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10 Best Toys 1 Year Olds

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.

Buying Guide for the Best Toys 1 Year Olds

Choosing toys for a 1-year-old is all about supporting their rapid development, providing safe play, and capturing their growing curiosity. At this age, children are learning to explore their world through touch, movement, sound, and simple problem-solving. The best toys will encourage safe exploration, stimulate the senses, and help build basic physical and cognitive skills. As you consider different toys, focus on options that match your child's current abilities and spark joy, but can also adapt as they grow.
Safety FeaturesSafety is the top priority for toys made for toddlers, especially at age 1 when children tend to put objects in their mouths. A safe toy should be free of small parts that could be swallowed, have no sharp edges, and be made from non-toxic materials. When evaluating toys, look for those that are certified as safe for children under 3, avoiding anything with detachable, breakable, or button-like components. Choosing well-made toys that you can easily clean also helps keep playtime safe and hygienic.
Material and TextureToys for this age often come in various materials, such as soft cloth, plush, wood, or plastic. Textures stimulate your child's sense of touch, and soft materials are comforting for cuddling. Wooden and durable plastic toys can handle rougher play and teething. If your child chews on toys a lot, consider teething-safe materials. Choose a mix of textures for well-rounded sensory development, factoring in your child's preferences and any sensitivities or allergies.
Size and ShapeToys for 1-year-olds should be appropriately sized so they are easy to hold but too large to fit entirely in a child's mouth. Large, chunky shapes are easier for little hands to grasp and less of a choking hazard. When choosing, test whether the toy fits comfortably in your child's palm and check if there are places little fingers can get stuck. Consider toys with rounded shapes for safer, more comfortable handling.
Developmental BenefitsThe best toys encourage a mix of skills—fine motor, gross motor, sensory, and cognitive. For example, stacking blocks help with hand-eye coordination, while push-and-pull toys aid walking. Simple puzzles, soft books, and interactive toys with sound or movement foster exploration and early learning. Match toys to your child's interests and current skills, but also consider those that can gently challenge them to try new things as they grow.
Ease of CleaningAt this age, toys quickly get dirty, so being able to clean and sanitize them easily is important. Look for toys that are labeled as washable or wipeable—cloth toys should be machine-washable, and plastic or wooden ones should have smooth surfaces without small crevices. This ensures you can maintain hygiene with minimal effort, especially when your child is teething or prone to drooling.