That first candle on the cake marks so much more than a birthday. It’s a whole year of firsts for the baby and for the family cheering them on. It’s a moment that deserves to be celebrated with plenty of joy and love. Our collection of gifts for 1-year-olds captures that joy with keepsakes and practical pieces that fit into everyday life.
What Makes a Great First Birthday Gift?
Turning one is a big deal, and the gift should match the occasion. The best gifts for 1-year-olds are the ones that are fun for the baby, handy for the parents, and still get plenty of use once the party is over.
Here are a few ideas to give you inspiration:
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Keepsakes with meaning - A small piece parents can treasure long after the first candle is blown out. Think board books or baby journals that capture those first-year memories.
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Toys that encourage development - Walkers that help with those first wobbly steps or stackers that build coordination. Pretend-play sets are another great choice to fuel imagination.
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Presents with staying power - Items that aren’t outgrown too quickly and stay useful as the baby grows into toddlerhood. Wooden ride-on toys or convertible feeding chairs are great options that last well beyond the first birthday.
Gifts That Support Growth and Play
Watching a one-year-old discover the world is endlessly entertaining, and the right toys can make those curious moments even more fun. Parents love gifts that keep little hands busy while helping them learn new skills, so it’s worth choosing gifts for 1-year-olds that do both.
Here are a few gift ideas that make playtime exciting while also giving kids plenty to learn:
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Stackers and shape sorters - Great for building hand-eye coordination and problem-solving in a way that feels like play.
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Bath toys - Turn splashing around into a fun sensory experience while making bath time easier for parents.
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Play kitchen - Kids get to copy the grown-ups and explore imagination, while parents enjoy watching their mini chef in action.
The Memo makes it simple to find presents for 1-year-olds that are fun on the day and keep being useful as the child grows.
Fun and Useful Gift Ideas for 1-Year-Olds
Shopping for a first birthday can feel like a big task, but picking gifts that mix play with purpose makes it easy. The Memo helps you choose presents for 1-year-old celebrations that are fun on the day and keep bringing value well beyond.
Here are a few favourites to guide you:
Move and Explore
Toddlers are constantly on the go, and toys that support their first steps are always a hit. Walkers, ride-ons and push toys give them the confidence to move freely while building balance. The Wooden Activity Walker by Nuage Interiors is a stylish pick that helps with the exciting transition from crawling to walking.
Brain Boosters
Curiosity is endless at this stage, and puzzles or stackers make the most of it. They encourage problem-solving and give kids new ways to use their hands and minds together. The Little Farm Building Blocks by Little Dutch bring hours of imaginative play while building fine motor skills.
Pretend Play
Make-believe games are where personalities start to shine. Play kitchens, food sets and toy houses let them copy the world around them in fun new ways. Philé’s toy baskets, like the felt basket filled with pears, are perfect for role play that can grow into full mini markets or picnics.
Bath-Time Fun
Baths can be more than a quick wash. Toys that splash, spin and pour keep toddlers entertained while making the routine feel playful. The Skip Hop Tub to Table Café brings a burst of citrus-inspired fun, turning the bath into a mini lemonade stand.
Wardrobe Essentials
Clothes and accessories can be just as exciting as toys when they’re picked with care. Think everyday outfits that are comfy and still look special. The Sleeved Bib from Cam Cam Copenhagen is waterproof and makes mealtimes and messy play easier to enjoy without the outfit changes.
Tips for Picking the Perfect Gift for 1-Year-Olds
Choosing a first birthday gift can feel like a lot of pressure. You want something that makes sense for right now but still has value as they grow. These tips can help narrow it down and make finding presents for 1-year-old birthdays a little easier.
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Go for age-appropriate fun - At this stage, gifts should be safe and engaging without being too tricky. Think of toys that spark curiosity while matching their growing skills.
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Think past the party - Look for presents that won’t be outgrown within a few weeks. Items like walkers, building blocks, or play kitchens can stay in rotation well into toddlerhood.
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Mix meaning with usefulness - Pairing a keepsake with something practical gives the best of both worlds. A soft toy or personalised item alongside clothes or feeding essentials shows care in different ways.
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Shop for gifts by budget - Everyone shops with a different budget in mind. That’s why we’ve made it easy to find something special across a wide range:
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Gifts under $30 - Simple but sweet picks that delight without stretching your wallet.
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Gifts under $50 - Lovely options that strike the right balance between value and impact.
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Gifts under $100 - Special presents that feel a little more generous and last well beyond the party.
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Gifts over $150 - Big gestures that stand out and create lasting memories for the family.
Why Choose The Memo?
Finding the right gifts for 1-year-old celebrations should feel exciting, not overwhelming. At The Memo, everything is set up to make giving easy and meaningful for both you and the family.
Here’s why friends and family choose us for gift shopping:
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A collection with purpose - Every product is age-appropriate and designed to be enjoyed well beyond the party.
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Fast and flexible delivery - Order before 12pm* for same-day dispatch, with three-hour metro delivery available. Spend over $149* and shipping is free.
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Effortless gifting - We’ll wrap it beautifully, add a handwritten card, and make sure prices stay out of the parcel.
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Confidence guaranteed - Our Price Promise and 30-day returns* means you can shop with ease.
Finding the right pick for a first birthday is special, but it doesn’t stop there. If you’re still on the hunt, explore our wider range of gifts for kids or discover thoughtful treats in our gifts for mums collection.
FAQs
Are these gifts safe for 1-year-olds?
Every item in this collection has been chosen with 1-year-olds in mind, so safety and age-appropriateness come first. You can shop knowing the toys are suitable for a baby turning one.
Can I include a personal message with the gift?
Of course! You can easily add a card at checkout to make the parcel feel more personal. It’s a simple way to let the parents know you’re celebrating with them.
Do you offer gift wrapping for first birthday presents?
We do, and it makes gifting so much easier. Your present will arrive wrapped and looking lovely, straight to the family’s door.
What’s your return policy if the gift isn’t suitable?
Our 30-day return promise means parents can swap the gift for something that suits them best. It keeps things simple and stress-free for everyone.
Are the toys in this collection suitable for different stages beyond 12 months?
Many of these pieces are designed to grow with the child, staying fun and useful well past their first birthday. Think of them as gifts that last through those early toddler years.
