Safe and Practical Gifts for a One-Year-Old

As today is my youngest granddaughter's first birthday, I'm hoping she loves the baby doll I sent her in the mail that coos "I love you." If you're like me and have raised only boys, it's a joy to shop for dolls and filly dresses after years of buying cars and trucks.

Let's face it---As doting parents and grandparents, we can get carried away when selecting gift for our grandchild's first birthday. What does a one-year-old really need? What's more, how can be sure are gifts are age appropriate as well as safe?

First, don't forget that one-year-olds put everything in their mouths so you need to make sure your gift doesn't have any small parts that can be choking hazards.
It's also good to keep it simple. You don't have to spend a lot of money on a one-year-old. I still remember my older son's first Christmas. After spending too much money on elaborate toys, I remember how he was more intrigued with the Christmas wrapping paper and boxes than the actual toys.

Be careful not to over stimulate your one-year old with too many gifts. Overdoing it can easily make a one-year-old ignore all of them or over excite him (or her)
Also, remember that at this early age one, it's also a good opportunity to be practical. In other words, instead of spending all your money on toys, why not split it between a special toy and an outfit. Not only will your one-year-old be ready for a first birthday picture, but Mom and Dad will appreciate it as well.

Musical toys---Any toys that make different sounds are good choices for your one-year-old. Besides music boxes, one-year-olds love xylophones, tambourines, sticks and thing that makes "music." In fact, some toddler pop-up books have musical songs included in their stories.

Stuffed toys and animals---What one-year-old doesn't break into a smile at the sight of a teddy bear or other soft, stuffed animal? Instead of buying stuffed animals, I enjoy crocheting teddy bears for my grandchildren. If your one-year-old is having a birthday close to Christmas, why not give him (or her) a Santa bear or another stuffed animal to make baby's second Christmas special.

Outsized blocks---Peek inside any daycare or nursery and you'll probably catch a toddler busy building blocks. Blocks for one-year-olds are best if they're plastic or cloth rather than wooden as toddlers sometimes throw wooden blocks at their playmates.

Activity Learning Centers---Why not select a play kitchen for your little princess or a "car center" for grandpa's pint-sized helper?

Push or pull toys--Wagons are excellent as one-year-olds are just beginning to walk. On the other hand, little girls love to push their own miniature vacuum cleaners, baby strollers, and shopping baskets.

Stacking cubes and blocks---These toys teach your one-year-old sorting and motor skills.

This is just a small list to give you a few ideas. I'm sure I visit to your local toy store can give you other suggestions for your special one-year-old.