Buyers Guide to the Best Toys and Gifts for One Year Olds

The first year of a baby’s life is full of developmental milestones and magical “firsts” not to be missed. 

But let’s be honest. Finding a gift for a little one isn’t always an easy task.  Luckily we have the perfect solution to your shopping woes for tiny tots.

What’s more, you can shop away with a clearer conscience knowing that all of these top picks are planet kind. Crafted from sustainably sourced wood, using ethical manufacturing processes, these plastic free treasures use child safe paints and are rigorously tested to exceed safety standards. Built to last for a lifetime of play.

So, whether it’s something for a new arrival or a first birthday pressie for a special little someone, take a peek at our guide to the best toys to encourage learning development through fun based play from 0 - 12 months. 

Tiny Teethers

First up are these darling wooden teething beads. An absolute must have for tiny teethers, they will come to any fussy baby’s (and parents) aid to help soothe those pesky sore gums. Great for grasping and practicing those fine motor skills too, the pretty pastel shades make them rather pleasing to the eye and make a handy tool for teaching colour awareness. Just in case you're wondering, they are perfectly safe for mouthing, painted with a water based, non toxic stain and finished with a strong elastic cord.

Activity Time

A baby gym opens up a whole new world of play possibilities to stimulate the senses and ignite young imaginations.  This one looks the part too and will make a calming addition to any room in the home, thanks to its appealing natural wood finish. It’s sturdy, safe and stylish. 

What’s more it’s jam packed full of fun features to inspire and encourage development.  With an appealing nature theme, the hanging sensory toys feature a happy sunshine and two adorable hot air balloons that jingle and rattle when touched. There’s colourful tactile beads to explore too.   All painted in cheerful primary shades mixed with the prettiest pastels. It’s a multi award winner and we couldn’t love it more. 

Easy as 1,2,3

A book always makes a lovely educational gift to treasure and we can’t think of a sweeter example than this gorgeous counting book. This one is recommended for 12 months+ and would make a really thoughtful first birthday present. Highly durable, thanks to the natural rubberwood materials, it will withstand rough play and is sure to delight and entertain with it’s captivating colours. Each page is beautifully illustrated with the numbers from 1 to 10 accompanied by cheerful images in a nature theme with a beaming sun, bumble bees and ladybirds. All bound together with hand sewn, decorative felt leaves. Just the ticket for encouraging number recognition and language skills. 

Story Time 

Take a look at this delightful Noah's Balancing Ark. It’s gender neutral design makes it a sure fire hit for any birthday boy or girl. In a kaleidoscope of colours, this amazing toy comes complete with a rocking ark and ten hand painted wooden animals. 

A perfect storytelling piece, hours of entertainment awaits with this imaginative toy, designed to aid cognitive development, hand to eye coordination and dexterity. The chunky wooden play pieces are perfectly sized for small hands to grasp as they stack them up and balance them before they tumble back down. We’re sold. 

Saddle Up

If you’re looking for an extra special “showstopper” for that all important first birthday party, then this beauty has ‘heirloom gift’ written all over it.  This grand looking rocking horse is full of nostalgic charm and guaranteed to generate big smiles and cheers of delight as little ones unwrap this stunner on their big day. 

This handsome fellow is lovingly hand painted in traditional colours with swathes of gold paint for a touch of added luxury. The smooth wooden handles and seat are ready and waiting for kiddies to saddle up for adventure. It’s a best seller for a reason. What can we say? We are totally smitten. 

We hope this little read has given you some inspiration to find that ideal gift. For even more ideas, you can shop our full range of gorgeous timeless wooden treasures online. If you need further inspiration, why not get in touch with us and we’ll happily help you on your quest. Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram too.

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Le Toy Van Family.