Birthdays are always worth celebrating, but there’s something uniquely special about the first. It marks a year of growth, milestones, and watching a tiny, sleepy newborn transform into a curious, energetic almost-toddler. But that in-between stage can make first birthday gifting a little tricky. At one year old, some babies are on the move, while others are still content to crawl and cruise. Some are babbling their first words, while others are perfecting their pincer grasp or exploring with every sense—they’re all developing on their own timelines.
To take the guesswork out of what to get a one-year-old, we’ve rounded up the best first birthday gifts to meet them right where they are...and where they’re headed to next!
*Solly’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Rest (and shop!) assured, we only recommend those we genuinely like.
What Makes A Good First Birthday Gift?
A great first birthday gift strikes a balance between meaningful and practical. At this age, babies are curious explorers, so gifts that engage their senses, encourage movement, or support emerging skills—like stacking toys, soft books, or push-and-pull walkers—are always a hit. But it’s also a sweet opportunity to give something that can grow with them such as a personalized keepsake, a carrier for toddler-wearing, or a quality item they’ll treasure long after babyhood. The best gifts don’t have to be flashy or expensive—they simply reflect thoughtfulness and an understanding of where a little one is in their journey.
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Best Gifts For A One-Year-Old
Gifts Under $25
Happy Birthday To You! By Dr Suess - $7.57
Wood Shape Puzzle - $10.35
Custom Name Puzzle - $12.48+
Pantone Box of Color Mini Board Book Set - $15.99
Soft Activity Crinkle Book - $17.99
Rainbow Stacking Rings - $17.99
Hungry Caterpillar Pull Toy - $20.99
Gifts Under $50
Wooden Town Vehicles - $24.99
Xylophone - $27.99
Drum - $30
Shape Sorter - $32
Initial Hat - $35+
Olli Ella Baby Doll - $35+
Wooden Serving Board + Choppable Play Food - $36
First Slide - $38.60
Custom Board Book - $39
Balance Bike - $45.99
Personalized Linen Flower Crown - $46
Swing - $46.99
Gifts Under $100
Wooden Play Telephone - $52
Mini Backpack - $58
Wooden Dump Truck - $69.00
60-piece Wood Block Set - $75.49
Push Walker - $79.99
Gifts $100+
Leather Crawling Tunnel - $120
Mini Splash Pad - $129
Lovevery Babbler Playkit - $138
Activity Table - $200
Toddler Tower - $239
Nugget Play Couch - $249
House of Noa Soft Furniture - $250+
Cute Clothing + Pajamas For 1 Year-Olds
Solly Baby
Maison Pimpim
The August People
Fostered Collection
Rylee + Cru
