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It seems like just five minutes ago that your little bundle of joy made a grand entrance into your life – and now you’re getting ready to blow out candles on their very first birthday cake. Turning one is a milestone that kids might not remember, but you certainly will. Whether you're celebrating a first birthday, shopping for Christmas, or looking for the perfect gift "just because," I’m here to help with a curated roundup of the best gifts for one-year-olds.
Whatever you choose to buy, in the immediate moments after said present is unveiled there’s a good chance that your toddler is going to care about nothing more than the wrapping paper. But remember, children this young develop at pace and, as the months go on, you’ll quickly see how they grow into their gifts, with each one supporting your child to learn, explore and discover a different aspect of the world.
It’s for this reason, the best gifts for one-year-olds are those with staying power. They’re not necessarily flashy, loud and distracting gifts so much as they are creative, skills-boosting and durable. Plus, the joys of having a child who’s not yet aware of what a birthday or Christmas present actually is, is that you can buy something that’s a gift to parents as much as to tots.
My favourite gift for one-year-olds overall is The Learning Tower Company’s play tower (£149.99, Learningtowers.co.uk) – I think it’s a gamechanger and well worth the investment. That said, I completely understand it might be out of budget for some, so I’ve also included a range of great gift ideas at various price points. Whether you’re a parent, extended family member, close friend, or guardian, I hope you’ll find the perfect present for one-year-olds here.
How I tested
A wide range of gifts were tested over a series of months, with help from my toddler. While putting the products through their paces, I considered the following:
- Engagement levels: I assessed how well each gift kept my little one entertained, and whether the product helped to develop skills.
- Ease of maintenance: I checked how easy each gift was to clean and how durable each seemed.
- Parent-friendliness and aesthetics: I also awarded points for how good the gifts looked and if parents are able to get involved with play.
- Price point: I considered cost and whether the gifts provide good value for money.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
The Independent’s product reviews section, IndyBest, hosts product reviews from expert testers. Our knowledgeable reviewers use these products as you would in your own home to bring you an impartial list of the very best. IndyBest’s expert parenting writers have tested everything from baby monitors to high chairs and travel cots as well as a range of gifts and toys aimed at different age groups.
Alicia Miller is an award-winning lifestyle writer who has tested everything from the best Moses baskets to the best baby snowsuits for IndyBest. In her reviews, Alicia shares her honest opinions and will only recommend products she believes are worth your money.
The best gifts for one-year-olds 2025 are:
- Best overall – The Learning Tower Company the play tower: £149.99, Learningtowers.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Tomy toomies do re mi dolphins bath toy set: £16.99, Smythstoys.com
- Best activity table – Little Smoby activity table: £56.06, Amazon.co.uk
- Best timeless toy – Mamas and Papas rocking horse: £94.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best puzzle – Jojo Maman Bébé fruit tray puzzle: £18, Jojomamanbebe.co.uk
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