30 First Birthday Gift Ideas Worth Celebrating

Here's how you can really encourage those perceptive eyes and ears. Storybooks are always thoughtful one-year-old birthday gifts, but this literature is next-level. Each page in this celebratory tale features a different animal to match the letters of baby’s name. The rhyming book is designed to help your little one identify their moniker and (eventually) learn how to spell it.

Engage your little one with this super-interactive first birthday gift idea. The wooden activity center features a colorful tree with six different bead runs and animal-themed gliders for hands-on learning. Not only is it excellent for developing kids’ fine motor skills, but it’ll keep them entertained for hours.

Imagine the sweet photo opportunities you’ll get with this totally awesome ball pit. Shaped like a friendly green turtle, baby can sit inside and play with 60 multi-colored balls that are easy to squeeze, grasp and roll. Once playtime is over, simply zip up the turtle for easy storage.

Take the guesswork out of playtime with this awesome toy subscription by Lovevery. Designed by childhood development experts, each box is filled with age-appropriate toys and a guide that helps parents engage with baby through play. Oh and did we mention that this pick has been a Best of Baby winner for a few years running?

Introduce baby to their zodiac sign from the get-go with these beautiful board books. Based on the unique traits of each star sign, each tale boasts wonderfully whimsical illustrations alongside a few words of wisdom.

We've all seen textured kids' books, but none have caught our eye quite like this one. Your little one will delight in grabbing the "unicorn tails" poking out from the pages. Each one looks or feels different, encouraging your tot to learn and explore with their hands.

Looking for first birthday gift ideas that offer serious bang for your buck? This classic rocking horse is hard to beat. It can be used inside and out, and the intuitive design means it’ll soon become baby’s favorite toy—not bad for $35.

Plush toys are among the best first birthday gifts. Cuddly companions make great additions to playtime—plus, they can reduce anxiety for little ones at bedtime or during new experiences. This adorable bunny is just begging for hugs.

A doll is a great first birthday gift, as a plush toy can help kids self-soothe when they’re overwhelmed with big emotions. This pick is extra-special as it comes with a crown, cake and a bib that reads “happy birthday”—perfect for the milestone occasion!

First birthday gift ideas don’t have to be toys. A cozy pair of pajamas will always be welcome—especially if they happen to be from Hanna Andersson. Crafted from organic cotton, this sweet sleepsuit is just one great option available from the beloved brand.

Kickstart a love of literature with a book subscription that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Each monthly box includes one picture book or two board books, plus bonus activities and discussion cards. And did we mention that this service is a Best of Baby award winner?

For memorable first birthday gift ideas, look for playthings that grow with your child. This push-and-ride toy isn't just totally awesome in appearance—the older your tot gets, the more fun they'll have, especially when they master the airplane's functioning steering wheel.

Searching for practical first birthday gift ideas? Look no further than this gift basket packed full of best-selling baby essentials. Each item—from a leak-proof sippy cup and teething-friendly utensils to bath squirters—has been specially selected for one-year-olds.

This clever ride-on toy has three play modes that adapt to a child’s current stage of development. Early walkers can enjoy it as a push-and-pull wagon, tots on the move can use it as a tricycle, while older kids can take it for a spin in scooter mode. Bonus features include flashing headlights and fun sound effects. You can count on this present to be a favorite for years to come!

For one-year-olds, there's nothing quite like the look, sound and sensation of falling water. Bring playtime to the tub with this set of bath toys. We love that they’re shaped like cute little boats, come in a bunch of attractive colors and are stackable for easy storage.

These cute race cars will delight your little car lover. With matching drivers and eye-catching colors, your toddler will have tons of fun racing them around, while strengthening their motor skills.

Here's a perfect example of a unique first birthday gift that keeps on giving. This fill-in journal has space to write a letter to your child each year. What’s more, it’s personalized with baby’s name on the front cover. How memorable is that?

Get the party started with this rockin’ first birthday gift idea. The colorful ukulele is small enough for little hands to grasp and plays a variety of instrumental and animal sounds to teach your kiddo about cause and effect. They’ll love performing their one-of-a-kind songs for you!

This playset combines a pikler triangle, rocker and slide to create the climbing frame of your little one’s dreams. It’s a great tool to support baby’s physical development, all while having fun. Made from natural birch wood, each piece can be used individually or together.

On the hunt for a first birthday gift that parents will adore? This custom wall art has got you covered. Personalize the present by adding baby’s name and a sweet photo from each month of their life so far. Then choose from several stylish frames to create a keepsake that’ll be cherished for years to come.

Thought luxury towels were just for grown-ups? Think again. Made from 100 percent cotton, this hooded bath towel is embroidered with playful eyes, a mouth and ears. Talk about a winning first birthday gift.

Commemorate baby’s big day in style with this graphic tee that reads “1st birthday.” It’s made from super-soft 100 percent organic cotton and printed with non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes. Plus, how cute will this first birthday gift look in party photos?

About half of one-year-olds can stand unaided, while a quarter start to walk at this age. Of course, it's A-okay if your child hasn't done either, but there's nothing wrong with a little encouragement! When it comes to birthday gifts for one-year-old boys and girls, it doesn't get much cooler than these personalized kicks. They'll support your little love’s first step, whenever it happens.

Musical toys are always big hits with tots. Why? Kids love repetition (and making noise, of course). This cool toy combines both interests. Little ones can use the hammer to pound balls through the bench, and listen as they bounce off the xylophone.

Searching for a first birthday gift baby will actually play with? Go for a classic block set. Stacking the easy-to-grip bricks, clicking them together to make new shapes and knocking them down with a satisfying clatter will provide endless entertainment.

This first birthday gift idea is so fun, baby won’t even realize they're improving their problem-solving skills as they play. The wooden grocery cart includes a built-in matching game, two puzzle boards and 12 wooden shape-sorting pieces. This pick is perfect for kiddos who love mimicking the adults in their life; they’ll have tons of fun filling their little cart with items around the house, and placing the mini coffee cup in the holder as they “shop”.

Is the one-year-old in your life a mini chef in the making? Then you can’t go wrong with this interactive kitchen set. The two-sided toy consists of a garden and a kitchen, teaching your tot about preparing tasty recipes from farm to table. It comes with 30 play pieces and features more than 175 sounds, songs and phrases for endless fun. Better yet, this pick is suitable for children up to 3 years old, so you can count on it to engage your kiddo for many playtimes to come.

The one-year mark is a great time to introduce your little one to STEM toys. These wooden blocks will encourage your child to think strategically as they build a garden, a tower or anything else they have in mind. What’s more, these toys click together, making it easier for newly minted tots to create sturdy structures.

Make the most of your little one’s penchant for sitting with first birthday gifts they can, well, sit on. Take this cuddly chair, for instance. The lightweight design is easy for kiddos to move independently, so they can create a cozy corner anywhere in the home. And when messes occur—don’t worry. The slipcover is machine-washable and zips off for easy cleaning.

Last but not least is a farmhouse playset that your little one is sure to have heart eyes for. Think of it as a barn-themed dollhouse, complete with characters and animals that are easy for tiny hands to hold. Your kiddo will have fun inventing imaginative scenes as they explore the toy’s interactive elements, like the musical door, the hatching chicks and the ringing bell.