A first birthday is more for the parents than the baby, yet the gift should still be useful and safe. At one, children learn to walk, explore objects with hands and mouth and start to talk, so the best gifts support that development. Here are gift ideas for a one-year-old — developmental, practical, keepsakes and for the parents — plus what to avoid.
For first steps: a push walker with a handle, a ride-on or push car and big soft balls, which encourage walking and balance.
For hands and logic: a shape sorter, stacking rings, soft blocks, a busy board, bath toys or sandpit moulds — all with large pieces and no small parts.
For language: board books with big pictures, touch-and-feel books and musical toys with animal sounds.
Practical gifts
Clothes a size up (children grow fast), first shoes only if you know the size, bedding, suction-base tableware or a backpack for nursery later.
Check big items such as a table and chair, a ball pit or a slide with the parents first to avoid duplicates and space problems.
Keepsakes
A ‘My First Year’ photo book, a hand and foot print kit, a personalised birth poster or a silver spoon are treasured for years.
The first year is a big milestone for the parents too. Give a family photo shoot voucher, help with the party, a cake, ‘1’ balloons or flowers for mum.
Check the ‘12+ months’ label and safety certification, and avoid small parts, magnets, button batteries, toys with strong smells and long cords.
Skip sweets, very loud toys and a tenth teddy bear. If unsure, ask the parents what they need, or give money in a nice envelope towards a bigger purchase.
More ideas for children of all ages are in the ‘Children’ section of our gift ideas hub.
Party extras and gifts with delivery
We deliver helium balloons, a soft toy or a bouquet for mum across Kyiv and Ukraine in time for the party, with a card carrying your words.
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
Birthday
Hydrangeas