help one-year-olds develop their fine motor skills. Blocks, puzzles with large pieces, Legos and wooden bead mazes provide quiet but quality entertainment.

Gifts for Cuddling

Dolls and stuffed animals are still cherished by the one-year-old. Since many children this age still put everything they touch into their mouths, check for parts that may pose choking hazards.

Gund plush toys are designed for small children. This company makes stuffed animals and first-time dolls that are appropriate for one-year-olds.

Another cuddly toy for this age group is the Elmo Knows Your Name Plush Doll. This doll by Fisher Price can be programmed to learn the child’s name and other personal information.

Sensory Gifts

Appealing to the child’s senses will help develop his creativity. Many toys provide multi-sensory experiences that help with all aspects of the child’s development.

Most one-year-old babies love music and movement to music. Some gift ideas that may bring squeals of delight to kids this age include DVDs of their favorite cartoon characters dancing, CDs of children’s songs and musical instruments appropriate for their age.

Leap Frog’s See and Learn Driver appeals to the children’s love of music and creativity while helping with gross and fine motor skills. It also gives them the start of math skills and the concept of cause and effect. The one-year-old will love the sounds he can make while playing with this fun toy.

Finger paints are fun for most one-year-olds. Before choosing this gift, check with the child’s parents. Select finger paints that are nontoxic and washable. Don’t forget to include some large paper so he can start playing with it right away.

Toys for babies and toddlers should be fun, educational and safe. Choose gifts to help develop the child's fine or gross motor skills, something to stimulate the senses or a soft, plush toy for cuddling. If in doubt, always check with the parents first.

The copyright of the article What Toy Gifts to Buy for a One-Year-Old Child in Infants & Toddlers is owned by Debby Mayne. Permission to republish What Toy Gifts to Buy for a One-Year-Old Child in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Legos – Fun and Educational

Rubber Duck – Bath Time Fun

Plush Toys for Cuddling