This post was updated on July 22, 2024.

It can be difficult to find toys for one year-olds. These kids are not infants, and barely coming into toddlerhood. One year-olds are starting to grow out of infant toys, which may feature crinkling, rattling, and chew-safe materials. Your one year-old is wanting a bit more stimulation! However, a lot of toys that are interesting to one year-olds are also choking hazards and typically labeled for children over the age of three. All of these things combined make shopping for one year-olds quite the challenge!

We asked our favorite grown-ups, and played with our one year-old Play Experts, to develop this list of our favorite toys for 12 months old and beyond. These toys are made for hours of play with children who haven't quite learned to be gentle yet. Maybe more importantly, these toys won't drive grown-ups crazy! And, most importantly, all of these toys are one year-old approved. So, if you're shopping for a first birthday gift, check out our list of the best gifts for one year-olds!

For more of the best kids toys for all ages, you can shop our site by age!

 DJECO Topanifarm Nest and Stack Blocks + Animals
Recommended for Ages 18 Months+

Six different animals come with 6 differently sized illustrated blocks. Your one year-old can have fun hiding and discovering the animals in the nesting blocks. Your toddler can use this toy for counting, sorting, stacking, and imaginative farm play.

 Fat Brain Toy Co. Dimpl
Recommended for Ages 6 Months+

Don't be deceived by its simple appearance, there's something terrifically satisfying about this toy. The different color and size bubbles make a satisfying "pop" when the buttons are pushed. It's a great sensory toy, and wonderful for practicing colors, too.

Melissa & Doug Market Basket Fill & Spill
Recommended for Ages 6 Months+

Add a fresh twist to playtime with touchable, tactile farmer's market play food favorites to delight the senses! The Market Basket Fill and Spill is an engaging way to help babies develop essential sensory, fine motor, and color recognition skills. Melissa & Doug toddler toys inspire “a-ha!” moments of discovery.

 DJECO Animambo Tambourine, Maracas, Guiro Instrument Set
Recommended for Ages 18 Months+

Forget obnoxious plastic clattering: This wooden musical instrument set encourages your toddler to explore real rhythm. Use simply, as is, or add your own instrumentation for joyful music.

 Fat Brain Toy Co. Roll Again Tower
Recommended for Ages 12 Months+

This toy is appropriate for babies and toddlers ages 1 year and up. Just drop a colorful ball in the top and watch the other balls roll down to the next level in unison. It includes five, easy-to-hold balls and requires no batteries.

 Frog Pull-Along Toy
Recommended for Ages 12 Months+

Pull this happy frog along and his mouth will open and close. Is he trying to catch flies or maybe sing to his friends? Encourage children to crawl by pulling the frog out front. When they can walk, they can take him on adventures.

 Taggies Lizzy Axolotl Character Blanket
Suitable from Birth

This little axolotl is not only the cutest, it offers sensory experiences.

 DJECO BigaBasic Wooden Puzzle
Recommended for Ages 12 Months+

The only thing that can make shapes more fun is if they're in an easy-to-recognize picture - the names of animals are often some of the first words children understand. These colorful puzzle pieces feature wooden knobs for easy grasping and lifting.

Need more assistance choosing the perfect gift for your favorite one year-old? Our Play Experts are here to recommend more instruments, plush, puzzles, and other gifts 1 year-olds will love. Give us a call during business hours at 303-422-5151!