Little hands. Big discoveries. Nine thoughtful toys for first birthdays, Christmas and all the play in between.
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Looking for a gift for a one-year-old? At this age, opening, closing, posting, tapping and making a little noise can be the whole adventure. These gifts offer simple ways to explore through play.
We’ve included options for a first birthday as well as toys for older one-year-olds. Look at the age label on each pick to find the right starting point.
These picks start at 12 months or younger. Check each product page for the latest details and availability.
For little hands that love to investigate
A cube and pegboard with interchangeable activities to turn, press and explore. Start with the five elements marked 12 months+; introduce the 18-month and 24-month elements only when your child reaches those ages.
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For turning, clicking and discovering
A magnetic activity board with interchangeable sensory tiles, including gears, dials and textures. A lovely option for a child who enjoys exploring what happens when they turn, touch and move things.
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For squeaks, surprises and sorting
Open the shells, press the chicks to hear them squeak and match the eggs back into their carton. A compact gift with plenty of ways to play together.
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For a first taste of musical play
Tap the balls through the bench and listen as they roll across the xylophone. The xylophone slides out too, giving little ones another way to explore sounds.
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For curious little explorers
A shape sorter with a difference: children push textured shapes through stretchy bands and work out how to get them out again. A hands-on option for a first birthday or Christmas.
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For mix-and-match animal fun
Chunky magnetic animal pieces connect to make farmyard friends—or funny new combinations. Enjoy naming the animals and making their sounds together as your child explores.
Explore this gift ↗These three picks are for children who have reached 18 months, rather than a first-birthday gift for immediate use.
For farmyard hide-and-seek
Lift the colourful barns to discover the animal finger puppets inside. Take turns hiding animals, making their sounds and finding them again. This is a choice for the older end of the one-year-old age range.
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For posting, pulling and sorting
Little hands can pull out the chunky quills and push them back into Spike’s shell. The quills tuck inside the body when playtime is over. Choose this for a child aged 18 months or older.
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For a familiar tune and a big surprise
Turn the handle, listen to the music and wait for the soft character to pop out. A classic to enjoy together, recommended here for children aged 18 months and up.
Explore this gift ↗Choose a toy marked suitable for 12 months or younger, with simple activities the child can explore. From this guide, InnyBin, Tomy Hide and Squeak Eggs and the Hape Pound & Tap Bench are options to consider.
No. Peekaboo Learning Farm, Spike and Jack in the Box are recommended from 18 months. For the Busy Board, begin with the pieces marked 12 months+, keeping the older-age elements for later.
The Hape Pound & Tap Bench offers two ways to explore sounds: tapping the balls through the bench or playing the slide-out xylophone separately.
Use each gift’s product link for current prices, availability and full product information. Check the age label before choosing.
Explore our wider Christmas selection for children with different ages and interests.
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