Turning one is a big deal for children and their parents. Here you’ll find some thoughtful first birthday gift ideas to help you celebrate.
My daughter turned one and I cried.
How had the time gone by so quickly? More importantly, how did I survive?
My journey from conception to one year was messy, joyful, challenging, and down-right exhausting. My child had endured the doctor appointments, the growing pains that accompany the one-year baby milestones, and was gracious to my husband and me as we tried to figure out this thing called parenting. There was no way we weren’t celebrating.
If you are a parent or you know parents with a baby that is turning one CON-GRAT-U-LATIONS! The first year isn’t easy. Now, it’s time to celebrate like you’ve had eight-plus hours of sleep!
**There are no affiliate links in this post. I’ve made these recommendations based on my own experiences with similar products and window shopping adventures.
Disclaimer: As with all children’s products, adult supervision is required.
Here are some first birthday gift ideas for kids and a couple for parents too.
Best First Birthday Gift Ideas for Kids
Vocabulary Cards
Gifting vocabulary cards may not be your first idea but the portability and usefulness of these adorable early learning cards will change your mind. We bought our first set for our little one from a cute little shop in Amsterdam and they became our most frequently used early learning tool while on planes, trains, and in automobiles.
Stackable Toys
We may not understand why children enjoy the boxes that toys come inside more than toys and the same goes for basic stackables. I mean…how much fun could they be – stack and move on right? Wrong. Our little one enjoyed her stackables and still uses them now, even as a busy toddler. Admittedly, our first set of stackables were plastic but these wooden ones are 10x more adorable.
Indoor Slide
If you think play should be left for outdoors, this may not be the gift for you. However, I can attest that having slides and items designed for climbing, not just furniture, is a great way to keep children busy.
Wooden Blocks
Wooden blocks have been around for decades because they are the most perfect and simple tactile play item. If you get do invest in blocks, I highly recommend ones with letters, numbers, or dots (like on dice). They are great for tons of early learning for toddlers. I use large dice to teach math and blocks with letters to help with blending (reading). The simplest of toys are often the most useful long after just the first year. 😉
Busy Board
At first glance, it may seem that parents buying busy boards for their children are trying to teach them to be locksmiths (an honorable trade); however, busy boards are great for encouraging problem-solving skills and fine motor skills. The locks require twisting and turning with the fingers, the zippers require up and down motion, the entire board can be intriguing to a child. My husband decided to go to Lowes and make his own busy board for our daughter is was great. The best part is sitting back and watching.
Punch Drop
I look at this toy and think of the noise is must create. Why? My daughter’s grandparents on both sides gifted toys that created lots of noise – even a piano. So. I know that children enjoy these toys because, from one-year-old to now, the noise hasn’t stopped.
Alphabet Puzzles
It’s a toy. It’s a puzzle. It’s an early learning gift. It’s the perfect tool for ABC scavenger hunts in the garden and in the house. If the little one in your life doesn’t have an alphabet puzzle, get one. It’s a great gift that is multi-functional. Also, choosing a wood version helps to reduce plastic waste.
Personalized Stuffed Animal
Few things show thoughtfulness like personalized or monogrammed gifts. Head over to this Etsy shop for this bunny and other gifts like blankets and throws that can be gifted with the child’s name on it.
Personalized Name + Number + Shape Puzzle
Did you know that teaching the alphabet in order is 100% unnecessary? Often times, children learn the letters in their name first, it makes sense. That’s why this sweet pastel puzzle is a great first birthday gift. It introduces your little one to shapes, letters, and numbers. It’s brilliant!
Toddler-friendly Dinnerware
If the little one is still breastfeeding, no problem. Dinnerware gifts are easily set aside until it’s the right time. We enjoy bamboo dinnerware because it durable, easy to clean, and we don’t worry about toxins leaching from plastics. I’ve also added the collapsible snack cups because if it were not for a simple version of this product, I would have had to triple my vacuuming instead of just doubling it.
Rolling Toy Chest
The rolling chest doubles as a storage basket and if you are trying to organize toy clutter, baskets are a must. There are tons of different types of rolling baskets but the sleep lines of this one is nice and can transition to a toddler space easily.
Pull Toys
Pulls toys are adorable and they don’t make much noise unless they are hitting the wall. Keep your little one busy with this sweet giraffe and be mindful of the string attachment during playtime for optimum safety.
Your Turn
Do you have any great first birthday gift ideas that aren’t listed? Drop a comment below.
