You’ve been invited to a one-year-old’s birthday party? Yay! Choosing a gift for babies and toddlers is a delightful and fun task that can often prove to be somehow challenging. At this age babies are reaching developmental milestones, and their curiosity is infinite. But, some toys that might peak your interest are not yet appropriate for the birthday baby. So that’s why we prepared some gift ideas for their first birthday. Whether you’ve been invited to the party itself or are meeting the baby for the first time, here are some baby gift and toy ideas for a one-year-old that we’ve curated for you. Find the best birthday gift for your little friend!
What a One-Year-Old Needs
At the age of one, children are rapidly developing both physically and cognitively. They start to walk, grasp objects and they’re also super curious about the world around them. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when choosing a gift for a one year old:
Developmental Milestones: Choose a gift that will help the development of their key abilities. These include skills such as motor skills, cognitive abilities and social skills.
Learning and Development: Toys that will encourage problem solving and imagination will be your (and their) best friend, when it comes to choosing the perfect gift for the baby.
Sensory Development: Find sensory toys that are colorful, have different textures and make soft sounds such as bells etc. Sensory toys matter in child’s development, and they also come in all forms, and can serve different purposes.
Safety Considerations: Avoid small parts and toxic materials as that can be dangerous for the giftee. Shop for toys that are classified as safe for one-year-olds to keep a peace of mind for their parents as well.
For one-year-olds, it's best to give gifts that encourage development and provide entertainment. On another note, practical gifts that parents of a one-year-old will appreciate include diapers, onesies, feeding accessories, or even gift cards.
What to Buy a One Year Old Boy
- Baby Boy Pajamas: Cozy up during sleepy nights with our luxe Pima Pajamas. Available in various prints, including classic stars and stripes, as well as fun animal and other themes, these pajamas are ones they’ll want to wear all the time. Made from Pima cotton, these pajamas become softer with every wash, ensuring a great sleep.
- Plush Toys offer comfort and security, helping children develop emotional bonds and a sense of companionship. They encourage imaginative play and language development while also improving fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Additionally, plush toys can be educational, teaching kids about various concepts and enhancing their social skills through interactive play.
What to Buy a One Year Old Girl
- Baby Girl Pajamas are an example of a gift that parents and kids will absolutely love. There’s nothing like putting on a fresh pair of pajamas with a cute print, and snuggling up and reading a bedtime story under a cozy blanket. Give them a gift of spending quality evening time together in the coziest sleepwear.
- Dolls and Plush Toys are ideal because they offer comfort and security, helping children feel safe and soothed. They encourage imaginative play, allowing children to explore different scenarios, which fosters creativity and cognitive development. Additionally, these toys support emotional and social growth by providing opportunities for nurturing behaviors and companionship.
- Baby Girl Dresses are a gift that parent’s will love and baby girls will be comfortable in. Treat them to a brand new dress for the season and find baby-friendly accessories you know she and her parents will love. Bubbles are also great, since it allows parents to change diapers without a hassle - it’s a win-win!
- Bath toys make bath time fun and enjoyable. They can include floating animals, pouring cups, and water wheels, turning a routine task into a playful and educational experience.
Personalized Gifts for One-Year-Olds
- Personalized Storybooks: There are so many cute storybooks on the market that include your child’s names and details for a unique reading experience. Those books will also become a keepsake the giftee will get to look back on even once they grow up. You can also create a personalized photo book filled with images of family and friends!
- Soft Embroidered Personalized Blankets with the baby’s name will also make for the perfect personalized gift. Another option is our Chunky Knit Blanket provides warmth and comfort, making it perfect for cuddling, and comes with a cute elephant rattle to boot!
- Monogrammed 100% Pima Pajamas are cute and practical, and can come with a child’s name, initials or a special motif.
What Size Does a One-Year-Old Wear?
Buying a gift for a one-year-old can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to buying for little ones! You may wonder, “What size do they even wear?” Most one-year-olds can fit into clothing sizes labeled 12 to 18 months, but here’s the catch: babies grow fast! Opting for the 18-month size is usually a safe bet if you’re unsure of sizing. After all, it’s better for the outfit to be a tad big for them to grow into than too small.
Here’s our top tips for picking out the perfect size (when you’re just not sure):
- When in doubt - size up: Babies grow faster than you realize! Choosing a slightly larger size means the outfit will fit longer, and parents can always roll up sleeves or pant legs.
- Go for stretchy or adjustable clothing: Elastic waistbands or adjustable straps are much more forgiving size-wise and accommodate growth spurts!
Think about the season: If you’re buying a cute sweater for your favorite one-year-old in spring, make sure it’ll still fit when the temperature drops in the fall.
Conclusion
Practical and imaginative gifts are always the way to go. Choosing gifts that focus on development and safety ensures that you’re giving something beneficial for any child that their parents will find helpful as well. These gifts are not only meant for entertainment but will also help them with development benefits for any one year old. Plus, they’ll give the parents a peace of mind, by knowing the gifts are one year old friendly and safe for their baby to play with - and may bring them some peace and quiet while the little one is playing!
