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Baby’s 1 already?
How time flies.
Your baby’s getting a huge promotion— to being a toddler!
Once babies are officially ONE, they get to enjoy the fun and gifts of toddlerhood.
But what do you get as presents for 1-year-olds?
Well, books, learning toys, and cheery decor are all appreciated by curious little ones.
They can eat food now— so even cool new dishware and utensils count!
If you’re wondering what are the best gifts for 1-year-olds, just know how much toddlers love colors and sounds.
Sensory gifts that are bright, happy, and engaging will totally win in the gift department!
In this article: 📝
- Which is the best gift for first birthday?
- What is the best gift for first birthday girl?
- What is the best gift for 1st birthday boy?
- How much do you give for a baby’s first birthday?
- What do one-year-olds need?
Which is the best gift for first birthday?
After other ideas for presents for 1-year-olds?
We’ve got plenty more gifts for a 1-year-old for you to choose from!
1st birthday toys
When it comes to baby’s 1st birthday, toys are always a good idea ‒ here are our top picks for toys for first birthday gifts, at every budget:
1. bbluv’s Hibu rechargeable night light
This night light works wonders for nap time.
The kiddos can carry it around with them and put it to sleep crib-side.
It lights up (9 LED colors) with touch control and has 3 auto shut-offs as well as a remote control.
Price: $26.99
2. Oribel PortaPlay Baby Activity Center + Stools
This is one of the best first birthday gifts any kid could ask for.
This will be the center of the playroom for years to come.
Newbies can sit safely in the center and enjoy the surrounding activities.
As the toddlers grow, you convert it into an activity table where they can pull up a stool and play for hours at a time.
Price: $149.00+
3. Sesame Street Love to Hug Elmo
It’s a classic first birthday gift for a reason!
After all, who doesn’t love Elmo?
Price: $29.99
4. Boogie Board Magic Sketch
A great gift when the kids are ready to doodle.
They can doodle non-stop onto the tablet, and when they’re done, you tap the button to erase the screen and start fresh.
No paper wasted here.
We love the Boogie Board for big kids and adults, there’s no reason the littles should miss out on the mess-free fun.
Price: $29.99
5. VTech Sort and Discover Activity Cube
Activity cubes are a staple of first birthday presents ‒ toddlers love them and parents love that they work their mind and hand-eye coordination.
Price: $34.99
6. SKYFIELD Wooden Farm Harvest Game
Instead of pulling your hair, your toddler can pull veggies instead!
A dupe of the popular Montessori toy, it makes a great 1st birthday gift!
Price: $35.99
7. HOLA Musical Hammer
Another distracting 12-month-old toy, this musical hammer won’t cause any damage and can teach your toddler numbers, too!
Price: $23.99
8. LiKee Baby Bath Toys
Make bathtime even more fun with these fun bath toys.
Why not incorporate them into your bedtime routine as your toddler’s last toy of the day?
Price: $14.99
9. Bekayshad Wooden Puzzles
Puzzles are fantastic first birthday gifts for working your toddler’s motor skills, and this 6-pack will get their minds whirring!
Price: $19.98
10. TOP BRIGHT Bead Maze Activity Cube
Another educational but fun first birthday present, this activity cube will keep your toddler entertained for hours!
Price: $31.99
Memorable 1st birthday presents
Want something the whole family will remember as a 1st birthday gift idea?
Read on!
11. Amazon Echo Dot
This may not be just for the kids, but they will love it!
In addition to story time, the Echo Dot plays your favorite kid’s playlists, just say “Hey Alexa, play kids’ songs”.
Finally, to get the little ones to sleep, ask Alexa to play white noise, rain, or other soothing sounds.
Price: $59.99
12. Madame Alexander’s Peekaboos Dolls
These make the best first baby doll for all the littles.
These 12” plush dolls have a hood that can be pulled up or down to play peek-a-boo.
You can even choose from a diverse range of skin tones.
Price: $20.32+
13. Toniebox Audio Player Starter Set
The Toniebox is a screen-free audio box that lets you create custom stories.
Choose from lots of audio stories and watch your children listen with curiosity and build their own stories with creative imagination as they grow.
Price: $129.97
14. Storkcraft 5-in-1 Crib with Bonus Playhouse
This crib converts to a daybed, toddler bed, full-size bed, and even a playhouse.
Kids can play hide-and-seek or keep their special doll collection safe inside.
They may even continue their naps just a little longer knowing inside their own private sanctuary.
Price: $499.99
15. Toyk Musical Piano Mat
Let your little musician relive that moment from Big with their very own musical piano mat.
Get creative and dance a tune!
Price: $25.99
16. Retrospec Cricket Baby Walker Balance Bike
Whether they’re walking or not, a toddler-safe bicycle (or in this case, quadbike) makes for a fantastic first birthday present.
Price: $49.99
17. VTech Musical Rhymes Book
Yes, it might drive mom and dad mad, but baby will get so much fun from this musical book.
Price: $19.99
18. Piano, Drum, Whack a Mole, Musical Toy
Another musical 1st birthday gift on our list, this will encourage baby’s creative side.
Price: $42.99
19. Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower for Toddlers
Start them young on chores!
While it’s certainly not safe for baby to be using a real lawnmower, let them get some practice in with this bubble blower.
Price: $39.99
20. HOLA Baby Phone
A 21st Century gift for a 21st Century baby!
They’ll be using smartphones in a few years anyway, so why not get them their own baby-safe version?
Price: $14.99
Personalized 1st birthday gifts
How about something more personal?
Baby will love seeing their name on their 1st birthday gift (when they can read it!), so personalized 1st birthday presents will be extra-special.
21. Lucy Darling Wildflower Meadow Luxury Baby Memory Book
Keep track of all of baby’s special moments ‒ pretty much every day of that first year.
Simply choose your favorite photos and add them for a perfect personalized 1st birthday gift.
Take the time to do this, you will appreciate this for yourselves as much as the kids will as they grow.
Check out other baby’s memory books here.
Price: $43.99
22. The Woobles Beginner Crochet Kit
The Woobles’ Beginner Crochet Kits let you make a first baby gift for yourself (seriously, we tried it and you can do it!).
Our favorite? This cute penguin!
Price: $34.99
23. Rookie Humans Moon’s Birthday Crib Sheets
Rookie Humans is known for its exceptional artistry.
Their gorgeous bedding and wall decals will bring art and sophistication to any kid’s room.
Founder Gabriela Anggono was inspired by her own baby and has sweet memories of him as a little bub sleeping on the Moon’s Birthday crib sheets.
Price: $37.99
24. Personalized Baby Photo Blanket
This collage photo blanket keeps all the relatives close, even when they’re far away.
Grab your favorite pics of nana and papa and create a photo blanket within minutes.
Price: $29.99
25. South Bend Personalized Wooden Name Puzzle
Make baby feel extra-special with this first birthday gift ‒ their own name puzzle!
Price: $24.99
26. Personalized Dibsies Butterfly Snuggle Doll
With a few different designs to choose from, simply find a doll that looks like your little one and add their name.
A sweet first birthday gift!
Price: $29.95
27. Baby’s 1st First Birthday Cake Playset
Simply add a photo of your little one for a cute and unforgettable first birthday gift.
Price: $21.95
28. My Royal Birthday Adventure Personalized Children’s Book by I See Me!
While it’s a little early for baby to be reading, there’s nothing to stop you from reading to them!
And a personalized book that puts them in the story is a fantastic idea for a first birthday gift.
Price: $39.99
29. The Little Boy Who Lost His Name by Wonderbly
Another sweet personalized book for baby, this is a great way of teaching baby how to spell their name.
Price: $34.99
30. Personalized My First Sports Bag Playset
It’s never too early to start a sports obsession!
Get your little one throwing the ball around ‒ a soft, baby-safe ball, that is ‒ with their own name on the duffle bag!
Price: $36.95
Thoughtful first birthday gifts
How about a sweet (and maybe just a touch emotional) first birthday gift?
Check out these thoughtful first birthday gifts:
31. Baby’s First Year Picture Frame
While it’s not so much a 1st birthday gift for baby exactly, it’s still a sweet and thoughtful first birthday present, nonetheless.
Price: $9.99
32. Customized baby onesie bodysuit
Simply pick your color, pick your size (from 0-3 months to 24 months), add your customization (like “Happy 1st Birthday, [Baby Name]), and you’ve got a thoughtful first birthday gift.
Price: $17.99
33. Nuby’s 360 Edge Rim Cup
A “big kids” cup they will be so excited to use.
Kids can drink from any side of the one-piece soft silicone bite resist, 360-degrees cup rim.
The Easy-Grip handles allow for a firm grip while drinking, and when they’re ready, kiddos can hold the cup base and simply remove the detachable handles.
Price: $9.99
34. Jungle Friends Talking Plushie Set
How cute are these jungle plushies!
Teach your little one about other animals during playtime ‒ a sweet first birthday present.
Price: $27.99
35. Regalo Sensory & Learning My Play Mat
The Regalo My Play Mat is a first birthday gift for mom and baby.
This foldable, cushioned play mat has fun, alphabet letters on one side and a modern, grey chevron pattern on the other.
This can live on the playroom floor for a long time, but it can also fold up for playdates on the go.
Price: $48.99
36. LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book
Learning how to talk is the name of the game now, and this 100 words book is a great place to continue baby’s journey.
Price: $19.99
37. Smasiagon Magnetic Drawing Board
Mess-free drawing? Yes, please.
This is another 1st birthday present that’s a gift for baby and mama.
Price: $19.99+
38. LeapFrog My Pal Violet
Tried and tested by our mamas on Peanut, the talking Violet toy is a favorite of babies and moms alike.
Baby will love the games, while mama will love that baby’s learning through activities.
Price: $24.99
39. School Bus Learning Toy
Another classic first birthday gift ‒ we remember this from our childhood!
The electronic school bus is a great way of learning numbers and letters and how they work together.
Price: $39.99
40. Animal Adventure Soft Landing
Absolutely adorable, stylish, and beloved by babies?
Seriously, how cute is this green dino rocker?
Price: $102.80+
What is the best gift for first birthday girl?
First up, gift ideas for 1-year-old baby girls.
While we aren’t ones for gender-specific toys, some girls like princess-themed anything.
If Disney hasn’t yet taken over your life, brace yourself because these could be some of the top contenders for best presents for 1-year-old girls.
There’s going to be a whole lot of Let it Go in your future.
What should I get for my niece’s first birthday?
If your niece is turning 1, here are a handful of amazing first birthday gift ideas for her:
41. Le Papillon Pink Princess Tent
Price: $29.99
42. LeapFrog Shapes & Sharing Picnic Basket
Price: $24.99
43. Baby Girl’s 3pc Rib Frill Long Sleeve Romper and Pant Set
Price: $16.14
44. The First Years Baby Bath Toys Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Price: $8.99
45. Squishmallows Official Plush Belle
Price: $29.99
What should I get my 1-year-old goddaughter?
Been given the ultimate honor of being named baby’s godparent?
Then the duty falls to you to get her the very best 1st birthday gift.
Here are a few first birthday present ideas for your goddaughter:
46. Green Toys Disney Minnie Mouse Stacker
Price: $14.99
47. KIDS PREFERRED Disney Minnie Mouse Purse Playset
Price: $22.00
48. Little Tikes Princess Horse & Carriage, Multicolor
Price: $99.00
49. Playskool Bounce and Ride Active Toy
Price: $39.61
50. LeapFrog Musical Rainbow Tea Party
Price: $21.99
What is the best gift for 1st birthday boy?
If your little guy likes princesses, why not browse our 1st birthday gifts above?
However, if you’re after classic gifts for 1-year-old boys, know that they often have a thing for anything that looks and sounds like a fire truck or garbage truck.
So here are our top contenders for the best 1st birthday gift for baby boys:
What should I get for my nephew’s first birthday?
Be the best auntie or uncle with one of these amazing 1st birthday gift ideas for your nephew:
51. Wooden Race Track Car Ramp Racer with 4 Mini Car
Price: $21.99
52. VTech Pop-a-Balls Push and Pop Bulldozer
Price: $27.99
53. Tickle & Main, Baby Gift Set: Rub A Dub, Who’s in My Tub
Price: $39.99
54. Squishmallows Official Plush Winnie the Pooh
Price: $19.99
55. Kid Trax Disney Cars Tow-Mater Electric Quad Ride
Price: $86.63
What should I get my 1-year-old godson?
If you have a godson to spoil on their birthday, you’ll love these first birthday gift ideas:
56. JOYIN 3 Packs Soft Baby Cloth Books
Price: $18.99
57. VIKINGTOYS Mighty Digger
Price: $19.99
58. Green Toys Fire Truck
Price: $27.99
59. Soft Car Toy Set with Play Mat
Price: $19.99
60. Playskool Busy Ball Popper Toy
Price: $38.99
How much do you give for a baby’s first birthday?
How much should you spend on 1st birthday gifts?
According to our Peanut moms, around $20-$30 should be plenty, but if you want to splash the cash, you can go up to $50.
If you want to spend more, why not consider putting the money aside for baby in a savings account?
What do one-year-olds need?
There are a few essentials for one-year-old that can be useful to remember when buying a first birthday present.
But be sure to check that mama doesn’t already have them ‒ some of these are things that baby may have had for a few months!
- Clothing (we love these adorable Bombas socks, cute and stylish!
- Shoes
- Diapers
- Car seat
- High chair
- Weaning supplies
- Baby soap
- Toys
- Baby-proofing items
- Baby gate
What size shoe is a 1-year-old?
Most 1-year-olds tend to be about a US size 5-5.5, EU size 20-21, or a UK size 4-4.5.
It’s a great idea to get some baby shoes as a first birthday gift, too, as baby will be more used to walking.
Is a 1-year-old a baby or toddler?
Their first birthday marks the start of toddlerhood.
So the day before their first birthday, baby is a baby.
From their first birthday until the age of 3, they’re toddlers.
Can baby eat cake first birthday?
Yes, if baby has been weaning for a few months or weeks beforehand (which can start from about 6 months onwards), they should be ready to try some cake on their first birthday.
Don’t give them too much, though ‒ their tummies can still be sensitive, and too much sugar can make them feel sick.
What do you write in a 1st birthday card?
For baby’s first birthday, it’s up to you whether you write something simple (in big, clear letters) for baby to read, or a more meaningful message for them to read when they’re older.
Many parents keep baby’s first birthday cards aside for the memories, so write whatever is in your heart.
Here are a few ideas:
- One today, hip-hip-hooray!
- You are a one-of-a-kind one-year-old!
- Happy first birthday, to the smallest member of our family. You have stolen all of our hearts already. You are so loved.
- Your age will no longer be measured in days, weeks, or even months. You are one whole year old!
- Have a ONE-derful birthday!
- Happy birthday to the cutest little one-year-old I know!
- You won’t remember this day but hopefully, you’ll know how much we love you. Happy birthday!
- Enjoy your first time trying birthday cake!
- Happy birthday to a one-of-a-kind one-year-old!
- Enjoy the first of many birthdays to come
That’s it for our guide to the best 1st birthday gift ideas ‒ which ones are your favorites?
Share them with the other moms on Peanut!