Ready to be the hero at the next baby shower? Is it a birthday party? Or just your tiny mini-me? We’ve stacked a full list of toys that are scientifically proven to help a 1-year-old to grow smart and strong, with some curated items we love. Some are universally loved, some will make a baby’s parent want to pull their ears out! But trust me, they are worth it!
Stacking cups
Do you remember seeing stacking cups in the attic growing up as a kid? These classic toys are proven to help develop fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spacial perception, creative play and problem-solving as babies figure out how to stack the cups in the correct order.
We really love this modern take on baby stacking toys by Hippypotamus. And we’re sure you’ll get some prying eyes from other gift givers at a birthday party. Instead of hideous rainbow colors, these are much more ecstatically pleasing. They are soft and flexible, which makes them gentle on gums and teeth, and they’re made of non-toxic silicone. Because these stacking cups are made of silicone materials, they’re less loud than your usual ones. Which will surely make you win points with mummy.
Nesting toys
Similar to stacking cups, nesting toys encourage spatial reasoning and sorting skills as they learn to fit the smaller objects inside the larger ones. This version made by Fisher Price has great shades and differences in color which will certainly enhance any kids development. We also love these super cute handmade matryoshka nesting dolls in animal shapes, or these food grade teething nesting dolls.
Push and pull toys
Push and pull toys encourage gross motor skills as babies learn to walk and run while pushing or pulling a toy behind them. This mainly push walker has a few tricks up its sleeve; it comes with a xylophone, mirror, nesting toys, beads, gears, and more to keep a baby entertained and grow. Because it uses multiple toy techniques for developing gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spacial perception, creative play and problem-solving, parents can leave some other toys at home when out and about. A definite winner. It may be noisy, so if you want to tease a parent, you have a double win on your hands.
As a pull toy, this little snail will hit the motor and sorting skills on the spot. It’s made of durable and sturdy wood and is a great tag along friend when a toddler starts to walk.
Shape sorters
Shape sorters help with fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and shape recognition as they try to fit the different shapes into the corresponding holes.
This colorful shape sorter Activity Cube helps to develop touch and feel for odd sensations, such as rubber bands. It nurtures their sensory learning, spatial awareness, problem-solving prowess and logical thinking skills. And because of the difficult levels of difficulty, this toy is suitable for 6 – 36 months old.
This shape sorter is a little nicer on the eyes, but has less sensory stimulators. However, if they’re only a year old, this wooden Montessori toy will do just fine.
Another one we really love is this custom named nesting toy on Etsy. An absolute party stealer when you read the baby’s name (if you remember their name) and a lovely keepsake for when they grow up.
Large, chunky blocks
Blocks are a timeless toy that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning as they build and explore. This K’s Kids Match and Build soft blocks set from Melissa & Doug is perfect for babies and toddlers. They’re soft, lightweight and easy for young children to lift and manipulate. And because they are soft, they are noise free!
Sensory balls
Playing with balls that have different textures and sizes helps a baby’s senses learn and grow. They can also be used for gross motor play. These baby sensory balls are made of soft, durable silicone, kid-friendly, washable and reusable, and the right size for babies’ tiny hands to grip. They are washable and reusable.
Musical toys
Musical toys, no matter how annoying or loud they may be, are a great way to encourage creativity, auditory developments, and fine motor skills. This pack contains all the essential musical toys a baby needs to develop their musical and auditorial skills. Parents may hate you, but kids will love these!!
Board books
Books with simple pictures and stories introduce language, vocabulary, and early literacy skills to babies. And they are a great way to end the day before going to bed. This Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is an absolute best seller. Similar to Old Macdonald had a farm, or the Very Hungry Caterpillar. Ready to splurge? Or maybe get something more unique? Then “My First Library” by Wonder House Books is a great option for jumpstarting reading skills and improving listening and observational skills.
Mirrors
Mirrors are super interesting to 1-year-olds because they help them become more aware of themselves.
This tummy time floor mirror toy comes in mostly black and white. This helps babies to see and learn. Interesting black and white patterns develop babies’ visual ability.
