🍼 First birthdays and first Christmases

Gifts for 1 year olds

A one year old will happily play with the wrapping paper, so the present is really for the next year of their life. The best gifts at this age are sturdy, tactile and noisy in a pleasant way: things to push, stack, shake and chew.

Everything here is rated for babies and toddlers. For a first birthday, one good toy they grow into beats a pile of small ones.

Toys to stack, push and pull

Music and sound toys

First books

Keepsakes and nursery gifts

Common questions

What do you buy a 1 year old for their birthday?

Something that suits the next stage: a push-along walker toy, chunky stacking blocks, a musical toy or a set of board books. At one, children are learning to stand, grip and copy sounds, so toys that reward those skills get the most use.

Are toys safe for children under 3?

In Australia, toys for children up to 36 months must meet a mandatory safety standard for small parts that could be swallowed. Check the age rating on the listing and avoid anything marked 3+ for a one year old.

How much should I spend on a first birthday present?

There is no rule, and the child will not remember the price. Grandparents often spend more; friends and extended family usually spend $20 to $50.

Still stuck?

Tell the gift finder their age, the occasion, what they are into and your budget, and it will suggest ten gifts. Not right? Ask for ten more.

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More gift guides

Christmas gifts for kidsGifts for 5 year old boysGifts for 5 year old girlsGifts for 10 year old boysGifts for 10 year old girlsChristmas gifts under $50

Updated 21 September 2026. Gifts shown from Amazon and eBay. Prices and availability change; the retailer's page is the final word.