1st Birthday Present Ideas - Shop Unique Gifts for Toddlers

Celebrating a Milestone with First Birthday Gifts

A first birthday is a momentous occasion! It marks a whole year of incredible growth and development for your little one, filled with those precious firsts—first smiles, first steps, and maybe even a first word or two. It's a special time for parents, too, a chance to reflect on the amazing journey of parenthood and all the joys (and sometimes challenges!) that come with it.

Finding the perfect gift for this milestone can be a delightful challenge. But at HipKids, we believe it's about more than just finding a toy. We think the best 1st birthday present ideas are those that spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and can be enjoyed for years to come. Whether it's a beautifully crafted wooden toy or a cuddly companion, the perfect gift is out there waiting to be discovered.

Celebrate your little one's first birthday with a gift they'll adore from HipKids! Our collection of 1st birthday present ideas includes toys, puzzles, play sets, teethers, bath accessories, dolls, lamps, and much more to spark joy and encourage their development.

What Makes a Great 1st Birthday Present?

Choosing a gift for a one-year-old can be a lot of fun, but with so many options available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. To help you find the perfect present for that special little person, we've put together a few things to keep in mind. Here are some key factors to consider when browsing 1st birthday gift ideas:

Safety first

At this age, little ones love to explore the world with their mouths, so make sure any gift is free from small parts and made with non-toxic materials. Look for sturdy construction and age-appropriate designs.

Developmentally appropriate

Choose toys that encourage learning and development. Think about what skills your little one is working on, like fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, or problem-solving.

Personalisation

A personalised gift adds a special touch and creates a keepsake they can treasure for years to come. Consider a toy with their name on it, a book about their birthdate, or a piece of art featuring their birth flower.

Open-ended play

The best toys spark imagination and encourage creativity. Look for toys that can be used in multiple ways and grow with your child's interests.

Popular First Birthday Gift Ideas by Category

As you celebrate the first year of your little one's journey, choosing the right gift is about finding something that captures the essence of this milestone. At HipKids, we offer a diverse range of first birthday presents designed to delight, educate, and comfort. Here's a closer look at the top categories:

Educational Toys: Spark curiosity and learning with wooden and sensory toys that turn playtime into an opportunity for growth and discovery.

Soft Toys: Provide a source of comfort and cuddles with our plush toys and soft toys, perfect for snuggle times and soothing moments.

Outdoor Toys: Encourage active play and adventure with durable outdoor toys designed for little explorers eager to conquer the outdoors.

Keepsakes: Choose from our collection of cherished keepsakes that capture memories of these precious early years, making them unforgettable.

Each category features our best-selling items, ensuring that every choice supports your child's development with quality and style.

Top Educational Toys for Curious Little Minds

One-year-olds are like little sponges, soaking up knowledge from the world around them. Educational toys are a fantastic way to support their development while keeping them entertained. These toys are designed to stimulate learning and help your little one develop essential skills.

Building blocks, for example, are a classic choice that encourages fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity. Shape sorters help with problem-solving and colour recognition, while simple puzzles introduce spatial reasoning.

Montessori toys, with their focus on hands-on learning and natural materials, are also a popular choice for this age group. And don't forget about the power of music! Musical toys like xylophones introduce little ones to rhythm and melody, while board books help develop language skills and a love of reading.

Cherished Keepsakes for a First Birthday to Remember

A first birthday is a precious milestone, and what better way to commemorate it than with a keepsake gift? These are presents that go beyond playtime and become treasured reminders of this special time.

Think personalised baby toys with their name or birthdate, a beautiful photo album filled with memories from their first year, or a piece of artwork featuring their birth flower. Even classic stacking toys can become cherished keepsakes as your little one grows.

A cuddly teddy bear or a soft giraffe can also become a lifelong friend, offering comfort and companionship through the years. These keepsakes aren't just gifts—they're a way to capture the magic of this fleeting moment and create a lasting memory for both you and your child.

Best Outdoor Toys for Little Explorers

There's nothing quite like watching a little one explore the great outdoors. Fresh air, sunshine, and the freedom to move are all essential for a child's development. And with the right outdoor toys, you can make those adventures even more exciting!

For one-year-olds, ride-on toys are a fantastic way to encourage gross motor skills and build confidence. Scooters help with balance and coordination, while a balance bike can be a stepping stone to mastering a pedal bike later on.

If you have the space, a small slide or climbing dome can provide hours of fun and physical activity. And don't forget the simple pleasures of a sandpit, water table, or a set of balls for kicking and throwing. The most important thing is to get them moving, exploring, and having a blast in the fresh air!

First Birthday Gifts That He Will Love

Little boys are full of energy and curiosity, and their first birthday gifts should keep up with their adventurous spirits! When choosing a present for a baby boy, think about toys that encourage exploration, movement, and imaginative play.

Building blocks are a classic choice that never goes out of style. They foster creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills as little hands learn to stack and build. Toy cars and trucks provide endless opportunities for imaginative play, zooming around the house and creating exciting scenarios.

A pull-along toy, like a wagon or a dog on wheels, encourages those first steps and provides a sense of accomplishment. And if he's already on the move, a baby walker can help him gain confidence and explore his surroundings safely. Activity gyms and play mats are also great for encouraging tummy time and developing those all-important motor skills.

Favourite First Birthday Picks for Girls

Finding the perfect gift for a little girl's first birthday is a delight! There's a whole world of toys and treasures designed to spark joy and encourage her development.

Classic choices like a doll pram encourage nurturing and imaginative play, while a pretend play set, like a tea party or kitchen, allows her to mimic the world around her. Stacker toys help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, while alphabet blocks introduce letters and early literacy.

But don't feel limited by traditional "girl" toys! Many girls love building blocks, cars, and outdoor adventures just as much as anything else. The key is to choose gifts that spark her curiosity and encourage imaginative play, regardless of whether they're traditionally "pink" or "blue."

Create a First Birthday Gift Bundle Full of Surprises

Want to give a truly impressive and thoughtful gift? Why not create a first birthday gift bundle that's bursting with fun and surprises! It's a wonderful way to spoil that special little one and cater to all their developmental needs.

Think about combining different types of gifts to create a well-rounded package. Start with a cuddly companion like a teddy bear, perfect for snuggles and comfort. Add in some educational toys like building blocks or a shape sorter to encourage learning and exploration.

Don't forget a special keepsake to commemorate this milestone. A personalised book or a beautiful photo album will be treasured for years to come. To top it off, include a fun and practical item like a set of bath toys or a cute outfit.

Gift sets like these are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a birthday, Christmas, or just a special "thinking of you" gesture. And if you're unsure what to choose, you can always peek at the little one's wishlist for inspiration!

Are Practical Gifts Appropriate for a First Birthday?

While toys and keepsakes are always a hit, don't discount the appeal of practical gifts for a first birthday. These are presents that parents will truly appreciate and that can make their lives a little bit easier.

Think about items that are useful for this stage of development. A night light can soothe a little one who's afraid of the dark, while a set of soft, absorbent bath towels can make bath time more enjoyable. Silicone bibs and teething toys are also practical choices that parents will love.

And don't forget about those bigger-ticket items! A comfortable highchair, a stylish change table, or a spacious toy storage solution can all be incredibly helpful for growing families. These practical gifts might not be as exciting for the little one to unwrap, but they'll certainly be appreciated by Mum and Dad. They're also a great option for baby shower gifts!

Find the Perfect First Birthday Gift at HipKids

Ready to find a gift that will truly delight that special little one? Explore the full range of first birthday presents at HipKids and discover something truly unique. From classic wooden toys and cuddly companions to exciting outdoor adventures and educational treasures, we have something for every taste and budget.

And don't forget, the fun doesn't stop at age one! We also offer a fantastic selection of gifts for 2-year-olds, 3-4 year old gifts, 5-6 year old gifts, and even gifts for teenagers.

Shop with confidence, knowing that all our products meet the highest safety standards and are designed with little ones in mind. With fast shipping across Australia and responsive customer support, HipKids is your one-stop shop for all your gifting needs. Place your first order today and bring home the joy of HipKids!