As caretakers, we aim to provide our little ones with toys that will spark their curiosity and support their development. Picture a world brimming with vibrant colors, engaging textures, and captivating sounds that will captivate and delight your one-year-old’s senses. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find the right toys that will genuinely inspire their imagination and promote their growth.
That's where our carefully curated list of the 15 best toys for one year olds comes in.
So, how can these toys stimulate your child's imagination and development? Stay tuned to discover the key features and benefits of each toy, and make informed choices that will set the stage for your little one's ongoing growth and exploration.
Key Takeaways
- The Bravmate Wooden Activity Cube for Toddlers, Toddler Wooden Race Track Car Ramp Racer with 4 Mini Cars, Toddler Montessori Dinosaur Educational Learning Toys, and Learning Toys for Toddlers: Farm Animals Montessori Set are all highly recommended toys for 1-year-olds.
- Safety and durability are important factors to consider when choosing toys for 1-year-olds.
- Educational value and interactive features are also key considerations.
- The article will provide a comprehensive list of 15 best toys for 1-year-olds that promote imagination and development.
Bravmate Wooden Activity Cube for Toddlers
The Bravmate Wooden Activity Cube for Toddlers is an engaging 8-in-1 toy designed to promote early learning and fine motor skills in children aged 12 months and up. This compact and sturdy cube offers various games and activities, including a detachable bead maze, stack and sort board, and shape word cards.
Made of natural rubber wood with rounded edges and non-toxic paint, it ensures safety while withstanding playtime antics. The cube isn't only educational, promoting counting, math skills, color and shape cognition, and fine motor skills, but also provides an engaging and interactive way for kids to develop their minds, senses, and coordination.
Its portability and storage convenience make it an excellent travel toy for on-the-go entertainment. With positive customer reviews highlighting its educational benefits, versatility, and durability, the Bravmate Wooden Activity Cube is a satisfying purchase that offers hours of engagement for toddlers.
Best For: Parents looking for an educational and engaging toy to promote early learning and fine motor skills in toddlers.
Pros:
- Offers 8-in-1 activities for versatile play and learning
- Made of natural rubber wood with rounded edges and non-toxic paint for safety
- Portable and compact design for on-the-go entertainment
Cons:
- Some customers may find the size of the toy to be smaller than expected
Toddler Wooden Race Track Car Ramp Racer with 4 Mini Cars
As parents of a one-year-old, we highly recommend the Toddler Wooden Race Track Car Ramp Racer with 4 Mini Cars for its safe and engaging design, perfect for fostering early developmental skills.
Made of high-quality wood and stained with non-toxic water-based paint, this toy meets the highest safety standards. Its unique top parking lot design and four bright ramp racers encourage hand-eye coordination and attention span development.
The compact and sturdy construction makes it easy to store, and the toy is suitable for indoor or outdoor play. Specifically designed for kids aged 1-2, it only allows one toy car to run through the ramp, ensuring safety and satisfaction.
Customer feedback has been positive, with some concerns about size and material. Overall, this race track car ramp racer provides functionality and entertainment value for children, making it an ideal gift for toddlers.
Best For: Ideal gift for 1-2 year old boys and girls who enjoy safe and engaging toys that promote early developmental skills.
Pros:
- Made of high-quality wood and stained with non-toxic water-based paint
- Encourages hand-eye coordination and attention span development
- Compact and sturdy, easy to store
Cons:
- Some concerns about the size and material of the toy
Toddler Montessori Dinosaur Educational Learning Toys
Ideal for developing fine motor skills and fostering early learning, the Toddler Montessori Dinosaur Educational Learning Toys are perfect for engaging one-year-olds in hands-on play. The toy features an Ankylosaurus-shaped body and 12 easy-to-grasp pieces in four colors, allowing toddlers to build color recognition, sorting, and counting skills.
Additionally, the dinosaur's mouth opens when placing the pieces inside, supporting fine motor skills development and offering potential for occupational therapy exercises. The toy's versatility makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities, and its easy storage feature ensures that the parts fit neatly inside the dinosaur.
Made from high-quality, BPA-free plastic, these educational toys have garnered positive feedback from customers regarding their durable construction. Ideal as gifts for toddlers aged 6 months and up, these dinosaur educational toys are suitable for various occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, and Easter.
Best For: Parents looking for educational toys to help toddlers aged 6 months and up develop fine motor skills and early learning.
Pros:
- Encourages color recognition, sorting, and counting skills
- Supports fine motor skills development
- Offers potential for occupational therapy exercises
Cons:
- Contains small pieces that may pose a choking hazard for younger children
Learning Toys for Toddlers: Farm Animals Montessori Set
Designed for the developing minds of curious toddlers, the Farm Animals Montessori Set offers engaging educational experiences for children aged 1 to 3. This 20-piece set features farm animal toys that can be used for counting, matching, and sorting activities, aiding in the development of hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
The barns included in the set have numbers and dots for learning numbers and colors, making it an ideal tool for teaching counting, color recognition, classification, and matching skills. Made of safe and lightweight materials, the animal toys are designed to be durable and non-fading.
The child-friendly design, high quality, and positive customer reviews make this Montessori set an ideal choice for toddlers' educational and developmental needs.
Best For: Parents looking for an educational and versatile toy that supports the development of hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills in toddlers aged 1 to 3.
Pros:
- Offers engaging and educational experiences for toddlers
- Durable and non-fading materials
- Can be used for various developmental activities such as counting, color recognition, and matching skills
Cons:
- Some users may find the need for a storage bag
VTech Prance and Rock Learning Unicorn, Multicolor, 12 to 36 Months
The VTech Prance and Rock Learning Unicorn is an interactive and versatile toy suitable for children aged 12 to 36 months, offering a range of engaging features to stimulate their learning and play. This toy features a transformable base that easily switches from a rocker to a ride-on toy, providing different ways for children to play.
It helps kids learn about colors, encourages imaginative play with songs, melodies, and playful phrases, and incorporates a motion sensor that responds with magical sounds and music. The ability to switch between Learning and Adventure modes ensures that children can enjoy varied play experiences.
While assembly may require a screwdriver, the overall satisfaction is high, with positive reviews praising the toy's versatility and enjoyment. With its attractive price point, the VTech Prance and Rock Learning Unicorn is definitely worth considering for babies aged 1 year and up.
Best For: Parents looking for a versatile and engaging toy to stimulate learning and imaginative play for their toddlers aged 12 to 36 months.
Pros:
- Versatile transformable base from rocker to ride-on toy
- Encourages imaginative play with songs, melodies, and playful phrases
- Motion sensor responds with magical sounds and music
Cons:
- May require a screwdriver for assembly
Kikapabi Magnetic Drawing Board for Toddlers (Pink)
When selecting toys for one-year-olds, high-quality and non-toxic materials are crucial for their safety and development. The Kikapabi Magnetic Drawing Board for Toddlers (Pink) fits the bill with its durable ABS plastic construction, non-toxic and BPA-free materials, and approval from US child safety testing for 1+ year-old kids.
The 8.7-inch drawing area and stable detachable drawing board leg provide a safe and comfortable space for toddlers to scribble and explore their creativity. This toy promotes color and shape cognition, practice numbers, and creative thinking, while also strengthening kids' concentration.
It's lightweight, portable, and mess-free, making it an ideal learning toy for toddler girls and boys. The positive customer reviews praise its quality, entertainment value, and convenience, making it a valuable addition to a one-year-old's toy collection.
Best For: Parents looking for a safe and entertaining early learning toy for their one to four-year-old children.
Pros:
- Non-toxic and BPA-free materials
- Promotes color and shape cognition, and creative thinking
- Lightweight and portable for travel activities
Cons:
- Short pen string may be inconvenient for some users
LUDILO Dinosaur and Car Toys for 1 Year Old Boy
Ideal for engaging and educating 1-year-old boys, the LUDILO Dinosaur and Car Toys offer a safe and colorful play experience. These toys are designed to be attractive, with a unique look and composed of 7 bright colors, making them visually stimulating for young children. The push and go cars feature a 4WD system that ensures the same speed of front and rear wheels, enhancing their speed and smooth movement. Safety is a top priority, as these toys meet US safety requirements, with quality ABS material and a round edge design to prevent any sharp parts or choking hazards. Customer reviews praise the durability and appeal of the toys, with many highlighting the ease of play for small hands. With their educational benefits and durable construction, these toys make for ideal gifts for 1-year-old boys, encouraging active play and cognitive development.
Best For: Parents looking for engaging and safe toys to stimulate cognitive development and sensory exploration in their 1-year-old boys.
Pros:
- Attractive and colorful design to stimulate curiosity and engagement
- Durable construction and safe materials for worry-free play
- Encourages active play and motor skill development
Cons:
- Limited to push and go action, may not appeal to all children's play preferences
ALASOU Animal Car Toys for 1-2 Year Old Boys
For parents seeking engaging and safe toys for their one-year-olds, the ALASOU Animal Car Toys offer a delightful and durable option to foster imaginative play and motor skills development. Made of sturdy non-toxic ABS material, these cars are the perfect size for little hands and feature smooth edges to prevent any potential harm.
With four cute animal designs – calf, dog, squirrel, and cat – and bright colors, these toys stimulate imagination and improve color recognition and practical ability. The cars are easy to operate, as they require no batteries; simply press the knob and watch them go, with the added feature of the animal's tail wagging as the car moves.
Lightweight, durable, and loved by both boys and girls, these ALASOU Animal Car Toys provide hours of fun, making them an ideal gift for birthdays, Christmas, or early education.
Best For: Parents seeking engaging and safe toys for their one-year-olds.
Pros:
- Safe and non-toxic material
- Stimulates imagination and improves color recognition and practical ability
- No batteries required, easy to operate
Cons:
- Some issues with broken cars reported by customers
Baby Montessori Sensory Toys
The Baby Montessori Sensory Toys are designed to stimulate and develop multiple skills in babies 6 months and up, making them an excellent choice for parents seeking engaging and educational toys. These multi-sensory activity toys use bright colors to stimulate babies' vision and feature soft, flexible edges, textured cords, and easy-to-hold grips.
Pulling the cords produces vibrations and sounds, while a popping bubble and movable sliding button function provide further sensory stimulation. These toys help to build multiple skills, including gross and fine motor skills, color recognition, cause and effect understanding, and hand muscle strength.
Made from food-grade silicone and BPA-free materials, they comply with the strictest international toy standards and are easy to clean. Additionally, they're travel-friendly, making them perfect for stroller, car trips, and airplane use, keeping little ones engaged and entertained while on the go.
Best For: Parents looking for engaging and educational toys to stimulate and develop multiple skills in babies 6 months and up.
Pros:
- Stimulates baby's vision with bright colors
- Develops gross and fine motor skills
- Travel-friendly for on-the-go entertainment
Cons:
- May be a bit bulky for very small bags
Hahaland Interactive Musical Robot Toy for 1 Year Old Boy
As parents of a one-year-old, we can appreciate the educational and developmental benefits that the Hahaland Interactive Musical Robot Toy offers, making it a valuable choice for young children.
This toy features movable eyes, arms, and legs with light, music, and sound, which not only entertains but also helps in the development of fine motor skills and visual-auditory senses.
The interactive play aspects, such as moveable arms, legs, and eyes with fun click sounds, encourage imagination and fine motor skill development.
We also value the safety and durability of this toy, as it's made of BPA-free, non-toxic, phthalate-free ABS with smooth edges for safe exploration.
While there are mixed opinions on durability and functionality from customer reviews, the overall feedback is positive, making it a recommended gift for 1-year-old boys and girls.
Best For: Parents looking for an interactive and educational toy to aid in the development of fine motor skills and visual-auditory senses for their 1-year-old child.
Pros:
- Movable eyes, arms, and legs with light, music, and sound
- Helps in the development of fine motor skills and imagination
- Made of BPA-free, non-toxic, phthalate-free ABS with smooth edges for safe exploration
Cons:
- Mixed opinions on durability and functionality
Magnetic Drawing Doodle Board for Toddlers (Pink)
Designed for toddlers aged 1-2, the Magnetic Drawing Doodle Board in pink offers a mess-free and easy-to-use creative tool for promoting color and shape cognition, creative thinking, and concentration. Its stable detachable board leg and high-quality large drawing area make it safe and perfect for toddlers. This non-toxic and BPA-free toy has been approved by US child safety testing. It's an ideal gift for kids aged 1-3 and suitable for occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year, and Children's Day. With dimensions of 15.4 x 10.9 x 1.5 inches and a weight of 1.61 pounds, it's lightweight and easy to assemble.
While it's praised for its vibrant colors and good size stylus, some customers have suggested improvements for the eraser bar, pen string, and the sturdiness of the legs for standing. Additionally, the board is travel-friendly and promotes learning and development, making it suitable for car, airplane, and road trip activities.
Best For: Parents looking for a safe and creative toy to promote color and shape cognition, creative thinking, and concentration in toddlers aged 1-3.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to assemble
- Durable with vibrant colors
- Good size stylus
Cons:
- Eraser bar and pen string could be improved
KIDWILL Wooden Hammering Pounding Toy for 12+ Months Kids
Perfect for 12+ months kids, the KIDWILL Wooden Hammering Pounding Toy offers a multifunctional play experience that enhances development and provides hours of entertainment. This toy set includes a pounding bench, xylophone, and a number maze puzzle, all designed to develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and strengthen arm muscles. Additionally, it encourages audio recognition, musical development, and aids in number recognition and brain workout.
Made with high-quality wood and safe, water-based paint, it's a safe and engaging option for toddlers aged 1-2. The product dimensions are 10 x 5.6 x 6 inches, making it suitable for young children. With positive customer reviews highlighting its entertainment value and educational benefits, the KIDWILL Wooden Hammering Pounding Toy stands out as a versatile and durable choice for toddlers.
Best For: Toddlers aged 12-24 months who enjoy interactive and educational play experiences.
Pros:
- Multifunctional toy set offering diverse activities for skill development
- High-quality wood and safe, water-based paint ensure safety and durability
- Encourages audio recognition, musical development, and number recognition
Cons:
- Some customers reported low-quality xylophone keys
Dumma Musical Bus Toys for Toddlers
The Dumma Musical Bus Toys for Toddlers is an ideal choice for one-year-olds who are beginning to explore colors, shapes, and music in their early learning journey. This toy, designed for active little ones, features a variety of cute animal sounds and music, promoting hand-eye coordination and color recognition. Its unique universal driving function and magical colorful blocks transform into animals, providing a fun and engaging experience for toddlers.
The toy also encourages crawling and movement, making it an excellent tool for developing motor skills. Constructed from high-quality ABS material, it ensures durability and safety for young children. Customer reviews praise its ability to engage active 1-year-olds and emphasize its safety features.
With its educational and entertaining elements, the Dumma Musical Bus is an excellent gift choice for boys, girls, preschoolers, and toddlers, promising to surprise and delight them.
Best For: Parents looking for an engaging and educational toy to help their active one-year-olds develop hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
Pros:
- Engages active 1-year-olds with cute animal sounds and music
- Promotes hand-eye coordination and color recognition
- Encourages crawling and movement
Cons:
- Smaller size than expected
VTech Pop-a-Balls Push & Pop Bulldozer,Yellow
Ideal for toddlers aged 12 months to 3 years, the VTech Pop-a-Balls Push & Pop Bulldozer, Yellow encourages curiosity and motor skill development through its engaging push-and-pop action and educational features. The push handle rolls the bulldozer, popping colorful balls out of the chimney into the bucket, captivating young minds.
Children can press buttons to learn colors, numbers, phrases, and music, providing an interactive learning experience. The motion sensors trigger fun tunes and songs, promoting attention and coordination while on the move. Additionally, the chunky handle promotes motor skill development.
With an average rating of 4.7 stars from 23,533 customer reviews, this toy has received positive feedback for its sturdiness, fun sounds, and value for money. It's a popular choice among parents and grandparents, making it a top contender for enhancing a toddler's playtime and development.
Best For: Parents and grandparents looking for an engaging and educational toy to enhance toddlers' playtime and motor skill development.
Pros:
- Encourages curiosity and motor skill development
- Interactive learning experience with colors, numbers, phrases, and music
- Motion sensors trigger fun tunes and songs, promoting attention and coordination
Cons:
- Requires new batteries for regular use
LiKee Montessori Shape Sorter Baby Toy for 1+ Year Old
LiKee Montessori Shape Sorter Baby Toy for 1+ Year Old offers a stimulating and developmentally beneficial play experience for toddlers. It aids in the enhancement of fine motor skills and early logic through interactive shape sorting activities.
The toy features double bands on one side and single bands on the other four sides. This allows for varying levels of difficulty to develop fine motor skills. As babies grow, they can sort the shapes in the correct holes, facilitating learning of shapes and early logic.
The sensory blocks inside the shape sorter keep babies entertained for extended periods, promoting patience and impatience. Moreover, the variety of textures on the blocks stimulates the fingers, encouraging tactile exploration and sensory development.
This colorful and educational toy not only makes a wonderful gift for infants, babies, and toddlers but also offers lasting entertainment and developmental benefits.
Best For: Parents looking for a stimulating and educational toy to aid in the development of their infant or toddler's fine motor skills and early logic.
Pros:
- Offers varying levels of difficulty to develop fine motor skills.
- Keeps babies entertained for extended periods, promoting patience and impatience.
- Stimulates sensory development through tactile exploration.
Cons:
- Some customers found the product to be smaller than expected.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Toys for One Year Olds

When choosing toys for one year olds, we focus on safety standards, developmental benefits, age-appropriate features, material durability, and educational value.
These factors guide our decisions to ensure that the toys aren't only fun but also contribute to the child's growth and learning.
Toy Safety Standards
Considering the safety of one-year-olds when choosing toys involves ensuring they're made from non-toxic materials and comply with international safety regulations to protect children during playtime.
It's crucial to look for toys with smooth edges and rounded corners to prevent potential injuries. Additionally, opting for toys made from high-quality and durable materials that can withstand the activities of a one-year-old is essential for promoting safety and longevity.
Check for toys that have been tested to meet the highest toy safety standards, assuring parents of the toy's safety for their one-year-old. It's also important to consider toys made from BPA-free, non-toxic materials that comply with strict international toy standards to ensure the safety and well-being of one-year-olds.
Developmental Benefits
When selecting toys for one-year-olds, it's important to consider the developmental benefits they offer. For instance, toys designed to promote counting, math skills, color and shape cognition, and fine motor skills can be instrumental in aiding the development of kids' minds, senses, and coordination.
Engaging and interactive toys can help in the development of hand-eye coordination, attention span, and sensory exploration activities. Additionally, educational toys that encourage cognitive development, color recognition, sorting, and counting skills are beneficial.
Furthermore, toys that stimulate imagination, develop fine motor skills, and strengthen hand muscles are crucial for overall development. Therefore, when choosing toys for one-year-olds, it's essential to opt for ones that provide such developmental benefits to support their growth and learning.
Age-Appropriate Features
A one-year-old's toys must feature bright colors, sensory stimulation, and textured surfaces to encourage tactile exploration and sensory development. Additionally, easy-to-grasp shapes and blocks aid in developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Interactive toys with simple cause-and-effect actions, like push-and-go cars or pop-up features, engage and entertain one-year-olds while supporting cognitive development. Compact, lightweight, and easy-to-handle toys enable independent play and exploration.
Safety is paramount, so toys for one-year-olds should have smooth edges, non-toxic materials, and sturdy construction for safe and enjoyable play. Considering these age-appropriate features ensures that toys not only entertain but also contribute to the overall development of one-year-olds.
Material Durability
Exploring toys for one-year-olds involves considering material durability and ensuring that the toys can withstand the physical activities and playtime antics of toddlers while still meeting safety standards. It's essential to opt for toys made from high-quality and safe materials to ensure durability and safety.
Sturdy construction is crucial to endure the rough handling and active play of toddlers. Check for smooth edges and non-toxic paint to provide protection for children while playing. Considering the toy's ability to withstand wear and tear over time is important, especially with the active play typical of this age group.
Prioritizing durability not only ensures the longevity of the toy but also contributes to the child's safety during playtime.
Educational Value
As parents or caregivers navigating the world of toys for one-year-olds, we prioritize educational value. We seek toys that support cognitive development and fine motor skills. It's crucial to consider toys that promote cognitive development, fine motor skills, color and shape recognition, and early math skills.
Look for interactive toys that engage children in stimulating activities to develop their minds, senses, and coordination. Consider toys that align with the Montessori educational philosophy, providing engaging and educational experiences for toddlers.
Choose toys that support the development of hand-eye coordination, attention span, and sensory exploration for comprehensive skill-building. Additionally, select toys that can grow with the child's development, providing educational value across different stages of early childhood.
Prioritizing educational value in toys for one-year-olds lays a strong foundation for their future learning and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Materials Used in These Toys Safe for One-Year-Olds to Play With?
Yes, the materials used in these toys are safe for one-year-olds to play with. We ensure that the toys are made from non-toxic, durable materials that are suitable for young children.
Safety is our top priority, and we conduct thorough testing to guarantee that the toys meet all safety standards. You can trust that our toys are designed with your child's well-being in mind.
How Can Parents Encourage Their One-Year-Olds to Play With These Toys in a Way That Promotes Development?
We encourage our little ones to play with these toys by engaging with them and modeling how to use each toy.
We foster their curiosity and exploration by providing open-ended toys that allow for imaginative play.
By praising their efforts and creativity, we help them build confidence and develop important skills.
Our involvement and positive reinforcement create a nurturing environment that encourages our one-year-olds to embrace new experiences and learn through play.
Can These Toys Be Easily Cleaned or Sanitized?
Yes, these toys can be easily cleaned and sanitized. We've found that most of them are made of washable materials, and some are even dishwasher safe.
This makes it convenient for us to keep the toys clean and free from germs, ensuring a safe environment for our little ones to play and learn. It's an important aspect for us as parents, and we appreciate the practicality of these toys in that regard.
Do Any of These Toys Require Batteries or Additional Accessories for Full Functionality?
Yes, some of these toys require batteries or additional accessories for full functionality. It's important to check the product descriptions to see if any extra items are needed.
This can affect the overall cost and convenience of the toy. We'll make sure to include this information when recommending specific toys for one-year-olds.
Are There Any Specific Safety Precautions or Recommendations for Using These Toys With One-Year-Olds?
When using these toys with one-year-olds, we always ensure to check for any small parts that could pose a choking hazard. We also make sure that the toys are made of non-toxic materials and have smooth edges to prevent any injuries.
We keep a close eye on the little ones while they play and encourage safe exploration. Safety is our top priority when it comes to selecting and using toys for our one-year-olds.
What are some educational benefits of the best toys for one year olds?
The best toys for 1yearolds engage young minds, fostering developmental milestones through play. They support cognitive growth by improving hand-eye coordination, encouraging problem-solving skills, and facilitating language acquisition as toddlers navigate and interact with their playful tools of learning.
Can Wagons Also Help with a One Year Old’s Development and Imagination?
Wagons are fantastic for a one-year-old’s development and imagination. The best wagons for kids can provide a sense of adventure and exploration, while also improving gross motor skills. They encourage outdoor play and can be a great tool for imaginative play, making them a valuable investment in your child’s early development.
Conclusion
As we watch our little ones grow and explore the world around them, it's important to provide them with toys that will spark their imagination and aid in their development.
Just like a symphony conductor leading a beautiful melody, the right toys can guide our one year olds on a journey of discovery and learning.
With the right toys, we can nurture their creativity and help them flourish into bright, curious individuals.