The 7 TOP Toys for One Year Olds

As we celebrate the incredible milestone of our little ones turning one, we’re often faced with the question – what are the best toys for one-year-olds? With the market flooded with toys of all shapes and sizes, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!

This blog post is dedicated to helping you navigate the world of toys and choose the ones that will not only bring joy to your little explorer but also support their developmental milestones. So, whether you’re shopping for your child’s first birthday or looking for the perfect gift, join us as we unveil our top 7 toys for one-year-olds. Let’s dive in and make playtime even more fun and enriching!

Understanding One-Year-Olds: Developmental Milestones and the Role of Toys

Before we dive into our list of top toys, let’s take a moment to understand the world of one-year-olds. This is a time of rapid growth and development, filled with exploration and discovery. At this age, your little one is likely mastering skills like walking, saying their first words, and showing signs of increased independence. They’re also beginning to understand cause and effect, recognize familiar faces, and express a range of emotions. It’s a time of immense curiosity as they engage with the world around them in new and exciting ways. So, how do toys fit into this picture?

The right toys can support these developmental milestones by providing opportunities for your child to practice and refine their skills. For instance, push-and-pull toys can aid in developing motor skills and balance, while simple puzzles can help improve problem-solving abilities. Toys that encourage pretend play can foster creativity and social skills, and those with different textures and sounds can stimulate sensory development.

Remember, the goal of toys at this age is not just to entertain, but to engage your child in meaningful play that supports their growth and learning. So, as we explore our top 7 toys for one-year-olds, keep these developmental milestones in mind.

Top 7 Toys for One-Year-Olds: A Mom’s Guide to Smart Shopping

Now that we’ve explored the developmental milestones of one-year-olds, let’s dive into our list of top 7 toys that are perfect for this age.

1. Stacking Blocks:

These simple yet versatile toys are great for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. They also introduce concepts like size, shape, and balance. Look for blocks with rounded edges and non-toxic paint for safety.

2. Push and Pull Toys:

These toys are fantastic for encouraging your little one to practice walking. They also stimulate gross motor skills and balance. Ensure the toy is sturdy and has a smooth finish to prevent any injuries.

3. Soft Dolls or Stuffed Animals:

These can become your child’s first friends, fostering emotional development and empathy. They also encourage imaginative play. Make sure they are machine washable and free from small, detachable parts.

4. Simple Musical Instruments:

Toys like maracas or tambourines can introduce your child to the world of sounds and rhythms, stimulating their auditory senses and fine motor skills. Ensure they are made from child-safe materials.

5. Textured Ball Set:

These balls of different sizes, textures, and colors are great for sensory development and gross motor skills. They’re also perfect for introducing concepts like ‘big’ and ‘small’ or ‘heavy’ and ‘light’. Ensure they are made from non-toxic materials.

6. Board Books:

Thick, sturdy board books with bright pictures and simple words are perfect for fostering a love for reading and language development. Look for books with rounded corners for safety.

7. Simple Puzzles:

Puzzles with large pieces are great for developing problem-solving skills, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. Ensure the puzzle pieces are too big to be a choking hazard.

Remember, the best toy is one that is safe, age-appropriate, and aligns with your child’s interests and developmental needs. So, whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or just because, these toys are sure to bring a smile to your one-year-old’s face.

Montessori Play Kits for One Year Olds

When my son was about two years old, I started looking into Montessori inspired toys that were well made and focused on educational play. That’s when I learned about Lovevery and their play kits gears towards developmental stages.

Lovevery play kits are subscription-based toy and activity sets designed specifically for children’s developmental stages from birth to around age four. Each kit is curated by child development experts to provide age-appropriate toys, activities, and information that support various aspects of a child’s growth and learning, including cognitive, motor, sensory, and social development.

The kits typically include toys made from sustainable materials, such as wood, along with guidance for parents on how to engage with their children using the materials provided. These kits aim to promote interactive and educational play experiences that align with each child’s developmental milestones.

Here are some of our favorite play kits that are designed for one year olds:

The Companion Play Kit By Lovevery

The Adventurer Play Kit By Lovevery

What are the TOP toys your one year olds are playing right now?

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