Finding the perfect gift for a one-year-old girl can be a joyous yet sometimes overwhelming task. At this age, little ones are rapidly developing, exploring the world with newfound curiosity, and reaching exciting milestones daily. Forget the pressure of extravagant presents; for a one-year-old, the simplest joys often bring the biggest smiles. Think about activities they adore: pushing, pulling, stacking, sorting, and the timeless fascination with putting things in and taking them out of containers – even an empty box can become a source of endless entertainment!
According to Tovah Klein, Director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development, “It’s a very active time” for one-year-olds. This period is crucial for fostering growth, exploration, and development through play. To simplify your search, we’ve curated a list of exceptional gifts that are not only fun but also encourage essential developmental skills in one-year-old girls. From budget-friendly options to investment pieces, discover presents that will spark joy and learning at every stage of her first year and beyond.
Top Gift Ideas for a 1-Year-Old Girl
Best Budget-Friendly Gifts (Under $25)
Classic Learning Fun: Fisher-Price Baby’s First Blocks
Fisher-Price Baby's First Blocks shape sorter toy, colorful bucket with various shaped blocks
Baby’s First Blocks from Fisher-Price are an enduring classic for a reason. This shape-sorting toy isn’t just about fun; it’s a fantastic tool for introducing shapes and colors. As little girls learn to match the blocks to their corresponding holes, they develop problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. When playtime is over, the blocks conveniently store inside the bucket, making cleanup a breeze.
Avocado Emotion Exploration: Learning Resources Learn-a-Lot Avocados
Learning Resources Learn-A-Lot Avocados toy, two avocado halves with expressive faces and a spinning pitFor a gift that’s both educational and adorable, consider the Learning Resources Learn-a-Lot Avocados. These pull-apart avocados feature spinning “pits” with different facial expressions, introducing emotions in a playful way. This toy helps develop fine motor skills as she takes them apart and puts them back together, while also learning about colors and feelings.
Interactive Sea Turtle Learning: VTech Touch and Teach Sea Turtle
VTech Touch & Teach Sea Turtle interactive learning toy, a smiling sea turtle with numbered and lettered buttons on its shellThe VTech Touch & Teach Sea Turtle is a hit with parents and grandparents alike, and makes a wonderful gift for a one-year-old girl. This interactive learning toy engages little ones with bright lights, catchy tunes, and fundamental lessons like numbers and the alphabet. It encourages early reading skills and keeps them actively involved in learning.
Perfect for Little Hands: Melissa & Doug Farm Animals Jumbo Knob Puzzle
Melissa & Doug Farm Animals Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle, a wooden puzzle board with farm animal pieces and large knobsMelissa & Doug puzzles are known for their quality and developmental benefits, and the Farm Animals Jumbo Knob Puzzle is no exception. Designed with extra-large knobs, it’s perfect for small hands to grasp and manipulate. This puzzle helps develop fine motor skills and animal recognition. Jen Birkhofer, Commerce Vice President, notes that even her two and four-year-olds still enjoy this puzzle, highlighting its lasting appeal.
A Cuddly First Friend: Gund Toothpick Teddy Bear
Gund Toothpick Teddy Bear stuffed animal, a soft off-white teddy bear with a slender design
A soft and cuddly companion is always a welcome gift for a one-year-old girl. The Gund Toothpick Teddy Bear is an excellent choice, available in corduroy for tactile exploration or jaunty stripes for visual interest. Its small size makes it ideal for taking along in a stroller or for cozy snuggles at home. Consider the Marie from “The Aristocats” or Patch from “101 Dalmatians” versions for character appeal.
Repetitive Play for Learning: Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube
Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube, a wooden cube with different shaped holes and corresponding blocksThe Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube is a classic toy that capitalizes on a one-year-old’s fascination with putting things in and taking them out. This wooden cube helps develop shape recognition and fine motor skills as she fits the different shapes into their slots. The simple act of sorting and filling provides hours of engaging, repetitive play.
Musical Exploration: Baby Einstein Magic Touch Ukulele
Baby Einstein Magic Touch Ukulele Wooden Musical Toy, a colorful toy ukulele with touch-sensitive buttonsIntroduce a love for music early with the Baby Einstein Magic Touch Ukulele. This 2-in-1 toy ukulele and banjo plays six popular melodies and features buttons for animal sounds. It’s a fun way to develop auditory senses and rhythm, allowing for musical exploration without complicated controls.
Barnyard Fun: Melissa & Doug Go Tots Barnyard Tumble
Melissa & Doug Go Tots Barnyard Tumble playset, a wooden barn with animal figures rolling down ramps
The Melissa & Doug Go Tots Barnyard Tumble offers a delightful rolling and tumbling experience for little ones. This set features round animal figures that are perfect for rolling down the barnyard ramps. It encourages cause-and-effect learning and imaginative play. Think of it as a toddler-friendly version of Connect 4, promoting fine motor skills and fun.
Bath Time Adventure: Playmobil Junior Aqua Moana’s Boat
Playmobil Junior Aqua Moana's Boat playset, Moana and Heihei figures in separate boats with floating flowersMake bath time an oceanic adventure with the Playmobil Junior Aqua Moana’s Boat. Featuring Moana and Heihei figures in their own boats, plus floating flowers that can spray water, this set transforms bath time into imaginative play. Associate editor Kamari Stewart gifted this to her friend’s son and reports it’s so beloved that bath time extensions are common!
On-the-Go Entertainment: Esjay Toddler Busy Board
Esjay Toddler Busy Board, a fabric busy board with multiple sensory activities like zippers, buttons, and bucklesFor families on the move, the Esjay Toddler Busy Board is a fantastic gift idea. This Montessori-inspired busy board has eight pages of sensory activities that are both fun and educational, perfect for keeping a one-year-old girl entertained during travel. It’s even Amazon’s “No. 1 Most Gifted” in its category, highlighting its popularity and usefulness.
Developmental Toys for 1-Year-Old Girls
Stacking and Building Skills: Mushie Stacking Cups
Mushie Stacking Cups Toy, a set of colorful stacking cups in pastel shades, made in Denmark
Mushie Stacking Cups are not only aesthetically pleasing with their Danish design and soft color palettes, but they are also excellent for development. Stacking cups are a classic toy for one-year-olds, allowing them to practice building towers and knocking them down, a favorite activity at this age. This set of six comes in various beautiful colorways.
Sensory Exploration: Melissa & Doug Peek-a-Boo Touch and Feel Puzzle
Melissa & Doug Peek-a-Boo Touch and Feel Puzzle, a wooden puzzle with textured animal pieces and a mirrorFor a tactile learning experience, the Melissa & Doug Peek-a-Boo Touch and Feel Puzzle is ideal. This puzzle features different textures for little fingers to explore, enhancing sensory development. It’s a great first puzzle, helping one-year-old girls learn to fit pieces together while engaging their sense of touch.
Multi-Activity Learning: LeapFrog Touch & Learn Wooden Activity Cube
LeapFrog Touch & Learn Wooden Activity Cube, a wooden cube with interactive panels featuring buttons, shapes, and musical elementsThe LeapFrog Touch & Learn Wooden Activity Cube is packed with various activities to keep a one-year-old girl engaged. This eco-friendly cube features interactive panels with buttons, shapes, and musical elements, offering a wide range of learning opportunities in one toy. Marissa Silva, editor-in-chief at The Toy Insider, praised it for its extensive play value and environmental consciousness.
Rhythmic Fun: Hape Baby Drum
Hape Baby Drum musical toy, a colorful rolling drum with lights and melodies
Introduce rhythm and music with the Hape Baby Drum. Drums are excellent for developing fine motor skills and rhythm. This drum also rolls around, emitting melodies and flashing lights to further captivate and stimulate a one-year-old girl’s senses.
Storytime Train Adventure: Eric Carle “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Train Set
Eric Carle The Very Hungry Caterpillar Train Set, a wooden train set featuring caterpillar segments and animal charactersBring a beloved story to life with the Eric Carle “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Train Set. This train is perfectly sized for little hands to push, pull apart, and put back together. It’s a wonderful way to introduce colors and animals from the classic story, blending literacy with play.
Imaginative Woodland Play: Gund Baby Play Soft My Woodland Friends
Gund Baby Play Soft My Woodland Friends playset, a mushroom house carrying case with plush woodland animal toysSpark imagination with the Gund Baby Play Soft My Woodland Friends set. This five-piece set includes plush woodland creatures like a snail crinkle, acorn rattle, and fox and squirrel squeakers, all housed in a charming mushroom carrying case. It encourages imaginative play and sensory exploration, and the carrying case makes it portable for playtime anywhere.
Independent Play Encourager: Fat Brain Toys Innybin
Fat Brain Toys Innybin, a cube with elastic bands and chunky shaped blocks to push in and pull out
The Fat Brain Toys Innybin is designed to captivate and encourage independent play. Featuring textured, chunky blocks that little hands can push into and pull out of elastic bands, this toy is mesmerizing for one-year-olds. Rebecca Brown, Deals Editor, shares her son’s fascination with this toy, noting how it allows him to explore and retrieve toys independently.
Comforting and Cozy: Warmies Microwavable Plush Animal
Warmies Microwaveable Plush Sloth, a soft plush sloth that can be microwaved for warmth and lavender scentOffer comfort and warmth with a Warmies Microwavable Plush Animal. These adorable stuffed animals, available in various characters, are scented with French lavender and can be microwaved to provide soothing warmth. Perfect for bedtime, travel, or simply comforting moments, they also gently teach nurturing and care.
Curated Playtime Experience: Lalo Play Boxes
Lalo Play Box, a curated box of age-appropriate toys designed for infant development
For parents seeking ease and developmental expertise, Lalo Play Boxes are an excellent choice. These curated boxes contain research-backed, age-appropriate toys designed to stimulate development at each stage of infancy. Rebecca Brown recommends them for their convenience and developmental focus, noting they are “great for exhausted parents” seeking the “right” toys.
Sensory and Active Play: Stapelstein Inside Rainbow
Stapelstein Inside Rainbow, a set of colorful nesting and stacking stones for sensory and active playThe Stapelstein Inside Rainbow offers versatile sensory and active play opportunities. These nesting and stacking stones can be used for climbing, building towers, drumming, and even bath time fun. Kamari Stewart gifted these and highlights their versatility and the one-year-old’s fascination with them in various play scenarios, including bath time.
Active Play Investment: Little Big Playroom Ball Pit
Little Big Playroom Ball Pit, a foam ball pit with colorful plastic balls
While a larger investment, the Little Big Playroom Ball Pit is described by Rebecca Brown as a “gift for everyone” in the family. This ball pit, made with thick foam and including 200 plastic balls, provides hours of active play. It encourages climbing, imaginative play, and even cooperative play between siblings of different ages, offering long-term entertainment value.
Best Push, Pull, and Ride-On Toys for 1-Year-Old Girls
Push and Pop Fun: VTech Pop-a-Balls Push & Pop Bulldozer
VTech Pop-a-Balls Push & Pop Bulldozer, a yellow bulldozer toy that pops balls out of the chimney
The VTech Pop-a-Balls Push & Pop Bulldozer is a bestseller designed for ages one to three. This engaging toy pops balls out of the chimney into the bucket as it’s pushed, encouraging movement and cause-and-effect learning. It’s perfect for girls who are starting to walk and explore their surroundings.
Pretend Play and Walking Support: Melissa & Doug Wooden Shape-Sorting Grocery Cart
Melissa & Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Grocery Cart Toy, a wooden grocery cart with shape sorting features and puzzle piecesThe Melissa & Doug Wooden Shape-Sorting Grocery Cart is a versatile gift that serves as a walker, shape sorter, and pretend play prop all in one. It comes with puzzle boards and chunky pieces to enhance motor skills and sorting abilities. The cart also encourages imaginative play as she mimics grocery shopping like grown-ups.
First Steps Companion: VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker
VTech Sit-To-Stand Learning Walker, a blue walker with interactive buttons, lights, and sounds
The VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker is a ubiquitous and highly recommended toy for one-year-olds learning to walk. This activity walker provides support and stability for first steps while also featuring a busy board with buttons, songs, and activities. Jen Birkhofer notes its widespread popularity and dual functionality as both a walker and a stationary activity center.
Grows with Her Scooter Wagon: Skip Hop 3-in-1 Scooter Wagon
Skip Hop 3-in-1 Scooter Wagon, a unicorn-themed wagon that transforms from a walker to a ride-on to a scooterThe Skip Hop 3-in-1 Scooter Wagon offers longevity and versatility. Unlike walkers that quickly become obsolete, this wagon transforms into a ride-on toy and then a scooter as a child grows. The seat also flips to provide storage for toys, making it a practical and fun gift that adapts to different developmental stages.
Balance and Walk Trainer: Retrospec Cricket Baby Walker Balance Bike
Retrospec Cricket Baby Walker, a wooden balance bike walker in natural wood finish
The Retrospec Cricket Baby Walker is a unique balance bike walker that helps one-year-olds learn to walk and balance simultaneously. This beginner bike is a favorite among parents and young children alike, featured on TODAY’s second hour for its innovative approach to early mobility and balance skills.
Click-Clack Fun Walker: Melissa & Doug Chomp and Clack Alligator Push Toy
Melissa & Doug Chomp & Clack Alligator Push Toy, a wooden alligator walker with chomping alligators and spinning beadsThe Melissa & Doug Chomp and Clack Alligator Push Toy is an engaging walker toy that features chomping alligators, spinning beads, and fish on the wheels. As a one-year-old girl pushes it, it makes a satisfying click-clack sound, adding auditory stimulation to her walking practice.
Best Books for 1-Year-Old Girls
Humorous and Engaging: “Adurable: Little Pups in Big Trucks,” by Bob Shea and Brian Won
Adurable: Little Pups in Big Trucks book cover, featuring cartoon puppies driving construction trucksBooks are always a valuable gift, and “Adurable: Little Pups in Big Trucks” is a delightful choice for a one-year-old girl. This board book series features charming puppy characters with various jobs, and its humor makes it enjoyable for repeated readings by parents as well.
Sensory and Sweet: “Little Star,” by Lisa Edwards and Kat Kalindi
Little Star book cover, featuring a bright star and soft textures
“Little Star” is a rhyming book that celebrates a little star, filled with sensory elements that are perfect for a one-year-old. With tactile elements and a sweet rhyming story, this book engages both touch and auditory senses.
Interactive and Lively: “Sunrise Dance,” by Serena Gingold Allen and Teagan White
Sunrise Dance book cover, featuring animals dancing in a sunrise scene
“Sunrise Dance” is an interactive flap book that one-year-olds will adore. This book features animals starting their day with dances, and by pushing and pulling tabs, children can make the animals move, encouraging engagement and fine motor skills.
Fashionable and Imaginative: “Dressing Up: Pip’s Truly Fashionable Tale,” by Samantha Brown
Dressing Up: Pip's Truly Fashionable Tale book cover, featuring a stylish character in New York City
“Dressing Up: Pip’s Truly Fashionable Tale” encourages imagination and self-expression through dress-up play. Written by a stylist, this book transports children to a magical New York City and inspires self-confidence through imaginative play and early appreciation for style.
What Do 1-Year-Old Girls Like to Play With?
As one-year-old girls transition from baby toys, they begin to engage more with toys that encourage movement, language development, and sensory exploration. Marie Conti of the American Montessori Society emphasizes the importance of varied textures in toys at this age. Development experts recommend open-ended toys that allow for creativity and independent play rather than those with rigid instructions. Look for gifts that encourage pushing, pulling, stacking, sorting, and imaginative play to best suit a one-year-old girl’s developmental stage.
Meet the Experts
(Links to expert profiles are included in the original article)
Remember to explore Shop TODAY’s other gift guides for more inspiration for children of all ages, from babies to 10-year-olds. Finding the perfect gift for a one-year-old girl is about choosing something that is engaging, developmental, and brings joy to her and her family.
