eBeanstalk: Toys and Gifts for 1 Year Olds

Here is another post from eBeanstalk.com:

Finding toys for 1 year olds is not that difficult. Finding great 1-year-old-toys or first birthday gifts is another story altogether. Is it a toy for a 1 year old boy? Or a gift for a 1 year old girl? Because let’s be honest, toys for a 1 year old are very different than toys for an 18 month old. And the key is finding the right toy or gift for the right development. Should they be wooden toys? Are plastic toys for 1 year olds bad? What is an appropriate gift for a 1 year old? As you look through ebeanstalk’s selection of unique toys for one year olds, here are a few things to keep in mind every step along the way (if you want more detail on what toys and gifts are appropriate for 1 year olds, please check out our developmental milestones for 1 year olds).

Toys for 1 year olds: At one year of age, a baby needs so many different toys to keep up with their development. They are starting to ‘fetch’ toys…they are stacking toys, nesting blocks inside of each other…they are saying 7-10 words and name big body parts – ear, head, mouth…the little ones should be walking or cruising with support and Should be giving toys to adults (the beginning of sharing and cause and effect). Moreover, the 1 year old will most likely learns the dreaded word, “NO”. Enjoy!

Toys for one-and-a-quarter year olds: Just three months later and 1 year old toys will seem like a thing of the past. This kiddo will need toys to allow for more interaction (like balls)…they will need toys for trial and error or toys matching to animal sounds or putting simple shapes into a shape sorter. They will surprisingly understand 50 or so words and potentially ask for ‘more’. They will be using their toys to pull objects in and out, and will most likely be able to throw a small ball. Also, here come the hugs and kisses. It’s amazing the difference between a 1 year old and 15 month old and the toys they they need.

Toys for one-and-a-half-year olds: Now the 1 year old (who is now really one and a half) will group certain toys together and will use two toys together for pretend play. They will turn the pages of a book correctly and will attempt simple puzzles. They will jump a couple inches in the air and may even graduate to some small tantrums. The trick with 1 year olds (and a half) is to keep it simple as they really start to grow and develop emotionally.

Toys for one and three-quarter year olds: Again, just 3 months go by, and your one year old (now 21 months young) will respond to toys very different from just a few months ago. They will start to put away toys on a request and will even attempt to repair broken toys. They will scribble on the confines of a piece of paper (time for some toys for arts and crafts) and remember where certain toys belong. They can select one item from a group of five and even build a tower. Sand and water play becomes more advanced. They will also express a variety of emotions. The difference between a 1 year old and a 1 year old after just 8 months is glaring.

Whew! And thus completes the 2nd year of life. Easy, right? With all of the development that happens to a 1 year old, it’s certain that selecting the right toys for the right stage of development is paramount.

If you want to go beyond 1 year old toys and gifts, and learn more about a child’s development, you may enjoy this article on what to expect during the second year of your child’s life.