If you’ve ever presented a gift to a 1-year-old, you know the box is often the best part. That said, you still want to buy them things they’ll enjoy and get good use out of.

At this age, kids are starting to show off their own personality and preferences. Whether it’s an obsession with CoComelon or a love of all things with wheels, chances are there’s something that’s just distinctly them.

They’re also fully on the move these days. From first steps to full on sprints, keeping up with them is a full contact sport. At the same time, their brains are working just as hard. They’re learning what words mean and how to say them, animal sounds and how to play pretend.

Related: 26 adorable holiday gifts for newborns

The best Christmas gifts for 1-year-olds take these developmental milestones into consideration. They offer open-ended opportunities to play and explore as they hone their motor skills. Sorting and sensory toys, blocks, even scooters and climbing toys will keep their interest while offering just the right amount of challenge. Musical instruments and toys that allow your little one to experiment with cause and effect are a great option as well.

If you have a little one (or are shopping for one), it can be hard to curate their holiday wishlist because 1-year-olds can’t quite tell you exactly what they want (yet.) But we’ve got you covered: We’ve found 25 fun, practical and educational gift ideas that will keep any toddler entertained—and engaged, which is most definitely the key.

Here’s our main criteria: Products that are functional, fun and durable enough to last for years to come. Bonus points if they’re attractive enough to leave lying around your house for long periods of time, because getting 1-year-olds to clean up is a challenge in itself!

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of our holiday gift guides!

Here are the best holiday gifts for 1-year-olds:

Warmies Hedgehog

Warmies

$29.99

Hedgehog Stuffie

There are stuffies and then there are Warmies stuffies. Lovingly packed with real French lavender, these cozy weighted pals are perfect for winding down at night or bringing a bit of comfort on-the-go. They can be warmed in the mircrowave or chilled in the freezer for a bit of extra oomph and come in a ton of adorable animals to choose from.

Biggest Little b is for ball 2-Ball Set

Biggest Little

$36

b is for ball 2-Ball Set

We’re big believers that the best, longest lasting toys in our kids’ toy bins are the ones that are open-ended and versatile. And when they can grow right along with your little one? Even better. One that checks all those boxes is this brilliantly simple b is for ball set. Made from 100% FDA-compliant food-grade silicone, the two-part design serves as a teether, bath toy, ball, fidget and squirter, providing sensory play options for literal years. Even the box is designed for peek-a-boo play. Simplicity at its finest!

Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Rainbow Push Toy

Skip Hop

$20

Silver Lining Cloud Rainbow Push Toy

The sweetest toy to help them capitalize on their new walking skills! Like the classic popper toys of yore, this one from Skip Hop sends the balls inside hopping as they push it along.

Radio Flyer Ellie the Rolling Elephant

Radio Flyer

$39.99

Ellie the Rolling Elephant

Radio Flyer has done it again with Ellie, their rolling elephant, perfect for 1-year-olds. EZ-Glide wheels allow your toddler to create their own motion and the ability to move in any direction. Safe for indoor and outdoor use, we also appreciate the durable, easy grip handles for little hands and super soft fabric when giving Ellie a hug after their ride.

Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Chair

Pottery Barn Kids

$145

Anywhere Chair

A kid-sized throne that’s perfect for snuggling up with their favorite book and lovey! The PBK Anywhere Chair is a true classic that can be personalized with their name or initials. (As if they need more invitation to declare something “MINE!”)

wooden block set

Lovevery

$90

The Block Set

The Lovevery Block Set is an entire system of 70 wood pieces, all designed to work together to create 20 stage-based challenges and activities, all in one beautiful wooden box. Build towers and bridges or work hand-eye coordination by lacing blocks with the wooden dowels and string. Four solid wooden people expand their imaginative horizons as they craft houses and buildings. Bonus: The included wooden box is not only ideal for neat and tidy storage, but also converts into a play car!

Quince Cashmere Hooded Cardigan

Quince

$39.90

Cashmere Hooded Cardigan

Soft, snuggly and as adorable as they are, the hooded cashmere cardigan from Quince had us from the second we saw those ears. But the slam dunk? It’s machine-washable.

Micro Kickboard - Mini 3in1 Deluxe

Micro Kickboard

$119.99

Mini 3in1 Deluxe

Yes, it’s true we’re full on Microkickboard stans. #sorrynotsorry. Designed for the tiniest groms, their 3in1 Deluxe isn’t cheap but worth every penny. At first, they can get the hang of scooting with the ride-on seat. As they gain their footing and balance, they can use it more traditionally with the o-shaped handle. Around age three, you can swap to the t-bar and let them glide til their heart’s content. The lightweight three-wheel construction is stable and easy to ride while the smooth wheels allow them to ride inside and out. A toy that can get daily use from ages 1-5? It’s an absolute no brainer!

Play Toys Water Blocks

Plan Toys

$61.50

Water Blocks

There’s a lot to love about the Plan Toys Water Blocks. At this age, their chunky construction is perfect for little hands and easy to stack. As they grow, the offer lots of opportunity for exploration. Set them up with a light behind to play with color and shadows or add them to their collection for building awesome towers. They’re the perfect grow-with-me toy!

TOMY Toomies Squeak Toy, Hide & Squeak Eggs

TOMY Toomies

$15.99

Hide & Squeak Eggs

Once upon a time my 1-year-old and 6-year-old squabbled over these daily. It was annoying, but a true testament to the power of a simple toy. (And their commitment to a lifetime of bickering.) There are tons of different ways to play, from simply taking them apart and putting them back together, matching the inside color to the face, matching the shape on the bottom to fit into the carton and even staging egg hunts. If my experience is any indication, they’ll have a prominent spot on the playroom shelf for an impressive stretch of time. (And inspire sibling arguments for just as long.)

KiwiCo Gravity Tower

KiwiCo

$59

Tap and Go Spiral Activity Tower

The STEM-based toys from KiwiCo are always top notch. But for 1-year-olds we’re totally smitten with the super engaging Tap and Go Spiral Activity Tower. It comes with just two balls (you can only chase and keep track of so many) and provides endless entertainment as they whack them down the chute.

Lovevery Post & Play Peg People

Lovevery

$26.99

Post & Play Peg People

Another simple toy that gets an impressive amount of mileage! The Post & Play Peg People from Lovevery are a traditional Montessori pick that invites little ones to make their own rules. They’re sized perfectly for little hands to take in and out as they match, line up and play pretend.

LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book

LeapFrog

$13.99

Learning Friends 100 Words Book

Introduce little ones to 100 words in both English and Spanish with the touch activated word book from LeapFrog. They’ll learn colors, animals, mealtime words and more with plenty to explore as they grow.

ABC by Xavier Deneux

Xavier Deneux

$22.49

TouchThinkLearn: ABC

This sturdy board book has extra-durable pages and tactile cut-outs for little fingers to explore to their heart’s content. The hyper-graphic designs also appeal to art lovers big—and small.

Piccalio Mini Chef Helper

Piccalio

$199

Mini Chef Convertible Helper Tower

A learning tower allows your child to be at counter height in a secure environment so they can help you cook (or pretend cook!) or do the dishes or work together on a craft project. One of our favorite styles is the 2-for-1 design from Piccalio. When they’re done at the counter, it converts to a kid-sized table and bench to sit and enjoy the snack they’ve helped prepare. It adjusts to three different heights as they grow and even comes with a free wooden mini cutter to keep them safely busy. It’s a super versatile gift that’ll be used for years to come.

Wooden name puzzle

BusyPuzzle

$20

Personalized Wooden Name Puzzle

A personalized wooden name puzzle makes for a thoughtful gift—and will not only keep them playing by trying to put the correct letters in their place, but you can also start teaching them their name, the letters in their name and how to spell it.

Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon

Radio Flyer

$89.99

Classic Walker Wagon

Radio Flyer’s Classic Walker Wagon is ideal for those wobbly first steps and early stages of cruising. Its award-winning design is sturdy enough to support them as they pull up, and durable enough to last for generations. There’s also plenty of space for them to take their favorite toys for a ride and bumpers to protect your furniture from the inevitable crashes.

 

Cassaro Kids jumbo waldorf rocker

Cassarokids

$299

Waldorf Rocker

It’s safe to say we’re a bit obsessed with the gorgeous grow-with-me rockers from Cassarokids. At once a place to play, relax and imagine, they can be used from age one all the way through childhood. When used as a rocker they can be outfitted with one of Cassarokids gorgeous tufted pillows to become the coziest place to read or snooze. Flip it over and it’s a super fun play structure that can support up to 200 pounds! And if you really want to create a space that’s made for play, it pairs perfectly with their equally stunning collection of pikler triangles and ramps. Prices start at $299.

IZIPIZI kids sunglasses

IZIPIZI

$40

Kids Sunglasses

These teeny sunglasses will make any kiddo look cool, but more importantly, they will keep their little eyes protected from UV rays year-round. Because baby things are easy to lose (they have a way of jumping out of strollers and bags, right?) they come with a sunglasses cord and carrying case. Sized from 1-4 years old.

Fat Brain Toys The Dimpl

Fat Brain Toys

$12.95

The Dimpl

The Dimpl checks all our (toy) boxes. Engaging? Check! Mess free? Sure is! Portable? Yup, that too. It’s an on-the-go sensory activity that quite frankly, we find as addicting as our littles. The dimples can be popped in and out and come in various bright colors to keep little ones playing happily for longer than two minutes. Usually.

Baby Einstein Hape Piano

Baby Einstein & Hape

$28.98

Magic Touch Piano Wooden Musical Toddler Toy

This little piano teaches kids how to play classic songs. Each tune plugs into the keyboard and if you get all the keys right, it plays it back to you. Even better? Kiddos can let their imagination run wild create their own music.

Top Bright Wooden Ramp Racer

Top Bright

$24.99

Wooden Race Track Car Ramp Racer With 4 Mini Cars

This toy race track is made of high-quality wood and is BPA-free. My son loves watching the cars zoom down each of the tracks “racing” each other as they go. The four cars are big enough for kids ages 1 and up to handle.

LL Bean Kids' Pull Sled and Cushion Set

L.L. Bean

$199

Kids' Pull Sled and Cushion Set

A true winter childhood classic, the heirloom quality wooden sled from L.L.Bean offers a cozy ride around the backyard or through the woods. Truth be told, it’s also a great place for an outside winter snooze while the bigger kids get their snowball fight on.

Boon BUNDLE Building Toddler Bath Tub Toy with Pipes, Cogs and Tubes

Boon

$23.80

Building Bath Pipes Toy Set

Bath time with a side of STEM-based play? Yes please. This engaging set of tubes, pipes and spinning cogs will thrill your tot as they experiment with the cause-and-effect action of pouring water through the tubes to watch the spinners start and stop.

ECR4Kids SoftZone Indoor Climbing Pad

ECR4Kids

$123

SoftZone Tiny Twisting Foam Corner Climber

Got a tiny climber on your hands? This set of foam pads turns any humble corner into a veritable play gym. We love the small footprint of this set and the fact that the mini slide can transform into a car ramp in a jiffy.

Sarah's Silks - Set of 5 Enchanted Mini Playsilks

Sarah's Silks

$48

Set of 5 Enchanted Mini Playsilks

Play silks are a perfect vehicle for open-ended play—and one that your kiddo will keep coming back to. Turn them into flags when exploring new lands, a cape for saving the day or a quick cover for a simple game of peek-a-boo. These Montessori faves are costly upfront, but so worth the price.

Hape Pound & Tap Bench with Slide Out Xylophone

Hape

$27.89

Pound & Tap Bench with Slide Out Xylophone

This xylophone set isn’t one of those toys that’ll get deserted in record time, thanks to the fact that it features more than one way to play. Your kiddo can use the hammer to tap the balls through the holes to create a melody on the xylophone below, or they can slide out the xylophone and pound out a solo.

Retrospec Cricket Baby Walker Balance Bike

Retrospec

$99.99

Cricket Baby Walker Balance Bike

It’s not too early to gift them their first set of wheels! The parent and tot-loved Cricket Baby Walker Balance Bike from Retrospec will help them develop the skills they’ll need to ride a real bike soon enough.

Manhattan Toy Playdate Friends Harper Machine Washable and Dryer Safe 14 Inch Doll with Companion Stuffed Animal

Manhattan Toy

$25.06

Playdate Friends Harper Doll

We love these soft little plush doll friends that clean up well—they’re fully machine-washable and dryer-safe, meaning your little one can tote their new pal along anywhere and everywhere.

Melissa and Doug Fruit Cutting Set

Melissa & Doug

$20.99

Cutting Fruit Set

For the kiddo who’s already fascinated with everything food-related, this velcro-fruit cutting set will delight all their senses. The wooden knife can be used to chop and slice a range of fun fruits.

Doona Liki Stroller & Trike S3 - Gray Hound

Doona

$249.99

Liki Stroller & Trike S3

The Doona Liki is a super versatile stroller-trike hybrid that lets your little one *feel* like they’re in control, though you’ve still got the wheel. It grows with your kiddo up to age 3, thanks to the four functional stages (ranging from classic stroller to solo tricycle.)

Honeysticks 100% Pure Beeswax Crayons (12 Pack)

Honeysticks

$22.95

100% Pure Beeswax Crayons (12 Pack)

Little hands will love coloring with Honeysticks, which are big enough to get a whole palm around and smell like honey. The non-toxic beeswax formula will mean you can rest easy if they end up getting gnawed on, mama.

Hape Shape Sorting Box

Hape

$10.99

Shape Sorting Box

Busy babes will love this wooden shape sorter that helps promote hand-eye coordination and motor skills. We love that there’s only one shape per side and four blocks total, which helps keep little ones from getting overwhelmed. Elastic strings across the bottom keep all the blocks tucked inside while also providing chubby hands easy access to start all over.

Manhattan Toy Playground Adventure Wooden Toddler Activity Center

Manhattan Toy

$100

Playground Adventure Wooden Toddler Activity Center

We can’t get enough of this wooden activity table that comes fully loaded with tons of options. From bead runs to gliding woodland creatures, it’s sure to keep the most discerning tot engaged for (what feels like) hours.

Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks With Wooden Storage Tray (60 pcs)

Melissa & Doug

$72.99

60-Piece Natural Blocks Set

You can’t go wrong with a classic block set. The timeless toy can be transformed into a tall tower, train station, busy city, castle and more—all you need is a little imagination.

A version of this story was published October 28, 2021. It has been updated.