The first birthday marks an exciting milestone—your baby is becoming a toddler! During this transformative year between 12-24 months, your little one will make remarkable developmental leaps. They'll likely take their first steps, say their first words, and develop a growing understanding of how the world works. Selecting the right toys during this critical period isn't just about entertainment; it's about providing tools that support brain development, motor skills, language acquisition, and emotional growth.
Puzzles & Problem-Solving Toys
1. Djeco FormaBasic Wooden Puzzle (12m+)
This simple yet engaging wooden puzzle introduces basic shapes with chunky pieces perfectly sized for little hands. The bright colors capture attention while the matching challenge develops problem-solving skills and spatial awareness.
2. Andreu Toys Magnetic Animals (18m+)
These charming magnetic puzzles introduce your toddler to animals while developing problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. As you play together, you can name the animals and make their sounds, making this a valuable language-building tool as well.
3. Moulin Roty 6-Cubes Puzzle Les Popipop (18m+)
These colorful cubes create six different pictures when arranged correctly, challenging your toddler's problem-solving abilities while introducing them to sequential thinking.
4. Andreu Toys Transport Puzzle (18m+)
This transportation-themed puzzle helps develop fine motor skills while expanding vocabulary around vehicles that fascinate toddlers. The wooden construction provides tactile feedback different from plastic toys, creating a more sensory-rich experience that supports brain development.
Sensory Exploration Toys
5. Djeco BabyRaini Shaker (12m+)
This delightful shaker creates gentle sounds that captivate your one-year-old while teaching cause and effect. The easy-to-grip design supports developing grasp while the gentle sound introduces auditory discrimination.
6. Djeco Roly Poly Pinguy (10m+)
This wobbling penguin provides fascinating motion that demonstrates physics principles through play.
7. Djeco BabyPiki Teething Ring (0m+)
This well-crafted teething ring soothes gums while developing oral motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Though simple in appearance, this toy supports multiple developmental systems simultaneously.
Building & Fine Motor Skill Toys
8. Djeco BabyHoopi Game of Rings (10m+)
This classic stacking toy develops hand-eye coordination and understanding of size relationships. Your child will enjoy removing the rings and exploring their properties before gradually mastering the challenge of placing them in sequence.
9. Moulin Roty Wooden Lacing Beads (18m+)
These beautifully crafted wooden beads challenge your toddler's developing dexterity as they thread the string through each piece. This activity strengthens the finger muscles needed for future skills like drawing and writing. The wooden materials provide a sensory-rich experience that plastic alternatives can't match.
10. Djeco 12 Flower Crayons for Toddlers (18m+)
These specially designed flower-shaped crayons are perfect for little hands just beginning to explore mark-making. The unique shape makes them easy to grip and manipulate, supporting the development of fine motor skills and hand strength needed for later writing.
Language & Pretend Play Toys
11. Andreu Toys My Breakfast (18m+)
This adorable breakfast set introduces your toddler to imaginative play while familiarizing them with everyday objects. The pretend food items encourage language development as you name each piece, while the role-playing build social understanding.
Creative Expression Toys
12. Moulin Roty Magic Painting Brush (18m+)
This innovative magic brush provides a mess-free introduction to painting. Using just water, your child can create patterns that appear and then disappear as they dry. This fascinating process teaches cause and effect while developing fine motor control and artistic expression without the cleanup.
13. Djeco Activity Set (18m+)
This comprehensive set offers multiple creative experiences designed specifically for toddlers' developmental needs and abilities. With age-appropriate materials that introduce different textures, colours, and techniques.
Choosing the Right Toys for Your One-Year-Old
When selecting toys for this age group, consider:
- Safety first: Ensure all toys are free from small parts that could be choking hazards
- Durability: One-year-olds are enthusiastic testers of toy strength
- Developmental stage: Look for toys that offer just the right level of challenge
- Multi-purpose potential: The best toys can be used in several ways
- Growth value: Choose toys that will remain interesting as skills develop
- Simplicity: Overly complex toys with batteries often provide less developmental value than simpler options