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!
Here are the best holiday gifts for 1-year-olds:
Xavier Deneux
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$22.49
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.
Little Partners
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$209.99
A learning tower allows your child to be at counter height in a secure environment so they can help you cook (or pretend cook!), eat a snack while you do the dishes or work together on a craft project. It’s a super versatile gift that’ll be used for years to come.
BusyPuzzle
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$20 and up
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.
Haba
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$199
This walker wagon is ideal for those early stages of walking and let your kiddo can take their favorite plush toy (or sibling) for a stroll. Its award-winning design is minimalist and durable. Friction can be increased for early walkers who require a slower pace making it totally customizable for your kid’s needs.
Mori
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$42.50
We love the tradition of unwrapping a set of holiday-themed pajamas on Christmas Eve, and Mori’s organic pajamas are super soft—and super stellar quality, which means you’ll reach for them way longer than one season (size up!).
Lily and River
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$187 and up
In our opinion, this is the best indoor playground you can get for your kids. It’s good to use from age 6 months and up, teaching them balance, coordination, motor skill development and creativity. Plus the neutral hues won’t clash with your décor.
IZIPIZI
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$35
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
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$12.95
It doesn’t get much more classic than this—and if you haven’t heard about it, just know that they will for sure obsess over it, mama. It’s super portable and great as a sensory activity. The dimples can be popped in and out and come in various bright colors to keep little ones engaged.
Baby Einstein & Hape
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$28.98
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
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$24.99
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.
Boon
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$16.95
These simple suction-cup pipes are sure to be a sleeper hit at bath time. Your toddler will be thrilled by the cause-and-effect action of pouring water through the tubes watching the spinners start and stop.
ECR4Kids
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$179.99
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
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$57
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
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$27.89
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.
Tiny Earth Toys
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$29.99 and up per month
Montessori toys are beautiful, practical… and pricey, but Tiny Earth Toys is working to solve that last part. Starting at 29.99 per month, you can gift a rotating selection of rented, educator-curated toys to arrive at your doorstep, with free exchanges every 2 to 4 months.
MOBO
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$99.99
The MOBO Cruiser is the all-in-one balance bike your baby is probably dreaming of, especially if they’re already always on-the-go. Start out on the rocking horse stage, then transition to a cruiser and balance bike with light-up wheels.
Manhattan Toy
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$25.06
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 & Doug
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$16.87
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
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$249.99
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).
Paper Cape
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$55
These beg the question: What could be more adorable than your li’l bundle o’ joy dressed in these classic pajamas on Christmas morning? Personalize this perfect present with a monogram on the chest.
Honeysticks
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$22.95
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.
Wonder & Wise by Asweets
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$49
Busy babes will love this wooden shape sorter that helps promote hand-eye coordination and motor skills. We love that the tiny house has a handle for easy transport, so you can tote it to the park or Grandma’s in a flash.
Wonder & Wise by Asweets
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$189
We can’t get enough of this wooden activity table that comes fully loaded with tons of options. It’s sure to keep the most discerning tot engaged for (what feels like) hours.
HABA
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$59.99
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.
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