The Best First Birthday Gifts for Newly-Minted Toddlers

Lovevery's Play Kits feature a set of high-quality Montessori-inspired toys and activities that are curated based on your child's developmental stage. Each kit comes with a Play Guide that teaches parents how and when to introduce each toy in the kit, as well as the key areas of development they'll help grow. 

Wooden blocks are a classic open-ended toy and this colorful set is sure to provide tons of entertainment. Building blocks are also a great example of a toy that'll encourage learning through play. As they're having fun making towers and knocking them down, they're also developing their fine motor skills, problem-solving skills and creativity. (I also love Magnatiles, though they’re a bit more expensive).

Unleash your toddler's inner virtuoso with this fun magic touch wooden piano. It features two modes—they can either freestyle their own tunes or play along with classic melodies.  They'll also get to practice hand-eye coordination and color recognition by using the included sheets of music to play. There're also two volume options so you can crank it up when they're ready for a grand performance.

There’s something about trains that children can’t resist. And every newly-minted toddler needs a quality train set. This Wonder & Wise set comes with 96 pieces (meaning tons of ways to build) and can fit most standard toy trains. Train sets are a great open-ended toy to have in their collection that’ll last for years to come.

Every budding artist needs their own easel; this pick provides the perfect blank canvas no matter the medium. One side features a dry-erase board while the other has a chalkboard. You can also use the included clips to attach paper for painting or drawing with crayons and markers. There's also a convenient tray on either side for holding paint cups and art supplies. Don't forget your splat mat and smock for easier cleanup!

Puzzles get those little brains and fingers working and what puzzle is more fun to play with than one with your very own name! This one's rainbow letters are engaging and on the larger size which makes them easier for toddlers to manipulate. It's made from high-quality wood and each letter is painted on both sides with non-toxic paint.

Playing with dolls inspires both imagination and creativity while also encouraging the development of social-emotional skills. This doll features a soft, cuddly body and an adorable dress with an embroidered toucan. 

As your toddler grows, you’ll notice they want to be involved in everything you’re doing—especially when you’re cooking, which is why they'll love this wooden fruit set. Each half is connected with Velcro, allowing them to practice "cutting" the fruit in a safe and fun way. This set also makes a great addition to a play kitchen.

Toddlers love to push things around so they're bound to enjoy this toy that's basically an activity center on wheels. Even if they're not quite walking on their own yet, they'll have fun cruising around with this push toy. And when they're not taking it on the go, it's got a ton of fun built-in sensory activities on the front like the gears, and spinning letters. It also has a little “trunk” on the back for them to collect and stash their favorite things

Toddlers also love to pull things. This little train offers so many ways to play. It comes with 17 colorful geometric blocks that can help your toddler learn both shapes and colors, as well as practice fine motor skills while building and stacking. 

From the signature eyes to the bright red and yellow colors, the Cozy Coupe has been a favorite for generations. The car features 360-degree wheels for easy maneuvering and a removable floorboard and a handle at the back so parents can safely push their little one without dragging any feet. When they're ready to drive on their own, simply remove the floor and they're able to ride around Flintstone-style.

Balance bikes pose a ton of benefits for young toddlers, including building confidence and coordination. This Jovy option is a great introductory bike since it's low to the ground and has thicker wheels for a sturdy yet smooth ride. Its handlebar also has a 135-degree steering limit to help prevent sharp turns (and toppling over). Just be sure to grab a helmet and they'll be ready to roll!

Toddlers are notorious for climbing literally any and everything. It turns out it's not only fun for them (and nerve-wracking for you), it's actually good for their gross motor development. This Pikler triangle gives them a safe structure to explore. It also folds up for easy storage and comes with a fun double-sided ramp that they can climb or slide on.

Bring the play place (minus the germs) to your home with this cute foam ball pit. Its smaller size lets it fit into your living room, playroom or toddler's bedroom without taking up too much space. It folds up when you want to put it away (though it's pretty enough you may not want to). And since it's the same material as Gathre's play mats and change mats, it's easy to wipe clean. It doesn't come with balls but you can find a bunch of different colors (and shapes) on Amazon. I think 200 balls would fill this up enough but you can add as many as your toddler can handle (and you're willing to pick up).

What toddler doesn’t love a bounce house? Smol’s Mini Rainbow  features mesh walls so your little one can safely bounce (around without tumbling out) and is small enough to fit in your living room or playroom (about 4 1/2 feet x 4 1/2 feet). Setting it up and taking it down also is super easy.  The whole thing blows up in just three minutes and doesn’t need to be continuously connected to a blower. And when you’re ready to put it away, it deflates with the push of a button and packs up easily to store (in its own bag) when not in use. 

Whether it turns into a playhouse, reading nook, rocketship or anything else they dream up, a play tent is the perfect gift to spark all kinds of imaginary play. This one from Toki Mats is easy to assemble and comes in fun colors for any space.

A versatile toddler-sized table and chairs set is a great everyday staple to add to your home.  It's the perfect spot to do crafts, work on puzzles or have a snack. Parents (myself included) appreciate the smaller footprint and modern, minimal design. My toddlers are now three and five and still use this everyday.