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15 Educational Gifts for One-Year-Olds: Fun Toys to Nurture Curiosity & Creativity Without Breaking the Bank!

Updated: Nov 16

Choosing educational gifts for one-year-olds can be overwhelming with all the options, but I’m here to help! This curated list features fun, quality toys that engage little minds while promoting learning and creativity, providing hours of enjoyment. Each item is perfect for nurturing their growing curiosity, fine motor skills, and imaginative play—and I can vouch that these are toys my daughter still loves a year later! Plus, I’ve compared prices from Walmart, Target, and Amazon, making it easy to find the best deals without breaking the bank. Happy gifting or registry building!

(Note these prices are subject to change! Prices were pulled 9/28/2024)


 

Disclaimer: I am not sponsored or paid to promote any of the products or stores mentioned in this post. All products were purchased by me or gifted to me by family/friends, and the opinions expressed are entirely my own based on personal experience and research.

 

Melissa & Doug Pets Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle

Description: This jumbo knob puzzle features large, easy-to-grip pieces perfect for small hands. The vibrant animal shapes promote hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Melissa & Doug Safari Wooden Chunky Puzzle - 8 Pieces

Description: Designed for tiny hands, this chunky wooden puzzle features safari animals, encouraging imaginative play and developing problem-solving skills. For our girl, this puzzle was a bit harder but something around 18 months she loved figuring out!

XY-WQ Bath Toys No Hole for Infants

Description: Safe and fun bath toys are designed without holes, reducing the risk of mold build-up. Perfect for water play with sea animal shapes.

merka Bath Toys for Toddlers

Description: This set of 30 foam bath toys includes numbers and shapes, making bath time educational and fun. The floating toys stick to tiles and bathtubs. We have the alphabet, but the black and white sensory cards also make an excellent gift for a one year old.

  • Walmart: NA

  • Target: $19.99

  • Amazon: $19.99


Nuby Floating Bath Tub Alphabet and Number Set

Description: The soft foam letters and numbers float in the tub, allowing toddlers to enjoy learning while playing in the water. While she couldn't recognize or spell anything as a one year old, our daughter loved peeling them on and off the tub. Now that she's two, we use them for letter recognition.

 Sloosh Bubble Lawn Mower Toddler Toy

Description: Have a little one that wants to be just like dad? The Sloosh Bubble Lawn Mower Toddler Toy is a fun and interactive way to keep little ones active while pretending to "mow" the lawn. With every push, it blows out a stream of bubbles, making it the perfect gift for outdoor play and endless giggles!

  • Walmart: NA

  • Target: NA

  • Amazon: $24.99


Baby GUND Play Soft Collection, My First Purse 5-Piece Plush Playset

Description: The Baby GUND My First Purse 5-Piece Plush Playset is an adorable, soft introduction to imaginative play for little ones. Complete with a plush purse, phone, compact, and more, it's the perfect gift to spark fun and creativity while being baby-safe and easy to carry. My little always felt like a big girl with hers and I didn't have to worry about her trying to steal my keys.

  • Walmart: NA

  • Target: NA

  • Amazon: $22.99


Little Me Plush 11 inch Baby Doll with Rattle, Brigitte (Floral Damask, Pink)

Description: The Little Me Plush 11-inch Baby Doll with Rattle, Brigitte, is a super soft and sweet first doll, perfect for little ones to cuddle and carry around. With a gentle rattle inside and cute floral details, it makes a thoughtful gift that will bring comfort and joy to any one-year-old. Our Girl carries Baby everywhere, which is why I love that she's machine washable.

  • Walmart: NA

  • Target: NA

  • Amazon: $16.99


Poke-a-Dot Melissa and Doug Book

Description: Why I recommend these books is that they are a great way to play and educate at the same time. My daughter had the first words book (and I love this bundle) , and she still will play and use it even as a two year old. She loves all things ocean so this is also a favorite of hers!

  • Walmart: See links

  • Target: NA

  • Amazon: Usually around $10-20 depending on the book


Crayola; My First Crayola; Palm-Grip Crayons; Art Tools; 6 Count; Designed for Toddlers

Description: Crayola's My First Crayola Palm-Grip Crayons are specially designed for tiny hands, making them perfect for toddlers to explore their creativity with ease. With six vibrant colors, these easy-to-hold crayons are a wonderful gift that encourages artistic expression while helping little ones develop fine motor skills!

  • Walmart: $10.99

  • Target: NA

  • Amazon: $18.65



Why These Gifts?

I always strive to pick items from my daughter’s wish list that are both intentional and educational—things that will bring her joy without driving me crazy! These thoughtfully selected gifts are designed to nurture early development, whether it’s improving hand-eye coordination with puzzles, building early math and language skills, or sparking creativity and imaginative play with role-playing toys. Plus, bath toys add a splash of fun to our daily routines, and outdoor toys encourage exploration and active play. I’ve compared prices from Walmart, Target, and Amazon, so you can snag the best deal and find the perfect, quality gift for your one-year-old without breaking the bank!


Happy shopping!


Until Next Time,

peyton-signature







 

Disclaimer: I am not sponsored or paid to promote any of the products or stores mentioned in this post. All products were purchased by me, and the opinions expressed are entirely my own based on personal experience and research.

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