I’m not a mom, but as a professional shopping editor with two toddler goddaughters (and plenty of friends newly initiated into the parenting club), I’ve had a lot of experience picking out the best gifts for one-year-olds. I’m what some might call a cool aunt—you know, the kind of person who people give “IN MY AUNT ERA” mugs. I’m so committed to the role, in fact, that I once self-published a children’s board book featuring photos of my face acting out crucial emotions like “angry” and “hungry.” Suffice to say, I’m something of an expert, and I’ve found that the trick to choosing a great first birthday or holiday gift is finding something that the kiddo can actually engage with—or that’s so cute and charming that their parents want to Instagram it.
Babies at this age are learning to walk, playing around with words, and exploring everything they can get their hands on. Trying to figure out what to give a little one at this specific life stage? Below, find creative, thoughtful gift ideas for one-year-olds that I’ve personally given (to great acclaim), along with recommendations from Glamour staff parents and developmental experts.
The best gifts for one-year-olds, at a glance The Gold-Status Auntie Gift: Tiny Land Wooden Play Kitchen, $100 $80 A Gift That Grows With Them: Skip Hop 3-in-1 Baby Activity Push Walker to Toddler Scooter, $68 For Baby’s First Christmas: Petit Lem Reindeer Hooded Fleece Jumpsuit, $45 A Forever Keepsake: KeaBabies Inkless Hand and Footprint Kit, $19 An Interactive Book: Cali’s Books Dance to Classical Music, $29 A Splurge Gift: The Nugget Play Couch, $249 An Admittedly Selfish Gift: Tenth & Pine Spoiled by Auntie Organic Baby Bodysuit, $30 Under $25: Vanplay Floor Piano Mat, $19 Under $15: Bella Tunno Food Critic Bib, $14 The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends toys that “grow with the child,” and this three-in-one scooter fits the bill. It starts as a seated wagon, converts into a push walker, then becomes a scooter as babies gain balance. There’s even a storage compartment for hauling toys, stuffed animals, and your missing phone charger.
I can never resist gifting cute pajamas, especially when babies outgrow them so quickly. These onesies are made from organic cotton that’s gentle on their sensitive skin and come in plenty of vibrant prints, including holiday patterns. My goddaughter is going through a serious unicorn phase (with no end in sight), so I know which pair I’d pick for her.
Each page of this interactive board book plays a snippet of classical music with the press of a button, inviting babies to sway along (and eventually dance). I’ve gifted my goddaughter this one, plus The Nutcracker and Wheels on the Bus editions. She loves being in charge of the music, and the book’s rechargeable battery lasts for months.
Tug on those parental heartstrings with a keepsake kit that captures their baby’s handprints and footprints on their first birthday. The inkless design makes it mess-free, and the included frame turns those tiny prints into a special piece of decor. If you want a wowza of a gift that lets them play at being grown-up, look no further.
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