Our list of top toys for 1 year olds has been carefully selected by our chief toy expert Ruth (primary school teacher, and mother to two infants). Therefore, our selection of toys are guaranteed to deliver top marks for both fun and educational value. We also keep an eye on the top toy trends and toy awards, making sure only the very best toys make it onto our shelves. Ruth and her toy testers rate each toy across a range of development skills. These skills include;  motor skills, literacy and numeracy, and social and emotional (role-playing,turn-taking) skills. All of the listed toys are available instore and online at Cogs Toys and Games.

Roll and Play Our Best Selling Toddler Toy

Roll and Play is one of our best selling toddler toys! This award-winning toy is designed to entertain and boost early development. Simply roll the soft cube and follow fun prompts like making animal sounds or clapping.

The Roll and Play helps toddlers develop motor skills, recognize colours, and follow simple instructions — all through screen-free play. Its soft, colourful design is safe for little hands and perfect for family bonding time.

Buy Roll and Play

Peekaboo Learning Farm

Peek-a-Zoo Learning Zoo is a fun interactive toy invites toddlers to explore a vibrant zoo filled with friendly animals and engaging activities.

With its clever design, little ones can peek through windows to discover different animal sounds, promoting sensory exploration and early language skills. The bright colours and playful shapes keep children captivated as they learn about the animal kingdom. The little animals can also be used as finger puppets.

Perfect for curious minds aged 12 months and up.

Buy Peekaboo Learning Farm

Spin Again

Year after year Spin Again is one of our most popular toddler toys. Little ones can stack and spin discs down a spiral pole, providing hours of sensory play fun while developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Spin Again encourages problem-solving and cause-and-effect learning, making it perfect for early development. Designed for little hands, it’s durable, safe, and endlessly entertaining.

Buy Spin Again

Hape Pound and Tap Bench

This award-winning wooden toy combines a pounding bench with a xylophone, creating endless musical fun. Toddlers can hammer balls that drop onto the xylophone, playing delightful notes as they roll.

As children grow, the xylophone can be removed for standalone play, extending the toy’s use. Made with non-toxic paints and eco-friendly materials, the Hape Pound and Tap Bench meets the highest standards of safety and sustainability.

Winner of the Gold Award at the Independent Toy Awards and Silver at the National Parenting Product Awards, it’s a top pick for educational play.

Buy The Pound And Tap Bench Now

Country Critters Wooden Activity Cube

This delightful cube features five engaging sides that will captivate your little one for hours.

Watch them explore the beaded adventure land, sort colourful shapes, and enjoy a queue stand, turnplate, and tap-to-bottom activity. With ten interactive pieces, including wooden balls and a pounder, this animal-inspired toy sparks creativity while enhancing fine motor skills.

Ideal for curious toddlers aged 12 months and up, this award-winning development toy is one of the top gifts for one-year-olds this Christmas!

Buy Country Critters Wooden Activity Cube Now

Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog® First Words Book Set

This set includes a colourful, interactive book and the beloved Spike the Hedgehog toy, designed to boost early learning and fine motor skills. Toddlers will enjoy helping Spike as they explore first words, colours, and shapes.

The toy’s easy-to-grip spikes help develop hand strength and coordination, making it a fun and educational tool. Perfect for language development, this set offers a playful introduction to words and motor skills for young learners.

Buy Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog® First Words Book Set

SmartMax My First Animal Train

This delightful train set features vibrant animal characters that easily connect with oversized magnetic pieces, making it ideal for little hands.

Toddlers will enjoy building their own unique train while enhancing fine motor skills and understanding basic engineering concepts. The colourful design and friendly animals encourage imaginative play and storytelling, making learning fun and interactive.

Designed for children aged 12 months and up, this award-winning toy is one of the top gifts for one-year-olds this Christmas!

Buy My First Animal Train

Spiral Tower Brightball

This vibrant, interactive toy invites toddlers to drop colourful balls down a spiral tower, watching them race and spin to the bottom.

As children play, they develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills while enjoying the satisfying sounds and visual excitement of the bright balls tumbling down the tower. The bright colours and engaging design capture young imaginations and encourage exploration.

Perfect for curious minds aged 12 months and up.

Buy Spiral Tower Bright Ball

Diditrike - Giraffe

This adorable, giraffe-themed ride-on toy encourages toddlers to push, pull, and scoot around, enhancing their gross motor skills and coordination.

With its vibrant colours and friendly giraffe design, the Diditrike captivates young imaginations and makes outdoor play exciting. Lightweight and easy to handle, it’s designed for little ones to manoeuvre with ease, promoting active play and independence.

Recommended for children aged 12 months and up, the Diditrike - Giraffe is one of the a delightful way to encourage exploration and physical activity while having fun.

Buy Diditrike - Giraffe Now

InnyBin

This engaging activity toy features multiple openings for toddlers to sort and drop colourful shapes, promoting early shape recognition and fine motor skills.

With its vibrant design and interactive play, the Inny Bin keeps little hands busy as they experiment with sorting and matching shapes. The satisfying sounds and bright colours enhance sensory exploration, making learning fun and exciting.

Designed for children aged 12 months and up it’s an ideal way to encourage problem-solving and imaginative play while ensuring hours of entertainment.

Buy InnyBin

Baby Rocking Donkey

This beautifully crafted rocking toy combines the charm of a plush donkey with a sturdy wooden base, creating a delightful ride for little adventurers.

Designed with safety and comfort in mind, the soft fabric and gentle rocking motion provide a soothing experience for toddlers, making it perfect for playtime or cuddling. Its charming design adds a whimsical touch to any nursery or playroom.

Ideal for children aged 12 months and up, the Kaloo Regliss Rocking Donkey is one sure to be a hit for your little one this Christmas!

Buy Baby Rocking Donkey Now

Whale Music Fountain Bath Toy

This enchanting whale toy creates a captivating water fountain that delights little ones while encouraging sensory exploration during bath time.

With its playful design, the Whale Music Fountain sprays water and plays soothing melodies, transforming ordinary baths into a fun and relaxing experience. Its vibrant colours and friendly features engage toddlers, making them excited for their bath routine.

Designed for children aged 12 months and up

Buy Whale Music Fountain Now