Gift Ideas for One Year Olds

If you're looking for gift ideas for a one year old, it's a great idea to buy a classic toy that has already stood the test of time. If it's something you played with as a child and it's still available today, that says something about the toy. Here are a few examples of classic toys that make great gifts for one year olds.

Shape Sorter

There are a lot of variations on this classic toy, but really, simple is best. My kids like the Fisher Price Brilliant Basics Baby's First Blocks. It's a bucket with a lid that has four shapes in three different colors. It's available at most toy stores from around $10. The blocks and bucket are made from sturdy plastic and are virtually indestructible. Your kids can play with this toy for years and even pass it on to their kids which is why it's the first on my list of great gift ideas for your one year old.

Snap-Lock Beads

Snap-lock beads are those large beads that snap together and can form necklaces, chains or anything else your child can imagine. A basic set from Fisher Price is around $10. Sassy also sells a neat set that has unique shapes and colors. Babies can enjoy playing with snap-lock beads even before they are one year old because they are fun to chew on, but starting around one year old, your child will be able to figure out how to pull them apart and put them together again - enabling them to work on their fine motor skills. Your child will also play with these beads for several years - my three year old still plays with them! That is why snap-lock beads make a great gift for a one year old.

Ring Stacker

Here again is another "brilliant basic" from Fisher Price. This toy has stood the test of time - there are lots of variations, but the basic idea is the same: a pole with rings your one year old can stack. This classic toy helps your kiddo to work on his fine motor skills while helping him to understand the concept of stacking in order of size. You can buy ones that light up and play music or just your basic rings stacked on a pole. Selling for around $10, this is another great basic gift idea for a toddler.

Walker/Rider

One year olds are usually at the age where they are learning to walk. A great gift idea if you have around $30 to spend is a walker that converts to a ride-on toy. A great example is the Hasbro Playskool Step Start Walk'n'Ride. It easily converts from a walker that helps your one year old become more sturdy on her feet to a cute little car she can ride on to help strengthen her chubby little legs.

Rocking Horse

You don't need to buy your one year old an old fashioned rocking horse if you don't want - there are dozens of options and just as many price ranges - from $25 to $125. However much you choose to spend, a rocker is a gift any one year old will love. My children play on their police motorcycle rocker several times a day.

Wagon

Every kid needs a wagon - as long as you're willing to go slow and - on some models - strap your child in, a wagon is a great gift idea for a one year old. Like all the other gift ideas, you have many options - from your classic Radio Flyer red wagon to the Radio Flyer Ultimate Family Wagon, complete with a canopy and cup holders. You can expect to spend at least $75 on a basic wagon, but since you'll be able to use it for years to come, it is well worth it.

Busy Ball Popper

This is a toy that is destined to become a classic. With its fun music and bright colors, the Playskool Busy Ball Popper can keep your kids busy for quite some time. Giggles will abound from the moment you turn this fun toy on. For around $30, you could become the favorite aunt or uncle because kids go crazy chasing the balls around.

Toddler Xylophone

Encourage your one year old to play music with a xylophone designed just for them. Our favorite is one that a toddler can bang on as a xylophone or strike the keys on like a piano. Little Tykes makes one that is shaped like a tiger and costs around $15. This is a classic toy that has been around for years and will be around for years to come.

Stacking Cups

Every child should have a good set of stacking cups in her toy arsenal. There are lots of different variations of this classic toy, but to me, the most basic set is the best set. Learning Curve makes a set that has large numbers and holes in each cup that correspond to the number to help your child gain some basic math skills. They can also work on their fine motor skills as they learn to stack. This gift makes a great stocking stuffer because it's available for around $7. Even though I listed this one last, it's a perfect gift idea for your one year old.

This is just a brief list of gift ideas, but all these toys are classic toys that have thrilled one year olds for years and are not just the latest craze. Whether you need to buy a gift for your own child or you have a friend or relative who has a one year old, any of these gift ideas are sure to please.