Finding the right toys for toddlers and one-year-olds can be both exciting and challenging. These little explorers are no longer just babies; they are curious, energetic, and eager to interact with the world around them. Entertaining and educating young minds requires toys suited to their developmental stages. So, what should parents be on the lookout for? Let’s explore the best options.
At around one year old, children start to exhibit fascinating changes. According to Jessica Rolph, co-founder and CEO of the early childhood development company Lovevery, "There is so much learning happening when a child turns one... They are starting to notice the order of their daily routines and become infinitely curious, wanting to explore just about anything." This age marks significant milestones, including taking first steps and uttering first words. Your little one is beginning to understand their place in the world, and they need toys to support this development.
Experts recommend toys motivating toddlers to explore, engage, and refine their skills. So, what toys do one-year-olds like? Picture the joy on your child’s face when they kick and chase after a ball, or the delight of stacking colorful rings to figure out how they fit together. Simple puzzles, push and pull toys, noise-making instruments, and even cardboard boxes can ignite their creativity (yes, really!).
But not every toy is suitable for this age group. Parents should avoid toys with small parts—these can pose serious choking hazards—as well as items with long strings or pinch points. Safety is always the priority. Good Housekeeping has compiled some of the best picks for one-year-olds, ensuring your child has both fun and safe options to choose from.
Top Toy Picks for One-Year-Olds
Among the standout choices is the Lovevery The Babbler Play Kit. Priced at around £120, this kit includes seven well-designed toys and even a book, targeting the developmental needs of children aged 13 to 15 months. This play kit is all about balance, object permanence, and spatial awareness, perfectly echoing Rolph's view on the importance of real-world experiences. Highlights of this kit include engaging ball runs and cute carrots, helping develop those all-important pincer grasp skills.
An absolute hit among the little ones is the Playskool Chase ’n’ Go Ball Popper, costing around £20. This toy features bright colors and cheerful tunes, as toddlers press the button to make balls pop out of the elephant’s trunk. It's not only fun but encourages active play with multiple opportunities for them to chase the bouncing balls.
Next on the list is the Little Dutch Wooden Rocking Ring Stacker, selling for around £14. This adorable stacking toy not only looks delightful but challenges little ones to stack rings by size, targeting their hand-eye coordination through imaginative play.
The Melissa & Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Grocery Cart priced at £70 combines two classic toys—shape sorters and grocery carts—into one engaging package. It stimulates pretend play and problem-solving. Watch as your child sorts shapes and imagines trips to the market, all the meanwhile developing motor skills and imaginative play.
For water play enthusiasts, the Munchkin Ocean Squirters Bath Toy is available for £12. These delightful squirters turn bath time fun, encouraging sensory play and imaginative water games.
For some outdoor action, the Goodevas 4-in-1 Indoor Climbing Frame, at £140, can provide hours of active play, enhancing physical strength and coordination right at home. Similarly, the Hape Ride-On Balance Bike priced at £55 offers toddlers the opportunity to practice balance and coordination on their own terms.
And the creative play doesn’t stop there. The Rex London Coloured Chalk Eggs (around £4) can encourage artistic expression and fine motor skills as toddlers get involved with coloring. This toy is bound to help them start on their path to creativity and imagination.
So, if you’re on the hunt for toys for your one-year-old, keep these recommendations close at hand. Whether it’s something to stack, something to chase, or something to inspire creativity, there are plenty of options out there to support and engage their ever-growing curiosity. Luckily, with the right toys, your little one’s exploration of the world can be packed with excitement and learning!
And let’s be honest, any parent knows how quickly little ones outgrow their toys. Picking gifts and toys suitable for their age not only keeps them entertained but nurtures their development, meaning they will be learning through play without even realizing it.
