Shopping for a one year old is deceptively tricky. They are too young for most toys marketed at them, they will be more interested in the wrapping paper, and half of what you buy gets outgrown in a month. The gifts that actually earn their keep are the ones that grow with the child or that the family keeps for years.

Here are more than 20 gift ideas for a 1 year old, grouped by what they are good for. A few are practical, a few are pure fun, and one or two are keepsakes for the parents as much as the child.

Keepsake gifts they will keep for years

A personalised story book starring the birthday child
A first birthday photo frame or memory box
A hand or footprint kit to capture how small they still are
A personalised blanket or comforter with their name
A keepsake ornament marking their first year

Toys that actually last

Stacking cups and nesting blocks
A sturdy push-along walker for new walkers
Soft building blocks and shape sorters
A first set of chunky board books
A simple wooden pull-along toy

Gifts that help them learn and play

A musical instrument set for little hands
A ball pit or soft play mat for crawling and cruising
Bath toys that pour and float
A first set of crayons and chunky paper
A textured sensory toy basket

Practical gifts parents will thank you for

A high chair toy that suctions to the tray
A set of weaning bowls, cups and spoons
A soft hooded towel for after bath time
A nightlight with a gentle glow for the nursery

Why a keepsake makes the best first birthday gift

A one year old will not remember the day, which is exactly why a keepsake matters more than another plastic toy. A personalised first birthday book starring the child becomes a bedtime favourite and a record of this exact age that the family reads for years. You can browse our story books to find the right one. If you want it to count toward learning too, reading together from a young age is one of the best things you can do, as Reading Rockets explains.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best gift for a 1 year old?

Something that grows with them or that the family keeps. A personalised book is ideal because it doubles as a bedtime read and a keepsake of this age.

What should you avoid buying a 1 year old?

Skip toys with small parts, anything heavily age-marked beyond their stage, and gifts that only work for a month or two. Durable, open-ended and keepsake gifts last longest.