First Birthday Gift Ideas

As that little one in your life reaches their very first big milestone – their first birthday – the occasion calls for a gift that's as special as they are. After all, it marks a whole twelve months full of precious moments: from first burps and first smiles, and maybe even their first word or first steps. It’s a joyous occasion for everyone involved, which makes celebrating it with a gift even more important.

Finding the perfect present for a one-year-old can be both exciting and challenging, as you strive to find something that suits their emerging personality and that will resonate with both the child and their parents. That’s why we’ve listed some of our favourite present ideas that blend thoughtfulness, fun and practicality in this guide. Whether you're a proud parent, a fun aunt or uncle, or the friend who’s practically family, we’ve found memorable first birthday gift ideas that strike the perfect balance between adorable and useful.

How To Choose The Best First Birthday Gifts

When searching for birthday gifts for one-year-olds, it can be helpful to first understand where they are developmentally before deciding on what to buy.

By the time children reach 12 months of age, they are considered to be ‘toddlers’, with most sitting comfortably on their own and some even starting to move – whether that’s scooting, crawling, pulling themselves up or even walking. One-year-olds are also getting better at using their hands and fingers to pick up and hold things, as well as figuring out how to communicate with those around them through pointing, nodding, waving, grunting and babbling. Gifts that encourage exploration and creativity - something that gives them the chance to use and further develop these emerging skills while making them smile at the same time - make some of the best first birthday gifts​​. If you’re looking for something more practical, helping the little one dress through the year with comfortable toddler clothes is also a fantastic option.

What To Buy For Their First Birthday

Clothing & Accessories For Toddlers

One-year-olds are bundles of energy, so dressing them can be pretty challenging! If you’re considering gifting clothing or accessories for their first birthday, clothes that are easy to put on and take off may be your best option, just in case they need to be changed often. And though a baby’s growth does start to slow down at around 12 months of age, it’s still a good idea to size up.

• Swimwear: A new pair of bathers with a UPF50+ rating are great first birthday presents​ for warm-weather birthdays. We love

  baby swimwear

  with styles made from chlorine-resistant Repreve fabric, which are created using recycled post-consumer products and other landfill.

• Jacket or Raincoat

  : For children celebrating their first birthdays during the cooler months, a cosy jacket or waterproof coat is a practical first birthday gift that will keep them snug and dry during outdoor playtime.

• A special outfit: As parents often spend their time (and money) stocking up on practical clothing for their little one, a gorgeous

  outfit for special occasions

  may be a fantastic option if you’re on the lookout for unique birthday gift ideas for boys and girls.

• Accessories: Stylish and functional toddler accessories – think sunhats, beanies, sunglasses and hair accessories – make for thoughtful, fun, and cool first birthday gifts​ that don’t break the bank.

Toys For Toddlers

When it comes to toys for one-year-olds, look for quality pieces made from safe and sustainable materials. We love durable toys that can withstand the test of time and can be passed on to siblings and friends when they’re no longer needed. Educational toys for 1-year-olds, such as musical toys or problem-solving toys, are also ideal first birthday presents to help them learn more about the world around them.

• Push or Ride-On Toys: Toys like balance bikes, ride-on cars, walkers and rocking horses promote physical activity and exploration in one-year-olds learning to walk. They also help to build gross motor skills, muscle tone, coordination and body awareness.

• Problem-Solving Toys: Simple puzzles, shape sorters, peg benches and other educational toys help stimulate your baby’s cognitive and fine motor skills, while also promoting letter, shape and colour recognition.

• Musical Toys: Toys that make sounds or play music, including maracas, bells, tambourines, drums and mini pianos, introduce toddlers to the joy of sound and rhythm, sparking their interest and enhancing sensory development.

• Toys for Open-Ended Play: Wooden blocks, stackers and play silks nurture toddlers’ creativity and imagination, allowing them to explore and play freely.

• Interactive Toys: Toys with buttons, lights and interactive features can engage a little one’s curiosity and encourage exploration.

• Art Supplies: Crayons, washable textas, and large sheets of paper allow little ones to explore their creativity and expression, developing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

• Soft Toys: Soft toys offer comfort and companionship to one-year-olds, especially those who might be starting to get a little bit of separation anxiety. They also stimulate their tactile senses, making them both a comforting and entertaining gift.

• Outdoor Toys: Many one-year-olds are fascinated by the great outdoors and love spending time playing and exploring outside. A sandpit, swing set, outdoor table and chairs or a cubby house can provide hours of outdoor fun and physical activity.

• Learning Tower: A learning tower is a practical gift that helps toddlers safely reach and explore new heights, fostering independence and learning.

Books For Toddlers

Reading and storytelling help toddlers develop their communication skills and stimulate their imagination. Popular books for a 1-year-old include simple stories with bright and colourful pictures, rhymes and repetitions, and even interactive elements like flaps and pop-ups.

• Classic picture books: Classic picture books are a timeless gift that introduce the joy of reading and storytelling to little ones.

• Board Books: Board books with colourful pictures are fun and durable, making them perfect for active toddlers.

• Bath Books: These soft and waterproof books make bath time fun and educational, combining play and learning.

• Flash Cards: Flash cards are educational tools that can help with early learning and language development.

• Sensory Books: These books engage the baby’s senses with textures and interactive elements, providing a multi-sensory learning experience.

What Are The Best, Unique First Birthday Gifts?

Consider personalised first birthday gifts like a DIY hamper that offers a mix of everything - clothes, toys, books, and more. This way, you can be sure that your gift won’t be like anyone else's.

Are Toys A Good First Birthday Gift?

Yes, toys can be a very good first birthday gift, especially if you get something durable. When buying toys for a first birthday present, it’s important to understand what kids at that age would enjoy. Some recommendations for one-year-olds include educational toys or interactive toys to stimulate their imagination.

What Books Are Recommended For A First Birthday Present?

If you’re planning to give a book as a first birthday gift, look for colourful books with eye-catching designs or sensory books with various textures to encourage learning.

Not Sure? Give A Gift Card!

If you’re not sure what the little one in your life wants or needs, try to check in with the parents before purchasing a gift. You can also give them a gift card or provide a gift receipt with your gift in case you got the wrong size or to allow them to choose something more suitable.

It may also be a nice idea to surprise the parents with a small gift to celebrate the occasion – after all, it’s a big milestone for them too! A restaurant gift voucher, a bottle of wine or even the offer of some babysitting is always appreciated by parents of little ones.

Discover more first birthday gift ideas under $25, under $50 and under $100 at Purebaby.