Types of Toys for 1-Year-Olds
Shopping for a little one can be difficult, especially if you aren’t familiar with what kinds of toys babies enjoy playing with at various ages. For example, the best gifts for 1-year-olds aren’t going to be ideal for three year olds, and so forth.
If you’re wondering what types of toys are good for 1-year-olds, stimulation is key. One year olds are just starting to outgrow the newborn phase, yet haven’t quite entered into the toddler phase. However, before you go wild purchasing every toy on the shelf, you must also take into consideration that many toys are considered choking hazards for one year olds.
Rounded up below you’ll find the best types of toys for 1-year-olds, so next time you show up at a child’s birthday party, you won’t be empty-handed!
Shape Sorting Toys
Shape sorters are one of the most common toy types you’ll find on the market, and they are great for helping a 1-year-old learn how to problem solve. Additionally, spatial awareness and determination are developed in one year olds who play with shape sorting toys. Another added benefit of shape sorting toys? They can last a child for years to come.
Wooden Blocks
Wooden blocks are a classic when it comes to children’s toys. Perfect for stacking, and just the right size for little hands, wooden blocks are a favorite for 1-year-olds. Furthermore, wooden block play leads to strengthened cognitive skills, an improved attention span, and enhanced motor skills.
Toy Trucks & Cars
Toy trucks and cars aren’t just made for little boys. Both 1-year-old boys and girls enjoy playing with colorful, wheeled toys and trucks. However, if you're purchasing a toy truck or car for a 1-year-old, make sure that it is large enough to not be a choking hazard. You’ll also want to look out for removable pieces that could pose a similar problem.
Push Toys
Most babies learn to walk between nine and twelve months old. This makes push toys a wonderful option for 1-year-olds as they learn to develop a sturdier step. Push toys can include play vacuums with bouncing balls, miniature shopping carts, and other wooden and plastic shapes.
Stacking Toys
One-year-olds love to stack, which makes stacking and nesting toys a great option for them. Whether it’s stacking buckets, dolls, or something else, stacking and nesting toys are wonderful for a 1-year-old’s brain development and provide hours of fun with only a few perfectly shaped pieces of plastic or wood.
Big Knob Puzzles
Similar to shape sorting toys, big knob puzzles also promote problem solving and spatial awareness in one year olds. These puzzles are large enough that 1-year-olds can figure out how to piece them back together on their own, while still providing a challenge that is fun and educational.
Baby Dolls
Just how toy cars and trucks aren’t only for boys, baby dolls aren’t only for girls. Baby dolls are ideal for improving a 1-year-old’s social skills. Older children also enjoy playing with baby dolls, especially if they are particularly maternal or paternal in their nature.
Balls
While a 1-year-old may not be able to play a game of catch, there is plenty of enjoyment to have by rolling a ball to a little one. As a 1-year-old develops and grows older, balls can be repurposed for games of catch, bounce, or passing.
Textured Books
One-year-olds can’t read, but they love to touch things. Try finding a book that incorporates different fabric textures. One-year-olds will enjoy touching the different fabrics as you read to them, helping develop their own reading skills one day in the not so distant future.
Sorting Toys
Many 1-year-olds enjoy playing with sorting toys. These can include toys that you sort by color, sound, picture, or size. As a 1-year-old develops, these types of toys will become easier and easier for them to complete on their own.
Animal Toys
Animal toys are perfect for imaginary play. They also can help a 1-year-old learn what noises various animals make. Farm games and musical machines with animal noises are a fun and lively option for any 1-year-old.
Resources— Good Housekeeping, Busy Toddler
About The Author
