2020 Gift Guide for 1-Year-Olds
Updated: Nov 24, 2020
Looking for the best gifts to give the littlest loves in your life? Below, I've curated my top picks for the season (and everyday) across all budgets, with a special emphasis on supporting small businesses and pieces that will stand the test of time.
I hope you love them as much as I do! xx
Don't forget to shop my other
2020 GIFT GUIDES:
0-12 Months
1-Year-Olds
2-Year-Olds
Mamas
Beautiful Basics:
Little Wild, $26-34
A mama-owned small business based out of California, Little Wild's mission is all about giving back to mama earth and families in need.
Each piece is thoughtfully and ethically produced right here in the U.S., using all organic materials. Plus, every purchase helps plant a tree. It's the season of giving, so why not choose a gift that gives back? (Follow LW on Instagram: @shoplittlewild).
My Everyday Picks:
I call it the triple threat -- the jogger ($32), the boxy tee ($26) and the pullover ($34).
Monica + Andy, prices vary
One of my favorite brands to shop for everyday, special occasions and gifting, M+A. has adorable and organic pieces to suit any size, style or season. For one-year-olds, consider their hooded romper, cute outfit bundles, and basic tops and bottoms.
Hand Embroidered Toddler Sweatshirt, $58
Customize something cozy! Elfin Los Angeles has tons of hand embroidered options for babies, toddlers and mamas, for endless mixing and matching options.
Make it a Mommy + Me moment!
Shop the sweatshirt: elfinlosangeles.com
Shop the full collection: elfinlosangeles.com/collections/ef-the-label
Pajamas:
Little Sleepies, $29.99
The coziest PJs with a cult following, you can't go wrong with Little Sleepies.
Their two-pieces will easily become a bedtime staple your toddler reaches for night after night. If you're looking for a matching set with a sibling (or the whole family), I love the zippies with fold over cuffs on the hands and feet for babies.
Play
DIY Board Book, $40 & Up
Create a very special book for your very special little people that's just for them!
Since we are missing so many of our friends and family this year, I created a "My Favorite People" board book for Everly and Colton featuring photos and names of grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends.
I love the idea of creating these to mark special trips and memories for the kids, or to help them understand new scenarios. (Examples: "Staying at Grandma's House," "Our New Puppy," and so much more.)
Shop here: ArtifactUprising.com
The Pull Pup by Lovevery, $22
Give them their own little Babe's Best Friend to pull around and play with, while developing their coordination, grip and gross motor skills.
Shop here: Lovevery.com/products/the-pull-pup
The Play Kits by Lovevery, Prices vary
If you're looking for even more playthings to stimulate their brains, consider enrolling in the Lovevery Play Kit subscription service. Every few months, a new box of Montessori-inspired and developmentally appropriate toys, books and puzzles will be shipped right to their home. Play Kit subscriptions begin for children as young as three months and extend all the way to three years.
Everly has been receiving Lovevery's Play Kits for her entire life thus far, and has loved every single one.
Play by Freshly Picked, $135-179
Currently SOLD OUT, but keep an eye on restocks as this is clearly going to be a hot ticket item.
I love that these are a fresh, aesthetically pleasing alternative to the brightly colored foam blocks you typically see for kids. (Color options currently include pink and gray.) Buying a full set can get pricey, so I'd prioritize the Play Blocks Set or the Ball Pit if you're only going to pick one piece to start!
Shop here: freshlypicked.com/collections/play-by-freshly-picked
Carrot Harvest Puzzle, $21.99
A cute harvest-themed Montessori puzzle for little fingers as they develop fine motor skills.
Shop here: Amazon.com
Mega Bloks First Builders, $10.47
These blocks are such a good foundation for learning and can keep even the youngest toddlers engaged as they learn to fit the pieces together on their own.
Everly has LOVED these for over a year now. We have the most fun together building towers before bed!
Wooden Alphabet Magnets, $8.99
If your babe isn't crawling up to grab things off the fridge yet... they will! These magnets can keep little ones nearby, engaged and occupied while you fix something to eat in the kitchen.
Wee Baby Stella/Fella, $24
Dolls are wonderful for teaching both girls and boys about their bodies, taking care of siblings and empathy for others.
What's especially wonderful about the Wee Baby Stella/Fella dolls is that offer a diverse variety of skin tones and can be totally customizable.
Shop STELLA here: ManhattanToy.com
Basket of Babies, $38.99
Another set of dolls to consider is the beautifully inclusive "Basket of Babies," which comes with six itty-bitty dolls and features a diverse range of skin tones.
Shop BASKET OF BABIES here: Amazon.com
Cuddle and Kind Dolls, $55-75
I've started a tradition in our home of gifting each of my children one mini Cuddle and Kind doll at Christmastime, and one full-sized doll on their birthdays.
The dolls come with a bit of a price tag, but I feel good about their heirloom quality and the fact that they are providing ethical employment with a living wage for skilled artisans in Peru, along with providing meals for children in need. Another gift that gives back!
Sensory Balls, Blocks and Buddies, $19.99
For a grow-with-you option, little ones will love to explore the different shapes and textures with their hands and, let's be honest, mouths.
Tip: Keep these toys in the playroom, not the bathtub, to keep them in good shape for years to come. Babes will keep coming back to stack the blocks and explore the different shapes and balls as they grow.
Enchanted Silk, $19.94
Another staple for the playroom that will provide open-ended fun for years to come.
This one from Sarah's Silks is handmade with natural silk and non-toxic, environmentally safe dyes.
Bumpers Toy Car Set, $17 each
This set of four cars are a perfectly safe and durable way to kick off your babe's car collection. The wheels roll and make a satisfying click sound as they move along, while the plush vehicle body ensures crashes are fun -- not painful.
Each car also includes a clip so that you can connect it to the other cars in the set.
Shape Sorting Cube, $10.99
Between their first and second birthday is a great time to begin working on sorting shapes and colors.
I love that this Melissa & Doug option is made from wood instead of plastic.
Wooden Name Puzzle, $10 & up
Simple puzzles are so great for this age (and clearly I have a thing about customized pieces)! This one is a sweet and personal gift that will help them learn their name and so much more.
Personalized Plush Rocker, $149
As you can see, Everly received her own plush rocker from Pottery Barn Kids well before she was big enough to actually ride it. (She totally face planted off it moments after this photo was taken. #BadMomMoment.)
But these are beyond adorable and definitely bound to be the show stopping gift on any toddler's Christmas or Birthday morning. They come in a wide variety of animal options, from Unicorns to elephants to lions, hippos, bunnies and more (including, yes, horses).
Shop here: PotteryBarnKids.com
Play Food, $29.39
I don't know what it is about play food, but it's like crack for toddlers. They LOVE it. (Or at least mine does.)
Since receiving this for Christmas last year, Everly has not stopped playing with it. She pretends to cook with her pots and pans, she plays farmers market with her play money, or she just pretends to eat it. Obsessed, I tell you.
Velvet Crowns and Magic Wands, $19-32
These are darling for both girls and boys (think, Max from "Where the Wild Things Are") and make imaginative play that much more luxe. Cucoo Kids is based in the U.K. and handcrafts each item with love and care. Go personalized for a special occasion or basic for an heirloom piece to pass down. You can't go wrong!
P.S. Pictured: Everly's dress is from CottonOn Kids and her shoes are from See Kai Run.
Radio Flyer Push Wagon, $79.48
As your little one is becoming more steady on their feet, this classic Radio Flyer push wagon is not only fun -- it's clearly a great shot. As years go by, kiddos will still love to push around their dolls and toys in *their* special wagon.
Shoes
See Kai Run's First Walkers, $45-48
I've written extensively about the benefits of See Kai Run's First Walkers. Simply put: you will never find a bigger fan than me!
They are adorably stylish, functional, and will help your newly-walking child develop the confidence to take off running.
They have so many cute options from dressy to casual, so take a look at their page and explore your options. You (and your baby) will thank you.
Shop here: SeeKaiRun.com/first-walker
Feeding
ezpz Mini Set and Cup + Straw Training System, $14.99-$29.99
When they've graduated from the "tiny" feeding set, it's time to go for the "mini."
I recommend pairing ezpz's mini set (includes mini mat, mini spoon and mini fork) with their amazing cup + straw training system.
Shop the "Mini Feeding Set" here: ezpzfun.com/products/mini-feeding-set
Shop the "Mini Cup + Straw" here: ezpzfun.com/products/mini-cup-straw-training-system-with-lid
Washable Bib Set, $8.95
Honestly, you can just never have enough bibs.
Books:
A few favorites from our home library and wish list.
Click each link below to shop.
The Little Boy/Girl Who Lost Their Name (CUSTOMIZED)
Peek-a-Bruce
The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be
The Wonderful Things You'll Be
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The Twinkly Twinkly Christmas Tree
The Grinch's Great Big Flap Book
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