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60 Fun Gifts For 1-Year-Old Boys: 2024 Guide

Updated
From baby to toddler, the little boys you know will go gaga for these extra-special gifts for 1-year-old boys below.

When a baby boy turns one, he is magically transformed from a baby into a toddler. It may not be as straightforward when it comes to buying gifts that he will be guaranteed to play with or use. Some boys will be attracted to their baby things, while others may prove ready for the big bad world of toddler toys.

You don’t have to guess what will work, though, because our guide is packed with all kinds of fun toys, accessories, and gifts that will appeal to the special boy in your life. Check out these unique gift ideas for 1-year-old boys ahead.


60 Fun Gift Ideas For 1-Year-Old Boys

Read on for the coolest gifts for 1-year-old boys that will make them giggle.

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Cartoon Wind Up Cars

  • Wind Up Some Fun

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Set, Activity, Cute

These adorable wind-up cars will have 1-year-old boys ready for some vroom-vrooming at the word go. The set of four cars will start up with one push and stimulate them easily for a fun afternoon of driving around. Equally as cute are the four animals behind the wheel of each car, including a calf, a dog, a squirrel, and a cat. The animals’ tails are sure to wag when the cars race around.

Personal Experience

When I first introduced these cars to my kids, their faces lit up with pure joy. The absence of lights and sounds, contrary to most toys, did not diminish their appeal but rather enhanced the overall experience, allowing for simple, unadulterated fun. The build quality of these racers is commendable; they withstand heavy use, making them an ideal plaything for kids ranging from toddlers to 5-year-olds. What's endearing is how they animate - the eyes and tongue motion coupled with the wiggling tail as they zip away, brings an added layer of delight. However, caution is advised around very young children due to potential small parts, despite the toys seeming well-constructed and sturdy.


Baby Musical Mats

  • A Melody For Every Step

  • $$$$$
  • Activity, Educational, Unique

The 1-year-old boy in your life will enjoy playing musical steps with this fully loaded musical mat. The different modes play up to 25 different sounds, such as animals, music, and actual melodies. The learning is invaluable when he listens to all the music program has to offer and he can get exercise as well, either crawling around or walking on the mat. He may even gain a little rhythm in the process.

Personal Insight

Love how this toy keeps the little ones and even pets entertained with its vibrant colors and realistic animal noises. However, the lack of sound control and the need to frequently restart it due to diminishing volume is a bit of a letdown.


Baby Balance Bike

  • Baby's First Bike

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Activity, Cute

There is only one way a 1-year-old boy will react to this balance bike that bears the face of the cutest dog on earth—with absolute glee. The bike can help the development of his physical coordination early on and will have him riding around his first bike for hours on end. The doggie’s eyes even blink as he moves the handlebars, so he’ll have a good friend to keep him company.

Community Review

When first introduced to this balance bike, my young son was just a novice walker at 15 months. Now, nearly a year later, he races down the neighborhood streets with his older sister, unfazed by the low seat that some might wish were adjustable. As his parent, I'm impressed by the toy's durability and anticipate a smooth transition to a regular bike in the near future. Despite the handles grating against the frame, which suggests a missing buffer piece, the bike remains a beloved and frequently used toy, making it a great purchase for the little ones who are developing their motor skills.


Einstein Box

  • The Ultimate Learning Set

  • $$$$$
  • Educational, Games, Unique, Activity

Turn your 1-year-old boy into the next Einstein with this popular gift set full of learning activities that will stimulate his brainpower and engage him all the way. Educational toys for 1-year-old boys like this will give him everything he needs for learning through play, from animal masks and board books to a rhyming card and poster for learning his first words. He can return to the box and learn something new each time.

Individual Opinion

Got this activity box for my granddaughter's first birthday and we've had a blast using it together. The sturdy, age-appropriate toys and books offer a variety of play options, proving to be a convenient resource for days when no specific activities are planned. Unfortunately, the 'Who is in the House' game's velcro tends to damage the cards, but the rest of the content is well-crafted and effective for learning and interactive play.


Wooden Race Track

  • Racing Up And Down

  • $$$$$
  • Activity, Toys, Unique

Your 1-year-old speed racer will take to this wooden race track with delight. Its bright colors and accident-proof ramp of racer cars speed up and down with his help. He can park all the cars on the roof and then send each one down the ramp when he decides it’s time for them to go. The toy is a great way for him to stay focused on one activity at a time (playing with cars)!

First-Hand Impression

I've found this car toy to be an engaging and educational tool for young kids. The simplicity of its design, with elements like colors and numbers, captivates my grandchild, fostering a Montessori-like learning environment. However, due to the small size of the cars, adult supervision is necessary to prevent potential choking hazards.


Learning Walker

  • Learn More Than Just Walking

  • $$$$$
  • Educational, Unique, Activity

Why just teach the 1-year-old boy in your life to walk when you can give him a cool learning center that also acts as a walker for him? This learning walker has it all—a telephone handset, piano keys, light-up buttons, and more. He can play with it on the ground if still crawling, use it to guide him as he learns to walk or keep at it when he’s running around completely.

Personal Experience

I'm quite impressed with this walker, which not only serves its primary function of aiding my child's early steps but brilliantly doubles as an interactive toy. The detachable front panel is a major plus, allowing my child to play with it separately once they've reached their destination. Despite my wish for a complete lock feature on the wheels, this walker's easy maneuverability, coupled with its stimulating and engaging activities, contributes significantly to my child's physical and cognitive development.


Dancing Cat Toy

  • Kitty With Moves

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Cute, Unique, Educational

This is a very special cat toy for toddlers. He plays music and dances as well as talks and lights up to help your boy find his rhythm, his words, and a recognition of musical sounds. Plus, it’s just really fun to have his own personal cat toy to interact with in so many ways that will also end up teaching him how to take care of a future pet companion.

Personal Insight

My experiences with this toy have been nothing but delightful - its vibrant lights, adorable songs, and unpredictable movements have been the center of fascination for my niece and her siblings. It's a hit with kids from 1 to 5 years old, and even after a year, my granddaughter still dances and sings along with it, proving it to be a lasting source of entertainment and joy.


Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles

  • Piece Together Learning

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Activity, Cute

This set of six wooden animal puzzles will provide thoughtful educational activity for 1-year-old boys to play with. Their earliest learning experiences are important, and these puzzles featuring six different characters offer them a playful way to recognize the colors, shapes, and looks of different animals. The puzzle will become one of the first puzzles they ever solve in life, along with many more to come.

Community Review

These puzzles are perfectly formed to fit toddler's hands, making them an ideal tool to boost their confidence as they successfully piece them together. The vibrantly colored pieces were a hit with my one year old granddaughter, who was utterly delighted with her present. The set includes six individual puzzles and a charming fabric storage bag, adding a touch of care to the overall package. The product was delivered promptly and met all my expectations, making it a worthwhile purchase for any young child.


Board Books Set

  • Literature For Toddlers

  • $$$$$
  • Set, Educational, Activity

It may be time to start putting together the top library for your 1-year-old boy to excel in any area while being able to ignite his eager imagination. This set of 10 board books can act as that first library that is tailor-made for 1-year-old boys and contain topics as broad as shapes, colors, animals, fruits & vegetables, and even numbers. He’ll always remember his first set of books, especially ones that teach so powerfully.

Individual Opinion

My experience with these tiny books has been delightful, especially watching my grandson handle them with such fascination. Their size is perfect for little hands, providing an engaging activity that enhances fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The simple, uncluttered pages offer a great learning tool for young ones, promoting both recognition and vocabulary. While they might show some wear from frequent use, it's a minor concern given the joy and learning they bring to children's lives.


Marvel Bodysuits Set

  • Baby Super Hero

  • $$$$$
  • Set, Clothing, Cute

No more boring onesies for your favorite 1-year-old boy when you provide him with a set of top Marvel heroes to wear. This set has five different onesie bodysuits with both soft fabric and easy-on-easy-off snaps. He can be Captain America one day and The Incredible Hulk another. The colors are gorgeous and will allow him to stand out as the hero in the crowd any time he puts on his cape (or onesie).

First-Hand Impression

These onesies have proven to be adorable and comfortable for my grandson, providing a perfect fit with some room to grow. Made from soft material and featuring a different design for each day of the week, they are not only practical for summer wear but also add a delightful charm to his playtime around the house.

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Musical Bus Toy

  • Get On The Bus

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Activity, Cute

1-year-old boys will want to get on this musical bus toy. The colorful play bus has many features they can interact with, like counting colored rings and playing with flashing headlights. The bus includes eight nursery rhymes that will entertain him. They can place the animal figures in the proper places by listening to the sounds that each animal makes. There is so much to learn and so much fun on the bus that awaits.

Personal Experience

My experience with this toy bus has been quite positive and engaging. It's a delightful sight to see kids crawl and toddle after it, making it an entertaining tool for promoting physical activities. However, I've noticed it doesn't perform as well on carpeted surfaces, something to consider depending on your home layout. Despite the challenge of matching animal pieces due to the lack of geometric shapes and color recognition, kids still seem to enjoy interacting with it. I must caution, though, the small shapes and plastic key could pose a choking hazard, requiring closer supervision during playtime. This toy bus, indeed, serves as a fun and stimulating tool for learning and coordination, making it a favored plaything over time.


Mushroom Garden Toy

  • These Mushrooms Can Teach

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Educational, Games

This award-winning mushroom garden toy uses the power of mushrooms to teach 1-year-old boys about numbers and colors. They can light up and also play music…these mushrooms do it all. They can take part in memory games where they have to try and memorize the pattern that the mushroom lights and sounds make, which will help build basic skills and prepare them for the next steps in their education.

Personal Insight

As a parent, I found this toy to be an immediate hit with both my son and granddaughter, captivating them with its vibrant colors and interactive settings. However, I was disappointed by the toy's lack of durability, as a crucial plastic piece broke off within just a few days, limiting the freedom of play. Despite this setback, this toy shines with its ability to engage children with its flashing lights and varied sound settings, making it a beloved addition to their playtime routine.


Sports Center

  • The Sports Companion

  • $$$$$
  • Games, Activity, Toys

1-year-old boys will get their sports on with this fully-loaded sports center toy. The unique 2-in-1 combination toy can be used for shooting basketball hoops or making a goal in soccer. The toy is a great reason for babies and toddlers to get active, from the floor or on their feet. There is even a scoreboard to show them just how great they’re doing.

Community Review

This basketball toy, although appearing larger in pictures, has proven to be a delightful addition to our playtime activities. It offers a range of interactive features like engaging sounds and responsive sensors that detect when the ball passes through the hoop. However, these basketball goals demand supervision for younger or taller toddlers, as they lack sturdiness and might topple over. Regardless of this minor flaw, it serves as an entertaining tool for promoting both coordination and learning across all ages.


Mickey Mouse Bedding Set

  • Mickey Mouse For Comfort

  • $$$$$
  • Set, Cute, Birthday

This super-cute bedding set features gray and red Mickey Mouse themed designs that will fit right into the whimsical, comforting place known as your 1-year-old boy’s bedroom. The set includes a warm quilt, a fitted sheet, and a skirt for his crib that will tie all the Mickeys together. He will love having this iconic Disney character watching over him while he sleeps soundly in his crib.


Fishing Bath Toy

  • Gone Fishing (In The Tub)

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Unique, Cute

Take your favorite 1-year-old boy fishing during his next bathtime with the best fishing bath toy he will love. This fishing pole is magnetic and, with a few clicks of the pole, it can retrieve the three underwater characters that will attach to its pole. The activity will transform his typical bathtime into a fishing adventure that will produce creatures that bob around once they have fished from the ocean, aka bathtub.


Vibrating Guitar Grasp Toy

  • Your Young Rockstar

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Unique, Cute

This cool-looking guitar toy is ideal for 1-year-old boys who want to touch and feel it’s interesting textures while feeling the vibration it gives off when the cord is tugged. They will love rocking out with this soft toy and can learn the most basic techniques to strumming a guitar that will come in handy later in their childhood when they start to learn a musical instrument.


Footed Cotton Pajamas Set

  • Fun From Head To Toe

  • $$$$$
  • Set, Clothing, Cute

This set of footed pajamas makes a thoughtful Christmas or birthday gift for your favorite 1-year-old boy to enjoy. The vibrant designs include a “best of” what little boys enjoy, like fire trucks, spaceships, monsters, skateboards, and more. Each pajama set has warm non-slip footies attached and long sleeves to keep him toasty whether taking a nap or lounging around.

Personal Insight

My experience with these pajamas has been a mixed bag. While the stretchy sets, like the orange and baby stripe, provide comfort and room for growth, the green set with the whale, avocado, and cow designs are disappointingly stiff and have less give. Despite this inconsistency, the charming designs and skin-friendly zipper cover are features that my child and I both appreciate.


Pull & Sing Puppy

  • This Pooch Has It All

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Educational, Cute

This very special puppy not only looks sweet but can teach 1-year-old boys coordination, motor skills and help with their language development. The puppy has a light-up nose which will keep the boys focused on him while he reacts with voice and music to them. He contains over 60 songs, sounds, and phrases to teach this little one about while also teaching him how to take care of animals.

Community Review

Excellent, this toy proved to be a hit with both my niece and grandson. They were thrilled with its interactive features, especially the music, and it even served as an incentive for my grandson to start crawling. However, I found the leash to be a bit short making it hard for them to pull along, but this did not detract from their enjoyment as they often chose to push it instead.


Car Tent Toy

  • A Camping Car Trip

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Activity, Unique

This car tent toy will become your 1-year-old boy’s favorite getaway kept in the playroom, or you decide to use it as his personal backyard tent. The car-shaped tent has a mesh opening on the top so he can see out, and you can see where he is playing, sleeping, or just relaxing. You can add bouncy castle balls for fun or add something soft for the best nap he’s ever taken.

Individual Opinion

As a grandparent, I've seen my grandson thoroughly enjoy playing in this tent. It was a bit of a challenge to fold it back up initially, but after a few attempts, I got the hang of it. The material appears to be on the thinner side, which caused some concern about its durability, especially when considering my grandson's energetic play style; however, it has so far remained intact and provided plenty of spacious fun.


1st Birthday Book

  • A Very Personal Birthday

  • $$$$$
  • Unique, Birthday, Cute

This 1st birthday book is the perfect way to impress on his very first birthday. The book is fully personalized with the name, gender, and birthdate of the birthday boy, which will make him feel special and make the reading of the book a wonderfully unique event every time it happens (because he is going to want to hear his story over and over again)!

First-Hand Impression

I found this book to be a delightful surprise with its high-quality production and thoughtful personalization. The sturdy pages and clear, engaging storyline make it a standout amongst other children's books. However, while it's a fantastic gift, it may be too advanced for younger children, but its charm and keepsake potential ensure it will be appreciated for years to come.

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Suction Cup Spinning Top Toy

  • Keep On Spinning

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Cute, Educational, Set

This set of spinning toys has qualities that will help your 1-year-old boy focus and play at the same time. The spinners attach to any flat surface with their suction cups and allow little ones to release energy by spinning them around. Each spinner has an animal in its center—a butterfly, a ladybug, and a bee. You can even attach them to the inside of a car window so car trips become a little easier.

Personal Experience

I found these spinners to be a wonderful addition to my child's playtime, whether in the high chair, on the car window, or during bath time. They're versatile and portable, providing entertainment anywhere with a surface they can attach to. My only gripe is that they struggled to stay put on certain surfaces like my textured fridge door and didn't fully recover after exposure to very warm water. Despite this, my young ones' delighted spinning and rattling them, marking them as a valuable purchase.


First Learning Tablet

  • Baby’s First App

  • $$$$$
  • Educational, Toys, Activity

This awesome learning tablet will be the ultimate introduction for your 1-year-old boy to begin exploring all kinds of educational and fun apps, games, and learning activities. The easy-to-interact with apps include different songs, light patterns, cute animals, shapes, and so much more. Anytime he needs to engage with tech that won’t overwhelm him but assist him in growing, this is the tablet to reach for.

Personal Insight

Got this interactive tablet for my infant daughter and it's been a hit, keeping her engaged and gradually teaching her navigation skills. It's not only her, but my friends' children also seem to love it, with one of them refusing to put it down since he received it. The tablet features a variety of fun songs and educational content, such as identifying animals and colors, making it an excellent learning tool for young children.


Wooden Activity Cube

  • A Center For Learning

  • $$$$$
  • Activity, Educational, Toys

The 1-year-old boy you know will take to this wooden activity cube immediately since it has so much learning to offer. The all-inclusive teaching toy has it all: a math abacus, games like Tic-Tac-Toe and Sliders, a learning clock, and a bead maze. He can explore whatever takes his interest that day and never get bored. The activity cube will soon become an important part of his toddler toy collection.

Community Review

My experience with this toy has been largely positive, especially noting its durability, as it withstood being stepped on and yet returned to its original shape. This toy's top part, despite being a tad heavy for a toddler to carry around, provides an engaging activity with its wire and beads. A minor issue, however, exists as the top doesn't snap into the base, which means my little one sometimes pulls it off, but this is infrequent. The size of this toy is also something to consider; it seems more suitable for infants and toddlers up to 12 months old. Despite a few minor drawbacks, this toy's vibrant colors, sturdy construction, and engaging features make it a hit with the little ones in my family.


Baby Birthday Gift Set

  • 1st Birthday Suit

  • $$$$$
  • Set, Clothing, Birthday, Cute

Make sure your 1-year-old boy has the best outfit he can show off for the event that is his 1st birthday party. This birthday gift set will have him decked out like a little prince with his 1st birthday onesie/pants combo. There’s also an adorable birthday hat for photos and a birthday boy bib that will happily catch all the birthday cake crumbs.

Individual Opinion

This Hudson Baby outfit, while adorable and well-fitted, unfortunately fell short in terms of quality and packaging. From my experience, the excessive use of tape left a sticky residue on the pants that persisted even after washing. While the outfit was cute enough for my son's first birthday, the subpar stitching led to seams coming undone after a single wash, and the material didn't seem robust enough for multiple uses.


Airplane Light Up Toy

  • Bumpin’ With Planes

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Activity, Educational

This light-up airplane toy is ready to teach and entertain your favorite 1-year-old boy with its many features. When in learning mode, the airplane will help him learn numbers, the alphabet, music, and words. When he switches the plane into music mode, it’s all about interacting with the plane itself, which goes vroom-vroom when he moves it around. Either way, he will appreciate the many treasures this cute little airplane toy has to offer.

First-Hand Impression

I'm pleased with this toy, although it's smaller than anticipated and tends to consume batteries quickly. From my personal experience, its interactive features provide endless fun for infants, making it quite engaging for my cousin's one year old who has a fascination with planes. One minor drawback, however, is the misleading representation in the pictures - it's way smaller in reality. Despite this, both my grandsons, aged 10 months and 1.5 years, were absolutely captivated by the lights and sounds it offers, even compelling the younger one to crawl towards it.


Harvest Game

  • A Harvest Of Knowledge

  • $$$$$
  • Games, Toys, Educational, Activity

Teach your 1-year-old boy to harvest fruits and vegetables with this harvest game garden. The award-winning game contains seven different fruit and vegetable pieces that he can work on fitting into the differently shaped holes. While he gardens this way, he is improving his motor skills, shape recognition, and coordination abilities, all while tending to his favorite garden.

Personal Experience

This toy is a delightful little gem, with some of its parts being smaller than anticipated but crafted well nonetheless. My 18-month-old found a particular fascination with extracting and reinserting the miniature carrots, holding her attention for surprisingly lengthy periods. While the size of the components might pose a concern for younger children, especially those still in the teething phase, it provides an excellent tool for cultivating fine motor skills and mechanisms understanding in slightly older toddlers.


Star Projector

  • His Own Private Galaxy

  • $$$$$
  • Unique, Activity, Educational

Allow your 1-year-old space traveler to enjoy the beauty of the galaxies in his bedroom with this awesome star projector. The organic feel to the wooden base cradles an LED light projector that will cast the stars onto his ceiling and walls. The amount of light and color/tone of the light can be controlled easily and set on a timer so it turns off once he is asleep.

Personal Insight

Excellent star projector for children's rooms with multiple lighting options. I've personally found this product to be calming, with features like steady lights, variable colors, and a timer function which can be set to turn off after a certain period. The only drawback is the dome which can be easily dented, but I've found it fixable by pulling out the dents using a push pin. The quality and price of the device align well, making it a fair purchase, despite the manual being slightly confusing and the device not working with batteries.


Fisher-Price Blocks Gift Set

  • Stacks Of Fun

  • $$$$$
  • Set, Toys, Educational

Fisher-Price put together an impressive set of block toys for rambunctious boys to play with. The set has two different toys that include blocks with a storage bucket and a stack of ring blocks that he can also use, depending on the kind of blocky mood he might find himself in. He’ll be on his way to solving problems like a pro, thanks to his block buddies.

Community Review

Great for both babies and pets, this toy set not only keeps my daughter and puppy entertained, but it's also an effective learning tool. Made from plant-based materials, it's durable and safe, with holes in the rings that are just the right size for little hands and paws. Despite its simplicity, this toy is a hit in our house, helping my daughter learn about colors and shapes and keeping my puppy busy, even though we had to replace it once due to some enthusiastic chewing.


Playskool Busy Gears

  • Grinding Gears For Fun

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Activity, Educational

These gears are busy indeed…they provide hours of super-fun entertainment for 1-year-olds and older. The toy has 11 gears that he can touch and play with. The gears will spin around in all directions and can be stacked and unstacked, which will keep both his brain waves buzzing and his attention span intact.

Individual Opinion

I'm really pleased with these interactive toys for my toddlers. They're simple yet engaging, teaching cause and effect as well as fine motor skills while the kids place gears in specific spots. The volume control was a bit tricky - it was loud at first but quieted down over time. However, the kids seemed to enjoy the noise, even if it was a bit much for me. Despite being geared towards younger tots, my three-year-old was absolutely enamored as well. These toys turned out to be a hit for us, even if the noise level was a tad overwhelming at times.


Sherpa Slippers

  • Scoot Along, Little One

  • $$$$$
  • Clothing, Unique, Cute

Keep a 1-year-old boy’s little feet warm and comfy in these little sherpa slippers. They close securely around the ankles with a hook and loop and are non-skid to help him avoid slipping or taking a tumble. The slippers make a great Christmas gift and will get plenty of use no matter the season.

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Barnyard Bath Toy Set

  • Friends For The Tub

  • $$$$$
  • Set, Toys, Cute

The next time the 1-year-old boy you know takes a bath, you can provide him with some cool friends to have in the tub with him. This set of barnyard bath toys included eight different mini creatures that include an owl, a frog, a rooster, and of course, a duck. The creatures will squirt water back at him when he squeezes them and will make bath time even more fun.


Personalized Moon & Stars Nightlight

  • His Name In Stars

  • $$$$$
  • Unique, Cute, Birthday

This personalized night light is the ideal addition to your favorite 1-year-old boy’s bedside. The soft light will ease him to sleep, with the moon and stars design spelling out his name. If he wakes up in the night, he’ll see his own moon and stars that will let him know it’s still sleep time.


Wild Animals Board Book

  • An Exploration Of Nature

  • $$$$$
  • Unique, Educational, Cute

When 1-year-old boys want to learn about the animal world, they can look at this board book of wild animals that has all their friends in the natural world to teach them. This board book is all about touch, a wonderful way for toddlers to take in knowledge first-hand. They can feel the textures of five different animals, from a smooth dolphin to a koala’s ear, and gain so much more in return.

Community Review

As a parent, I've found this book to be a hit with both my son and daughter who enjoy exploring the different textures on the animals. However, while the cover is textured, only a few of the pages are, which was a slight letdown as my kids lost interest faster than with other texture books we own.


Sprinkler Splash Pad

  • Splashing Around

  • $$$$$
  • Unique, Activity, Cute

This splash pad is the ultimate in gifts for 1-year-old boys to have all the outdoor fun they can dream up. The kiddie pool is part fountain, part learning pool because anywhere they choose to sit, they can splash around in the multiple squirts of water. While they’re doing so, they can look at the mat and learn about animals and the alphabet. What better way to spend a warm summer day?

Individual Opinion

I absolutely adore this splash pad, as do my two-year-old twin granddaughters. They especially love identifying the animals printed on it, which has become a fun way to teach them their letters. However, I've noticed a design flaw where the hose connects on top, causing a bit of an awkward bend that raises concern about potential tears. Additionally, it seems to leak a bit at the connection point which is a slight nuisance, but despite these issues, the joy it brings to my granddaughters is undeniable.


Baby Toy Cars Set

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  • Push And Go Carts

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Set, Activity, Educational

This set of baby cars is one of the cutest ways 1-year-old boys can play with cars around. The set of seven vehicles includes a fire truck, school bus, plane, and more. They are powered by the toddler that plays with them, and they move once he gets some friction going. The convenient carry bag for the cars unfolds into a fun play mat on which he can play with all his baby car friends.


Fishing Game

  • Fishing For Treasure

  • $$$$$
  • Games, Toys, Activities

This fishing game will have the 1-year-old boy you know totally immersed in trying to catch much more than just a fish. The game allows him to catch fish and harvest his garden for vegetables while looking for worms hiding in the holes. He can discover the differences between shapes and everyday things, while finding some of the best treasure ever.

Personal Experience

I'm thrilled by how much my kids have enjoyed this toy, especially the captivating colors and the challenge of fishing with magnets, despite it being a bit flimsy and having lots of small parts that could easily get lost or pose a choking hazard. This durable, wooden toy has shown great potential as an educational tool for developing fine motor skills, providing hours of fun for kids older than three, yet it could use a storage solution to manage the little components better.


Toddler Tool Set

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  • Mr. Fix-It

  • $$$$$
  • Set, Activity, Toys

Get 1-year-old boys turned on to fixing things early in life when you give them this cool toddler tool set. There are so many tools and shapes for them to tinker with and try to put away or fit into holes, in addition to helpful lights and sound reactions which teach them even more about the tools in their kit. They can carry it all around with them and start fixing anywhere they like.


Learning Cube

  • Multi-Sided Learning Fun

  • $$$$$
  • Educational, Activity, Toys

1-year-old boys can explore with this multi-sided and multi-faceted learning cube. The award-winning toy uses colors, lights, and sounds to teach them the alphabet and numbers, along with nursery rhymes, animal sounds, and much more. The cube is light and easy to take along on trips, so his learning activities never have to cease because he’s not at home. He may not want to put the cube down!

Community Review

Best educational toy I've encountered in a while, this gift was initially for my niece but ended up being loved by my other young relatives too. With its multitude of songs, buttons, and features, it provides ample entertainment and learning opportunities for toddlers. However, I did notice that the buttons were a little stiff and the size of the cube could be challenging for smaller kids to handle. Despite these minor drawbacks, its vibrant colors and interactive features kept their attention. While it may not be perfect, this toy still offers good value and has been a beneficial learning tool for my niece and grandson.


Sensory Board

  • Touch And Feel Away

  • $$$$$
  • Educational, Activity, Unique

This busy board has everything a 1-year-old boy needs for a fast track to learning. He can work on his motor skills with the props inside like a zipper, button, and buckles, while exploring his own imagination by drawing on the doodle board. He can also mimic going to school since the board folds up into a lightweight backpack that he can wear on the go. He’ll be more than ready for pre-school by quite some time!

Individual Opinion

I've found this toddler busy board to be a delightful and engaging tool for my young kids. From practicing life skills to providing a fun coloring surface, this product offers an array of activities that kept my 3 and 5-year-olds busy and learning. Despite the included eraser not being very effective, a simple baby wipe does the trick, making it a minor setback in an otherwise excellent product.


Spin & Learn Flashlight

  • Searching With Light

  • $$$$$
  • Activity, Educational, Toys

This flashlight will not only light the way for your 1-year-old boy but will also light his way to learning at the same time. The many buttons on the flashlight will teach him about numbers, animal sounds, and colors. The flashlight will interact with sing-a-longs and friendly conversation from a cute ladybug. He can also enjoy searching for fun stuff by the light of his flashlight tool.

First-Hand Impression

This toy has a pleasing aesthetic, and it's a hit with the little ones - my two-year-old niece has taken to sleeping with it at night. However, while its compact size makes for easy storage and portability, I personally would've preferred it slightly larger with a constant light feature instead of flashing. The interactive nature of the toy keeps the kids engaged, although be warned, it does produce a fair bit of noise. Despite this, it's been a delightful addition to our play-time and even made it into the kids' Easter baskets!

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Cloth Baby Book

  • Books That Come To Life

  • $$$$$
  • Unique, Educational, Activity

Toddlers can touch and feel this baby book from cover to cover and learn about the animal world too. The book is called “Jungly Tails” for a good reason…a bunch of wild animal tails quite literally stick out of the book that they can get their hands on to find out more about the animals in the story. This truly unique book will remain a part of their life for years to come.

Personal Experience

After purchasing this book for my young granddaughter, I can confidently say it's a hit. The book's vibrant colors and tactile features, like protruding elements and crinkling pages, keep her engaged for extended periods. It also serves as a wonderful sensory toy, providing visual, tactile, and auditory stimulation that even my six-month-old grandchild enjoys. The book is durable and washable, making it a perfect fit for kids who love to explore with their mouth - an added bonus for any household with little ones.


Chomp & Count Dino

  • Feed The Dino

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Games, Activity

Your 1-year-old boy will get a kick out of feeding colorful coins with images of different types of food on them to a very hungry dinosaur toy. The dino will talk back to him as he eats, offering different cute responses each time. He also has much more to give, like songs, sounds, and the prices of the different foods. 1-year-old boys will come away with a lot of info from this teaching dinosaur friend.

Personal Insight

I bought this toy dinosaur for my grandkids and it immediately became their favorite playmate. They thoroughly enjoy feeding it and are captivated by its talking feature, which also introduces them to concepts like colors and counting. The only minor drawback I noticed is that my youngest grandchild, who is one, finds it a bit challenging to put the discs in the dinosaur's mouth, but overall, it's a fun and educational toy that's just the right size for little hands.


Turn & Learn Driver Toy

  • A New Driver

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Educational, Activity

Get your favorite 1-year-old boy behind the wheel of his own vehicle with this steering wheel driver toy that teaches so much more than just how to turn and honk. He can hear words and sounds associated with different animals and vehicles. He can also play with all the buttons on the steering wheel and explore shifting gears and putting his signal on so one day he will make the safest driver around.

Community Review

My experience with this toy has been nothing short of delightful. It offers various modes, lights, and sounds that keep my little one engaged; its durability and size have also proved to be a hit. The ability for this toy to withstand the enthusiastic play of a one-year-old, along with its capacity to entertain for extended periods, makes it a winner in my book.


Ball Pit

  • Safely Bouncing Around

  • $$$$$
  • Activity, Unique, Toys

1-year-old boys will love safely playing in this ball pit made from foam. The hand-crafted pit is a great way for little ones to practice walking, or swimming in balls, and even throwing! This soft pit of 200 balls is there to catch any falls. The colorful play center will provide tons of entertainment for 1-year-olds and their BFFs to idle away an afternoon in the happiest place around.

Individual Opinion

Definitely, this ball pit has been a joy in our household, boasting vibrant colors and a fun shape that my kids can't get enough of. It started off a bit misshaped, but it rounded itself out into a perfect circle within a couple of days. While the light pink cover does seem to attract dirt rather quickly and the included balls don't fully fill the pit, none of these minor issues diminish the overall enjoyment this ball pit brings to my children.


Park Ranger Baby Board Book Set

  • He’s A Park Ranger

  • $$$$$
  • Set, Unique, Educational

This set of board books is unique in that they tell the story of the US national parks. Each book focuses on either the water, land, animals, or plants found in the 16 different national parks. The inviting pictures will draw in any 1-year-old boy with topics like “Towering Trees” and “Massive Caves.” Before you know it, he’ll be wanting to visit one of these parks with you and see for himself.


Sit & Play Learning System

  • A Private Preschool

  • $$$$$
  • Educational, Unique, Activity

The 1-year-old boy you know will want to dig into this sit & play learning system right away. The impressive-looking toy can act as his own private tablet and be the perfect all-in-one place for learning everything he needs to and more years before stepping into a preschool. The Animal Island Learning Adventures series will engage him, keep his attention, and use his focus to develop his cognitive abilities, literacy, and beyond.

Personal Experience

This Animal Island Preschool Learning System has been a joy for my child. The engaging character, Pandy, along with the colorful animations, make every learning session a fun adventure. The system focuses on early literacy, numeracy, social-emotional development, and executive functioning skills, all in a safe, ad-free environment. However, the battery life could be better and there were minor glitches on startup. Additionally, the hard plastic case doesn't seem to be toddler-friendly and cracked easily when thrown. Despite these drawbacks, the system remains an educational tool that my child enjoys using.


Push N’ Pop Bulldozer

  • Bulldoze With One Push

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Cute, Activity

By just pushing this colorful bulldozer, your little 1-year-old boy can amuse himself to no end as the bulldozer pops up colored balls from its chimney into the bucket as it rolls. When he wants some additional fun, he can hear songs as he rolls his bulldozer across the room. Either way, he can be as adventurous as he wants to where this bulldozing job is concerned.

Personal Insight

This bulldozer toy has been a big hit with my nephew, who is learning to walk. He loves the excitement of the colorful balls popping up as he pushes it, and it's been great for helping him develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. However, figuring out how to make the balls cycle through the toy can be a bit challenging for some kids, but that's part of the fun and learning experience.


Fisher-Price Vacuum Toy

  • Clean Up And Play

  • $$$$$
  • Educational, Activity, Toys

This Fisher-Price vacuum toy will make cleaning up a super fun activity for 1-year-old boys. As they push the vacuum cleaner around, they are met with different music, lights, and phrases, plus the on and off sound of the vacuum itself. They can work on their balance by using the vacuum to help them stand and continue to explore learning topics like colors, shapes, and opposites…all while cleaning up the house!

Community Review

As a parent, I found this toy vacuum a delightful addition to our playtime, with its music and sound effects capturing my toddler's attention and encouraging him to interact with it enthusiastically. Despite some concerns about its height for taller toddlers and its stability when standing on its own, these minor issues did not detract from the enjoyment my child got from pushing it around the house, mimicking my own cleaning habits in a fun and engaging manner.


Sit To Stand Alphabet Train

  • Ride The Train Of ABC’s

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Activity, Educational

Few choo choo trains are as packed with learning and fun as this sit-to-stand alphabet train for 1-year-old boys. They can sit and push the train while taking part in any of 10 activities, from a storybook to alphabet blocks. There is also a walkie-talkie and number pad that they can interact with, which will create hours of train-riding fun for all who take part.

Individual Opinion

After gifting this train toy to my nephew, his absolute joy and constant engagement with it were truly heartwarming to observe. Despite noticing that it could be a tad unstable and tip over easily, seeing him ride his train daily and interact enthusiastically with the letter blocks was a testament to the toy's appeal. However, an unfortunate incident of receiving a used and slightly damaged product for my sister's baby shower was a disappointing fluke that put a slight damper on my otherwise positive experience.


Gund Plush Sports Playset

  • Sports Stuffers

  • $$$$$
  • Set, Toys, Cute

Give your favorite 1-year-old boy his start playing different sports in a way that is easy to do. This Gund playset consists of plush versions of a soccer ball, football, basketball, and baseball. They come in an adorable “My First Sports Bag” that he can cart around during all of his activity times. These sports accessories are perfect for throwing, cuddling, or just having fun with and will gently introduce him to the wide world of sports.

First-Hand Impression

Excellent! This Baby My First Sports Bag Stuffed Plush Playset captured my heart with its vibrant colors and array of soft toys, perfect for a little one's grasp. The individual pieces such as the squeaky soccer ball and the crinkly basketball offer a variety of sensory experiences that had my nephew and grandson enthralled. The plush baseball bat and the football, filled with crunchy material, are safe for baby hands, providing an early introduction to sports. The size of the set, while unexpectedly small, proved perfect for my little ones who are just learning to walk, and the easy-to-carry bag is a bonus. It's not just a toy set, but also an engaging tool for developing their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory exploration.

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Toddler Musical Instruments Set

  • Bang A Toddler Drum

  • $$$$$
  • Set, Toys, Activity, Unique

This all-in musical instruments set will win big with any 1-year-old boys you know. The 22-piece set has 15 different instruments that are safe for toddlers to use and perfect for them to explore their inner drummer…and xylophone player, castanet player, bell ringer, clapper, etc. They can work on their rhythm and begin an early appreciation of music. They’ll have enough instruments to start their own merry band of toddlers too.

Personal Experience

Bought this instrument set for my toddler and the variety was impressive, though the quality varied from instrument to instrument. The wooden and metal pieces were lovely and sturdy, but the wrist bells posed a safety hazard with small parts falling out, so be cautious if you have younger children. Despite some slight frustrations with an overload of plastic packaging, these instruments have added a lot of colorful, noisy fun to our family gatherings.


Wooden Hammering/Pounding Toy

  • Whac-A-Mole Elephant

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Educational, Games, Activity

Even the most energetic 1-year-old boy will get all of his energies out with this hammering and pounding toy that looks like the cutest elephant on wheels. Not only can he pound and hammer the objects, but also take part in other games that the toy has to offer. The options include the castanets, numbers, gears, and more colorful accessories that will engage him and his friends for hours at a time.

Personal Insight

Great, this toy is an adorable addition to our playroom, and its durability is commendable. I was impressed when it survived a fall from the couch, showing its sturdiness. However, I noticed some splintering of the wood in certain areas, but thankfully, the toy came with a piece of sandpaper. My son, who's currently teething, seems to enjoy the hammers and chime more than anything else, but I'm hopeful his interest will grow over time.


Bear Fleece Hood Jacket

  • A Hooded Baby Bear

  • $$$$$
  • Clothing, Cute, Unique

Turn your favorite 1-year-old boy into the cutest little baby bear you know by giving him this hooded fleece jacket. The lightweight fleece is ideal for keeping him warm yet comfortable, especially with the zip up feature. The baby bear ears will make sure to send his level of cuteness off the charts the moment he has his bear hoodie on for outdoor activities.

Community Review

After receiving this product, I initially felt let down because the color was not what I had asked for. I ordered pink, hoping to delight my little girl, but it arrived in blue. Additionally, the size of the item was smaller than expected. Despite these initial setbacks, we decided to keep it. Unforeseen benefits began to surface, as we found that the compact size made it more portable and the color, while not our first choice, was still pleasing.


Baby Phone Toy

  • Where’s His Phone?

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Activity, Unique

It’s never too early to get your 1-year-old boy his own cell phone…don’t worry, it’s not a real phone but a toddler-friendly “smartphone” toy that he will enjoy even more than he does stealing your phone. There are 12 apps to play with, such as a camera, games with animals and sounds, mail, and more. He’ll love exploring the apps while invigorating his imagination too.

Individual Opinion

Great for toddlers, this toy offers an engaging blend of tactile and auditory experiences that mimic the allure of adult phones. This light-weight, easy-to-grasp toy has rounded corners and features buttons that are easy to press, each adorned with small recognizable pictures. However, it's worth noting that the sound may stop working over time, and some of the tunes it plays may seem an odd choice for a modern baby toy.


Sleepsack Wearable Blanket

  • The Safety Of Sleep

  • $$$$$
  • Clothing, Cute, Unique

When the 1-year-old boy in your life needs his beauty sleep, you can ensure he’ll feel safe and comfortable with this helpful sleepsack. The sleepsack is a wearable blanket that makes the toddler wearing it feel a sense of security and an even temperature all around. The sleeves will keep him from getting too warm and the bamboo and cotton blend will act as the softest blanket he’s ever had.

First-Hand Impression

In my experience, this sleep sack has been a valuable addition to my son's bedtime routine. It's lightweight and roomy, providing him with comfort during the summer months while still allowing for mobility. The fabric is soft and durable, standing up well to numerous washes. This sleep sack, with its delightful rhino print, has become a favorite for my growing child, offering room to spare even for taller toddlers.


Magnetic Drawing Board

  • Drawing For Play

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Educational, Activity

This drawing board will assist 1-year-old boys in exploring their creativity safely, easily, and with no mess! The magnetic board includes a magic pen that allows them to explore color, shapes, and art at their own pace. The board’s design has removable legs so can go with him if he wants to take his art on the road.

Personal Experience

For a child exploring their creativity, this toy is an excellent tool that fosters their imagination and keeps them engaged for hours. Its erasable feature ensures a clean, mess-free experience, which I personally found to be a significant advantage. However, I noticed that the toy's legs are not the sturdiest and tend to fall off, making it less reliable for mobile play. Also, in terms of quality, the plastic used could be more robust, and the colors of the magnetic elements could be more vibrant and darker, to enhance the child's visual experience.


Glass Elephant Nightlight

  • An Elephant Light Story

  • $$$$$
  • Birthday, Unique, Cute

A thoughtful gift for a 1-year-old boy, this elephant night light has been handcrafted from recycled glass and has a mosaic feel to the design of a mother elephant leading her baby elephant behind her. The quirky night light will find a welcome home in the nursery/bedroom of the sweetest 1-year-old boy you know.


Learning Lights Remote

  • Every Channel Is A Winner

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Activity, Educational

This remote control toy is not like other remote controls since it’s made to teach 1-year-old boys everything from shapes and music tunes to knowing about the weather. The remote cleverly does so via the use of lights that stimulate his attention, focus, and imagination. He will end up improving his motor skills while playing with the coolest remote control in his toy collection.

Community Review

Definitely, this toy has proven to be a delightful source of entertainment for my little one. Its durability and the perfect size have made it a hit in our household, enduring countless hours of play. In fact, we've bought several due to how much the kids adore them, hoping the style continues to be produced. My baby, from 6 to 9 months, has shown enduring fondness for this toy, making it a worthwhile purchase. Despite a minor hiccup with a defective sound system on one of the toys, my one-year-old seems to enjoy pressing the buttons and interacting with it nonetheless. Lastly, it's a joy to see my one-year-old granddaughter take such a liking to this product.


Birthday Cake Toy

  • Birthday Dress Rehearsal

  • $$$$$
  • Birthday, Toys, Unique, Cute

Get your favorite 1-year-old boy ready for his next birthday with this awesome birthday cake toy that will teach him all the colors and shapes that birthday cake has to offer. He can easily set his age and watch the different numbers of candles light up. The birthday cake also includes fun birthday-themed lyrics to sing along to as he blows out the light-up candles.

Individual Opinion

I'm quite pleased with this toy as it's been a hit, not only with my grandson but also among my preschool students. While it's great for teaching kids to blow, count, and sing 'Happy Birthday', its loud volume can be a bit overwhelming for both toddlers and parents. This toy's durability also impresses me, having withstood being tossed off high chairs without cracking or breaking. Yet, the size was a tad smaller than expected, which was a minor letdown.


Blu Whale Learning Toy

  • A Whale That Buckles

  • $$$$$
  • Toys, Educational, Unique, Activity

This whale toy is ideal for teaching 1-year-old boys about buckles and their clasps through tactile experience. Their coordination and motor skills will improve while playing with this friendly whale’s six buckles and colorful straps. The adorable whale is a soft plush, so it can easily move around with him no matter where he goes.

First-Hand Impression

Love how this toy combines fun and learning for my little one. This toy has six vividly colored buckles of various styles for my toddler to practice with, and the zipper compartment inside the whale adds an extra surprise element. Despite its small size, it's well-constructed with soft, durable fabric and quality embroidery, making it not just a learning tool but also a snuggly companion for my child.

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First Birthday FAQs

How Can I Celebrate My 1-Year-Old’s Birthday?

Even though hosting a 1st birthday party for your 1-year-old seems like a no-brainer, it can also be nice to mark the special day with other significant activities since he won’t remember the party. Other activities are a great way to enjoy more personal memories on the special day. Activities like outdoor adventures, going to the zoo to see the animals, painting a picture together, organizing a photo session, or just spending time together at home will help create memories that will last a lifetime.

Can My Baby Eat Cake on His First Birthday?

While some dietitians don’t recommend sweets as part of the regular diet of a 1-year-old baby, it is generally considered okay for 1-year-olds to enjoy a taste of birthday cake at their 1st birthday party. Since their bodies are already used to the natural sugars in fruits, vegetables, and breastmilk, they won’t be changed by a taste of birthday cake. You can keep the treat a rare habit and you can even substitute sugary buttercream frosting with whipped cream for less sugar intake (1).

What Do You Write on a 1st Birthday Invitation?

A baby’s first birthday party invitation should pique the interest of your prospective guests but remain creative and fun at the same time. You can write out the invitation in the style of a childlike poem or story and point out the sweet details of his progress like first steps or first teeth. You can even make the words into a simple rhyme, so it’s pleasing to read. You can use humor and the promise of what the party will offer to interest guests even more, which will guarantee their attendance on the big day (2).

Headshot of Maryana Vestic

About the Author

Maryana Vestic

Maryana Vestic is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and food photographer with a background in entertainment Business Affairs. She studied film at NYU, Irish Theatre Studies at Trinity College Dublin, and has an MFA in Creative Writing Nonfiction from The New School. She loves cooking, baking, hiking, and horror films, as well as running a local baking business in Brooklyn with her boyfriend.