Our 15 Best Gifts For A One Year Old That Benefit A Toddler And Why will look to present a series of gifts and why they are the right choices. Choosing the perfect gift for a one-year-old can be an exciting yet challenging task. What’s most important is that the gift will benefit the toddler or infant. It’s not about showing off at a birthday party with a very cool expensive gift that will do nothing for the one year old. It’s all about what will be the best gift for the one year old. This is very different from picking gifts for a baby shower.
Here’s why…….. At this age, babies are rapidly developing their motor, cognitive, and sensory skills. This article aims to provide a comprehensive list of the 15 best gifts for one-year-olds, considering factors such as developmental appropriateness, educational value, and safety, not just entertainment value. By examining expert recommendations, customer reviews, and market trends, we can identify a variety of gifts that are both engaging and beneficial for one-year-olds. However, first, we take a look at the reasons behind why we have chosen these types of gifts.
Table of Contents
Developmental Stage As A One Year Old
When purchasing a gift for a one-year-old, it is crucial to consider their developmental stage. At this age, children are experiencing significant milestones in their physical, cognitive, and social development (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2018, p. 140). Understanding their current abilities and needs will help in selecting an appropriate gift that supports their growth.
For instance, one-year-olds are typically refining their motor skills and coordination. Gifts that encourage fine motor development, such as stacking toys or shape sorters, can be beneficial (Fisher-Price, n.d.). These toys help children practice hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and spatial awareness.
Safety
Safety should always be a top priority when choosing a gift for a one-year-old. Young children are naturally curious and may put objects in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking hazards (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2018, p. 141). When selecting a gift, ensure that it is age-appropriate and free from small parts that could be swallowed.
To ensure safety, look for toys that have been tested and approved by relevant safety organizations, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2018, p. 141). Additionally, inspect the toy for sharp edges, loose parts, or any potential hazards that could harm the child.
Educational Value
Choosing a gift with educational value can contribute to a child’s cognitive and intellectual development. Many toys and activities can stimulate learning and curiosity in one-year-olds. Look for gifts that promote early literacy, problem-solving, and sensory exploration.
Books are excellent gifts that foster a love for reading and language development (Senechal et al., 2008, p. 93). Select board books with colorful illustrations and simple text that engage and captivate young children.
Puzzles, shape sorters, and stacking toys offer opportunities for problem-solving and cognitive development (Playgro, n.d.). These toys help children learn about shapes, colors, and spatial relationships while enhancing their fine motor skills.
Sensory Stimulation
Sensory play is crucial for the development of one-year-olds, as they explore the world through their senses (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2018, p. 140). Gifts that provide sensory stimulation can enhance a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Consider toys with different textures, colors, and sounds that engage multiple senses. Sensory balls, textured blocks, or toys with various interactive features can provide tactile and auditory stimulation (Velasco, 2017, p. 201).
Water play toys, such as bath toys or water tables, offer a sensory-rich experience and promote hand-eye coordination and exploration (Gilmore, 2012, p. 4). These gifts allow children to splash, pour, and feel different water textures.
Customer Reviews and Recommendations
Reading customer reviews and seeking recommendations from trusted sources can provide valuable insights when selecting a gift for a one-year-old. Customer reviews offer firsthand experiences and opinions about the quality, safety, and engagement of a specific product.
Parenting websites, online forums, and social media groups can also be great resources to gather information and recommendations from other parents. Hearing about their experiences and preferences can help in making an informed decision.
So now that we have explained to parents and friends the reasons they should be thinking about when buying a gift for a one year old it’s time for us to give you some recommendations based on those specific reasons.
Clicking on any picture will take you to the item on Amazon
# 1 – Board Books
Board books are an excellent gift for one-year-olds as they promote early literacy skills and encourage a love for reading (Senechal et al., 2008, p. 93). Popular titles such as “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown and “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr. are engaging and feature colorful illustrations.
# 2 – Stacking Toys
Stacking toys help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities (Fisher-Price, n.d.). Options such as Fisher-Price’s Rock-a-Stack offer vibrant rings in different sizes for babies to stack and explore.
# 3 – Shape Sorters
Shape sorters introduce basic shapes and colors while improving hand dexterity and cognitive skills (Playgro, n.d.). The Fisher-Price Baby’s First Blocks set is a popular choice, allowing babies to match shapes to the corresponding holes.
# 4 – Musical Instruments
Musical instruments, such as shakers or xylophones, encourage sensory exploration and enhance auditory skills (Trainor, 2012, p. 95). The Hohner Kids Toddler Music Band set includes various instruments suitable for little hands. You may even like the very large musical instruments set by Gouezcc that is featured in the above picture.
# 5 – Push Toys
Push toys aid in balance, coordination, and early walking skills (Gilmore, 2012, p. 4). The V-Tech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker offers interactive features, including lights, sounds, and a detachable activity panel. This one is a lot of fun. Babies and even their parents and older sibling s enjoy this. It’s so cool! Everyone loves pushing buttons and hearing sounds
# 6 – Shape Sorter Puzzles
Shape sorter puzzles combine the benefits of shape sorters and puzzles, promoting cognitive development and problem-solving skills (Melbourne, n.d.). The Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube is a classic option. You have probably seen this one before. They are everywhere.
# 7 – Soft Building Blocks
Soft building blocks provide a safe and tactile experience for one-year-olds, encouraging creativity, motor skills, and spatial awareness (Velasco, 2017, p. 201). The B. Toys One Two Squeeze Blocks set offers colorful and squeezable blocks. You may even like these to relieve some tension. Everyone likes to squeeze blocks.
# 8 – Nesting Cups
Nesting cups promote stacking, pouring, and sorting skills, while also enhancing hand-eye coordination (Fisher-Price, n.d.). The Green Toys Stacking Cups set is made from recycled materials and features various sizes. I just love those colors, there’s something very soothing about them. Don’t you think?
# 9 – Sensory Balls
Sensory balls with different textures, colors, and sizes engage babies’ senses and promote motor skills (Velasco, 2017, p. 201). The Edushape Sensory Balls set is a popular choice for sensory exploration. I always found these very interesting.
# 10 – Bath Toys
Bath toys make bath time fun while encouraging sensory play and fine motor skills (Playgro, n.d.). The Munchkin Float and Play Bubbles set includes colorful floating bubbles that engage babies during bath time.
# 11 – Ride-On Toys
Come on now, you know you remember your “Big Wheel” on how much you loved it. Well, this is a lot safer.Ride-on toys, such as the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, enhance balance, coordination, and imaginative play (Gilmore, 2012, p. 4). They provide opportunities for physical activity and pretend play.
# 12 – Puzzles with Large Pieces
There is a reason why we all know the song “Old McDonald,” and never forget it. Puzzles with large, chunky pieces are suitable for one-year-olds, helping develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities (Melbourne, n.d.). The Melissa & Doug Farm Animals Chunky Puzzle is a popular choice.
# 13 – Soft Plush Toys
Have you ever seen a stuffed animal as cute and adorable as this one? Soft plush toys offer comfort, companionship, and sensory stimulation (Velasco, 2017, p. 201). The Jellycat Bashful Bunny is a beloved plush toy known for its softness and cuddliness.
# 14 – STAR WARS The Mandalorian Galactic Snackin’ Grogu Animatronic To
Here’s one that Dad will like just as much as the one-year-old. You know Dad’s going to argue that it’s never too early to get your child started on Star Wars. Mommy may not agree but then again maybe she’s a Star Wars fan too.
# 15 – Water Play Table
Water play tables facilitate sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and imaginative play (Gilmore, 2012, p. 4). The Step2 Waterfall Discovery Wall provides a fun water play experience with various interactive elements. We also love their table.
Conclusion
When selecting gifts for one-year-olds, it is important to consider their developmental needs, educational value, and safety. Of course, everyone wants to buy the cutest or most popular toy to get those wows at the birthday parties, but we recommend stepping back for a second and reading through this list so that you are focused on whats best for the one year old and not the birthday crowd. The list of 25 best gifts for one-year-olds provides a range of options that promote physical, cognitive, and sensory development. From board books and shape sort
Works Cited
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). The Whole Child: Month 12. In C. Hagan, J. Shaw, P. Duncan, & B. D. Duncan (Eds.), Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents (4th ed., pp. 140-143). Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.
Fisher-Price. (n.d.). Fisher-Price Infant Toys. Retrieved from https://www.fisher-price.com/en-us/parenting-articles/playtime-ideas/infant-toys
Gilmore, K. (2012). A Developmental Perspective on Play. In L. Brotherson, & J. Readdick (Eds.), Play and Child Development (pp. 1-15). Cooperative Extension, Utah State University.
Playgro. (n.d.). Baby Toys: Playgro. Retrieved from https://www.playgro.com/
Senechal, M., Lefevre, J. A., Thomas, E. M., & Daley, K. E. (2008). Differential Effects of Home Literacy Experiences on the Development of Oral and Written Language. Reading Research Quarterly, 43(1), 16-35.
Velasco, S. (2017). The Importance of Sensory Play in Early Childhood. Early Childhood Education Journal, 45(2), 199-207.
15 Best Gifts For A One Year Old That Benefit A Toddler And Why article published on BabyCareGuru.com© 2023
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