Looking for 1st birthday gift ideas for girl and boy that truly delight? Their first birthday is a milestone worth celebrating with something special. The best gifts at this age combine fun with development, think soft cuddly friends for comfort, colorful stacking toys that build skills, musical instruments that spark giggles, and engaging activity cubes that fuel curiosity.
Whether you want educational picks that grow with them or heartfelt mementos of this special year, we’ve gathered top-rated favorites to inspire your choice. Join us as we explore gift ideas for your child’s 1st birthday.
Watch their eyes widen with wonder as colorful balls pop and bounce everywhere, this interactive bulldozer makes an exciting 1st birthday gift for baby boy and girl. The VTech Pop-a-Balls Bulldozer combines pushing action with mesmerizing ball-popping fun, perfect for newly mobile one-year-olds learning to walk and explore.
Push it along and balls pop out the top, encouraging those first steps and developing coordination. Cheerful songs and sounds delight while bright colors captivate developing vision. Cause-and-effect learning happens naturally through play. Sturdy construction withstands wobbly movements and enthusiastic exploration, making it ideal for their milestone birthday.
Little hands discover cause and effect with this delightful hammering toy, a perfect 1st birthday gift for baby boy and girl developing coordination and strength. The HAHALAND Pop Up toy features colorful pegs that pop up when one gets hammered down, creating endless fascination for curious one-year-olds who love repetitive, rewarding play.
Whacking pegs with the included hammer builds hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. Bright colors engage developing vision while the satisfying pop-up action keeps them happily entertained. Safe, sturdy Montessori-inspired design encourages independent exploration and learning through play at this crucial
Make story time magical with a book where they’re the star, a treasured 1st birthday gift for baby boy and girl. This personalised Dinkleboo storybook features their name throughout a dinosaur adventure, creating a reading experience uniquely theirs. Beautiful illustrations captivate even youngest listeners during precious bedtime moments.
At one, they’re developing language and love hearing their name. This makes story time extra engaging while building early literacy. Parents cherish reading it repeatedly, watching their little one recognize themselves. A keepsake treasured from first birthday through childhood and beyond.
Curious little hands meet their perfect challenge with this innovative shape sorter, an excellent 1st birthday gift for baby boy and girl. The Fat Brain InnyBin features uniquely shaped blocks fitting through stretchy silicone bands, creating a sensory experience unlike traditional sorters. Each successful push brings triumph and builds growing confidence.
At one, they’re developing problem-solving and hand-eye coordination. Soft bands are forgiving for beginners while providing satisfying resistance. Bright colors and varied textures engage multiple senses. Safe, durable design withstands enthusiastic exploration, ideal for their developmental milestone birthday.
Seven toys in one amazing set, a brilliant 1st birthday gift for baby boy and girl offering endless exploration. This Montessori collection includes stacking blocks, pull strings, teething rings, and suction spinners perfectly designed for curious one-year-olds discovering their world through touch and play.
Each element engages developing skills stacking builds coordination, pulling strengthens fingers, textures soothe teething, spinners captivate. Variety keeps them engaged while supporting multiple milestones simultaneously. Safe, colorful, and endlessly entertaining, it grows with them through their first year and beyond their birthday.
Tea time becomes magical learning with this delightful set, a charming 1st birthday gift for baby boy and girl who love pretend play. The LeapFrog Tea Party includes a teapot, cups, and treats that light up and play songs teaching colors, numbers, and manners through interactive fun.
At one, they’re imitating grown-ups and love pouring and sharing. This makes those instincts educational. Press the teapot and it “pours” with lights and sounds, delighting little ones while developing social skills and imagination. Perfect for early learning disguised as delightful tea party playtime.
Top 7 Best 1st Birthday Gift Ideas for Baby Girls
Make her first birthday unforgettable with this adorable party dress, a precious 1st birthday gift for baby girl creating picture-perfect memories. This cotton princess dress with tulle layers and matching sequin headband transforms her into the celebration star. Soft fabric keeps her happy through cake smashing and fun.
The sweet design is perfect for milestone photos treasured forever. Short sleeves allow easy movement while tulle adds magical princess touch. Complete with matching headband, it’s the outfit making her feel as special as she truly is on her milestone birthday celebration day.
Every little girl needs a first best friend, making this soft baby doll a perfect 1st birthday gift for baby girl. The LeyaDoll Princess Breeze is gentle, huggable, and sized perfectly for tiny arms learning to cuddle. Soft rag construction is completely safe with no hard parts or small pieces to worry about.
At one, she’s showing nurturing instincts and loves carrying companions everywhere. This sweet doll becomes comfort during naptime, a friend during playtime, and constant companion on adventures. Safe, washable, and destined to become a cherished childhood treasure remembered forever.
Watch her confidence soar with her very first bike, an exciting 1st birthday gift for baby girl ready to explore on wheels. The SEREED Balance Bike features four stable wheels perfect for toddlers learning to ride. Safe, low design lets her push confidently, developing balance and coordination at her own pace.
She’ll love scooting independently on her special bike, building leg strength and motor skills through play. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, it’s sized perfectly for first riders. A milestone gift celebrating her growing abilities and adventurous spirit on her very special birthday day.
Bring magical wonder with this enchanting carousel, a delightful 1st birthday gift for baby girl who deserves something special. This musical unicorn carousel rotates gently while projecting colorful lights and playing soothing melodies, creating a mesmerizing sensory experience that captivates curious one-year-olds completely.
She’ll be fascinated watching it spin, listening to music, and reaching for dancing lights. Perfect for calming before naptime or quiet play. Rotating motion develops visual tracking while music supports learning. Whimsical unicorn theme adds nursery sweetness, making bedtimes and playtimes equally magical throughout her special day and beyond.
Story time becomes an adventure with this interactive lift-the-flap book, a perfect 1st birthday gift for baby girl developing curiosity and fine motor skills. “Where Is Baby’s Birthday Cake?” invites little hands to lift flaps and search for hidden birthday surprises, making reading tactile, engaging, and absolutely delightful for one-year-olds.
She’ll love the surprise of discovering what’s hiding under each flap, building anticipation and problem-solving skills. Sturdy board pages withstand enthusiastic handling while colorful illustrations captivate attention. The birthday theme makes it extra special for her milestone celebration, creating precious reading moments you’ll share together again and again.
Transform bath time from routine to magic with this bubble-making crab, a wonderful 1st birthday gift for baby girl who’ll be mesmerized. This automatic bubble machine creates endless bubbles while playing 12 cheerful songs and flashing LED lights, making every bath an enchanting experience she absolutely loves.
She’ll squeal chasing and popping bubbles, turning reluctant bath time into her favorite moment. Rechargeable design means no battery hassles while the adorable crab adds whimsy. Bubbles encourage reaching, grasping, and visual tracking developmentally. Pure joy captured in every single bubble-filled bath together.
Watch her concentration grow as she masters stacking and sorting, a brilliant 1st birthday gift for baby girl developing problem-solving skills. The Stack & Learn features colorful rings and interactive elements teaching colors, numbers, and shapes while building essential developmental skills through hands-on play.
At one, she’s perfecting coordination and loves fitting pieces together. Each successful stack brings pride and confidence. Bright colors captivate while varied sizes introduce big and small concepts. Safe, durable design withstands enthusiastic learning, making it the perfect educational companion for her special milestone birthday celebration.
Top 5 Best 1st Birthday gift Ideas for Baby Boys
Give him a world of discovery with this versatile playmat, an engaging 1st birthday gift for baby boy that grows with his abilities. The Kick & Play Piano Gym features dangling toys, a detachable piano, and sensory activities encouraging kicking, reaching, and exploring through multiple play modes.
Learning new skills every day, he’ll love how this gym supports each exciting milestone. Kick the piano to create music, bat toys to develop coordination, or sit and compose his own tunes. Colorful design captivates while music and lights engage developing senses, making every play session a joyful learning adventure throughout the year.
Watch him toddle proudly behind his very own lawn mower, a delightful 1st birthday gift for baby boy who loves copying grown-ups. The John Deere Bubble Lawn Mower creates magical bubble streams as he pushes it, combining pretend play with mesmerizing fun that keeps little ones happily entertained.
Push-along action encourages walking and builds confidence in wobbly early steps. No batteries needed means spontaneous play anytime, anywhere. Bubbles add enchantment while he proudly “mows” just like adults. Perfect for developing gross motor skills and imagination while creating joyful outdoor memories together throughout the year.
This charming 12-book board book block set makes a thoughtful 1st birthday gift for baby boy beginning to explore the world through pictures and sounds. Each chunky book features bright illustrations, simple words, and bold designs that invite little hands to grab, flip, and chew safely. Topics include first words, animals, numbers, colours, and the alphabet, all introduced in a gentle, engaging way.
Early exposure to books helps build attention, curiosity, and language recognition during his first year. Thick board pages are designed for repeated handling, while compact sizing encourages independent exploration or shared reading time. Durable, educational, and perfectly sized for tiny hands this set supports early learning while creating joyful reading moments parents will treasure.
This inspiring alphabet book makes a meaningful 1st birthday gift for baby girl, introducing her to the idea that she can be anything she dreams of becoming. From A to Z, each letter highlights a different career with bright illustrations and simple language designed for early engagement. Sturdy board pages are easy for little hands to hold, flip, and explore together.
Early book exposure helps build attention and word recognition, and this story adds a gentle message of confidence and possibility from the very beginning. The rhythmic text keeps reading enjoyable for parents while visuals spark curiosity. Durable, empowering, and perfect for repeated storytime this book grows with her while planting positive ideas early.
This bright Build & Count Bus makes a playful and educational 1st birthday gift for baby, combining building fun with early number learning. The chunky MEGA BLOKS pieces are easy for little hands to grasp, stack, and pull apart, while numbered blocks introduce counting in a simple, pressure-free way. The rolling bus adds movement, turning building time into active play.
Hands-on play supports coordination and early problem-solving from the very first year. Durable blocks are designed to withstand drops, chewing, and enthusiastic stacking. As skills grow, the set evolves from simple stacking to counting games and imaginative journeys. Sturdy, colourful, and endlessly reusable this bus delivers learning through joyful, confidence-building play.
Top 7 Best Keepsake 1st Birthday Gift Ideas for girls and boys
This beautifully crafted keepsake box makes a meaningful 1st birthday gift for girls and boys, designed to hold treasured early memories in one special place. Featuring a charming jungle animal design, it can be personalised with a child’s name and date, transforming it into a truly one-of-a-kind gift. Made from smooth pine wood with sturdy metal hinges and a secure clasp, it feels as lasting as the memories it protects.
Keepsake gifts are especially powerful at this milestone, marking a child’s first year with something that grows in sentimental value over time. Sized to store cards, photos, first shoes, and tiny mementos, the box encourages families to preserve meaningful moments. Durable, timeless, and deeply personal this is a gift that remains cherished long after the first birthday candles are blown out.
This framed handprint and footprint kit makes a heartfelt 1st birthday keepsake gift for girls and boys, capturing a moment in time parents will treasure forever. The clean-touch ink pad ensures baby’s skin never touches the ink, making the process completely safe and mess-free. A classic black frame keeps the focus on tiny hands, feet, and a favourite photo.
Keepsakes like this are especially meaningful during the first year, when babies change so quickly. The kit makes it easy to preserve their size at this precious stage without stress or cleanup. Designed to last, it becomes a timeless display piece for nurseries or family spaces simple, sentimental, and filled with emotion long after the day has passed.
This timeless memory book makes a meaningful 1st birthday keepsake gift for baby boys and girls, giving families a beautiful place to record every milestone from birth through age five. With guided prompts, space for photos, and room for personal notes, it captures first smiles, steps, words, and special moments as they happen. The gender-neutral design suits any nursery and family style.
Keepsake journals become more valuable with time, turning everyday memories into lasting treasures. Designed to be filled gradually, this book encourages reflection without pressure while preserving a child’s early story in one place. Thoughtful, sentimental, and made to last this is a gift parents will return to year after year with gratitude.
This charming wall-hanging height chart makes a thoughtful 1st birthday keepsake gift for girls and boys, capturing growth milestones year after year. Crafted from durable canvas with wooden hangers, it blends beautifully into nurseries or toddler bedrooms while remaining easy to remove and store. Clear measurements allow parents to mark each growth spurt, turning everyday changes into lasting memories.
Growth charts become treasured family keepsakes, visually telling a child’s story as they grow. Designed to move with the child from room to room, this chart preserves milestones without marking walls. Practical, decorative, and sentimental it transforms simple measurements into a record of childhood that families will cherish long beyond the early years.
This handcrafted wooden name puzzle makes a beautiful keepsake 1st birthday gift for girls and boys, combining personalised charm with early learning play. Customised with a child’s name and available in multiple colour schemes, each puzzle is carefully made to suit tiny hands while doubling as nursery décor. Chunky wooden letters invite grasping, fitting, and exploration in a calm, tactile way.
Personalised gifts carry special meaning, especially at this milestone. Beyond playtime, this puzzle becomes a lasting reminder of early childhood, often kept long after it’s outgrown. Designed to support fine motor skills, name recognition, and confidence, it blends education with sentiment. Timeless, durable, and uniquely theirs this is a keepsake families treasure for years to come.
This wooden milestone photo board makes a cherished 1st birthday keepsake gift for girls and boys, perfectly capturing every special month of their first year. Featuring 12 slots for monthly pictures and a decorative acrylic sign, it lets parents display their baby’s growth from newborn to one in a beautiful, memorable way. Durable wood ensures it lasts for years as a treasured keepsake.
Milestone boards turn fleeting moments into lasting memories, helping families celebrate development and growth. Easy to hang or display in nurseries, it combines decoration with sentiment. Thoughtful, practical, and timeless this photo board preserves precious first-year memories for years to come.
This soft, personalised baby blanket makes a thoughtful 1st birthday keepsake gift for girls and boys, featuring custom embroidery with the child’s name. Available in gentle shades of pink, blue, white, or grey, and finished with a cute bobble trim, it’s designed to delight both babies and parents. Cozy and lightweight, it’s perfect for cuddles, naps, or stroller rides.
Personalised blankets carry special meaning, transforming a practical item into a treasured keepsake. Soft, durable, and designed for daily use, it becomes a lasting reminder of the child’s first year. Elegant, comfortable, and sentimental this blanket blends warmth, style, and memory-making in one cherished gift.
Top 5 Best 1st Birthday Gift Ideas Under 50£ for girls and boys
This 12-book board book block set makes a delightful 1st birthday gift for baby girls and boys uner 50£, introducing early concepts like first words, numbers, letters, and animals in a playful, engaging way. Each chunky book is perfectly sized for tiny hands to hold, flip, and explore, encouraging curiosity and early learning through bright illustrations and bold text.
Books like these nurture attention, language skills, and fine motor development during the first year. Durable board pages withstand eager handling, while the compact block design keeps them organized and easy to explore. Educational, interactive, and timeless this set becomes a treasured keepsake for years of learning and enjoyment.
Bring the beloved Gruffalo story to life with this interactive pop-up book a memorable 1st birthday gift for girls and boys under 50£. Each page features vibrant illustrations and playful pop-up scenes that capture attention and spark curiosity. Sturdy hardcover construction ensures the book withstands tiny hands and repeated storytime adventures.
Interactive books encourage early literacy, visual exploration, and imaginative play, making storytime both educational and engaging. The pop-up elements keep little ones fascinated while parents enjoy sharing the classic tale. Durable, captivating, and timeless this book creates magical first reading experiences that families will treasure for years.
This charming Safari Bus shape sorter makes a delightful 1st birthday gift for girls and boys under 50£, combining classic wooden craftsmanship with engaging play. Colourful animal shapes fit into the bus, encouraging toddlers to explore matching, problem-solving, and fine motor skills. Made by Jaques of London since 1795, it reflects a timeless quality that lasts through toddler years and beyond.
Toys like this support early coordination and cognitive development while sparking imaginative play. Sturdy wooden construction withstands enthusiastic handling, making it ideal for everyday use. Practical, educational, and beautiful, it also becomes a keepsake reminder of a child’s first explorations and milestones.
This adorable plush bunny makes a comforting 1st birthday gift for girls and boys under 50£, perfect for cuddles, naps, and playtime. With floppy ears and a soft, huggable body, it invites little hands to grasp, hug, and explore safely. Crafted from gentle, washable materials, it’s suitable for babies from birth and built to withstand daily snuggles.
Stuffed companions like this become treasured keepsakes, offering comfort while fostering emotional connection and imaginative play. Lightweight and portable, it’s ideal for nursery, stroller, or travel. Timeless, safe, and irresistibly soft this bunny is a gift that babies grow with and parents will love.
This vibrant 6-pack of sensory balls makes a stimulating 1st birthday gift for girls and boys under 50£, designed to encourage tactile exploration and early sensory development. Each ball features different textures and bright colors, inviting little hands to squeeze, roll, and explore safely. Soft, lightweight, and durable, they’re perfect for indoor play or on-the-go fun.
Sensory toys like these support fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and tactile learning during the critical first year. Easy to grasp and clean, they provide hours of safe, engaging play while helping babies discover textures, shapes, and colors. Practical, fun, and educational these balls make everyday play a developmental adventure.
How to Choose the Perfect 1st Birthday Gift
Choosing the right gift for a one-year-old is easier when you focus on their unique stage of development. At this age, children are experiencing explosive growth in mobility, language, and problem-solving. The perfect gift supports these emerging abilities while bringing pure joy to their daily explorations.
- Start with safety first. Look for age-appropriate toys without small parts that could pose choking hazards. Check for sturdy construction that can withstand enthusiastic play, non-toxic materials, and rounded edges. Reputable brands clearly label safety certifications these aren’t just suggestions but essential protections for curious little ones who explore the world with their hands and mouths.
- Consider their developmental stage. Is the child crawling, cruising along furniture, or already walking? Active movers benefit from push toys and ride-ons. Quieter explorers might love stacking toys, books, or musical instruments. Think about what skills they’re currently developing hand-eye coordination, cause-and-effect understanding, fine motor control and choose gifts that gently challenge without frustrating.
- Think about longevity and growth. The best gifts aren’t outgrown in weeks. Open-ended toys like blocks, simple puzzles, or activity cubes offer new ways to play as abilities develop. Quality wooden toys, well-made soft items, and classic designs often become favorites that last well into toddlerhood and beyond.
- Don’t forget the parents. Gifts that are easy to clean, don’t require batteries, store compactly, or aren’t excessively noisy earn parental gratitude. Consider whether the gift adds value to family life or just adds clutter. Thoughtful choices acknowledge that you’re supporting the whole family, not just entertaining a child for five minutes.
- When in doubt, go classic. Timeless toys have proven their worth across generations. Building blocks, board books, soft dolls, balls, and musical instruments never go out of style because they tap into fundamental childhood joys creating, discovering, moving, and imagining.
- Trust your instincts about the child’s personality. Even at one, individual preferences emerge. Some babies are constantly active; others are content observers. Some love noise and stimulation; others prefer quiet comfort. If you know the child, let their emerging personality guide your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1st Birthday Gifts
What’s an appropriate amount to spend?
£20-50 is typical for most relationships. Close family might spend more, while friends often stay around £20-30. Thoughtfulness matters more than price one-year-olds don’t understand monetary value.
Are gender-specific toys necessary?
No. Developmental needs are universal at this age. Choose based on interests and stage rather than gender. Many parents prefer neutral gifts that work for any child.
Should I buy educational toys or fun ones?
The best gifts are both! At one, play IS learning. Simple toys naturally teach coordination, problem-solving, and creativity through engagement.
What if I don’t know the child well?
Stick with universally appealing classics: books, soft toys, musical instruments, balls, or building toys. These engage virtually every one-year-old.
Are personalized gifts worth it?
Yes! While the child won’t appreciate it now, parents treasure personalized items as keepsakes. They’re especially meaningful for first birthdays.
Should I avoid electronic toys?
Not necessarily, but choose wisely. Simple electronic toys can engage, but many parents prefer battery-free options that encourage imaginative play and last longer.
What are the safest toys?
Look for toys labeled 12 months+, with no small parts, sharp edges, or long cords. Choose non-toxic materials and reputable brands with safety certifications.
One big gift or several small ones?
Either works! One substantial gift makes an impression; multiple smaller items offer variety. Choose based on the occasion and your relationship.
What if they have everything?
Focus on consumables (books, art supplies), experiences (memberships), or keepsakes (personalized items). Ask parents directly they might appreciate gift cards or specific items.
Should I include a gift receipt?
Yes, it’s thoughtful. Parents might receive duplicates or have specific needs. It shows you care about them having something useful.
Can I give books?
Absolutely! Board books are perfect for one-year-olds durable, engaging, and support language development. You can’t have too many books at this age.
What should I avoid?
Skip anything with small parts, long cords, sharp edges, items for older children, accessible batteries, cheap toys that break easily, or overly complex toys that frustrate.