Best Gifts for 1 Year Olds: Christmas and First Birthday Ideas for 2026

Best for: Montessori-inspired learning and development

If you're looking for a first birthday gift that offers a little more than five minutes of entertainment, LOVEVERY's The Babbler Play Kit is a pretty clever choice. Designed specifically for toddlers aged 13 to 15 months, this beautifully curated collection of educational toys taps into everything little ones are starting to discover, from putting objects into containers to stacking, sorting and figuring out where things disappear to.

Inside, you'll find a wooden ball run, stacking toys, a first puzzle, posting activities and even a sweet little board book for bedtime. Each activity encourages your toddler to explore at their own pace, practising fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and early problem-solving along the way.

And for parents wondering which developmental toys are actually worth buying? The included play guide takes some of the guesswork out of playtime, with age-specific activity ideas and tips.

Why we love it

Unlike a typical toy bundle, The Babbler Play Kit is thoughtfully designed around a particular developmental stage. The Montessori-inspired activities are simple enough for little hands to explore independently, with adult supervision, but offer plenty of opportunities to practise new skills.

It's also the kind of gift that feels substantial enough for a first birthday, particularly if grandparents or family members are looking to buy something special.

Key features

• Designed for toddlers aged 13–15 months

• Montessori-inspired educational toys and activities

• Slide & Seek Ball Run for exploring object permanence

• Wooden Stack & Slot for stacking and spatial awareness

• Circle of Friends Puzzle for early problem-solving

• Wooden Coin Bank with different posting activities

• Bunnies in a Felt Burrow for hands-on exploration

• Bedtime for Zoe board book

• Parent play guide with developmental information and activity ideas

Age suitability: 13–15 months+

Price: $195 per kit

Best for: Imaginative play and interactive learning

If there's one thing little ones seem to love, it's animals. And with the Fisher-Price Little People Caring Fun Animal Farm, they get their very own miniature farmyard to explore, complete with a farmer, four adorable animals and plenty of things to press, spin, open and discover.

This interactive farm playset is packed with clever little details, from a hay bale that tumbles through the silo to animal stalls and a wheel that turns from day to night. And because no farm would be complete without a little noise, there are more than 55 songs, sounds and phrases to keep curious toddlers entertained.

It's a brilliant first birthday gift for babies who love hands-on play, with chunky figures designed for little hands and activities that introduce colours, counting, animal care and early imaginative play.

Why we love it

What makes this one particularly clever is Fisher-Price's Smart Stages technology, which offers three different learning levels as your toddler grows. At first, they might simply enjoy opening the barn doors and moving the animals around. Later, they can start creating their own little farmyard stories.

It's the kind of toy that has plenty to discover now, with even more opportunities for play as their imagination develops.

Key features

• Interactive two-storey farm playset

• Suitable for children aged 12 months and older

• Includes one farmer figure, four animals and a hay bale

• More than 55 songs, sounds and phrases

• Three Smart Stages learning levels

• Introduces colours, counting, opposites and caring for animals

• Interactive barn doors, water pump, spinning wheel and drop-through silo

• Chunky figures designed for little hands

• Requires two AA batteries, which are included

Age suitability: 12 months+

Price: $79

Best for: Open-ended play and little builders

Some toys tell little ones exactly what to do. Others hand them the pieces and let their imaginations take over. And that's what makes MEGA BLOKS First Builders such a brilliant first birthday gift.

This colourful bag contains 80 chunky building blocks, perfectly sized for little hands to grab, stack, pull apart and, let's be honest, knock over with great enthusiasm. At first, your one-year-old might be more interested in pulling apart your creations than building their own. But as they grow, those simple towers can turn into houses, cars and whatever else their imagination dreams up.

It's one of our favourite examples of an open-ended toy for 1-year-olds, encouraging creativity, problem-solving and fine motor development without flashing lights or complicated instructions. And because there isn't one right way to play, it's a toy they can keep coming back to as their skills develop.

Why we love it

When it comes to educational toys for 1-year-olds, sometimes the simplest options offer the most possibilities. These oversized blocks introduce early construction play while giving toddlers the freedom to experiment, make mistakes and try again. They're also compatible with other MEGA BLOKS sets, so you can add to their collection as they grow.

And the reusable storage bag? A very welcome bonus for parents who are already discovering just how quickly toys can take over the living room.

Key features

• Includes 80 colourful building blocks in different shapes

• Chunky pieces designed for little hands to grip and connect

• Encourages open-ended play, creativity and imaginative building

• Supports fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination

• Introduces early stacking, construction and problem-solving

• Easy to connect and pull apart

• Compatible with other MEGA BLOKS First Builders sets

• Includes a reusable storage bag

• Suitable for children aged 12 months and older

Age suitability: 12 months+

Price: $28.99

Best for: Sensory play and fine motor development

Who knew posting shapes into a box could be quite so entertaining? The Fat Brain Toys InnyBin takes the classic baby shape sorter and gives it a clever little twist, swapping the usual matching holes for a colourful cube with stretchy elastic bands.

Inside are six chunky, textured shapes that little hands can push through the bands, then reach in and pull back out. There's no need to match a triangle to a triangle-shaped hole, which makes it a brilliant introduction to shape sorting for younger babies who are still figuring out how everything works.

It's also a lovely example of an open-ended sensory toy for 1-year-olds. Babies can explore the different textures, experiment with posting and retrieving the shapes, and practise their hand-eye coordination, all while having a rather wonderful time making things disappear and reappear.

Why we love it

Unlike traditional shape sorters, InnyBin doesn't have a single correct way to play. That means little ones can experiment at their own pace, building confidence as they discover what happens when they push, pull and manipulate the shapes.

It's a particularly clever first birthday gift for curious babies who love putting things in containers and taking them straight back out again. And because it combines tactile exploration with early problem-solving, there's plenty of developmental play packed into one compact toy.

Key features

• Innovative sensory shape sorter with flexible elastic bands

• Includes six chunky shapes with different textures

• Encourages open-ended play and sensory exploration

• Supports fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination

• Introduces early problem-solving and cause-and-effect learning

• No matching holes, allowing babies to experiment freely

• Made from BPA-free plastic

• Compact cube measuring approximately 14 × 14 × 14 cm

• Suitable for babies aged 10 months and older

Age suitability: 10 months+

Price: $42.95

Best for: Tactile discovery and sensory-rich play

If your little one loves pulling every tissue out of the box, emptying the contents of your handbag or posting things into absolutely any opening they can find, this clever little cube might be right up their alley.

The Playground 4-in-1 Sensory Cube brings together four different activities in one beautifully designed toy. There are colourful scarves to pull out, soft sensory balls to explore, silicone shapes to sort and wooden number discs to match. It's a little treasure trove of textures, colours and activities for curious babies who are discovering just how much their hands can do.

Inspired by Montessori-style learning, it encourages open-ended play, sensory exploration and early problem-solving, making it a lovely educational gift for a 1-year-old. And because there are so many different ways to play, it's something little ones can keep discovering as their skills develop.

Why we love it

What makes this sensory cube different is the variety of materials and sensations it brings together. Rather than focusing on matching shapes or completing a particular task, it invites little ones to explore through touch, movement and curiosity.

From pulling out soft scarves to handling different sensory objects, there are plenty of opportunities to discover how things feel and move. We love that parents can introduce the activities gradually, keeping play interesting as their baby's skills develop. It's a lovely choice for families looking for simple, hands-on sensory experiences.

Key features

• Four sensory and developmental activities in one toy

• Five colourful chiffon scarves for pulling and exploring

• Three soft sensory balls with different textures

• Four silicone shapes for sorting and colour recognition

• Four bamboo number discs for matching activities

• Encourages fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination

• Supports open-ended play and sensory development

• Montessori-inspired design

• Includes a downloadable play guide with more than 20 activities

• Cube measures approximately 16 × 16 × 16 cm

Age suitability: Check the manufacturer's recommended age before purchasing.

Price: $74.99

Best for: First steps and active developmental play

Those first wobbly steps are a pretty big deal, and the Little Dutch Fairy Garden Multi-Activity Walker makes the whole experience even more exciting. Part wooden baby walker, part activity centre, this gorgeous little garden on wheels gives curious toddlers plenty to explore as they find their feet.

There are eight activities to discover, including spinning gears that make a dragonfly twirl around a flower, a rotating mirror and playful counting activities featuring a snail and hedgehog. And when they're ready to get moving, the sturdy wooden frame and rubber-lined wheels make it a lovely companion for practising those early steps around the house.

It's a beautiful first birthday gift for babies who are starting to stand, cruise and explore, combining sensory play, fine motor development and early walking practice in one very sweet package.

Why we love it

Some baby walkers are all about getting from A to B, but this one offers plenty of entertainment even when little legs need a break. The interactive activities encourage hand-eye coordination and early problem-solving, while the walker itself gives toddlers something to hold as they practise moving on their feet.

Made from FSC-certified wood and finished in Little Dutch's signature soft colours, it's also one of those rare toys that looks just as lovely in the living room as it does in the nursery.

Key features

• Wooden multi-activity push walker with Fairy Garden illustrations

• Eight interactive activities, including gears, a mirror and counting cubes

• Encourages early walking, balance and coordination

• Supports fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination

• FSC-certified wooden construction

• Rubber-lined wheels designed to protect indoor floors

• Sturdy design for toddlers practising their first steps

• Measures approximately 32.5 × 35.5 × 49 cm

• Weighs approximately 3.75 kg

Age suitability: 12 months+, for children ready to practise their first steps

Price: $199.99

Best for: A first ride-on toy that grows with your baby

For the little one who's always on the move (or desperately trying to be!), the Scoot & Ride My First Scooter is a pretty exciting first birthday present. And despite its name, it's not actually a traditional scooter. It's a clever three-in-one design that starts as a baby walker before transforming into a ride-on toy as your little one's confidence and coordination grow.

Made from lightweight yet durable EPP material, it has a soft, rounded design and quiet wheels, making it particularly handy for indoor adventures. Little ones can use it for support as they practise moving around, then enjoy scooting along while seated once they're ready.

It's a brilliant option for parents looking for active play toys for 1-year-olds that encourage movement, balance and gross motor development. And with a recommended age range extending to three years, there's plenty of time to enjoy it beyond that first birthday.

Why we love it

We love a baby gift that doesn't become redundant after a few months, and this one is designed to adapt as your little one develops new skills. It's easy to switch between walker and ride-on modes, with a lightweight construction that makes it simple to move around the house or take along when visiting family.

The soft, minimalist design is a bonus, too, with lovely colour options including Olive, Sand and Rose.

Key features

• Three-in-one design that converts between early mobility and ride-on activities

• Suitable for children aged approximately 6 months to 3 years

• Encourages balance, coordination and gross motor development

• Lightweight, durable EPP construction

• BPA-free and PVC-free materials

• Soft, rounded edges

• Quiet wheels designed for indoor use

• Maximum weight capacity of 20kg

• Available in Olive, Sand and Rose

• Measures approximately 51 × 29 × 22.5cm

Age suitability: 6 months to 3 years, depending on developmental readiness

Price: $169.99

Best for: A first balance bike and outdoor adventures

There's something pretty special about watching your little one discover the joy of moving around on their own. And while they might not be ready for a proper bicycle just yet, the Globber Learning Bike Ecologic is a brilliant place to start.

Designed for toddlers from 12 months, this clever four-wheeled learning bike lets little adventurers sit comfortably and propel themselves along using their feet. It's a lovely introduction to balance bikes for 1-year-olds, helping them explore movement, coordination and balance while having plenty of fun along the way.

It's also a thoughtful choice for environmentally conscious families, with recycled plastic and bio-sourced wheat straw used in applicable components. Add in a sweet little removable front basket for carrying their most important treasures (probably a rock or two), and you've got a first birthday gift that's both practical and seriously cute.

Why we love it

Unlike traditional two-wheeled balance bikes, which are often designed for older toddlers, this four-wheeled version offers a more stable introduction to riding. The seat adjusts between two heights, so there's room to accommodate growing little legs, while the lightweight frame makes it easy for parents to carry when the adventure is over.

And with tool-free assembly, you won't need to spend half the birthday party deciphering instructions before they can have a go.

Key features

• Four-wheeled learning bike designed for toddlers aged 12–36 months

• Encourages balance, coordination and gross motor development

• Made with recycled plastic and bio-sourced wheat straw in applicable components

• Two adjustable seat heights: 25.6cm and 26.9cm

• Lightweight 2.4kg design

• Puncture-free EVA foam wheels

• Ergonomic, non-slip handlebar grips

• Removable front basket for toys and little treasures

• Tool-free assembly and seat adjustment

• Maximum user weight of 20kg

• Available in Berry, Vintage Red, Coconut and Sage

Age suitability: 12–36 months

Price: $89

Best for: Fine motor skills and independent exploration

For the little one who wants to touch, twist, spin and investigate absolutely everything, the Tiny Love Farmers Fun Day Wooden Activity Table is a first birthday gift with plenty to keep them busy. This adorable farm-themed activity table is packed with interactive features, giving curious toddlers their very own little world to explore.

There's a bead maze to navigate, colourful gears to spin, an animal puzzle to solve and a tractor to guide around its track. Little hands can sort shapes, discover peek-a-boo surprises and experiment with different movements, all while building important early developmental skills.

It's a lovely educational toy for 1-year-olds that encourages hand-eye coordination, fine motor development and problem-solving through play. And with so many activities to discover, there's a good chance they'll find something new to investigate every time they sit down.

Why we love it

There's a lot going on at this little farm, and that's exactly what makes it such a great developmental toy for 1-year-olds. Each activity gives toddlers a different way to practise using their hands, from guiding beads along a track to turning gears and matching shapes. They're working on coordination, dexterity and early problem-solving, without even realising they're learning.

We particularly love that it brings several activities together in one place, allowing little ones to choose what interests them and move between activities at their own pace. It's a lovely option for babies who enjoy sitting or standing at a table and keeping their hands busy.

Key features

• Wooden activity table with a colourful farmyard theme

• Interactive bead maze for hand-eye coordination

• Animal puzzle and shape sorter

• Spinning gears and moving tractor track

• Peek-a-boo elements for discovery and exploration

• Encourages fine motor skills and early problem-solving

• Supports sensory exploration and cause-and-effect learning

• Designed for independent and shared play

• Sturdy wooden construction

• Suitable for children aged 12 months and older

Age suitability: 12 months+

Price: $129.99

Best for: Cause-and-effect learning

If there's one thing most one-year-olds love, it's making noise. And if they can bang something with a hammer in the process? Even better. The Hape Pound & Tap Bench with Slide-Out Xylophone takes that enthusiasm and turns it into a clever little learning experience, combining two classic wooden toys in one.

The idea is simple, but seriously entertaining. Little ones use the wooden hammer to knock three colourful balls through the holes, then watch as they roll across the xylophone underneath, making musical notes as they go. Want to make your own music? Just slide out the xylophone and let your budding musician loose.

It's a fantastic interactive learning toy for 1-year-olds, introducing cause and effect, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills through play. And with no batteries or flashing lights, the entertainment is entirely powered by little hands and big curiosity.

Why we love it

Hit the ball, watch it roll, hear the music. For a one-year-old, that's a pretty exciting discovery. What makes the Hape Pound & Tap Bench so clever is the immediate connection between what little ones do and what happens next. It's a simple, satisfying introduction to cause and effect, encouraging them to repeat actions, experiment and see what changes.

The pounding action also gives toddlers a chance to practise hand-eye coordination and controlled movements. And when they're ready for something different, the removable xylophone introduces a whole new way to play. It's a brilliant choice for little ones who love figuring out how things work.

Key features

• Two-in-one wooden pounding bench and musical xylophone

• Three colourful wooden balls for hammering and rolling

• Slide-out xylophone that can be played separately

• Wooden hammer for pounding and musical play

• Encourages cause-and-effect learning

• Helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination

• Introduces early musical exploration, rhythm and sound recognition

• Durable wooden construction with water-based paint

• Winner of the 2018 Cribsie Award for Favourite First Musical Toy

• Compact design that's easy to store

Age suitability: 12 months+

Price: $54.90

Best for: Sensory exploration and a first love of reading

Some books are made for reading. Others are made for grabbing, patting, poking and occasionally chewing on the corners. That's Not My Teddy… is definitely one of the latter, and that's exactly why it's such a brilliant first birthday gift.

Part of Usborne's much-loved That's Not My… series, this sweet little board book takes babies on a search for their teddy, meeting a collection of bears with different textures along the way. Each page has something new for tiny fingers to explore, from fuzzy and fluffy to rough and scratchy, with simple, repetitive language that's easy for little ones to follow.

It's one of those lovely sensory books for 1-year-olds that turns storytime into an interactive experience, encouraging babies to touch, listen, point and eventually join in with the familiar words.

Why we love it

There's a reason these books have become such a staple on baby bookshelves. They're simple enough to hold a one-year-old's attention, but interactive enough to make them want to turn the pages again and again. And again. And probably once more before bed.

We particularly love how the touch-and-feel patches encourage sensory exploration, while the repetition helps little ones become familiar with words and sounds. It's a wonderful way to introduce early literacy and make reading together part of the everyday routine.

Key features

• Part of Usborne's popular That's Not My… touch-and-feel book series

• Sturdy board book designed for little hands

• Different textured patches to explore on each spread

• Simple, repetitive language for early language development

• Encourages sensory exploration and tactile learning

• Supports early vocabulary and listening skills

• Interactive format encourages pointing, touching and page-turning

• Bright illustrations by Rachel Wells

• Written by Fiona Watt

• A lovely affordable first birthday gift or addition to a book bundle

Age suitability: Suitable from birth, ideal for babies and toddlers aged 0–3 years

Price: $14.99

Best for: Interactive storytime and lift-the-flap books

Where's Spot? It's a question parents have been asking at bedtime for generations, and one that little ones never seem to tire of answering. This gorgeous collection brings together 10 of Eric Hill's much-loved Spot stories, making it a particularly special first birthday gift for budding bookworms.

From searching for the cheeky yellow puppy in Where's Spot? to joining him on adventures at the farm, the park and the beach, every book is packed with colourful illustrations, simple storytelling and plenty of flaps to lift. And we all know how much one-year-olds love a good game of peekaboo!

These interactive books for 1-year-olds are a lovely way to encourage early language development, curiosity and a love of reading. As little ones lift the flaps, discover hidden surprises and listen to familiar stories, they're also practising fine motor skills and learning new words along the way.

Why we love it

There's a reason Spot has remained a favourite on children's bookshelves for decades. The stories are wonderfully simple, the illustrations are instantly recognisable and the interactive flaps make little ones feel like they're part of the action.

We particularly love that this collection includes 10 different adventures, giving parents plenty of variety for storytime. And because they're sturdy board books, they're a great introduction to independent page-turning as little hands become more confident. It's also a lovely gift to build a child's very first library.

Key features

• Collection of 10 classic Spot lift-the-flap board books

• Written and illustrated by Eric Hill

• Includes the original Where's Spot?

• Other favourites include Spot Goes to the Farm, Spot Goes to the Park, Spot Bakes a Cake and Spot Says Goodnight

• Interactive flaps reveal hidden characters and surprises

• Encourages early language development and vocabulary

• Supports curiosity, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination

• Simple stories ideal for reading together

• Sturdy board book format for little hands

• Presented in a slipcase, making it a lovely first birthday gift

Age suitability: Suitable for babies and toddlers, with adult help when lifting the flaps

Price: $40

Best for: Musical play and early creativity

Got a little one who loves making noise? This might just be their dream first birthday gift. The Baby Einstein Hape Magic Touch Piano is a gorgeous wooden musical toy that lets babies create their own tunes with nothing more than the tap of a finger. No complicated buttons, no traditional piano keys, just little hands discovering the magic of making music.

Thanks to its clever Magic Touch technology, even the gentlest tap produces a musical note, making it easy for one-year-olds to experiment with different sounds. There are two ways to play, too. Budding musicians can freestyle to their heart's content or follow along with six familiar melodies using the included colour-coded music sheets.

It's a brilliant musical toy for 1-year-olds that combines sensory exploration, cause-and-effect learning and early creativity. And who knows? You might just have a future concert pianist on your hands. Although, for now, they're probably more interested in playing every note at once.

Why we love it

We love that this little piano makes music accessible from the very first touch. Babies don't need the finger strength or coordination to press traditional keys, so they can jump straight into experimenting with sound, rhythm and movement.

As they grow, the colour-coded music sheets introduce a new challenge, encouraging little ones to match colours and begin following simple musical patterns. It's one of those interactive toys that can evolve with their skills, making it a lovely addition to any first birthday gift list.

And yes, there's adjustable volume. Parents, you're welcome.

Key features

• Wooden musical piano with Magic Touch technology

• Touch-sensitive surface that responds to gentle taps

• Two play modes for freestyle music and guided play

• Six built-in songs to discover

• Three colour-coded music sheets included

• Encourages musical creativity and sensory exploration

• Supports hand-eye coordination and cause-and-effect learning

• Introduces early colour matching and rhythm recognition

• Adjustable volume with low and high settings

• Includes three AA batteries

• Measures approximately 22.9 × 12.7 × 30.5cm

Age suitability: 12 months+ according to Australian retailer listings

Price: $54.99

Best for: Bath time fun and sensory play

If there's one thing that makes bath time more entertaining for a one-year-old, it's having a few little friends to splash around with. And Tikiri's Natural Rubber Animal Bath Toy Set is a particularly adorable bunch.

Made from natural rubber, these sweet animal characters are soft, squeezable and perfectly sized for little hands to grab, hold and explore. They're lovely for sensory play, encouraging babies to discover different shapes and textures while splashing about in the tub. And as toddlers grow, they can become characters in all sorts of imaginative bath-time adventures.

But the cleverest feature is something parents will appreciate just as much as their little ones. Each toy has a fully enclosed design, with no holes for bathwater to sneak into. That means no trapped water hiding inside, making them a thoughtful alternative to traditional squirting bath toys.

Why we love it

We love that these bath toys are just as useful outside the tub. Their soft natural rubber construction makes them appealing for tactile exploration, while the built-in rattles add another sensory element for curious little ones.

They're also a lovely first birthday gift for parents who prefer simple toys made from natural materials. No batteries, no flashing lights, just a collection of cute little animals ready for some serious splashing.

Key features

• Set of animal-themed bath toys

• Made from natural rubber

• Fully enclosed design with no holes for water to enter

• Built-in rattles for auditory sensory play

• Soft, squeezable texture for little hands

• Encourages sensory exploration and imaginative play

• Suitable for bath time and everyday play

• Hand-painted details

• Easy-to-grasp shapes for babies and toddlers

• Simple to rinse and clean according to care instructions

Age suitability: Suitable from birth, subject to the specific set's age recommendation

Price: $99.95

Best for: A personalised first birthday gift they'll treasure

Some first birthday gifts are all about keeping little hands busy. Others are the kind you tuck away and keep forever. Wonderbly's Goodnight You, Goodnight Everyone manages to be a little bit of both, turning a simple bedtime story into something wonderfully personal.

Created especially for babies and toddlers, this beautifully illustrated book makes your little one the star of their very own bedtime adventure. It's a gentle, reassuring story about winding down for the night, with a lovely message about being surrounded by love.

And while a one-year-old might not quite understand how special it is to have a book made just for them, there's something pretty magical about hearing their own name at storytime. It's the sort of gift that becomes part of the bedtime routine now, then a beautiful keepsake to look back on when they're older.

Why we love it

We love personalised first birthday gifts that feel genuinely meaningful, rather than simply having a name printed on them. This one celebrates the little person at the centre of the story, making it an especially thoughtful present from grandparents, godparents or anyone wanting to give something a little more sentimental.

It's also a lovely alternative to another toy, particularly for babies who already have a well-stocked playroom. A personalised bedtime book is something parents can enjoy reading aloud from the very first night, creating memories that last long after that first birthday.

Key features

• Personalised bedtime story created for a special little one

• Features the child's name throughout the story

• Gentle, reassuring bedtime theme

• Beautiful illustrations designed for young children

• Encourages shared reading and early language development

• Lovely addition to a baby's bedtime routine

• Thoughtful keepsake for a first birthday

• Suitable for gifting from grandparents, godparents or family friends

• Made to order by Wonderbly

Age suitability: 0–2 years

Price: From $64.99

Best for: A cuddly comfort toy they'll treasure for years

Every little one deserves a special cuddly friend, and honestly, they don't come much sweeter than Jellycat's Bashful Cream Bunny. With its impossibly soft fur, floppy ears and adorable little pink nose, this beautiful bunny has all the makings of a childhood favourite.

Perfectly sized for little arms to cuddle, Bashful Bunny is the kind of soft toy that can become part of everyday adventures. From tea parties on the playroom floor to trips in the pram and cuddles on the couch, there's something lovely about gifting a one-year-old their very own fluffy companion.

And while there are plenty of toys designed to teach, challenge and entertain, sometimes the best first birthday gifts are the simplest. A beautiful soft toy offers opportunities for imaginative play, affection and those wonderfully sweet toddler moments when they start giving their toys big, enthusiastic hugs.

Why we love it

There's a reason Jellycat toys have become such sought-after gifts. Their signature softness, beautiful designs and timeless appeal make them feel a little more special than your average stuffed animal.

We particularly love the classic cream colour, which makes this bunny a gorgeous gift for any little one. It's sweet enough to sit on a nursery shelf, but far too cuddly to stay there for long.

And unlike toys that babies quickly outgrow, a beloved bunny can stick around for years. This is the sort of first birthday present that might still be sitting proudly on their bed when they're much older.

Key features

• Classic Bashful Bunny design in a soft cream colour

• Beautifully soft plush fur

• Long, floppy ears and a sweet pink nose

• Original (medium) size, ideal for cuddles

• Soft polyester filling with PE beans

• Encourages imaginative play and nurturing activities

• Timeless, gender-neutral design

• Suitable as a first birthday gift or childhood keepsake

• Easy to incorporate into pretend play as toddlers grow

• Care instructions provided by Jellycat

Age suitability: Suitable from birth according to Jellycat. Keep soft toys out of your baby's sleep space until at least 12 months, and follow safe sleep guidance thereafter.

Price: $59.99

Best for: An experience gift the whole family can enjoy

Here's a first birthday gift idea that parents will love just as much as their little one. Instead of buying another toy, why not give the gift of a whole year of adventures? A Taronga Zoo Friends Annual Membership means mum or dad can take their birthday baby to the zoo as often as they like, whether that's for a big family day out or just a few hours exploring on a sunny morning.

And while a one-year-old might not remember their very first elephant sighting, there's plenty of joy in watching them discover animals they've only ever seen in books. Think excited pointing, wide-eyed staring and lots of enthusiastic animal noises (some more accurate than others).

The beauty of this gift is that it keeps giving long after the birthday celebrations are over. As their little one grows, every visit offers something new to see, hear and explore. It's a wonderful experience gift for 1-year-olds, and a thoughtful way to give parents more opportunities to make memories together.

Why we love it

Let's be honest, most one-year-olds have more toys than they know what to do with. We love the idea of gifting their parents something that gets everyone out of the house and enjoying time together.

Taronga's Family Flex Membership is particularly clever because it allows different adults to use the membership to accompany the registered children, subject to the membership conditions. So mum might take bub for a weekday adventure, while dad can enjoy a weekend visit.

And because children under four already receive free entry to Taronga Zoo, you're really gifting the parents the freedom to visit again and again without buying another adult ticket.

Key features

• Unlimited entry for 12 months to Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo

• Family Flex Membership designed for households with children

• Children under 16 from the same household included at no additional membership cost

• Flexible adult passes that can be shared with another adult accompanying the registered children, subject to conditions

• Free rides on the Wildlife Express Train at Taronga Zoo Sydney

• Half-price parking at Taronga Zoo Sydney

• 15% discount at Zoo Shops

• 10% discount on food and beverages

• Access to exclusive member events and selected reciprocal zoo benefits

• A lovely alternative to traditional first birthday toys

Age suitability: All ages, with children under four receiving free general admission

Price: Family Flex Membership from $140 AUD per adult, plus a $20 joining fee