17 Toys and Gifts for Babies 9-12 Months Old

Between 9 and 12 months, babies are busy, curious and ready to explore. The best toys for this age give them new ways to move, communicate and figure out how things work—think board books, blocks, stacking cups, pop-up toys and sturdy activity walkers. (It may also be time to set up those baby gates!)

“During the 9–12 month age range, play is focused on exploration,” says Emily Kukla, speech-language pathologist and founder of Moms Teach Speech. Follow your baby’s lead and remember that playing together matters more than using a toy the “right” way.

According to the CDC, skills that may emerge during this stage include babbling, looking for hidden objects, picking things up with the thumb and pointer finger, pulling to stand and walking while holding on to furniture. Every baby develops at their own pace, so talk with your pediatrician if you have any concerns.

My background in early childhood development shapes how I think about toys: not just whether they’re fun, but how babies actually interact with them. I combined that perspective with years of hands-on testing, expert guidance and feedback from Babylist families to make these picks.

Best Toys for First Words

The best toys for early language leave room for interaction. “Children learn language best through back-and-forth interactions with responsive caregivers,” says Carly Tulloch, co-founder of pediatric speech-pathology resource Wee Talkers. Use books, picture cards, dolls and stuffed animals to name what your baby sees, narrate their play and respond to their sounds and gestures.

Best Toys for Learning Object Permanence and Cause & Effect

At this age, babies begin to understand that objects still exist when they’re out of sight. “They may start looking for hidden items or love discovering hidden pictures [in lift-the-flap books],” says Dr. Janet Lazieh, a pediatrician at Holy Name Medical Center. Pop-up toys, drop boxes, blocks and lift-the-flap books let babies explore what happens when something disappears, reappears, falls or gets knocked down.

Best Toys for Crawling, Standing and Walking

Babies may roll, scoot, crawl, pull to stand or cruise at this age, and some skip crawling altogether. Floor toys can motivate movement, while activity tables and sturdy push toys support babies who are ready to practice standing. Choose a stable push toy and supervise closely; avoid wheeled sit-in baby walkers.

Best Toys for Fine Motor Skills

Blocks, stacking cups, sorters and bead mazes help babies practice grasping, transferring and releasing objects. Choose large, age-appropriate pieces without choking hazards since babies this age still explore with their mouths.