As a mom of two girls, I must say there is something extremely annoying with useless toy gifts that kids get for Christmas or birthdays. There are numerous ideas for non toy gifts for 1 year old, don’t you agree? Stuffing your kid’s room with too many plush animals, and plastic toys aren’t doing any good to you or your baby. So if you are a parent, a friend, or a grandparent, here are some great useful gift ideas for 1-year-olds.
Too Many Toys Syndrome
Many studies claim playing with fewer toys will lead to a higher quality of play for toddlers. With fewer toys, kids are playing longer and use their imagination to play with a single toy in a greater variety of ways. Fewer toys support children’s development and promote healthy play.
Here is a RELATED ARTICLE on Too Many Toys Syndrome
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Non-Toy Gifts for 1-Year-Olds
1. Board Books
My mom bought my daughter numerous board books when she was 1 year old. To learn colors, shapes, letters, numbers, and new words. I remember we went through them so many times, she couldn’t get enough of them. It is important to read to our kids and make them fall in love with books from the earliest age.
RELATED ARTICLE: Sites That Offer Free Online Books for Kids
2. Art Set
Non-toxic crayons, watercolors, washable coloring pens, finger painting sets, or paper blocks are always gifts you can’t go wrong with. It is something that is used frequently and always in need of a new stash. Let them color and use their imagination. Creativity is mostly encouraged through coloring in young kids! Let them get all messy.
3. Coloring Book
Drawing and coloring are important activities for 1-year-olds. Focus the activity on creative expression. It will seem more like some scribbling, but ask your kid what he drew, and you will be amazed by what they say. That is when they learn to speak of course. My daughter was a year and a half old when she drew something and said, Coco! That was her word for a crocodile. You should see my daughter’s first coloring book and what a mess it was, but she loved it!
4. Colorful Water Bottle
A water bottle or a straw cup is a great useful gift for a small child. As a mom, I know there is never enough of those, and you can’t go wrong with it.
5. CD Player
My girls loved music. There is nothing sweeter than seeing those diaper bums dancing while listening to some favorite kids’ songs. So a nice kid-themed CD player is something they will use for years.
6. Kids CD`s
Can’t go wrong with famous kids’ songs on a CD. I remember my daughter listened to one Christmas song CD over and over again. The house was full of joy and dancing! It also helps their development, coordination, and word learning.
RELATED: Toddlers’ loss of appetite phase
7. Portable Feeding Chair
A portable feeding chair will be a useful gift to parents and the kids. I remember we had one of those and carried it with us if we went to grandma’s or to see friends. It was always handy to have a portable chair.
8. Wooden Block Games
Wooden blocks are perfect for kids to learn shapes and use their little fingers to place a shape into the right hole.
9. Diaper Changing Pad
A changing pad is used quite often with one-year-old boys and girls. And by the time the baby is 12 months, I am sure mom and the kid would love a new color-changing mat.
10. A Bath Robe
Aren`t kids adorable in those small bathrobes? I believe it is a very useful gift idea for toddlers. Make sure you buy cotton robes that are best for their sensitive skin.
11. A Meal Set
Sometimes we need to make plates and kids’ dishes amusing to make picky eaters eat. So a fun plate, a fork, and a spoon are great options for a toddler’s non-toy gift idea.
11. Soft Slippers
I know all studies say that soft slippers are the best choice for kids developing feet. There are so many wonderful designs for kids that you can find. They can be as a sock with leather soles, or all leather slippers, for comfortable walking around the home.
12. A Costume
Get them a favorite character costume for their first birthday! I remember my daughter got her Elsa dress that she didn’t take off until she was two. It’s a fun dress-up and role-play gift that is surely going to be used frequently.
13. Rain boots
Maybe you aren’t aware of the benefits of puddle jumping. It’s an exciting activity that helps them develop large muscles in the legs, work gross motor skills, and use their brain with measurement, estimation, and spatial awareness skills. So besides all the fun, it is quite useful too! We mostly love Hatley rain boots, they are the softest I could find, amazing!
14. A Back Pack
A small backpack appropriate for their age is a great gift! We got a puppy backpack that my daughter carried everywhere. I find this a great non-toy gift for kids.
16. Clothes
As shoes, clothes are also one of the best buys for small kids. Just try and be different, and buy something parents would never buy, something extraordinary. I don’t mean expensive, just something different that will make a kid smile.
17. Educational Puzzle for 1-year-olds
Finding where one piece fits into a hole is an amazing educational puzzle game for their motor skill development. Go for wooden ones because they will be in their mouth more than you think, LOL.
18. Stacking Boxes
It’s for example – 5 wooden boxes that kids need to nest together. It is a great educative non toy gift for toddlers’ creativity.
19. Bath Visor for Kids
As I have written before a bath visor is a great way to soothe kids who hate hair washing. Find more advice for tearless kids’ hairwashing on my site.
20. Make a Photo Book
I know it takes a bit of time to make a photo book, but this is such a personal, and thoughtful gift for a toddler. Something he will hold on to for life. We always keep our memories and try to regularly make photo books.
21. Educational Flashcards
Consider introducing educational flashcards to your 1-year-old to enhance their learning experience and cognitive development through interactive visual aids.
22. Musical Instruments
For 1-year-olds, exploring musical instruments can be a delightful and enriching experience. Musical instruments not only bring joy but also foster language development and contribute to early childhood development.
Melissa & Doug offer high-quality instruments perfect for little hands. Xylophones, with their colorful keys, are excellent for introducing young ones to music, rhythm, and sound exploration.
23. Stylish hats and Sunglasses
Stylish hats and sunglasses for 1-year-olds not only offer trendy flair but also provide essential sun protection for their delicate skin and eyes. These accessories are both fashionable and functional, adding a stylish touch to your little one’s outfit while safeguarding them from harmful UV rays during outdoor activities.
24. Diaper Bags with Organizational Features
Incorporating diaper bags with organizational features into your non-toy gift ideas can greatly enhance moms’ efficiency and preparedness when caring for a 1-year-old. These diaper bags are designed to keep all your baby’s essentials neatly organized and easily accessible.
It’s maybe more of a gift for a mom, isn’t it? But a well-organized mom means more time to play with the baby!
25. Bedsheets and Bed-Related Items
Adding to the list of creative and fun gifts for 1-year-olds, consider introducing them to the world of imaginative bedroom decor with vibrant bedsheets and bed-related items.
- Personalized bedsheets: Watch their eyes light up as they see their name beautifully displayed on their bed.
- Cozy blankets: Wrap your little one in warmth and softness, creating a snug and secure sleeping environment.
- Decorative pillows: Add a touch of charm and coziness to their bed while providing extra comfort during nap times.
- Themed bedsheets: Transport your child to magical worlds each night, fueling their imagination and making bedtime stories even more enchanting.
Criteria for Choosing Non-Toy Gifts for 1-Year-Olds
When choosing non-toy gifts for your 1-year-old, remember to prioritize safety first.
Consider the educational value of the gift, ensuring it can aid in your child’s development.
Durability is key to withstand the curiosity and playfulness of your little one!
Safety
For safe gift choices for 1-year-olds, prioritize items that are free from small parts, sharp edges, and long cords to prevent potential hazards. When selecting gifts for your little one, remember to prioritize their safety above all else.
Here are some tips to make sure you choose the safest options:
- Opt for toys that are age-appropriate and free from choking hazards.
- Select items without sharp edges or small detachable pieces to prevent injuries.
- Look for gifts made from non-toxic materials that meet safety standards.
- Choose toys that encourage supervised play in a secure environment.
Educational Value
To guarantee the gifts you choose for 1-year-olds have educational value, prioritize items that engage their developing skills and knowledge. Educational flashcards can aid in teaching letters, numbers, shapes, and colors.
Interactive books, like alphabet books, offer a fun way for 1-year-olds to explore letters and sounds. Touch-and-feel books stimulate a child’s sense of touch, aiding in sensory development. Counting books introduce basic numeracy skills and number recognition early on.
Additionally, rhyming books can assist with language development and phonological awareness. By selecting gifts that encompass these aspects, you can provide not only entertainment but also valuable learning opportunities that contribute to the little one’s cognitive growth and development.
Durability
Consider prioritizing durability when selecting non-toy gifts for 1-year-olds to guarantee lasting enjoyment and safety during playtime.
To make sure your gift stands the test of time, look for items made from high-quality materials that can endure the energetic play of little ones. Opt for products with sturdy construction from reliable brands known for their durability.
Choose easy-to-clean gifts that can handle spills and messes, making your life easier. And most importantly, select items crafted from safe and non-toxic materials to provide a secure play environment for your little explorer.
Investing in durability means investing in longevity, sustained use, and the well-being of your child.
The interest of the child
When selecting non-toy gifts for a 1-year-old, prioritize items that align with the child’s developing interests and abilities. Consider gifts that promote sensory exploration, such as textured balls or musical instruments, to engage their senses and encourage curiosity.
Opt for interactive books or toys that foster language development and cognitive growth, like picture books with simple stories or shape sorters that challenge their problem-solving skills. Choosing gifts that enhance fine motor skills, such as chunky puzzles or stacking toys, can aid in their physical development.
Additionally, keep in mind the child’s comfort and safety by selecting items like soft blankets or child-friendly utensils. By catering to their preferences and developmental milestones, you can provide gifts that not only entertain but also support their growth and learning journey.
Budget
When preparing to select non-toy gifts for a 1-year-old, be mindful of your budgetary constraints to make a thoughtful and appropriate choice. Here are some tips to help you navigate your gift selection process with care:
- Time: Invest a little time in researching affordable yet meaningful gifts.
- Quality: Seek out high-quality items that are both durable and safe for the little one.
- Practical: Opt for practical gifts that will be useful in daily routines for the child and parents.
- Personalized: Consider adding a personalized touch to make the gift extra special and memorable.
Bearing these factors in mind won’t only guarantee a budget-friendly purchase but also bring joy to the recipient and their family.
Why Is It Important To Buy Gifts for 1 Year Olds That Aren’t Toys?
1. To reduce clutter. One-year-olds often have a lot of toys, and too many toys can lead to clutter and make it difficult for them to focus on playing. Non-toy gifts, such as books, music CDs, or memberships to museums or children’s museums, can provide more lasting and enriching experiences without adding to the clutter.
2. To promote creativity and imagination. Toys can be very stimulating, but they can also be limiting. Non-toy gifts, such as blocks, puzzles, or dress-up clothes, can encourage children to use their imagination and creativity to play.
3. To promote physical development. Babies are constantly learning and growing, and they need physical activity to help them develop strong muscles and coordination. Non-toy gifts, such as a play gym, a swing set, or a sandbox, can provide opportunities for physical play.
4. To promote social and emotional development. Young kids are starting to learn how to interact with other people, and they need opportunities to practice social and emotional skills. Non-toy gifts, such as a musical instrument, a book about feelings, or a doll, can help them develop these skills.
5. To create lasting memories. Non-toy gifts often provide experiences that children will remember for years to come. For example, a gift certificate for a family outing to the zoo or a season pass to a children’s theater can create memories that will last a lifetime.
Did I Convince You to Buy Non Toy Gifts for 1 Year Old?
Here are my final words on the subject:
Letting your child get accustomed to a vast number of toys is not advisable, a concept that can be taught where clothing, bedding, or sweets can also serve as gifts, leading to developing gratitude. The practice of decluttering their toy space, through storing away untouched toys for a while or donating them, fosters a sense of responsibility and sharing.
Relishing the list of non-toy gifts ideal for a 1-year-old is something I hope for. All the gifts on this list were selected based on my personal preferences, influenced by what I wished for my child to receive on her first birthday. Any individual, such as friends, parents, or grandparents who are confused about buying a gift that is not a toy will find this list helpful.
The secret is being discerning and choosing a non-toy gift, regardless of the age of the child. So whether it’s craft supplies, new books, a photo album, or a magazine subscription – these are all great options for non toy gifts for a 1 year old. A piggy bank or a sleeping bag could bring as much fun as a toy, and these are great ideas, especially for the holiday season.
Consider the child’s interests and choose gifts like a subscription box, a board game, or even a bird feeder, known to be some of the best non-toy gifts. If it’s a special occasion or if you are looking to invest, look into a savings account for the child, a unique gift that will last much longer than a toy. For those seeking to foster hand-eye coordination, an art supply kit is a perfect gift.
Be it a family member or a friend, the joy of receiving a fun gift that provides both fun and learning is unmatched. Gift cards and special occasion presents like art supplies and favorite books are wonderful options. Whether it’s sparking imagination with wall decals or providing creative stimulation with green kid crafts, these non-toy gifts for a 1-year-old will make a memorable impact.
Be wise and always choose a non-toy gift for 1 year old, or any age kid!
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1 comment
These are such great ideas for gifts that aren’t toys! I’m always looking for non-toy gift ideas!