The 15 Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds: First Birthday Gift Ideas

Finding the perfect gift for a 1-year-old can be a delightful yet daunting task, especially as you celebrate their first birthday. In this article, you'll discover 15 of the best gift ideas that cater to the curiosity and development of toddlers, featuring options that encourage creativity, learning, and imaginative play. From cuddly plush toys to engaging educational games, these selections will surely bring joy to any little one. Are you ready? Let’s get started!

1. Organic Knit Doll, Frank Dog

Frank is a lovable hand-knit dog doll made from soft organic cotton. At 12 inches tall, he wears a fun design with the iconic city taxi. Perfect as a first birthday, Frank offers both comfort and a special keepsake for little ones.

Why Parents Love It 

My son’s favorite toy: My son received this pup as a gift and loves him so much!! A perfect size to hug. Limbs are good for teething! High contrast face with the stitching has been making my son smile for so long now. Easy to clean! We cuddle with him while I nurse my little guy so that Frank the dog can smell like mama. My new go-to for expecting mamas.


Little guy: Ordered Frank for my son because it reminded me of my fur baby Charlie. Just wanted him to always have a reminder close by that he is loved. Really congratulate Estella on the high quality product they provide backed with exceptional customer service.

Daniel B.


Great dog!: I love this dog. I have bought it for other people's children, and it's always their favorite. I just bought one for my soon-to-be-born grandson.

PCR 



2. Octopus Gift Set

The Organic Baby Gift Set is designed for a summer or water-loving newborn. This set features a soft octopus lovey, a cheerful rattle, and a classic striped hat. It combines comfort and play, making it a perfect keepsake and one of our favorite baby gifts for little ones to enjoy.

Why Parents Love It 

We love these blankets! This blanket is fantastic. We bought one originally when my son was born and he adores it so we got a second as a backup. We accidentally received the blue octopus the second time and the owner was so helpful. She immediately sent out the correct one and told us we can keep the blue one. My older daughter doesn’t know yet, but she will be thrilled because she loves her little brother’s blanket too (she has the whale blanket, which she also loves). 

The quality on these blankets is fantastic. They will last a lifetime. Since they are knit, I was less worried about the kids sleeping with them. When we finally let my son have his in his crib (when he was older), he would snuggle it all night long. We love these blankets. They are great baby gifts and I’m sure will be wonderful keepsakes after the kids are grown.


Lovely & exquisitely made: I got two of these octopus rattles, a turquoise one for my 3-month-old daughter, a pink one for her baby cousin. They are undeniable cute, extremely well made, and the rattle is a soft and pleasing sound. The eight octopus legs seem to delight her; she grasps one leg at a time with delicacy and deliberation. A special item unlike most of the routine mass market stuff out there.

Anonymous

3. Baby New Yorker Organic Gift Set | Estella

The Baby New Yorker Organic Gift Set includes an NYC taxi onesie, bib, muslin swaddle, pacifier holder, Frank the NYC dog doll, taxi bear soother, NYC ABCs board book, and two award-winning rattles. Perfect for immediate use and lasting into toddlerhood.

Why Parents Love It 

Estella customer for life!: Originally received an Estella gift box for my baby shower and was blown away by the adorable and unique NYC themed pieces. A few months later, I decided to gift some items to a friend who is expecting (she loved it also!) and I saw the swaddle. I had to have it. The price point is comparable to other popular name brands for the same item but the unique NYC theme and use of soft colors makes it a winner. I’ll be an Estella customer for life!

Brittney M 

4. Large Taxi Stuffed Toy

The Large Taxi Stuffed Toy is a playful, soft plush designed in the shape of the iconic New York City taxi. At a generous size, it brings a pop of color to any room while offering hours of imaginative fun. Perfect as a first birthday gift, this timeless stuffed toy makes for both a cozy companion and a special keepsake for little ones. Our taxi stuffed toy is also a popular baby toy for eight-month olds.

Why Parents Love It 

Love my taxi pillow!: I bought this for myself, as I love all things NY. It is the cutest most comfortable little pillow on my couch. Very well made and so soft! And fast shipping! Thank you so much!.

Melaney B.


I love the stuffed taxi! It's so well made and looks so cute. These toys aren't just for babies!

Melissa L.

5. Organic Baby Gift Set - New York Onesie, Bib & NYC Rattle Toys | Hot dog, Pretzel & Taxi

Discover our organic baby gift set featuring the NYC All Over onesie romper, matching bib, and our best-selling NYC rattle toys, showcased on the bodysuit's playful print. It’s a great baby shower gift or birthday present. 

Why Parents Love It 

Really beautiful fabric and design

Alba


Perfect baby gift for New York couple: My friends loved the nyc onesie and taxi toy for their little one! Plus the nyc book is great, too.

Gertrude A

6. Organic Baby Ball Toy Set | Newborn Rattles - Football, Baseball & Basketball

Hand-knit in Peru by skilled artisans, our organic baby rattles are a popular and unique gift for boys. With bold colors and engaging sounds, these rattles are perfect for future MLB, NFL, or NBA stars.

Why Parents Love It 

Great Service and Products: Ordering was easy. Products are beautiful. Jean was so easy to work with. I will be ordering again.

TLB

 

Well made. Extremely satisfied. Thank you.

Kathleen D

7. Organic Baby Gift Set | Hot Sauce & Avocado Rattles

This organic baby gift set is a must-have item to put on your baby registry. For those who enjoy a kick, our avocado and hot sauce baby rattles make the perfect foodie baby gift! Hand-knit in Peru from soft organic cotton, these rattles entertain little ones while teaching cause and effect. Bring them home for some playful fun for their birthday!

Why Parents Love It 

The most adorable purchase ever: ​​I love everything about these, the design, the materials, the quality. I can’t wait for my little one to play with them. Estella’s costumer service is excellent, very attentive and responsive.

Sharismar R.

 

Unique and adorable gift set: This was the perfect gift for a hot sauce-obsessed friend who just had a baby.

Margaret F.

8. Dinosaur Baby Gift Set - Organic Newborn Toy Rattles | Stegosaurus & Brachiosaurus

Our organic cotton dinosaur baby gift set is perfect for future explorers. Hand-knit in vibrant colors, these soft rattling dinos provide tactile stimulation with their playful spikes, while teaching cause and effect. Great for nursery decor and imaginative play!

Why Parents Love It 

Adorable dinosaurs. Love love these beautifully made knitted toys. So nice for children and very easy to wash. Colors really catch the eye of a baby. I am a repeat customer for years as I give to all my grandchildren!

Anonymous


Perfect find! Love this! Was looking for a dinosaur toy for my friend's new addition, and this was the only one I felt like I could trust to be safe!

Lindsey S.

9. Organic Knit Doll, Pierre Dog

Pierre, the 12-inch knit dog doll, is a chic companion straight from Paris, complete with a red beret and "Je T'aime" sweater. A perfect gift for a 1-year-old, baby shower, or special occasion, he’s a stylish and lovable friend for any little one.

Why Parents Love It 

Très Charmant!: Pierre is appealing, well-made, and non-toxic—everything I look for in a toy.

Belinda B.


So cute!: Absolutely adorable and made so well! I can’t wait to surprise my little one with it.

Jessica J.


Sooo Cute!: Adorable gift for baby or toddler. Very cute and well made!

Sue C



10. NYC Print Romper

The "BIG CITY" Baby Romper Onesie, made from soft organic cotton, features iconic New York prints like taxis, pretzels, and pizza. Perfect for NYC lovers, it’s a fun and adorable gift for any newborn. Pair it with other NYC-themed baby items for a memorable keepsake.

Why Parents Love It 

Soft & Cool. We live across the country now and my LO may never know the luxuries of a cart pretzel or crosstown bus but, he can wear this little bit of my home base in all its soft fabulousness. The print is cute as heck!


Super cute! Super cute, great fabric, great fit!

11. Organic Baby Toys - Newborn Rattles | Owl

The handmade organic cotton owl baby rattle is a must-have gift for 1-year-olds! Crafted by local artisans in Peru, its elegant stripes and gender-neutral colors make it a charming addition to any toy collection. With a soothing sound, this rattle is not only a delightful first toy but also a cherished keepsake for years to come.

Why Parents Love It 

Love it: We got the stuffed owl to give to our daughter as a “big sister” present, along with the stuffed owl rattle for her to give to her baby brother as a welcome to the family. It has been a big hit. Beautiful products.

Anonymous 

12. Monkey Stuffed Animal Toy

Our large monkey stuffed animal toy, made from beloved organic cotton. With a cheerful smile, this cuddly companion is perfect for playtime, nursery decor, and snuggling. Plus, it features sweet banana embroidery on its chest—a delightful reminder of the best snack!

Why Parents Love It 

Monkey rattle so adorable: I can’t wait for my grandson to enjoy this adorable hand crocheted monkey rattle. Estella always makes the cutest items. Surely to become a favorite toy of my grand

Regina C

13. Whale Lovey Set

The Organic Baby Gift Set is perfect for a summer or water-loving newborn. It includes a soft whale lovey security blanket, a cheerful rattle, and a classic striped hat. Thoughtfully designed, this set offers both comfort and play, making it an ideal gift for little ones to cherish.

Why Parents Love It 

Beautiful and unique clothing for babies: I sent the baby whale outfit and hat and rattle with the whale blanket to some friends who had just had a baby. They LOVE the items and have been dressing the baby in them often. Thanks for the ease of ordering and having such beautiful, soft, unique items to choose from. I will definitely order again!

Anonymous


So cute and unique: Gave as a baby boy gift and my friend loved it!

Anonymous


Related: Best Clothes for Baby Registry

14. Avocado Stuffed Animal | Organic Baby Toy

Celebrate first birthdays with Estella's charming avocado stuffed animal! This 8-inch plush toy, hand-knit in Peru from soft, eco-friendly cotton, is perfect for infants' delicate skin. An ideal baby toy for nurseries or kids' rooms, this whimsical avocado adds character to any space and is sure to delight food lovers of all ages!

Why Parents Love It 

Great organic materials and cute design: We can feel safe with my niece chewing on this organic material. Really cute handmade design sure to attract my niece’s attention.

Glenn T


Great quality & so cute!!😍

Lisa


So cute: Absolutely adorable and made so well! I can’t wait to surprise my little one with it.

Jessica J

15. Knit Doll, Handmade - Flash

Find the perfect first birthday gift with Flash, a charming soft baby doll from Estella's knit collection. Handcrafted in Peru, Flash comes with an eye patch and a playful backstory that inspires adventure and imagination. A delightful companion for any 1-year-old!


Perfect gift: I gave this to a friend for her second baby and she loves it—it looks so cute in pictures and it was shipped so promptly!

Amanda L


Favorite toy: I registered for this purely because it looked cute. Turns out its my 6 month olds favorite toy and has been for months. Ordering another because we cant lose it lol

Jillian L