The Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds, According to Child Development Experts

Think of a Jellycat as an investment in a years-long buddy for your one-year-old. They are fantastically plush and cuddly and last forever—one Fatherly tester confirmed his kiddo has used one nightly for four years. They are a perfect size for full body spooning when your child is little which makes them a serious comforting tool and they squeeze down nicely into carry-on luggage for when your child wants to bring them on vacation.

Essential equipment for most toys on this list, the Toy Bungee secures most items so that when they fall (and trust us, they will fall or be thrown or dropped), you won't sprain your back after repeated returns. The silicone tether is dishwasher-safe and super durable.

The VEER Cruiser is pricey for a wagon, but its sheer utility makes it a worthwhile investment. Burly hard plastic wheels go off road with ease, and they’re coupled with a sturdy handle, making Cruiser feel nimble even on rough terrain. Myriad optional accessories like the snack tray and car seat kit make this and ideal cruiser for walks.

The Deep Sea Adventure is a jellyfish with four quadrants that deliver dozens of toddler-stimulating activities in a stout four-legged form that doubles as a steadying table for shaky legs as kids play. This heirloom-quality wood activity center offers a world of tactile play in each quadrant and when your toddler grows out of it, the Deep Sea Adventure will make a proud hand-me-down gift thanks to its sturdy build.

The simple joy a child gets from a nicely balanced rocker means it will likely take up some real estate in your home for years, so you might as well like how it ties the room together. This Plush Rocker is a legacy piece that can be passed down from one sibling to another and even jump between generations thanks to its sturdy wooden frame and plush furlike exterior.

Mega Bloks have been a staple toy for toddlers since the 80s for good reason—their oversized easy-to-connect building units make creating one’s first structures very straightforward for small learning hands. A big enough set of them can also act as a stress relieving building kit for dads who are looking to take on some Lego-like projects with lower stakes and bigger pieces.

Simple, repetitive motions are the bread and butter of early brain development and few toys translate this as straightforwardly as this Pound and Tap Hammer Bench from Fat Brained Toys. Its brilliant colors engage young minds and the easy to use mallet and pegs will help mitigate frustration meltdowns.

Attached Crroaky the frog to a door or wall and your little one can make a noise by banging its mouth closed. Both active and noisy, kids love it. It sticks to just about any vertical surface, no drilling required.

Chock full of the industry-leading Montessori toys, a box of goodies arrives every three months, making this a gift that keeps on giving. From puzzles to learning aids, it's got it all in forms sure to please a little one. It's also tailored to specific ages, ensuring your child is never without an appropriate challenge.

If you're looking for a total splurge, the kind of gift that will make your toddler go nuts, behold this stunner of a play kitchen. It's made by Amish artisans from sustainable Baltic birch and North American maple, and topped with water-based, low-VOC, and HAPs-free finishes. It's a keepsake that will last for years, and it's also perfect for pretend play, as kids cook up dinner, and clean up.