Best Toys for 1-Year-Olds, According to Experts

reviewed mark Medically Reviewed by Jesil Pazhayampallil, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Updated: December 13, 2021
Best Toys for 1-Year-Olds 2021

Walking down the toy aisle (or browsing baby gear online) can feel overwhelming: There are seemingly endless baby toys vying for a spot in your cart. It can be difficult to narrow down what toys are actually best for your 1-year-old’s development, never mind which ones she’ll love playing with for months (or years) to come.

In general, the more a toy allows your 1-year-old to do, the better, explains Sarah Lytle, Ph.D., Director of Outreach and Education, Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences (I-LABS) at the University of Washington.

“Kids this age are trying to figure out the world and experiment with their senses,” Lytle says. Open-ended toys allow 1-year-olds to explore and express their creativity and practice fine motor skills, she adds. For example, a set of stacking cups can be nestled together, turned into blocks for building or used as pretend drinking cups.

Best types of toys for 1-year-olds

Here are some of the best types of 1-year-old toys you should consider for your child:

  • Blocks. Babies love blocks to stack, bang together and build with.
  • Puzzles. Doing puzzles helps encourage both your tot’s hand-eye coordination and visual perception skills. The best puzzles for 1-year-olds have large pieces.
  • Balls. Colorful balls with nubs or other sensory features are a delight for baby, Lytle says. “Throwing and catching (or attempting to) works their gross motor skills and the back and forth interaction sets up their language skills as it parallels the back and forth of a conversation,” she says.
  • Art materials. Encourage your child’s inner Picasso with thicker crayons and wide, non-toxic washable markers.
  • Board books. Books with simple illustrations or photographs of real objects are best for 1-year-olds. “The more realistic the image is, the easier it is for a child this age to comprehend and relate it back to their own world,” Lytle says. A single picture with a single word naming it (versus lots of pictures and words or a story) will help your child grow his vocabulary.

Be sure to avoid anything with small pieces that could be a choking hazard, anything too loud that could potentially damage baby’s hearing and plastic toys that are flimsy and could break easily, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). As for screen time, the AAP recommends that parents limit children 18 months to video chats only (meaning no TV time and no interactive apps). And finally, remember that one of the most important parts of playtime is you as your little one’s caregiver. Toys shouldn’t replace one-on-one time with your child, but rather, enrichen it.

How we made the best picks for the best toys for 1-year-olds

To help us narrow down the best toys for 1-year-olds out of the many (many) options on the market, we asked three experts what features to look for: Lytle, Gina Posner, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician at MemorialCare Medical Group in Fountain Valley, California, and Kyle Monk, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

One general rule of thumb? Usually, simple toys are the best. “Basic things are much more entertaining for kids,” Dr. Posner says. “Kids always seem to be attracted to things that are not quite as complex.” Oftentimes, that includes toys that crinkle and make noise, balls that roll and toys that make noise when your baby bangs it with a (toy) hammer.

Ready to start shopping? Below, check out some of the best toys for 1-year-olds.

Why Trust Us?

Best Educational Toy for 1-Year-Olds

First 100 Board Book Box Set

best toys for 1-year-old - First 100 Board Book Box Set
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Pros: The small size makes it easy for baby to turn the pages himself
Cons: Some of the words, like “orangutan” and “arctic fox,” can be hard for babies to pronounce

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With clear photographs set on bright, bold backgrounds, this board book set will introduce your 1-year-old to his first 100 words and animals, plus colors, shapes and numbers. The books are just the right size for little hands to hold and flip the pages. Caregivers particularly like how thick the pages are, since they can withstand little ones chewing on them all the time.

When you’re using this book with your little one, try interactive reading. Rather than simply reciting the words on the page, dig a little deeper and use the book as a tool: narrate and describe what you see, make up stories and ask questions (even if your baby doesn’t respond, answer them yourself!).

Recommended age: 1 to 3 years

Weight: 1.85 pounds

Dimensions: 5.28 x 6.45 x 2.76 inches

Community Reviews

“My baby loves books and one of her favorites is First 100 Words. It's full of everyday words with real pictures and it keeps her attention.”

- amyhensley007

Best Shape-Sorting Toy for 1-Year-Olds

LeapFrog Shapes and Sharing Picnic Basket

best toys for 1-year-old - LeapFrog Shapes and Sharing Picnic Basket
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$25
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$20
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Pros: Good for building vocabulary and sorting shapes
Cons: Requires batteries (which aren’t included) for some features

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Your tot will never get bored of this toy — there are so many ways to play with it. He can sort the different food blocks (like a square sandwich) using the shape sorter on the top, put the accessories in and take them out, plus pretend to have a picnic. The picnic basket also plays songs and says the names of each food. What’s more, all the play pieces neatly fit inside for seamless storage.

Recommended age: 6 months to 3 years

Weight: 2.08 pounds

Dimensions: 6.22 x 8.66 x 6.69 inches

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“Hands down this has been the most used toy in our house for three years.” 

- Caroxx

Best Stacking Toy for 1-Year-Olds

The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys

best toys for 1-year-old - first years stack up cup toys
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$7
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$5
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$8
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Pros: The bottom of the cups have holes so they can drain water during bath play
Cons: Some of the cups may be hard to stack

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Stacking cups are a classic baby toy for a reason. Your 1-year-old can nest them inside each other, build a tower with them and bring them into the bath for fun water play. This set boasts fun, bright colors with numbers on the bottom to help your child learn how to count and do basic math and measuring concepts. Parents will love that they’re easily portable and come with a lower price tag than other toys.

Recommended age: 6 months and up

Weight: 4.8 ounces

Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.25 x 2.5 inches

Community Reviews

“Even my 3-year-old nephew loves to play with them too, so they are a toy that will last for quite some time.” 

- 5932268744

Best Puzzle Toy for 1-Year-Olds

Melissa & Doug House Pets Jumbo Knob Puzzle

Best Toys for 1-Year-Olds - Melissa and Doug Jumbo Wood Puzzle
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$15
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$10
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$15
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$13
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$15
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Pros: Sturdy, make it easy for babies to maneuver the pieces in place
Cons: The puzzle pieces don’t always stand up well to drool

Why We Love It

This brightly colored wooden puzzle features jumbo-size knobs that are easy for little hands to grasp and play with. Pictures under each piece help 1-year-olds figure out what goes where, and your little one can work on his hand-eye coordination skills by putting the pieces in place. It also grows with your tot: Once your 1-year-old is a pro at this puzzle, you can combine it with another so he can try solving both puzzles at once.

Recommended age: 1 year and up

Weight: 1.7 pounds

Dimensions: 1.7 x 12 x 12.5 inches

Best Activity Cube for 1-Year-Olds

VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube

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$20
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$19
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Pros: Doesn’t seem to scratch easily, sturdy
Cons: For some, even the “low volume” option is too loud, and the sounds may get repetitive

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It’s pretty much a fact of life that all little kids love to push buttons, spin dials and flip switches. This interactive toy lets your tot do all that and more, plus helps him figure out cause and effect (I push this button, that happens). Five sides of play let your cutie discover shapes and animal names and sounds, plus explore interactive features that help develop his fine motor skills. Parents will appreciate that it automatically turns off when not in use to preserve battery life. And as always, when you’re playing with the toy, prioritize interaction together — narrate the letters, make up songs related to the animals, point out shapes or colors and more.

Recommended age: 6 months to 3 years

Weight: 1.44 pounds

Dimensions: 6.2 x 6.2 x 6.5 inches

Community Reviews

“My LO daycare person gave it to her for Christmas and she loves it. She can move it around to play with all the sides when she is laying on the floor. It's her favorite toy!”

- jwindholz

Best Outdoor Toy for 1-Year-Olds

Fisher-Price Walk, Bounce & Ride Pony

Best Toys for 1-Year-Olds - Fisher Price Walk Bounce Ride Pony
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Pros: Good for challenging baby’s sense of coordination
Cons: Some assembly required (though users said it was easy enough)

Why We Love It

This pony-themed musical walking toy (which plays more than 50 tunes and sounds) is a great choice for little walkers ages 9 to 36 months. The seat is squishy (perfect for bouncing!) and your little one will love pushing or scooting with it up and down the sidewalk or hallway as he grows. All you have to do now is keep up! 

Remember, baby walking toys require close supervision, and any stairs should be baby-proofed so that your little one doesn’t fall.

Recommended age: 9 months to 3 years

Dimensions: 30 x 8.5 x 16 inches

Weight limit: 42 pounds

Weight: 2.2 pounds

Best Art Toy for 1-Year-Olds

Honeysticks 100 Percent Pure Beeswax Crayons

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$23
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$23
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Pros: Non-toxic, so parents can rest easy if their child decides to put a crayon in their mouth
Cons: Some users expected the crayons to be bigger

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These chunky crayons serve as the perfect introduction to creative artistic expression for your child. The ergonomic design is easy for 1-year-olds to pick up and start scribbling with — and the thick shape makes them almost impossible to break. Made of 100 percent beeswax, these 12 crayons produce bright, rich colors that’ll delight your budding artist (and as a bonus, give off a sweet, subtle honey scent). You’ll love that the crayons are washable in case your tot is inspired to scribble on walls. To top it all off, the beeswax used to make these popular crayons is a natural by-product of honey production, which causes minimal impact on the environment, according to the brand.

Recommended age: 1 year and up

Dimensions: 2.2 x 0.8 inches

Community Reviews

“We bought Honeysticks beeswax crayons. They smell so good and are safe for kiddos. They are also very wide and easy for baby to grip.” 

- Carri143

Best Building Toy for 1-Year-Olds

Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag

Best Toys for 1-Year-Olds - Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag
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$25
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Pros: Parents love that they don’t have to worry about the blocks being choking hazards
Cons: A few users noted that some of the blocks don’t always fit tightly

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The sky’s the limit with these building blocks, a precursor to Legos. Your tot will learn problem solving and use his imagination as he builds towers, knocks them down then rebuilds them all over again. (You might even have a blast, too, as you play alongside him!) Even if your little one isn’t quite building structures yet, he’ll enjoy emptying out the bag and picking up all the blocks.

The set comes with 80 blocks of all shapes and colors, in sizes that are perfect for little hands. Plus, you’ll love that the blocks come with a storage bag for easy clean up.

Recommended age: 1 to 5 years

Weight: 4.14 pounds

Dimensions: 12 x 5 x 14 inches

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“Our LO got Mega Bloks for Christmas and loves them. At first he just liked to dump them on the floor and crawl through the pile to make noise but he’s finally starting to get the hang of putting them together and taking them apart.” 

- MamaBee1921

Best Musical Toy for 1-Year-Olds

Hape Pound & Tap Bench with Slide Out Xylophone

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$33
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Pros: Super durable and can withstand plenty of toddler pounding
Cons: Some parents noted that the xylophone keys were off-tune

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It might be a few years before he starts playing beautiful music, but watching your child’s face as he bangs out a tune on this xylophone is well worth it. Your little one gets a chance to work on his fine motor skills, hand eye coordination and more while pounding away on this colorful instrument.

The toy’s top shelf has three balls that he can tap to hit the keys, or he can remove the xylophone and balls to play with each separately. To top it all off, it’s made with water-based paint and has non-toxic finishes, making it a safe choice for your little one.

Recommended age: 12 months to 3 years

Weight: 3 pounds

Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.9 x 5.3 inches

Community Reviews

“I got my son this for his first birthday. He loves it still!”

- Suebs

Best Push and Walk Toy for 1-Year-Olds

Skip Hop Kids 3-in-1 Baby Activity Walker and Ride-On Scooter Wagon

best toys for 1-year-old - Skip Hop Activity Walker Scooter
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$61
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Pros: Can grow with your child, so you’ll get multiple years of use out of it
Cons: Requires three AAA batteries that aren’t included

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This walker-wagon hybrid is designed to grow with your little one, serving up fun for years to come. Your 1-year-old can start off pushing toys in his wagon to hone his walking skills. As he gets steadier on his feet, the wagon converts to a ride-on toy that helps your toddler master the foot-to-floor motion. And later on, you can convert the ride-on toy to a scooter. There’s also a button at the front that for a headlight and fun sound effects, adding to the fun. And while it’s a larger toy to store, the design is flat-out adorable.

Recommended age: 1 to 3 years

Weight limit: 44 pounds

Dimensions: 22.75 x 13.5 x 20.5 inches

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“My LO loves this.”

- GG4619

Best Plush Toy for 1-Year-Olds

Melissa & Doug K's Kids Hungry Pelican

best toys for 1-year-old - Melissa and Doug Hungry Pelican Educational
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$38
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$25
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Pros: Soft enough for babies to cuddle, cute design
Cons: Users noted that the pelican was a little floppy and could slump over

Why We Love It

This cute bird is more than just a stuffed animal. One-year-olds will love opening the pelican’s bill and feeding it an assortment of squeaky, crinkly aquatic delights — then watching as the food drops into its belly. The repetition helps young toddlers work on their motor skills as they learn how to care for their cute feathered friend.

Recommended age: 9 months and up

Weight: 1.6 pounds (packaged)

Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 5.25 inches

Best Pull-Along Toy for 1-Year-Olds

Hape Walk-a-Long Puppy Wooden Pull Toy

best toys for 1-year-old - Hape Walk A Long Puppy Wooden Pull Toy
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$21
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Pros: Beautiful craftsmanship, battery-free
Cons: Doesn’t take sharp turns very well

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This updated take on the classic wooden pull toy sparks new walkers’ imaginations. Your sweetie can take his puppy for a stroll, plus teach it "tricks" like sitting or standing, all while working on his dexterity, hand-eye coordination and manipulation skills. The rubber-rimmed wheels are easy (and quiet) on your floors, too.

Recommended age: 12 months and up

Weight: 1.5 pounds

Dimensions: 8.7 x 3.6 x 6.4 inches (not including string)

Best Bath Toy for 1-Year-Olds

Nuby Floating Purple Octopus

best toys for 1-year-old - Nuby Floating Purple Octopus
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Pros: There are no holes in it, so you don’t have to worry about mold
Cons: Parents point out that there are only six legs instead of eight

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This fun, friendly octopus is sure to spark your sweetie’s budding imagination during bathtime. But what he’ll really love is practicing grabbing the floating rings and placing them on the octopus’s tentacles, which helps promote hand-eye coordination. You’ll love that it doesn’t have any small holes to let in water, so it’s easy to keep clean. (Note that while this toy is recommended for little ones 18 months and older, several reviewers say their little ones enjoyed having the octopus around for bathtime before that point.)

Recommended age: 18 months and older

Weight: 6.72 ounces

Dimensions: 6.8 x 6.8 x 5.6 inches

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"[My daughter] also loves this."

- oceanserenity

Best Travel Toy for 1-Year-Olds

BabyBibi Cloth Books

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Pros: The books float, so they won’t get lost under the bubbles if you use them during bathtime
Cons: Some parents said the books were smaller than they expected

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A simple book goes hand in hand with a road trip (or flight or train ride). But beyond sparking imagination and helping your 1-year-old develop communication skills, this non-toxic, BPA- free set of soft and crinkly books introduces your baby to animals, shapes, fruits and more with bold letters and bright colors. They're soft, small, easy to store and dry easily if they get wet, making them perfect travel companions.

Recommended age: 6 months and up

Weight: 15.2 to 15.6 grams per book

Dimensions: 3.5 inches x 3.5 inches

Best Bedtime Book for 1-Year-Olds

The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

Best Bedtime Book for 1 Year Olds - The Going to Bed Book
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$6
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$4
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Pros: Filled with fun, silly, rhyming prose
Cons: The board book paper, while thick, won’t hold up to water (read: teething toddlers)

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Your child can never read too many books. And books that explain things to toddlers — for example, what happens at the doctor’s office or on the school bus — are particularly good for parents to read.

That’s why so many families love this classic going-to-bed book by Sandra Boynton. The story follows a boat full of animals as they get ready for sleep — by brushing their teeth, putting on their pajamas, turning out the light and rock, rock, rocking to sleep. Zzzz.

Recommended age: 1 to 5 years

Book length: 14 pages

Community Reviews

“A favorite I’ve read to both of my girls often is The Going To Bed Book. There’s a ton of them though and we own a majority of them.”

- expelliarmus

“My daughter loves Sandra Boynton books. We read Snuggle Puppy, Pajama Time!, and The Going to Bed Book every night.” 

- Alexandriakrr

Best Daycare-Favorite Toy for 1-Year-Olds

Fat Brain Dimpl

Best Daycare-Favorite Toy for 1-Year-Olds - Fat Brain Dimpl
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Pros: Parents were impressed with how fascinated their babies were with it
Cons: Some parents wished it came with an attachment, so they could carry it with them on the go

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You’ve probably seen Dimpl toys popping up everywhere from daycare to the playground. Luckily, Fat Brain also makes a Dimpl for babies, too. Even better, this sensory toy can challenge their fine motor skills while teaching cause and effect.

The BPA-free toy features five silicone bubbles in neon-bright colors. When “popped,” the bubble appears on the opposite side. It has all the appeal of bubble wrap, but can be used over (and over and over) again.

Recommended ages: 10 months and up

Weight: 0.30 pounds

Dimensions: 6.25 x 5.8 x 1.25 inches

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“We [have] a Dimpl from Fat Brain Toys and it magically keeps him entertained for a long time.”

- kleinsteuber

Best Activity Center for 1-Year-Olds

Manhattan Toy Deep Sea Adventure

Best Activity Center for 1-Year-Olds - Manhattan Toy Deep Sea Adventure
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$120
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$116
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$130
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Pros: Babies can play with it while standing or sitting down
Cons: Not specifically designed to provide standing or pull-up support, more expensive than other activity centers

Why We Love It

Plenty of activity centers — and toddler toys in general — feature bright colors and blinking lights. So this beautifully built, underwater-themed activity center, with its solid construction and soothing blue colors, is a welcome change for any child. The toy features bead sliders, spinning gears, clacking clams and other moving parts to keep your toddler’s hands busy.

Recommended age: 12 months and up

Weight: 9.8 pounds

Dimensions: 19.5 x 19.5 x 21 inches

Best Ball Pit Toy for 1-Year-Olds

Melissa & Doug Turtle Ball Pit

Best Ball Pit Toy for 1-Year-Olds - Melissa & Doug Turtle Ball Pit
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$110
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$121
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Pros: Features lots of extra bells and whistles, toy provides self-storage for the balls
Cons: Older toddlers may not fit as comfortably inside the pit as younger ones

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Back in the day, public ball pits were undoubtedly germ-y, but there’s no denying that they were a blast for little ones. This turtle-shaped ball pit from Melissa & Doug recaptures all the fun of a McDonald’s PlayPlace, minus the bacteria from strangers.

This ball pit is shaped like a giant turtle, which, when unzipped, holds 60 colorful balls. It also features holes that baby can push the balls through and a non-slip surface. The turtle has a non-slip bottom, feet that crinkle, silky fabric tags and more, making it much more than a ball pit toy.

Recommended ages: 9 months and up

Weight: 3.5 pounds (packaged)

Dimensions: 39 x 29 x 8.5 inches

Best Busy Board for 1-Year-Olds

VTech Latches & Doors Busy Board

Best Busy Board for 1-Year-Olds - VTech Latches & Doors Busy Board
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Pros: Impressively durable, comes with a handle that makes it easy to tote around
Cons: Some of the doors can be a little hard for younger 1-year-olds to open

Why We Love It

Busy boards — which sport locks that can open or close, or doors that latch and unlatch — are a fun, entertaining toy for 1-year-olds, Dr. Posner says. Plus, these toys give tots an opportunity to hone their fine motor skills.

The VTech Latches & Doors Busy Board is shaped like a small house, complete with windows and doors that open and close with various locks and latches. Behind each window and door is a picture of a family, pet or birthday party. Bonus: The toy also plays songs, including alphabet and number songs.

Recommended ages: 12 months to 3 years

Weight: 1.84 pounds

Dimensions: 2.68 x 14.17 x 11.61 inches

Best Shapes Toy for 1-Year-Olds

Fat Brain Toys Let’s Learn Shapes! Wooden Puzzle

Best Shapes Toy for 1-Year-Olds - Fat Brain Toys Let’s Learn Shapes! Wooden Puzzle
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Pros: The knob-like pegs can allow younger 1-year-olds to get a good grasp on them
Cons: Thinner than some parents expected

Why We Love It

You can’t go wrong with this simple shapes toy. Each of the five wooden pieces — a square, circle, rectangle, oval and triangle — has a sturdy peg in the center, which makes it easier for tiny hands to maneuver.

As he picks up each piece, point out the shape (“This one is a triangle, this one is a square”) or the color and show him how each one fits into the board. Even better, lots of reviewers say this simple yet effective toy holds up well to toddler play, making it a toy to keep for the years to come.

Recommended age: 1 year and up

Weight: 0.45 pounds

Dimensions: 14.25 x 3.5 inches x 0.75 inches

Best Corn Popper Toy for 1-Year-Olds

Fisher-Price Corn Popper

Best Corn Popper Toy for 1-Year-Olds - Fisher-Price Corn Popper
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$14
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$14
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$22
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Pros: Nostalgic push-pull toy that encourages walking
Cons: Requires some assembly

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If you remember the corn popper from your childhood, rest assured: Fisher-Price is still making them. The beloved childhood toy, which was first introduced in 1957, now sports a sleek new look with colorful balls that pop as it’s pushed along the floor (good for teaching cause and effect). Once your tot starts walking, this is one toy he won’t want to put down.

Recommended ages: 12 months to 5 years

Weight: 2 pounds

Dimensions: 22.5 x 8.5 x 6.2 inches

Community Reviews

“[My son will] drag the Fisher-Price Corn Popper behind him throughout the house.” 

- McBun

Best Doll for 1-Year-Olds

Manhattan Toy Wee Baby Stella Doll

Best Doll for 1-Year-Olds - Manhattan Toy Wee Baby Stella Doll
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$20
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$26
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$26
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Pros: Accessories available for purchase (including a particularly adorable yoga set)
Cons: Surface wash only

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Why We Love It

It’s a good idea for tots to play with diverse dolls, Dr. Monk says, so they develop a well-rounded view of the world. These Wee Baby Stella dolls — which, at 12 inches long, are just a “wee” smaller than the uber-popular Baby Stella dolls — are available in three different skin tones and feature different hair colors and styles. Plus, it’s just the right size for your baby’s first companion

Recommended ages: 12 months and up

Weight: 4 ounces

Dimensions: 2.5 x 4 x 12 inches

Community Reviews

“We love the Wee Baby Stella doll!” 

- verav2

“We’re going to get our daughter this baby doll. She’s soft and washable.”

- DEllen2019

Best Play Tunnel for 1-Year-Olds

Hide N Side Crawl Play Tunnel

Best Play Tunnel for 1-Year-Olds - Hide N Side Crawl Play Tunnel
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$40
See Now Walmart
Walmart
$20
See Now
Registry List:
Pros: Made with durable polyester fabric and steel wiring
Cons: Some parents wished the tunnel was wider so they could crawl through it with their child

Why We Love It

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why toddlers love play tunnels so much, but the fascination is real. Plus, tunnels are more than just fun — they can also encourage your little explorer to work his arms and legs as he crawls through it.

This play tunnel from Hide N Side features a mesh side (good for playing peekaboo) and can be folded into a compact circle that can be easily stored and toted around just about wherever you go.

Recommended age: 1 year and up (once kids start crawling)

Weight: A little over 1 pound

Dimensions: 6 feet x 18 inches x 18 inches (open)

  • American Academy of Pediatrics, How to Buy Safe Toys, December 2020.
  • American Academy of Pediatrics, Where We Stand: Screen Time, November 2016.
  • Nemours KidsHealth, Reading Books to Babies, August 2019.
  • Sarah Lytle, Ph.D., Director of Outreach and Education, Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences (I-LABS), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
  • Kyle Monk, M.D., Board-Certified Pediatrician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
  • Gina Posner, M.D., F.A.A.P., Board-Certified Pediatrician at MemorialCare Medical Group and What to Expect Medical Review Board Member, Fountain Valley, California