1 Year Old

Choosing Age-Appropriate Toys for 1-Year-Olds Matters

Playtime shapes how a little one begins to understand the world around them. When toys match their stage of development, they encourage steady growth, spark curiosity, and create a sense of achievement. Choosing toys that are too advanced often leads to frustration, while toys that are too simple do not hold attention for long.

Age-appropriate playthings support problem-solving by introducing challenges that are fun yet achievable. They also promote fine motor skills through actions like stacking, twisting, and sorting, giving small hands the practice they need in a safe and engaging way.

Skills Your 1-Year-Old Tyke Learns Through Toys

Every stage of growth brings exciting changes, and toys play a big part in supporting them. Educational toys for 1-year-olds offer the right mix of fun and function, helping your tot develop skills that will carry into toddlerhood.

Here are a few ways play can nurture early development:

• Balance and coordination: Building confidence as little feet begin to steady and move with purpose.
• Fine motor skills: Strengthening small muscles through grasping blocks, stacking rings, or turning shapes.
• Language awareness: Encouraging sounds, gestures, and first words during playful interactions.

What Are Good Toys for 1-Year-Olds?

A good toy at this age does more than keep a little one busy. It supports real developmental growth, holds attention, and helps them practise new skills through repetition and play. The best toys offer just enough challenge to keep young minds engaged while still being easy for small hands to explore.

Below are toy categories designed to encourage learning, movement, and creativity:

• Ride-on toys: Supporting balance and coordination with a scooter, ride-on, trike, or rocking horse as little legs start to push forward.
• Balance and movement toys: Developing gross motor control and confidence with stacking toys, baby walkers, or ball pits.
• Imaginative play: Nurturing creativity and early role play through a playset, dollhouse, costumes, or pretend play sets like market stalls.
• Learning toys: Encouraging problem-solving and early thinking with building blocks, wooden toys, Montessori puzzles, and shape sorters.
• Crafts and creative play: Introducing rhythm, sound, and fine motor practice with musical toys, light-up instruments, and colour-based activities.
• Baby toys: Stimulating the senses with soft toys, rattles, sensory toys, play gyms, baby activity toys, plush toys, and doll strollers.
• Outdoor play: Creating active moments with backyard play equipment, beach sets, and a bath toy that adds fun to water time.

These educational toys help your child grow through play that feels natural, joyful, and perfectly suited to their age.

How Often to Rotate Toys for a 1-Year-Old?

Young toddlers often lose interest quickly, which is why rotating toys every week or two can help keep playtime fresh and engaging. Swapping out a few toys at a time prevents overwhelm and brings new excitement to familiar spaces.

A simple mix of soft toys, puzzles, and musical instruments keeps your little one curious without needing a full toy overhaul. With a variety of options in our HipKids collection, it’s easy to create a rotation system that supports both learning and fun.

Do 1-Year-Olds Know to Share Toys?

Sharing doesn’t come naturally to most one-year-olds, and that’s completely normal. At this stage, little people are still learning that others have thoughts and feelings too.

While they may not truly understand sharing yet, group play can gently introduce the idea. Toys that encourage side-by-side interaction—like play kitchens, building blocks, or activity tables—help them notice others and take turns in simple ways. Choosing multi-use or interactive toys gives toddlers the chance to build early social skills without pressure.

Comparing Soft Toys and Hard Toys

Soft toys offer warmth, comfort, and gentle sensory play. They’re ideal for quiet time, naps, or calming routines, especially when little ones need a soothing companion.

Hard toys, like blocks and shape sorters, encourage motor skill development through stacking, pushing, and grasping. They give toddlers a chance to test movement and coordination in hands-on ways.

At HipKids, we use materials that are safe, durable, and designed to keep up with active play. Whether soft or hard, every toy in our collection is made to support your tot’s development stage by stage.

How Many Toys Should a 1-Year-Old Have?

Once safety is sorted, the next question is often about quantity. Too many toys at once can clutter playtime and overwhelm little people who are still learning how to focus.

It’s better to have a smaller number of thoughtfully chosen toys that support different skills and interests. A mix of sensory, movement, and imaginative play items can offer variety without overcrowding.

At HipKids, we offer a wide range of toddler toys for 1-year-olds, 2-year-olds, and beyond. Alongside our own range of toys, we also carry trusted brands like Hape, Little Dutch, Olli Ella, and more.

Browse the HipKids for Toys That Last

Thoughtfully chosen toys support learning, spark joy, and make every playtime feel special. From soft toys to balance bikes, our range is made to grow with your little one.

Whether you're shopping for your own tot or picking out a gift, our toys are built to last through everyday play. Gift cards are also available for those who prefer to let the parents choose. Just add one to your cart before heading to checkout, and it will be included in your subtotal.