The Best Gifts for a 1 Year Old (2026)
One year olds are on the move: walking, climbing, stacking and starting to pretend. The best gifts now let them do and build, which is also the sweet spot for toys that last for years rather than weeks. Here are our favourite gifts for a 1 year old in Australia for 2026, with real picks and prices.
What a 1 year old loves
Open-ended play wins at this age. One year olds love to stack, post, push and knock things down, and they are starting the earliest pretend play. Look for chunky blocks, shape sorters, simple push-alongs and first role play. Wooden toys from our wooden toys range are ideal because they grow with the child.
Our picks for a 1 year old
- Le Toy Van My Little House Shape Sorter ($34.95) or ABC Wooden Blocks ($69.95)
- Tender Leaf Wooden Tortoise Shape Sorter ($39.95) or Bear Colours Clock ($34.95)
- A first push-along or activity walker, like the Le Toy Van Petilou Activity Walker ($179) or Rainbow Cloud Walker ($174.95)
- A Miffy First Light ($179.95) as a keepsake first-birthday gift
- Board books and a first activity toy
Browse the full gifts for 1 to 2 year olds collection for more.
Buying tips for a first birthday
At one, children often love the box as much as the toy, so do not over-spend on novelty. Pick one or two quality open-ended toys they will grow into, plus a keepsake to mark the day. Push-alongs and activity walkers support new walkers, while stacking and posting toys build the fine motor skills developing fast at this age.
Milestones around the first birthday
Around one, babies are pulling up, cruising and often taking first steps, pointing, waving and starting to copy the adults around them. Play becomes more active and more social. This is why push-alongs, activity walkers and simple stack-and-post toys land so well, they match a body that wants to move and hands that are learning fine control. Toys that reward a little effort, like posting a shape or knocking down a tower, are endlessly satisfying at this age.
Active play and first walkers
New walkers love something to push. A wooden activity walker like the Le Toy Van Petilou Activity Walker ($179) or Rainbow Cloud Walker ($174.95) supports confident first steps and adds play value with built-in activities. Choose a sturdy, well-weighted walker so it does not tip, and always use it under supervision on flat ground. These are gifts a child grows into over months rather than outgrows in weeks.
First birthday keepsakes
One is a milestone worth marking with something lasting. A Miffy First Light ($179.95) becomes part of the nursery for years, a personalised keepsake records the moment, and a quality wooden toy will still be played with at three. Pairing a keepsake with a smaller active or open-ended toy makes a first-birthday gift that feels both special and useful.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best gift for a 1 year old?
Open-ended toys are best: wooden stackers and sorters, simple push-alongs, activity walkers and first role play. They suit a one year old now and still get played with at three. A first-birthday night light also makes a lovely keepsake.
What is a good first birthday gift?
Something with lasting value, such as a designer night light, a quality wooden toy or a personalised keepsake. A gift card is also perfect if you would rather the family choose.
What toys help a 1 year old learn?
Stacking, sorting and posting toys build fine motor skills and problem solving, while push-alongs and activity walkers support walking and balance.
What is a good gift for a 1 year old under $50?
A wooden shape sorter ($34.95 to $39.95), a set of blocks, or a board book bundle all make lovely gifts under $50.
Are activity walkers good for one year olds?
Push-along activity walkers can support confident new walkers and add play value with built-in activities. Choose a sturdy wooden one and always supervise use.
What milestones happen around a baby's first birthday?
Around one, many babies pull up, cruise and take first steps, point, wave and copy adults. Play gets more active and social, which is why push-alongs, walkers and stack-and-post toys suit this age.
Are activity walkers safe for a one year old?
Push-along wooden walkers can support confident new walkers and add play value. Choose a sturdy, well-weighted one that does not tip, use it on flat ground and always supervise.
What is a good keepsake gift for a first birthday?
A Miffy First Light, a personalised keepsake or a quality wooden toy all mark the milestone and keep being used for years. Pair one with a smaller active toy for a lovely combination.
What toys help a one year old develop?
Stacking, posting and sorting toys build fine motor skills and problem solving, while push-alongs and activity walkers support balance and confident walking.