33 Best Educational And Fun Toys For 1 Year Olds Of 2022

Buying toys doesn’t sound like a very complicated thing, does it?

You just need to go to Walmart or Amazon and look up a popular toy brand like Fisher-Price. How hard can that be?

Well, pretty hard actually, especially if that little kid is 12 months old.

Buying toys for 1 year olds is actually a real challenge as they’re not babies anymore, but they barely qualify as toddlers.

Instead of teethers and bottles, you’re now buying walkers, wooden puzzles, and similar fun and educational toys.

As you can see, it’s not especially difficult, but you definitely need to make a plan or search for a gift guide.

I’ve already made one for you though, so don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Keep reading to discover what the 33 best educational toys for 1 year olds are, that also offer loads of fun!

Best Toys For 1 Year Olds

For all of you busy moms, here’s a quick list of our top picks!

1. My First Campout By Baby Gund

This adorable set is a great gift for every one-year-old, especially little adventurers who like to explore the whole house and camp in very unusual places, like behind the sofa or under the kitchen table.

This playset is very soft and safe for your little one and a great way to develop fine-motor skills.

The set includes:

• Canteen squeaker

• Campfire sound toy

• Marshmallow rattle

• “Mello’s” pack

• Camping Backpack

Your munchkin can play pretend with it and develop her imagination and creative side, as each toy makes a different sound reminiscent of camping.

This high-quality toy follows your child through the different stages of early childhood, however, 4-year-olds might not find it very interesting.

2. The Pigeon Needs a Bath Book + Toy

This is one of the cutest toys for a 1 year old! It is a bath book about a pigeon who doesn’t care for bathtime.

Let me just warn you in advance, you might have a hard time getting your little one out of the tub with this one!

“The Pigeon Needs A Bath” book is written by Mo Willems, an American animator, and writer of children’s books, who wrote the popular Pigeon book series.

The book comes in cute packaging together with the pigeon toy, which is an awesome bath time companion.

Parents also love it because the toy is completely sealed to prevent mold from developing inside.

RELATED: 5 Best Non-Toxic Bath Toys For Your Baby

This bath book is one of the most popular ones from the collection among infants, 1, and 2 year olds.

It’s a great way to stop those tiny hands from touching everything in the bathroom during bath time and also a nice gift idea for one year old’s Easter basket.

3. Battat Wooden Activity Cube

Much like the xylophone or the board book, the wooden activity cube is known as an evergreen toy, a classic that has been popular for years.

It has been the favorite toy of many generations and it still makes toddlers happy today.

It’s the perfect 1 year old toy that grows with your child, as she will discover new meanings for each activity as she grows older.

It’s a rather simple, but useful, toy for improving hand-eye coordination. Not to mention that it develops fine motor skills too.

Your child can activate small groups of hand and wrist muscles by completing every action with the cube.

The wooden cube is made of high-quality materials, non-toxic dyes, and has rounded corners, so your little one can’t get hurt.

It’s safe to say this is an awesome gift for 1 year old girls and boys that will stay with them for a long time.

4. Green Toys Shape Sorter

Who said shape sorters need to be square-shaped? Well, definitely not Green Toys!

The shape sorter is another classic must-have toy for every one-year-old. Green Toys gave it a modern, elliptical spin with a cool design and eco-friendly materials!

This company is known for making toys out of recycled milk jugs, safe from BPA, PVC, and phthalates, keeping both your little one and the environment safe.

This toy doesn’t have any sharp edges or small parts that could be a potential choking hazard, which makes it a perfect toy even for children under the age of 1, and the best gift for your 6 month-old as well!

It encourages fine and gross motor skills development, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving.

This two-part sorter comes with 4 pairs of different shapes (2 circles, 2 triangles, 2 stars, and 2 squares) that are a perfect fit for those little hands.

If you are still not sure what to get a one year old, you certainly can’t go wrong with this toy!

5. Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon

Your baby is set for the adventure of her lifetime with this classic wagon from Radio Flyer.

The first steps are the most important period of early childhood and require great attention.

Traditional baby walkers have been deemed as risky because of the potential injuries for babies because they do not have the ability to use them in a safe way.

However, a push walker is safe to use as a support when your baby starts taking her first steps.

This classic walker wagon helps your little explorer to balance on her little feet as she starts to walk.

It’s considered to be one of the best wagons for babies and I couldn’t agree more.

It protects your baby from falling with resistance clickers that prevent the wagon from moving too fast and your furniture from damage and scratches with its rounded design.

A great feature of this push walker is that it can be used as a toy box as well!

Your little bundle of joy can safely store her favorite stuffed animals or other toys for imaginative play indoors or outdoors.

The wagon is made out of wood with removable sides and an adorable classic red retro design.

It is even more fun if you have twins or two children, so they can push each other around the house.

6. Baby Einstein Curiosity Table

Curiosity tables and boards are always welcome as gifts for toddlers as they spark your little one’s imagination, creativity, and problem-solving.

Baby Einstein’s play station may not turn your baby into the next Einstein, but it will certainly help her to learn more about art and science.

It comes with different types of gadgets that can play 65 different sounds and melodies, and a table full of bright color circuits, gears, and lights.

It has removable legs for seated play if your 12 month old can’t stand on her own, or if she just prefers sitting while playing with her toys.

Your baby doesn’t have to play alone either!

The table is quite big and has two sides, so your little one can play with siblings, cousins, or friends without any problems.

The only thing I don’t like so much about it is its weight.

Even though it is big, it’s quite lightweight and can be easily moved by a toddler, so you should keep an eye during playtime, just in case.

7. Pinkfong Baby Shark Sound Book

Children’s best friend and parents’ greatest nemesis, Baby Shark has become one of the most famous children’s songs in the world, with over 8 billion views on YouTube!

There are hundreds of versions of this song, but the original was created and released by Pinkfong.

This brand now features the original merchandise with characters from the animated video.

My favorite thing about this book is the safety lock for batteries, which protects children from potential injury.

If you have a little Baby Shark fan in your house, or you know one, this would be the best gift you could give her.

The Baby Shark sound book comes with colorful illustrations and nine songs, including “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Shark” and “Baby Shark”.

It’s an adorable gift for a 1 year old, but there are some 4 and 5 year old Baby Shark fans who might enjoy it as well!

8. Gund Flappy The Elephant

Flappy the elephant will become your child’s best, soft, plush friend who she won’t let go of even when she goes to sleep!

GUND has raised the bar with its singing plush toys by adding the interactive play feature, so every time your child presses the left foot, Flappy plays peek-a-boo with her.

If you press the right foot, she will start singing a song!

It’s actually not that annoying either, like most of the other talking stuffed animals, so it won’t drive you crazy and it will definitely entertain your little one for a long time!

If your baby really likes it and you fancy a change, you can get other animated animals from GUND, such as:

• Clappy Monkey

• Flora The Bunny

• Kissy The Penguin

• Puddles Puppy

They are all adorable and have different functions too, so your baby won’t get tired of either of them.

These toys might be a bit pricey, but they are worth every smile they put on that cute little face!

9. Baby Einstein Clever Composer Tune Table

I call this a magical piano for many reasons!

The first is that you can play music without the pushable keys as the surface is completely flat.

When I first saw it, I thought the bright-colored drawn keys were just there for decoration, but they can actually be played.

Second, it offers all sorts of activities so more than one child can play at a time, making it perfect for siblings and playdates.

You can’t go wrong with this for the first musical instrument for your baby and I am sure she will love it!

There is no choking hazard even for babies under 12 months, but I would still recommend parental supervision during playtime.

10. Fat Brain Toys Suction Kupz

I just love these suction cups, and for me, this is one of the most genius ideas for how to keep your little one busy for a long time without any chances of her getting hurt!

They literally stick to everything! You’ll probably find them on almost any flat surface your child can touch, but you can take them off easily at least.

Cups are not the only shape in this playtime set, which also includes 3 pipSquigz with different designs, 6 suction cups, and 3 Whirly Squigz spinners!

These suction toys are made of non-toxic, food-grade silicone, which makes them completely safe for young children.

Perfect for bath time, indoor and outdoor play, and even as a remedy for teething (for kids struggling with sore gums), this is a very versatile gift for toddlers.

However, you must be careful with the small parts. I would not recommend a 1 year old using spinners without parental supervision.

11. ​​LeapFrog 100 Book Set

If you are on the hunt for gifts for 1 year olds, your search is over!

This book set is one of my all-time favorites and the best gift you could give to a one-year-old.

This is the period when your little one says her first words and starts repeating after everyone, which makes it the best time to start with sound educational toys.

LeapFrog has created the best baby interactive books in English and Spanish for bilingual learning, which contain 100 animals in one book that live in 12 different habitats, and a book with 12 categories of words that describe activities, colors, food, and more!

Both books also contain fun facts, which your little one can learn about as she gets older.

Every toddler will love these books and parents will find them very useful!

12. Manhattan Toy Baby Stella

Can you imagine a toy list without at least one doll?

Neither can I, which is why I picked this one as the best gift idea for 1 year old girls and boys.

Baby Stella is a high-quality doll that will be your little one’s best friend, which she can change (including diapers), play with, cuddle, and take care of.

The Baby Stella Black Hair doll version has pink ribbons, a flowery dress, a pink magnetic pacifier, and a diaper.

However, you can get Baby Stella in different styles.

There is a whole collection with a variety of hairstyles, skin tones, and clothes you can choose from, whether you prefer baby-like or girl-like dolls.

Dolls are a very important part of early childhood, not only for play but for the development of different skills.

First of all, a toddler can use fine motor skills in an entertaining way and she can practice social skills through pretend play.

Also, this doll can be a great alternative to a pacifier that can stay in the crib with her.

However, don’t let her sleep through the whole night with the doll in her hands.

When she falls asleep, put it back to the side.

13. Fat Brain Toys InnyBin Shape Sorter

This is one of the most unique shape sorters I have ever seen and a great gift idea for young toddlers!

The point of this innovative sorter is not to put shapes into the cube by sorting them, but to experiment with different tactics and imagination until the problem is solved.

Lots of kids get shape sorters for their first birthday, but it can be overwhelming for little ones.

Most young toddlers don’t understand the idea of shape sorting and just try to push random shapes through until they get frustrated.

However, with this interesting elastic band cube, every child will be able to put shapes into the cube without getting upset.

Every block has different patterns on it, which is great for the development of sensory skills.

You can use any toy which can fit into the cube, and challenge your munchkin to help it escape.

It’s a great gift for one-year-olds, but it’s suitable for an earlier age as well.

14. Manhattan Toy Skwish Colorburst

This toy is multi-sensory heaven for all parents, as it has lightweight wooden dowels (with non-toxic dyes) and elastic ties to help your little one grab the toy easily with her little hands.

It can be used as a rattle too.

The design is very interesting for parents and babies, but it also has developmental benefits.

Babies usually think this is best used as a teether, so don’t be surprised if your 11 or 12 month old has it in her mouth most of the time.

Attach it to the stroller and you are ready for a walk!

15. Pewi Walking Ride On

The Pewi walker and rider is a great developmental toy that will grow with your child through different stages of early childhood.

It starts as a walking trainer for little explorers who are eager to walk around the house.

After walking training, toddlers can sit on it and push themselves around to learn how to balance on wheels.

The walker is made out of a long-lasting aluminum frame, a plastic seat with soft foam on the top, and a handle that fits tiny hands.

It’s a great help for babies and parents of young toddlers who are learning how to walk, so you won’t be making a mistake buying it for your kiddo or as a gift to your loved ones.

16. Doona Trike

This is a very functional tricycle, which can also be used as a stroller for a 1 year old, with the partly closed seat and a pushing handle.

It has adjustable parts which turn it into a trike.

It is easy to navigate for children and parents alike with its dual steering system.

My favorite part is that you don’t have to assemble it by yourself, which means no annoying parts you don’t know where to put.

Also, don’t worry about the size, as you can store this trike almost anywhere!

Fold it with the push of a button, put it in the car, and go on new adventures with your family!

17. Wooden Rainbow

This is a simple, cute, fun, and awesome toy for color recognition practice.

It encourages the development of various skills and intelligence, as your child learns how to organize, build, and sort different-sized shapes in various colors.

This toy is made out of high-quality wood and covered with water-based dyes that are completely non-toxic.

Your one year old will enjoy every second of it and you will get your little one away from screens, there’s nothing better than that!

18. Orwine Sit To Stand Educational Walker Toy

Here is another walker for babies that is completely different from the others discussed earlier.

This one is a 3 in 1 educational and developmental toy which can be used as a walking trainer.

It includes a push walker alongside an activity table.

Plus, there’s a drawing board with legs!

This is everything your 1 year old toddler needs in her life, with so many activities, music, and sounds to make her extremely happy.

The stand walker is made out of plastic which is completely safe and very durable.

It has two modes for walking; slow (for first steps) and fast (for a confident walker).

It is one of the best toys for young toddlers and will keep them busy for a long time!

The walker is suitable for children aged 9 months and up, so you can buy it as a gift for a little one who will celebrate his first birthday soon.

19. Surprise What’s Inside By Genius Baby Toys

This is a great sensory toy box for every little adventurer who loves to discover new things!

Eight different shapes in a 7-inch cloth cube provide endless fun for little kiddos.

All the toys from this playtime set are completely safe for your little one as they are made of soft materials.

The toys are chewable, but I wouldn’t recommend that as some of them contain smaller parts which can represent a choking hazard.

It may seem like nothing special to you, but a toddler will enjoy it for hours, especially if you add some other toys into the cube, just to mix it up.

20. Melissa & Doug Match And Build Blocks

Every gift guide for the best toys for 1 year olds will include at least one set of soft building blocks.

These blocks are a great way to encourage the development of sensory skills, coordination, fine and gross motor skills, as well as creativity and communication.

Your kiddo can match different patterns, such as animals, numerals, and everyday shapes.

I remember the phase when my little girl knocked down everything she saw, and these building blocks were a great way of teaching her that she has to build the blocks by herself before she knocks them down.

She actually stopped knocking things down when she saw how much effort it took to make them.

They are lightweight and easy to manipulate and you can wash them without any problems, so you don’t have to worry if your little one spills something over them.

They are perfectly sized blocks for a one year old and I would dare say these are a must-have for every toddler.

21. Kidoozie Funtime Tractor

Every little child loves animals and farms, mostly because of the “Old Macdonald had a Farm” nursery rhyme, and now they have a chance to play with one as well!

This Funtime tractor provides great entertainment for your little farmer, but it also teaches her about different animals and sounds.

It even encourages real-life roleplay and pretend play, essential for the development of critical thinking and problem-solving.

This will be a really nice gift for a 12-month-old, but also for older farmer toddlers!

22. Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube

It is said classical music can improve your child’s intelligence, and that it is recommended to start playing classical pieces even before the baby is born.

You may not automatically get the next Nobel Prize winner or future Einstein in your house if you buy her this magic cube, but it will certainly help her develop a love for music and instruments.

This cube contains eight of Mozart’s musical pieces, together with sounds of piano, harp, flute, violin, and French horn.

Each of these sounds is played separately, but the orchestra sound plays it all together.

It comes with volume control and sounds just like the real thing.

I must admit it is very pleasant and relaxing for parents as well.

23. Banana Panda Flash Cards

Educational cards are a seriously underrated toy for a 1 year old.

Of course, they are widely used in older stages, but simple flashcards can go a long way with a young toddler as well.

First of all, it’s better than screen time, and second, it can be a very entertaining activity for both parents and toddlers.

Third, colorful cards with different images improve visual perception greatly.

These high-contrast flashcards also strengthen children’s eye muscles and improve hand-eye coordination.

It may not be the very best gift, but it’s certainly a very good idea.

24. Little Tikes Cozy Truck

Even though this truck is made of plastic, it’s still very durable and safe for your little toddler, who will enjoy rides in it.

Your kid can play with it inside and outside.

This truck includes a steering wheel and a removable floorboard.

I really love the design, as it’s not the classic plastic car, but it resembles real trucks with a front grill.

Your 1 year old may not appreciate the design so much, but every 3 year old will be sure to love it!

All in all, this ride-on truck is a great toy for all little car lovers, from the age of one!

25. Darlyng & Co. Flash Cards

These cards are very simple and educational.

Affirmation flashcards are one of the rare diverse products, even though the toy market is getting more diverse day by day.

This may not seem like the most entertaining gift, as there are no flashing lights and loud music, but it’s essential for your child’s education as she will start learning the alphabet from an early age (toddlers are very much capable of doing so).

You can add these cards one by one every day and repeat them, or choose whichever pace you think suits your little one.

This is a great way for parents to connect with their children even more by spending time together through different activities.

26. Take-Along Shape Sorter

I can’t make a list of the best toys without including the classic shape sorter!

It’s such a classic when it comes to toys for 1 year olds.

I think I had one in my early years, but of course, it didn’t survive all these years.

However, this fun case with 9 colorful and chunky blocks is made of high-quality materials, so it should last at least a few years of use.

It is a great way to learn shapes and strengthen motor skills.

This is the best sorter for parents who prefer something that’s easily transportable.

27. Little Tikes Climber and Slide

This is the most adorable climbing toy for a 1 year old I have seen, and it’s packed with different activities!

Your little one can slide, climb, and drive the bus with different animals in it with famous nursery rhymes in the background.

It’s great for the development of various skills and it can be used both indoors and outdoors with easy assembly.

It’s also very durable, which makes it completely safe for your little kiddo.

Just a reminder, this is a stationary bus, and even though it’s safe for toddlers, I wouldn’t recommend leaving children to play on it without parental supervision.

28. Melissa & Doug Wooden Puzzles

Melissa & Doug create some of the best toys for 1 year olds, which is confirmed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, as their label states.

This brand proudly presents great versions of classic toys with a modern spin, which is the case with this wooden puzzle as well.

It has eight different pieces featuring animals and a farmer in bright colors.

This is a great way to introduce different shapes and learn about common animals.

Also, wooden puzzles are always a better choice than cardboard ones, as your child will probably spill liquid over it at some point.

29. Playz Play Tent

Crawl tunnels are great fun for all children, from young toddlers to 4 year olds.

However, your 6 year old might get stuck (don’t ask how I know), so I’d say this is suitable for children from the age of 1 up to 5 years of age at the most.

The set includes a crawl tunnel, ball pit, and a tent which can be set up separately, so if you are not yet confident to let your one year old use all of these, just don’t use them until she is older.

The fabric is really soft and breathable, which makes it safe for your kiddo, and you can take it literally anywhere as it’s easily foldable.

This is a toy your one year old will certainly love and use for a long time!

30. Boon Building Pipes Bath Toy

Most parents have to search long and hard for the best ways of making bath time fun for their toddlers, and these building pipes might just be number one!

These suction pipes and gears are a great way to keep your toddler entertained while taking a bath.

You can create various shapes by using tubes and cogs, and they won’t fall down as they stick to the wall.

They dry pretty easily so there is no fear of mold or mildew.

It’s one of those toys for 1 year old boys or girls that won’t amaze you, but will get the job done, especially during bath time!

31. VTech Gear Park

Vtech is a well-known baby equipment brand, but it also has great toys for younger toddlers!

Their gear park activity center is a great way for your toddler to learn different animals, numbers, and colors!

It has a real light show along with cute songs and sounds, but there is an extra surprise too!

You can flip the table to get 16 different gears for creative play.

This play station is suitable for ages 18 months to 3 years (most 4-year-olds are not really interested in it anymore).

If you are looking for something to preoccupy your toddler’s time while she plays on the floor, this will be the perfect toy to buy!

32. SplashEZ Learning Pool

​​​​This learning pool is a great concept, but I think most children concentrate on the water sprinkler, so your little one might not pay attention to the patterns in the pool.

However, some things can be there just for fun and it doesn’t always have to be strictly educational, and this splash pool is definitely filled with both water and fun!

It’s a great outdoor activity for toddlers during summer which will keep them refreshed and entertained for a long time!

33. Honeysticks Natural Crayons

Even though crayons still give me nightmares when I remember my walls covered in various colors, I would buy them again for a toddler.

It wasn’t that bad, and my kids eventually learned to draw on paper, but the whole experience of seeing them trying to draw something was incredible.

Non-toxic crayons are a great way to encourage your child’s creativity and imagination while she tries to draw different things.

You may not see any specific shape in her drawing, but she does in her imagination.

Honeysticks crayons are completely natural as they are made out of New Zealand beeswax and food-grade colors.

The beeswax used is created during the production of honey.

I wouldn’t only recommend these as a toy for a 1 year old, I think all children should use such high-quality products!

The Takeaway

The best toy for 1 year olds is something babies at this stage can relate to.

You can search for awesome toys for 1 year old and buy things from various lists, but the most important thing is to find the thing that interests your little one the most.

Pick a toy whether you have a little scientist, musician, explorer, or a creative little mind, and I am sure your toddler will love it!

However, there is one more important thing I’d like to say.

I always encourage parents to spend quality time with their children.

You can buy your kid hundreds of toys, but if you are not there to play with her, those toys don’t have any value.

So, get your munchkin some toys and enjoy your playtime!

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