

This article was written by Julie Evans, a writer, and editor who has worked with a host of diverse companies including Microsoft, USA Today,, Brit + Co, CafeMom, and SheKnows among others. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician in South Overland Park, Kansas. Think about buying “Toys like books to read together or explore independently, cause and effect toys that have a light or sound when the child engages, balls to kick and throw, blocks to stack and tumble, dolls and stuffed animals, and tactile toys for texture exploration and fine motor play,” explains Dr. Consider what toys they already have and what skills they’re working on when you start shopping. Many toys on this list combine multiple skills in one, like the Melissa & Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Grocery Cart Push Toy, which helps teach shapes and colors while fostering imaginative play.

There’s a lot for one-year-olds to learn, from basic motor and language skills to letters, colors, sounds, and more. It’s also beneficial to think about whether the toy you’re buying is educational. For example, the Fisher-Price Light-Up Learning Vacuum has a recommended age range of 1-3, so you can guarantee it will be age-appropriate and engaging for at least two years, making it worth the purchase. You may want to look for one that children can use as they get older, instead of an expensive toy that’ll only be used for a few months. Watch out for toys with small parts that can be a choking hazard-generally, these toys are labeled 3+, Longevityīecause toddlers grow and progress so quickly, you’ll want to consider how long they’ll be able to use the toy you buy. Naturally, you’ll want to consider safety when purchasing a toy for a 1-year-old. This guideline is there to help you decide whether the toy is safe and stimulating enough (or too stimulating) for your child. What to Look for in a Toy for a 1-Year-Old Recommended AgeĪlways check the labels on the toys you’re considering, particularly the manufacturer’s recommended age. We researched and tested the best toys with their little ones, considering the recommended age, educational value, safety, and longevity of each. You want toys that will help toddlers develop new skills as they grow and will be enjoyed for years to come. It is also important to consider the lifespan of toys in your house. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician in South Overland Park, Kansas, encourages parents to consider "toys that hit all the developmental dimensions." This could mean wooden blocks that can help with fine motor skills and the concept of cause and effect or a ride-on toy that works those growing gross and fine motor skills. When buying a toy for a one-year-old, Dr. So, if you’re shopping for your kid or looking for a birthday gift for a one-year-old, we have suggestions for a wide range of toys that will inspire their senses and help them hone their growing skills. Whether your one-year-old is walking, crawling, or happy to sit-having some toys on hand is a must for busy households. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
