Your child’s second year of life is a time for exploration, self-discovery and hands-on learning experiences. When looking for the best gift and toy ideas for 1-year-old boys, look for options that will engage and excite them, while teaching them something at the same time! Here are our top 39 picks!
Best Active Gift And Toy Ideas For 1-Year-Old Boys
Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Play Table
What child doesn’t love splashing around in the water? Engage your son’s senses and help him to work on his motor skills with the Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Play Table! This interactive toy can provide a wonderful social setting for play dates and there are multiple features for the kids to play with including a Ferris wheel, balls and a spiral-style funnel.
Moreover, the water adds depth perception to the mix, making your child have to center his focus of grabbing objects under the surface. This helps to fine tune his hand-eye coordination and improve his concentration! This is a fan favorite for the kids who love to be in water more than on land.
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set
Toddlers need at least three hours of physical activity each day. This does not just help to keep them healthy, but it also allows them to properly develop and improve their coordination. Thus, the Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set is a slam dunk toy if you are looking for gift ideas for a 1-year-old birthday boy!
Equipped with three balls, your son and his 3-year-old sister can play a game of horse or see who can dunk the ball the best. Have fun dribbling and catching as well as throwing the ball. Best of all, this hoop has six height options. That means it can grow with your son over time, making it an extremely affordable investment. Additionally, unlike many other kids toys, this requires no tools and can be set up in minutes.
It is important to note that while it will work on its own, it is best to purchase sand for the base to help keep it grounded. We all know that kids love to pull on things and this can help to improve the safety of the product.
Lydaz Bubble Mower
The Lydaz Bubble Mower is an amazing sensory toy that creates magical tiny soap spheres through the movement of the toy. Whether your little guy loves to help daddy to mow the lawn or he just likes to constantly be on the go, bubbles are a great way to help him develop his visual acuity and depth perception.
Don’t burst his little bubble! Kids always gain knowledge best through implicit learning opportunities. Let him have fun while absorbing new skills. Moreover, this toy comes with three bubble solutions and just needs three AA batteries to start working!
Little Tikes 2 -in- 1 Snug ‘n Secure Grow With Me Swing
Limit his screen time and get him into the great outdoors! The Little Tikes 2 -in- 1 Snug ‘n Secure Grow With Me Swing is an iconic seat that has brought joy to generations of children. Your 1-year-old little boy is guaranteed to love being pushed in this simple to install gift and it is one of the toy ideas that will last for years.
Hang it from a porch beam or your big oak tree out back. Either way, get ready to grin as he giggles and enjoys this awesome swing. Most importantly, it is equipped with a safety bar and shoulder straps, similar to a car seat, to ensure his safety.
Hide N Side Ball Pit, Play Tent and Tunnels
Forget the play area at McDonald’s! The Hide N Side Ball Pit, Play Tent and Tunnels is the perfect place for your 1-year old to play solo or with friends. Assembly is easy and it comes with both square and triangular tents, a ball pit and three tunnels. Arrange them however you see fit or use them separately when space is tight. This is an ideal obstacle course for your game room or in the backyard.
Additionally, your son can play basketball while in the ball pit with the attached hoop or he can play a variety of games that are built into the sides of the play area. Furthermore, storage is a breeze! All the parts are collapsable and fit into an included storage bag. It does come with a handful of balls for the dart game, but the ball pit balls are sold separately.
Little Tikes Cozy Coupe
For over forty years, the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe has graced children’s playrooms and backyards, bringing joy and laughter. This little red car with the yellow roof has stood the test of time, now also amusing children on television as well. For the 1-year-old boys who are obsessed with Cozy and the gang, this fun toy is one of the best gift ideas for Christmas or his birthday.
The 360 turning radius of the wheels makes driving a simple task for those more experienced motorists. However, the new design also features a built in floorboard that parents can keep intact when their little one isn’t quite ready to take full control. Moreover, it has a working door with a lock to ensure your son stays safe while on the road. The vehicle also comes with a turn key to start up his ride, a functional gas cap so he can fill up when he is running low, and of course, a horn for when people get in his way!
SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Play Set
For your little monkey who is always trying to climb up onto things, the SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Play Setis an amazing gift! The five pieces are made with lightweight foam and feature a non-slip base to ensure that they stay in place throughout play time.
Moreover, the various shapes are made with colored leather making for easy clean up when sticky hands arise. Additionally, the parts are easily rearranged by toddlers, making for optimal imagination play! Help your son get out his energy on this safe and fun climbing wall.
Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber Slide
Spruce up the backyard with a classic Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber Slide! This miniature playground equipment is a wonderful addition that is tailored for toddlers. The rock climbing wall makes it easy for your little one to make it to the top and the low height of less than 20 inches makes big falls less of a concern. Moreover, assembly is simple and it is lightweight so you can move it easily!
Doona Liki Trike S3
For the family who is always on the go, the Doona Liki Trike S3 is the perfect mix of fun and functionality. This stroller style tricycle lets you toddler feel like he is in control while you are running errands. In addition, the unique construction comes with a footrest, sippy cup holder, storage compartment and a canopy to protect him from the sun’s harmful rays.
However, when you get home, he can take the wheel! This completely customizable ride has attachable pedals and the removable push handle. Furthermore, unlike other three wheeled rides, this is equipped with a five point safety harness, ensuring that your sweet little boy stays safe throughout his drive, no matter who is in control.
Lastly, Donna makes storage and transport simple with the patented small fold mechanism that works in seconds. Throw this handy transport device in the trunk or back seat with no worry about having too little space. This is an exceptional gift for parents whose 1-year-old boys loves a toy that they can ride!
MAGIFIRE Splash Pad
The MAGIFIRE Splash Pad is an amazing backyard accessory! This sprinkler style baby pool will keep your son cool while he splashes around in the shallow play area. Just screw in your garden hose and let the sprinklers bring a fountain of fun! He can bring in his own toys or you can straddle your slide over the side to make this wet and wild experience even more exciting!
Additionally, the base of the pool displays a map of the world and the adorable animals that live on each continent. Use this engaging activity as an opportunity to let your son learn as well. Talk about the images and tell him interesting facts about his favorite creatures.
iPlay, iLearn Bouncy Pals Bull Hopper Toy
The old school rocking horse is a thing of the past! Now a bucking bronco is where it is at! The iPlay, iLearn Bouncy Pals Bull Hopper Toy is an adorable, inflatable stuffed animal that is guaranteed to put some giddy up in your little cowboy’s ride.
Additionally, the anti-slip feet make for a sturdy stance and the horns make for the ideal handlebars. This interactive toy is guaranteed to work on your nephew’s balance and build his core and leg strength, making other everyday activities much simpler. Lastly, the convenient hand pump makes inflation unBULLievably easy!
Baby Balance Toddler Tricycle
Part of growing up is finding your balance. One year olds need to refine their gross motor skills and the Baby Balance Toddler Tricycle is a fantastic way to help your nephew gain his bearings. This toy can help him better his coordination, work on changing course more effectively and it will provide him with a bit of excitement!
Moreover, the anti-slip handlebars will help him to stay in control and the four wheel design ensures a safe and sturdy journey, wherever he decides to cruise. Furthermore, parents will love the simple set up and the company promises a noise free ride!
Schwinn Kid’s Firefighter Bike Helmet
Help your little firefighter get the where he needs to go safely with a Schwinn Kids Bike Helmet! Schwinn is a bicycle company that has been around for over a century and it is a name that you can trust in terms of quality products and safety. This helmet comes in multiple size options and styles. Most importantly, it is durable and adjustable to ensure a custom fit.
Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme Toboggan
The Fall and Winter months bring snowfall to much of the United States. Don’t let the cold trap you indoors! Make Winter wonderland experience that your son will never forget with a Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme Toboggan! This snow sled can accommodate two riders, meaning that you and your son can have snow much fun in the great outdoors!
Moreover, it is designed with built in handles and a pull rope making for a sturdy and exciting ride. Your 1-year-old boys will never want to get off his new toy, so consider this as one of your Christmas gift ideas!
Best Sensory & Learning Gift And Toy Ideas For 1-Year-Old Boys
VTech Turn and Learn Driver
Put your son in the driver’s seat and let him take the wheel! The VTech Turn and Learn Driver has songs, noises and actual controls that help to trigger imagination play while working on his language development. Place it on his highchair or play table and let him take his pretend car for a spin! It is available in two colors and only requires two AA batteries.
LeapFrog 100 Words About Places I Go Book
The LeapFrog 100 Words About Places I Go Book is a fantastic way to help your child to learn new words and understand new concepts! The twelve interactive pages let him push on the items and the book reads what they are aloud. He can explore the beach, school and the amusement park. Furthermore, this toy has both English and Spanish reading options. While it may seem early, children are amazing at absorbing information and recognizing different sounds.
In fact, according to the California Department of Education, “recent brain research indicates that birth to age three are the most important years in a child’s development”. By introducing languages early, you can set your child up for future success both academically and professionally. You will be astonished at how much he picks up from this fabulous interactive toy!
VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Park and Learn Deluxe Garage
Fuel your kid’s car obsession with the awesome VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Park and Learn Deluxe Garage! The multifaceted race track lets the included tow truck ride an elevator to the top of the loop before shooting down the course. Purchase more cars separately and see who can win the race to the bottom of the ramp.
Additionally, this is one of a series of Go! Go! Smart Wheels toddler toys. VTech has made it to where the individual toy’s tracks can connect together. This allows your son can slowly build an entire city for his talking toys to drive through!
Bright Starts Giggling Gourmet 4-in-1 Shop ‘n Cook Shopping Cart
Toddlers learn through imitation and your little boy has been watching you! The Bright Starts Giggling Gourmet 4-in-1 Shop ‘n Cook Shopping Cart is a three part toy that keeps them mobile while also engaging their imagination. Let them shop in the pantry, make you a pretend meal or just truck around the house!
Moreover, the cook top makes noises when the walker is moving as well as when your son touches the various buttons and controls. Lastly, the sides of the cart are equipped with different shaped holes and the corresponding objects to slide through them. Let him learn his shapes and work on understanding how to categorize these items. Best of all, for the kids who are taking longer to find their bearings, this thoughtful gift can help them to stay stable on their feet and interact with other kids.
VTech Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train
This is the little engine that could, on steroids! The VTech Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train is a spectacularly versatile educational tool that teaches kids about numbers, letters, animals, colors, time and even the weather! It also has over 260 different melodies and sounds as well as four individual play modes.
Your son can ride on the train or use it as a walker! He can also detach the back and transform it into a wagon toy or he can enjoy the fun on the floor. Additionally, it comes with a storybook and a plethora of light up buttons that are colorful and fun.
Dyson Toy Vacuum
“Anything you can do I can do better, I can do anything better than you!” Your little guy wants to be just like you and this Dyson Toy Vacuum will make him feel like he is helping you around the house. The receptacle is filled with colorful balls and the simulated cyclone action gives the illusion that he is getting all the nooks and crannies clean! In fact, this toy has real suction power, so he may actually save you some time as he vacuums along with you.
VTech Pop-a-Balls Push and Pop Bulldozer
Introduce counting and numbers with the VTech Pop-a-Balls Push and Pop Bulldozer! This walker style toy comes with an adjustable handle and as your toddler walks with the bulldozer, it pops the balls out of the back and into the scoop part of the truck. Furthermore, the side buttons teach him various figures and it plays music to keep him engaged. This gift can serve as a walking tool for your 1-year-old or just a fun way for your boys to play with a truck toy!
Best Musical Gift And Toy Ideas For 1-Year-Old Boys
Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano
Spark a love for music at an early age with the Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano! This wooden instrument is perfect for young kids and it teaches the basic process of playing the keyboard. Your child just needs to press the colored “keys” and it will play the various notes. This toy also comes with three sheets of music.
At this age, children begin to recognize patterns and this can help them to build upon this skill. You can set it in an introductory mode that will play the song no matter what button is pushed as well as an advanced mode. This option will give them the opportunity to follow the color coded music.
Let them play six different melodies or your prodigy can create his own little ditty! Additionally, the flat surface is easy to clean and the piano has volume control.
Wooden Musical Instrument Set
Talk about getting a band together! Let your 1-year-old little boy and his friends make music with this expansive Wooden Musical Instrument Gift Set. With a total of 17 instruments and 23 pieces, he can explore the various sounds and work on his language skills at the same time.
Encourage him to sing and make music. By experimenting with the various instruments, he can figure out his likes and dislikes as well as engage his senses throughout his jam sessions!
RenFox Kids Musical Mats
For the boy who is more inclined to make music with his feet, consider the RenFox Kids Musical Mat. Unlike a regular piano, this music maker can also produce guitar, xylophone and accordion sounds (along with four other instruments). Moreover, it comes with volume control as well as record and playback functions so your son can make sure to capture his masterpiece!
In addition, the ten keys span almost four feet so there is plenty of room to move with the music. Most importantly, it is equipped with an auto shutoff function for when your toddler’s attention span takes him elsewhere. This can save you a lot of grief and stretches out the battery life tremendously.
rolimate Xylophone, Shape Sorter and Hammer Toy
Your son won’t be able to walk away from the rolimate Xylophone, Shape Sorter and Hammer Toy! This musical set is sure to stimulate his senses with the colorful components and the multitude of noisemaking capabilities.
Moreover, the New Zealand Pine material and edible, water based paint guarantees that your toddler will stay safe when pieces of this toy inevitably end up in his mouth. Additionally, this educational and sensory toy comes with a one year warranty and promotes self discovery and creativity.
Best Art Gift And Toy Ideas For 1-Year-Old Boys
Crayola My First Palm Grip Crayons
If you son loves to scribble, the Crayola My First Palm Grip Crayons are the perfect way for him to show his creative side! These egg shaped crayons are easily held onto by little hands and the colors wash off of skin and clothing with no issues. Moreover, these are long lasting drawing tools. One scribbler is equal to 14 normal crayons!
Lastly, we all know that those first artistic moments are made outside of the lines. Thus, skip the coloring books for now and purchase a large roll of butcher paper. This gift will help to keep surfaces clean while your son shows off his Picasso-like talents.
Most importantly, these drawing instruments are AP Certified non- toxic! This is an extremely ideal quality for a toy that is likely to land in your little one’s mouth. Finally, as your 1-year-old boys outgrow this toy, Crayola has made other engaging gift ideas for doodlers and drawers as well!
Crayola Art Smock
Leave it to Crayola to think of the perfect pairing of kid’s art toys. Parents who want to avoid the mess should purchase the Crayola Art Smock. The painting apron and waterproof bib with keep the colors on the paper and off of their clothing and most of their skin! It includes adjustable straps to let it grow with your toddler and the polyester material makes it easy to clean up after the art show is complete.
My First Crayola Double Doodle Board
Look out Etch-A-Sketch! The My First Crayola Double Doodle Board has two doodle options for double the fun! One side features a sealed gel surface that allows for doodling without any mess and just the use of your toddler’s fingertips. The alternate side has a drawing surface that wipes away, allowing for unlimited drawing time.
Furthermore, the kit comes with three washable crayons as well as a holder for when they are not in use. The highlight is that if they take those crayons somewhere where they don’t belong, they will wash off of any surface! Your little Van Gogh can use this at home, in the car or at the doctor’s office.
Best Montessori Toys For 1-Year-Old Boys
Wooden Activity Cube
What may look like a staple toy that you find at a doctor’s office is actually a spectacular developmental tool! The Wooden Activity Cube is kid tested, non-toxic and lead safe certified. Kids can play with the bead maze, spinning gears and a shape sorter. It also has a clock face to help your little one start learning how to tell time and it has a built-in abacus to work on counting and colors. The cube also comes with bonus toys — nine stacking cups and an essential words book!
Parents will love the removable top that flips over and stores with ease as well as the sturdy wooden construction that ensure that it will not crumble with a bit of force. This colorful and versatile item is another one of the top gift and toy ideas for 1-year-old boys who love to think outside of the box!
Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards
Did you know that studies show that puzzle play can improve your child’s problem solving skills and teach them sequencing and pattern recognition? Did you also you that these skills are the building blocks for math and reading? The Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards are a spectacular way to introduce these important concepts and set your child up for success!
Let him improve his patience and logical thinking skills with this thoughtful gift! However, make sure to watch your little one close though as some pieces can fit in their mouths.
Montessori Fishing & Carrot Harvest Game
“The goal of early education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.”
— Maria Montessouri
The Montessori Fishing & Carrot Harvest Game is actually three games in one! Toddlers use their magnetic fishing poles to catch their fish and then the fish can try and catch the worms.
Then they can use their pliers to pluck the carrots from the ground. These simple tasks help to work on your son’s dexterity and hand-eye coordination. In addition, the New Zealand pine wood is non-toxic and it is well sanded to prevent splinters. Nurture your child’s love of learning and play with this beneficial gift.
Busy Board Montessori Toy
No matter if you are planning a birthday trip for your son or you just want a distraction for when you head to the grocery or doctor’s office, the Busy Board Montessori Toy is a spectacular portfolio of distractions.
Your toddler can learn to zip, tie, button, clip and snap the various objects, not only keeping him amused, but also teaching him life skills. Help your son learn how to get dressed with this simple tool. Furthermore, it is lightweight and easy to transport, making it ideal for car trips snd plane rides.
MAGIFIRE Matching Easter Eggs
Counting, sorting and matching, OH MY! The MAGIFIRE Matching Easter Eggs are a wonderful learning tool that feature various shapes and colors that your toddler must pair up to get their eggs back in the basket.
While a seemingly simple task, this teaches children spatial awareness and pattern recognition. Perfectly sized for little hands, there are 12 shapes and 6 colors to put together.
IVI Mini City Thick 3D Kids Play Mat Rug
The IVI Mini City Thick 3D Kids Play Mat Rug is an amazing centerpiece for your son’s room that is bound to ignite creative play! This cityscape has an airport, businesses, roads and even a lake! Let their imagination soar with this stain resistant and hypoallergenic play area.
Additionally, this unique gift comes in three sizes and can be fun for the whole family. Grab their favorite cars, planes and action figures and play pretend! This is a spectacular way to get them thinking outside of the box!
More Fun Gift And Toy Ideas For 1-Year-Old Boys
Disney Baby Classic Winnie the Pooh Stuffed Animal
“If everything is honey, and I am what I eat, I must be made of honey…and life is very sweet.” Winnie the Pooh is a wise old bear who always seems to make people smile, not matter what their age. Give your son this snuggly and soft Classic Winnie the Pooh Stuffed Animal and he is bound to smile!
The eyes are embroidered so there is no concern of a choking hazard and this adorable bedtime friend will help him get to sleep with a built in lullaby — the ever classic Winnie the Pooh song!
Early Educational Friction Powered Push Cars
Every parent’s worst nightmare is getting a gift and forgetting to purchase the required batteries. Thankfully, the ORWINE Early Educational Friction Powered Push Cars don’t require anything, but a push! Start the Physics lessons early and introduce the concept of inertia with these amazingly fun work trucks.
The set of four comes with a dump truck, a bulldozer, a cement mixer and a tractor with a pull cart. Additionally, these toys help to hone your son’s visual spatial planning abilities, while sparking his imagination. Whether in the driveway, living room or sandbox, these are great gift and toy ideas for 1-year-old boys who love a good interactive toy!
Little Tikes 2-in-1 Pirate Ship Ride-On Toy and Playset
AHOY MATEYS! The Little Tikes 2-in-1 Pirate Ship Ride-On Toy and Playset is an adorable gift that let’s your 1-year-old boys set sail for adventure! The noisemaking ship dings, honks and brings the sounds of the ocean right into their playroom.
Moreover, the ship is designed with a storage compartment for his pirates to safely take refuge when under attack. Additionally, your little scalawag can ride around on his vessel or just use it as a seat. Either way he will be shouting THERE SHE BLOWS as the included pirates shoot off their canon while on deck.
The Pout-Pout Fish Book
Mr. Fish with the permanent pout is a grumpy guy who is bound to turn any frown upside-down. The Pout-Pout Fish Book is part of a fantastic series that teaches kids about the importance of perspective. The rhyming is quite entertaining and this board book is a New York Times Best Seller. It is guaranteed to amuse kids and adults alike!
Nuby Floating Purple Octopus
Bath time is always the best time, so why not bring some games into the mix! The Nuby Floating Purple Octopus is a unique version of ring toss with three included ocean themed rings. Let your son splish and splash while improving his aim and accuracy in this fun bath time game! Additionally, the various textures of the octopus make it the perfect sensory toy.
Tiny Land Kid’s Teepee Tent
The right environment can spark a child’s imagination and the Tiny Land Kid’s Teepee Tentis a stupendous place for play! Handcrafted with a durable cotton canvas, this is the ideal prop for cowboys and Indians or a hideaway to retreat to after a long day of play. In addition, this fort is safety tested and it comes with a non-slip, padded mat. This gives your son a comfortable place to hang out in whether inside or in the backyard.
Moreover, it comes with multiple pockets for storage and it collapses easily for simple transport. This is a wonderful birthday gift that can make for an awesome slumber party accessory! Lastly, the company includes lights to drape over the sides as well as a canvas bag for storage when not in use.
What To Consider When Buying Gifts And Toys For 1-Year-Old Boys
Education
After your child’s first year of life, you transition from working on physical milestones to cognitive ones. “Cognitive milestones are the ways your child learns to think, explore, learn, and solve new problems. Children between 12 and 24 months will typically” start to follow basic directions and begin understanding cause and effect. They also imitate actions and begin to identify various objects. Moreover, they are able to recognize shapes and colors, and by their second birthday, they should be using at least 50 words.
This means giving them opportunities to build their vocabulary. Additionally, educators believe that children absorb information “subconsciously, through informal, implicit learning”. Therefore, the more information you present to them, the better off they will be in future years! Educational toys that teach kids words and concepts through both visual and auditory channels are an ideal choice.
Activity
According to Shape America, “Toddlers should engage in a total of at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity each day [and they] should engage in at least 60 minutes − and up to several hours − per day of unstructured physical activity and should not be sedentary for more than 60 minutes at a time, except when sleeping. Thus, finding gifts that get your kid’s moving are a fantastic option for play. Moreover, every parent loves when nap time and bed time are NOT a struggle and keeping them active will ensure that this occurs!
Furthermore, as we all know, practice makes perfect. Balance and grace do not come without the regular implementation of physical skills. By two, you child should be running, climbing stairs, picking up objects with ease, kicking a ball and standing on his tiptoes. Gift and toy ideas that help your 1-year-old boys to hone these skills are imperative to meeting these developmental milestones.
Self-Discovery
Montessori toys are a fantastic addition to your son’s toy box because they nurture a child’s innate desire to explore the world and discover new things. The Montessori method of teaching has been around since the early 1900’s and it s a successful means of using a child’s curiosity to provide implicit learning opportunities.
“A Montessori toy is one that stimulates learning by encouraging kids to experiment. It should be a toy that they can hold and touch. This is because learning to manipulate objects is key in helping children develop their fine motor skills. The toy should also give them the opportunity to work independently at their own pace and use their creativity.”
Cognitive Skills
Another part of a child’s development is building their logic and reasoning skills. This can be accomplished through activities that work on pattern recognition, spatial awareness and problem solving abilities. While these concepts may seem simple, they are the building blocks for understanding cause and effect relationships as well as better understanding the world around them. They are also the foundation for your child’s mathematical comprehension.
“Research evidence indicates that long before entering school children spontaneously explore and use mathematics—at least the intuitive beginnings—and their mathematical knowledge can be quite complex and sophisticated. In play and daily activities, children often explore mathematical ideas and processes; for example, they sort and classify, compare quantities, and notice shapes and patterns.”
Most interactive, noisemaking toys as well as Montessori gifts introduce these concepts both visually and verbally, helping the information to soak in. However, problem solving can also he learned with items that involve movement.
Social Competency
Once your little boy turns one, you will likely start to socialize him more. Toys that can help to facilitate imagination play and promote sharing are essential tools in improving their social skills. They also make the transition to preschool much easier. Concepts like taking turns, mimicking actions and following simple instructions are important for their transition into a classroom environment in the future.