Gifts for Babies Aged One Year
- Gifts for one-year-olds can encourage learning, movement and creativity.James Woodson/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Look down the toy isle at any major retailer, and you will find a nearly overwhelming assortment of toys for babies and toddlers. As you consider possible gifts, think about the cost, safety and durability of each toy. Brightly colored toys that roll, move or make noise generally appeal to 1-year-olds. - Toddlers learning to walk can build strength and confidence with push toys. Children can stand behind the toy and push it or sit down and ride the toy by pushing it forward with their legs. Balls encourage 1-year-olds to catch, throw, roll and kick, helping to develop eye-hand coordination. Parents website recommends soft balls that help little hands hold on to the ball easier. Blocks also help children develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Check that the size of the blocks is appropriate for toddlers and that wooden blocks are painted with lead-free paint.
- From infancy, music has the ability to capture and hold children's attention. One-year-olds enjoy simple musical instruments, such as tambourines, shakers, bells and drums. Music compact discs can get children up and moving to the beat or calm and relaxed before bedtime. Choose a CD with the child's parents in mind as well. You might find a classic lullaby CD that suits everyone's tastes or a sing-along CD with tunes from a favorite television show. Music and dance accessories, such as twirling ribbons, a tutu or a durable child's CD player, are other appropriate gift ideas.
- Toys that stack or nest encourage children to try to figure out how something works.Colorful plastic stacking, nesting containers for children image by Gabees from Fotolia.com
Promote children's brain development with toys that lay the foundation for later skills in math, science and reading. The Baby Center website suggests that shape-sorting toys promote problem-solving skills. Nesting toys that stack inside each other and puzzles with large knob handles have similar beneficial effects. One-year-olds enjoy looking at pictures in books, and board books are just right for small hands to hold. Books with simple pictures that children can name or textured pages that children can touch especially appeal to toddlers. - One-year-olds are just beginning to discover their imaginations. Toys that encourage pretend play help children develop social skills and make sense of the world around them. Dolls, dress-up clothes, plastic animals and toy vehicles allow children to act out familiar scenes and explore different roles. Set the stage for pretend play with a puppet theater, toy kitchen or pretend shopping cart and groceries.
- Practical gifts are equally welcomed by most parents. Clothing, car seats, bath toys or diapering and feeding supplies are especially useful to first-time parents. Outdoor play equipment, such as swings, slides, play sets or climbers, can keep toddlers active. If your budget allows, invest in certificates of deposit or college savings account for the child to draw upon as he gets older.
