The Best Toys for a 1-Year-Old: Play, Learn, and Grow

Did you know that just 15 minutes of play can build millions of brain connections? Playing and interacting are some of the best ways to support your child’s development. Choosing the right toys can enhance their learning, motor skills, creativity, and overall growth. In this guide, we’ll look at how 1-year-olds play, how they can best be supported through play and help you find the perfect toys for your 1-year-old.

How Do 1-Year-Olds Play?

One-year-olds are naturally curious and love exploring the world through hands-on play. Understanding child development will help you select the most suitable toys for your child.

Key Developmental Play Behaviours:

• Independent Play: At this stage, children mostly play alone but enjoy watching others.
• Exploration: They love pushing, pulling, knocking things down, stacking, and filling containers.
• Imitation: Copying adult actions like cooking, cleaning, and taking care of dolls.
• Gross Motor Skills: Climbing, walking with support, and managing small steps.
• Cognitive Growth: Engaging with books, pointing at familiar objects, and responding to simple instructions.

What Should My 1-Year-Old Be Playing With?

Choosing toys that align with your child’s development ensures they stay engaged and learn new skills. One-year-olds should play with toys that meet their developmental needs, help them improve skills, and are appropriate for where they are in their development.

Toys for Learning & Cognitive Development

At age one, children start recognising objects, following simple directions, and using everyday items like cups. Toys that offer a form of interaction for your child are great at getting their brains working and learning.

Top Picks:

• Best Overall: Ms Rachel Speak and Sing Interactive Soft Doll
• Best Value: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Sis
• Most Popular: LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book

Pros: Encourages language development, improves problem-solving skills.

Cons: Some interactive toys may have a lot of noise, which can be overstimulating for some.

Physical & Motor Skill Development

By 12 months, most babies can pull themselves up, take a few steps, and sit without support. Toys that encourage movement help develop strength and coordination.

Top Picks:

• Best Overall: VTech Pop & Drop Digger
• Best Value: Woodlets Bead Maze
• Most Popular: LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book

Pros: Helps with hand-eye coordination, Encourages active movement

Cons: Some toys may require close supervision due to small parts

Bedtime Toys for Comfort & Relaxation

A soothing bedtime routine is essential for healthy sleep habits. The right bedtime toys can help children feel secure and relaxed.

Top Picks:

• Best Overall: Tonies Disney Baby Lullabies Audio Character
• Best Value: Little Senses Lullaby Glow Sleepy Time Friend
• Most Popular: Tonies Toniebox Starter Set – Red

Pros: Creates a calming bedtime routine, Provides sensory comfort

Cons: Some sound-based toys may disturb light sleepers

Toys for Bathtime Fun

Make bath time more enjoyable with interactive toys that engage and entertain your child.

Top Picks:

• Best Overall: ELC Bath Time Bakery Set
• Best Value: Little Lot Wind-Up Turtle
• Most Popular: Early Learning Centre Pink Bath Time Tea Party Set

Pros: Makes bath time more fun and interactive, Encourages sensory exploration

Cons: Water toys need regular cleaning to prevent mould

Toys for Outdoor Play & Exploration

Encourage fresh-air fun with these exciting outdoor toys that develop coordination and physical skills.

Top Picks:

• Best Overall: ELC Sand & Water Table with Lid
• Best Value: Mega Bloks First Builders
• Most Popular: Little Lot My First Ride-On, ELC Hop Along Dinosaur

Pros: These toys help to develop gross motor skills, balance, and coordination while keeping children physically engaged. Encourages sensory exploration.

Cons: Outdoor toy play is weather-dependent.

How do I choose the best toy for my 1-year-old?

Choosing the best toy for your 1-year-old should consider which toys offer the best support for your child’s development, interests, and safety. Look for:

• Developmental Fit: Choose toys that enhance motor skills, coordination, and learning, such as stacking blocks, push-along toys, or sensory play items.
• Engagement & Creativity: Open-ended toys, such as building blocks or dolls, encourage imaginative play.
• Safety First: Opt for non-toxic materials, no small parts, and sturdy construction to ensure safe playtime.

Are interactive toys better than traditional toys?

Both have benefits, and a mix of both toy types will offer your child the best play experience. Here is a brief overview of each type of toy for comparison:

• Interactive Toys: These teach cause and effect, early learning, and engagement through lights, sounds, and buttons. They are great for learning words and numbers.
• Traditional Toys: These toys foster creativity, problem-solving, and independent play without batteries or screens. They are often more durable and versatile.

How many toys should a 1-year-old have?

Less is more! A small selection of quality toys encourages deeper play and reduces overstimulation.

• Toy Rotation: Swap out toys every few weeks to keep them exciting.
• Balanced Selection: Aim for sensory, interactive, outdoor, and role-play toys to cover different developmental needs.

Every moment of play allows your little one to learn and grow. You can support their development by choosing the right toys while ensuring they have endless fun. Check out our range of Toys for 1-Year-Olds for more great options!

Read our disclaimers.