What to Buy a One Year Old for Their Birthday

by Kristen Ciccolini

Overview

A baby's first birthday is an event to be celebrated. Before you buy anything, ask the parents what the baby needs in case they have something in mind. Otherwise, you can choose from a variety of presents to give to the child, from regular and educational toys to monetary gifts and clothes.
Toys

Toys for a 1-year old must have no small parts that could be harmful if swallowed. A stuffed animal is a great choice; it is something they can play with and hold onto for many years. Push toys will help the baby's physical development by promoting standing and walking. Other options suitable for a 1-year old are a baby swing, stacking blocks, bouncy balls, musical instruments, and toy telephones.

Educational Gifts

While the baby is obviously unable to read, books can still arouse her senses. Some books with thick, cardboard pages will have different fabrics, so the baby can learn various textures and heighten the sense of touch. There are also books available that teach different animals and the sounds they make with pictures and recordings. A 1-year old is also ready for a toy with different-shaped blocks that need to be fit into corresponding holes. These kinds of toys will help the child start to learn shapes, colors and cause and effect.
Monetary Gifts

Even a small amount of money can help feed, clothe or diaper the child. You may also specify that your gift should be used for educational purposes, such as preschool or college tuition. If you plan on gifting a large amount of money, review your state's monetary gift laws. Some states require you to file a tax return on gifts from $10,000 to $13,000 and more.
Clothing

Buy clothing a couple sizes too big so the baby can grow into them and get the most wear out of them. Also consider the season in which the child will be wearing the outfit. For example, if you choose a dress in the summer that the baby will grow into by winter, make sure it will be warm enough for her by then. For sleepwear, try open-bottomed nightgowns with elastic along the hem. These make changing diapers an easier task, which can be a big help in the middle of the night for the parents.

Overview