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The Best Toys and Gift Ideas for 1-Year-Old Girls


What do you buy for a one-year-old girl? Which gifts are generally loved by these squirrely little ones and which are parent-approved? We have spent time researching the best gifts for one-year-old girls that are both parent and child-approved.

We’ve got a good variety of the top toys for this notoriously hard-to-buy for age. So check out the list below to find the best gift for the little girl in your life.

The Best Gifts for 1-Year-Old GirlsWhy It's BestRating
Monobeach Princess Tent This fun tent will give her a special space to play and learn.♥♥♥♥♥
Ancaixin Baby Balance BikeA balance bike will help her learn to balance on a bike. She'll be riding in no time!♥♥♥♥♥
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn My Smart PurseHaving her own purse will make her feel all grown up and ready to tackle any challenge.♥♥♥♥♥
Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll 'N TrikeKeeps her contained, while she feels like she is riding a bike. It's the best of both worlds.♥♥♥♥♥
Random House Books The Wonderful Things You Will BeThis sweet book will quickly become her favorite because of the fun words and beautiful pictures.♥♥♥♥♥
Baby Starters Sugar N Spice DollGirls and dolls are made for each other. This is a soft friend she can cuddle up to anytime.♥♥♥♥♥
Rolimate Wooden Learning Hammering Pounding ToyWith a variety of ways to play, girls can sort, hammer, and create music. She will love having so many ways to interact and play.♥♥♥♥♥

Best Gifts and Toys for One-Year-Old Girls 2022

Monobeach Princess Large Playhouse With Stars

Monobeach Princess Tent Girls Large Playhouse Kids Castle Play Tent with Star Lights Toy for Children Indoor and Outdoor Games, 55'' x 53'' (DxH)
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

The Monobeach Princess Playhouse is the perfect hideaway for little girls and is great for imaginative play. Any princess will feel at home in her very own castle surrounded by sheer curtains and magical stars. Whether playing, napping, or relaxing, she will love having this private space of her own to enjoy.

The set includes the tent with sheer curtains, 40 light-up stars (Three AA batteries not included), three types of poles to ensure durability and stability. Inside, there is room for several children to sit and play. Your little princess will feel like royalty inside her sweet castle and is sure to be a favorite gift for a long time.

Things You Will Love

  • Large Enough for Several Children
  • Pink and Frilly Design
  • Glow-in-the-Dark, Light-Up Stars
  • Three Types of Poles to Help With Sturdiness
  • 40 Connector Pieces, Plus Three Additional Parts in Case of Loss or Damage

Considerations

  • Takes a Bit of Time to Assemble
  • Poles Could Break Easily
  • Gets Hot With Drapes Closed

Bottom Line

You can’t go wrong with this pink tent and light-up stars that are sure to light up your princess’ eyes. This is a place where imaginative play can really take off as she plays alone or with friends. All manner of play can happen inside this play space and is her own personal castle fit for your little princess. The castle is easy to tear down and put up, though it takes a bit of time. This gift for 1-year-olds is sure to provide many hours of enjoyment and will be a magical place for all of her favorite activities. 

Looking for more playhouse ideas? Check out our list here.

Ancaixin Baby Balance Bike

Ancaixin Baby Balance Bikes Toys for 1 Year Old Girl | Riding Walker for 10-24 Month Toddler | No Pedal Infant 4 Wheels Kids Bicycle | Best First Birthday Gift New Year Holiday Pink
Price$$$$
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Popularity

Toddlers love being in motion and controlling the movement themselves. This Ancaixin Baby Balance Bike allows your baby to learn the basics of balance while remaining safely near the ground.  The handlebars only rotate 135 degrees to keep toddlers safe, while still learning how to steer a bike.

With a variety of bright colors available, the one-year-old in your life will squeal with delight when she sees her new bike. The best part of this gift for 1-year-olds is that it helps her develop the balance that will be beneficial later when she wants to graduate to a tricycle, and eventually, to a two-wheeled bike. It keeps little ones active and lets them assert their own independence.

Things You Will Love

  • Helps Develop Balance
  • Lots of Color Options
  • Prepares Her For Later Skills
  • Great Physical Activity
  • Tested by U.S. CPSC Accepted Lab

Considerations

  • High Price
  • Can be Too Small for Larger Toddlers

Bottom Line

This baby balance bike helps girls develop a variety of skills that will serve her well as she continues growing. The four wheels help her develop self-confidence and encourage her to nurture her natural curious nature. Little girls will love having their very own bike to ride around.

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn My Smart Purse

Fisher-Price Smart Purse Learning Toy with Lights Music and Smart Stages Educational Content for Babies and Toddlers, Pink​
Price$$
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Popularity

If the girl in your life loves digging in purses, playing with keys, and grabbing your cell phone, this is a gift that is sure to please. The Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn My Smart Purse is a purse just for her. She can pretend to be a grown up or just carry around her favorite things. When mommy grabs her purse, your little one can grab hers and she is ready to go.

Inside the adorable purse are a rattling phone, a mirror, her very own credit card, clacker keys, and a beaded bracelet. Additionally, the purse itself makes sounds and features activities that grow with your girl. She can slide the zipper back and forth, encouraging her fine motor skills. All accessories easily fit inside the purse for easy cleanup and transport.

Things You Will Love

  • Lots of Fun Sounds
  • Great for Role Play
  • Durable
  • Portable

Considerations

  • Paper Comes Off Some Pieces
  • Sounds Not Related to Actions

Bottom Line

Roleplay is great for growing a child’s imagination, increasing verbal skills, and growing confidence. Your girl will feel so grown up when she gathers her items into her purse to head out of the house, or just for playing inside. With a variety of items to play with, songs and sounds, and actions needed to produce those sounds, this best toy for 1-year-old girls will quickly become a favorite gift.

Rotating Star Projector Night Light

Night Lights for Kids Star Projector with Timer for Baby Boys and Girls
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

For a soft light to brighten up a little one’s room, this Rotating Star Projector Night Light. Let the night sky come alive as this little lamp projects stars across the walls and ceilings wherever you are. It is a beautiful addition to any household.

The projector rotates through four different colors, inspiring a girl’s creativity and putting her in awe of the world around her. It gives the perfect amount of light to be used as a nightlight or just to add to her imaginative play time. With an included auto shut-off timer, you can determine how long the light should be on and save electricity.

Things You Will Love

  • Two Power Supplies (DC and 4 AAA Batteries)
  • Oscillating Colors
  • Auto Shut-Off
  • Great as a Nightlight

Considerations

  • Eats Batteries Quickly
  • Materials are Not Long-Lasting

Bottom Line

If you want to add a little magic and sparkle to girl’s life, this nightlight will fit the bill. With four rotating colors, the stars will lighten her room and provide enough light to get her to sleep or just to have some imaginative fun. The product is safe and operates with batteries or a DC power supply. Just be wary of using batteries for an extended period of time.

Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Trike

Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll 'N Trike, Red Tricycle for Toddlers Age 1-5, Toddler Bike
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

If you are looking for a way to keep a little girl contained, while still allowing her to feel independent, this Radio Flyer 4-in-1-Trike will fit the bill. This adorable pink tricycle will let her feel like she can ride her own bike, yet giving ultimate control to the adult in charge.

This little item is packed with features and will grow with the child. It starts as a stroller with footrests, then can be changed to a steering trike, then a learn-to-ride trike, and finally to a classic tricycle she can ride all by herself. The three-point harness keeps her safe and secure and the removable canopy is perfect for keeping the sun off her tender skin. It also has a convenient cup holder and storage bin to store her must-bring items.

Things You Will Love

  • Grows With the Child
  • Storage Bin and Cupholder
  • Adult is Ultimately in Charge of Steering
  • Dependable Radio Flyer Brand
  • Three-Point Harness Keeps Kids Safely Contained

Considerations

  • Some Models Don’t Come With Footrests

Bottom Line

This bike is the perfect compromise between independence and parental control. Younger girls can ride along while an adult steers. When she is ready, the handle comes off and she can ride it independently. This bike will truly last for many years and is perfect for babies through pre-schoolers. Little girls will love their pretty red bike that is much more fun than traditional strollers.

The Wonderful Things You Will Be

The Wonderful Things You Will Be
Price$$
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Books are the perfect gift for any girl. The Wonderful Things You Will Be is a touching book that expresses all the thoughts that go through a parent’s mind about their child. Tell your little girl about all the things she can do and be in her life. It teaches girls to be kind, clever, and bold and to take care of the small and help things to grow. No one is ever too small to do something and this book helps your girl understand that in plain terms that are easy for toddlers to comprehend.

She will love the rhyming in this story and soon she’ll be saying the words along with you as her smile spreads across her face. The oil paintings are sure to grab her interest as she listens to this story over and over. It will quickly become a favorite story in your home.

Things You Will Love

  • Colorful Oil Paintings
  • Rhyming Story
  • Positive Messages
  • Durable Board Book

Considerations

  • None

Bottom Line

A touching story of all the unique things your little girl can be. It is a sweet way to fill her with positive messages that will last a lifetime. Here is a way to tell her all the things that you believe about her, but never find the time to say. The gorgeous oil paintings and rhyming in this story will hold her attention and become a treasured book. This is a perfect gift for any occasion and is sure to be treasured forever.

Also, check out our selection of the best books for 1-year-olds.

Baby Starters Sugar N’ Spice Doll

Baby Starters Plush Snuggle Buddy Baby Doll, Sugar N Spice Marisa
Price$$
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Every girl needs a best friend and this Sugar N Spice doll will easily fill that space. The soft body is easy to hug and hold. There are five adorable friends to choose from and each can double as a security object.

With no sharp or heavy parts, this doll is safe for any child and will be well-loved. It is machine washable and you may need to buy backups for when the doll gets lost or is in the washing machine. A few of the versions have rattles in the heads, so make sure you choose one that will fit your little girl.

Things You Will Love

  • Soft Body
  • Durable and Lasts Through Many Wash Cycles
  • Adorable Design

Considerations

  • Some Versions Have Rattles in the Head
  • You May Need More Than One

Bottom Line

This doll will become a treasured toy very quickly. She will accompany your girl to anything and everything and will likely need regular washing.  It is also a great tool for teaching her to treat babies (real and stuffed) kindly. This simple, no bells and whistles doll will be a lasting addition to your family.

Check out other all the best baby doll options in this article.

rolimate Wooden Hammering Toy + Xylophone

rolimate Hammering Pounding Toys Wooden Educational Toy Xylophone Shape Sorter, Birthday Gift for 1 2 Years Boy Girl Baby Toddler Kids Developmental Montessori Learning Block Toy Fine Motor (Classic)
Price$$$
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Kids love banging and pounding on things and this rolimate Wooden Hammering Toy + Xylophone will give her plenty to do.  With so many activities in this set, she will never be bored. This educational set helps develop hand-eye coordination, color and shape identification, and cause and effect skills.

The gift set comes with three colorful balls that can be hammered with the included wooden hammer, a shape sorter with assorted shapes, and a xylophone with colored keys and two mallets. Your girl can make music by hitting the mallets on the keys, sort shapes into the wooden sorter, or hammer away at the balls.

Things You Will Love

  • Lots of Activities in One Set
  • Colorful Design
  • Educational Components
  • Sturdy Wooden Construction
  • Portable
  • Non-Toxic, BPA-Free, Lead-Free, Phthalate-Free

Considerations

  • Banging May Get Annoying

Bottom Line

If you want to give a gift that will last and has a variety of ways to teach and occupy your little girl, this is a perfect choice. It is safe, fun, and provides tons of different ways to engage her attention.  This best gift is sure to delight parents and children alike, not to mention keeping girls occupied so parents can focus on other activities.

Dr. Seuss’s Happy Birthday, Baby!

Dr. Seuss's Happy Birthday, Baby! (Dr. Seuss Nursery Collection)
Price$$
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Any book by the beloved Dr. Seuss is sure to become a family treasure. Dr. Seuss’s Happy Birthday, Baby! is a wonderful present to give any little one. It will help them celebrate their Day of Days and the arrival of the Great Birthday Bird every day of the year. Girls will have fun touching, spinning, smelling, and pulling the elements in the story.

Books should be read early and often and no kiddo is too young to hear a wonderful story. Hearing stories increases vocabulary, extends attention spans, and creates a lifetime interest in reading.  This book will bring a grin to your little girl’s face and help her realize that there is a special day just for her.

Things You Will Love

  • By Dr. Seuss
  • Hardback Book Will Last
  • Interactive Pages
  • Colorful Pictures
  • Rhyming

Considerations

  • Flaps are Not Cardboard and Can Easily be Torn

Bottom Line

Dr. Seuss writes engaging stories that are sure to please any child and this is no exception. Little girls will love interacting with the book, pulling and pushing things as the story progresses. There are few gifts greater than reading to a kid and it helps create lasting memories and bonds.

Playkidz Pound A Ball

Durable Pound A Ball Toys for Toddler, Stacking, Learning, Active, Early Developmental Hammer Montessori Toys, Fun Gifts for Boy & Girl - STEM Educational Toy - Great Birthday Gift Ages 1 2 3
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

This toy is great for developing motor skills. Girls will be able to use the included hammer to hit one of the colored balls down onto the ramps. She will love watching the balls follow the track all the way down with this Playkidz Pound A Ball set.

2 year old playing with the Playkidz toyWith four brightly colored balls, she can hit them one at a time to create a train of balls traveling down the track or wait for each one to reach the bottom. The balls are large sized so as to not pose a choking hazard and are just the right size for small hands to hold.

Things You Will Love

  • Bright Colors
  • Fun Rolling Design
  • Teaches Motor Skills
  • Includes Four Colored Balls
  • Durable Hammer

Considerations

  • Tips Over Easily

Bottom Line

Kids love to hit things and this gives them the perfect way to practice their hand-eye coordination and have tons of fun at the same time! Girls will love watching the colorful balls roll down the track to the bottom so she can start again. The product is well-made and will last through quite a bit of play. The little girl in your life will love this fun toy for 1-year-olds.

Mega Blocks Big Building Bag

MEGA BLOKS Fisher-Price Toddler Block Toys, Big Building Bag with 80 Pieces and Storage Bag, Pink, Gift Ideas for Kids Age 1+ Years
Price$$
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These building blocks help girls with motor skills, spatial skills and problem-solving that are vital to their development. The Mega Blocks are vibrantly colorful, chunky pieces that help with color identification and imaginative play. Your girl can build anything she can imagine or even just pop them together and take them apart. The possibilities are endless when girls start creating.

This set has 80 pieces and comes in a storage bag for easy cleanup and can be taken anywhere. Girls will especially love the pink and purple additions that aren’t included in other sets. Playing with blocks can entertain for hours each day. No two creations are alike at this age. An adequate number of blocks enable cooperative play with others and are easy to pick up and store. This set comes with 80 colorful, multi-size blocks in a convenient storage bag.

Things You Will Love

  • Storage Bag
  • Pink and Purple Block Additions
  • Large Pieces That Don’t Fit in Tiny Mouths
  • Endless Options for Play
  • 80 Pieces for Solo or Co-op Play
  • Encourages Brain Development
  • Allows Creativity

Considerations

  • Some Blocks Do Not Snap Together Well
  • 80 Pieces Can Make Quite a Mess

Bottom Line

You can’t go wrong with a set of blocks for an active 1-year-old toy. They are versatile, safe, colorful, and easy to transport anywhere. Every little girl will love snapping them together and taking them apart over and over. The set is large enough to play in groups and comes with a carrying case for storage or to transport. This is an easy gift that goes everywhere and is good for any one-year-old.

See our list of the best building blocks here.

Aurora My Forest Friends Playset

ebba - Baby Talk - 8
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

Little girls adore stuffed animals and also anything that makes a fun sound. This Aurora My Forest Friends Playset does both beautifully. She can engage in pretend play with four fun forest creatures that will keep her busy for hours.

This set includes four forest creatures, (squirrel, deer, bear, raccoon) and a plush log cabin carrier. Each animal makes a different noise. One rattles, one squeaks, one growls, and one chitters.  They are the perfect size for small hands to hold and hug. The carrier makes it easy to take them with you everywhere you go, for endless fun.

Things You Will Love

  • Quality Made Toys
  • Plush Log Cabin Carrier
  • Animals Make Fun Sounds
  • Reputable Aurora Brand

Considerations

  • Some Animals Don’t Make Sounds in Spite of Description
  • Velcro May Not Hold Tightly

Bottom Line

This adorable best toy for 1-year-old girls is the perfect size for tiny hands. Girls will love the sounds the animals make and being able to easily take them with her in their carrier. The tiny furry creatures will quickly become a favorite toy for any little girl.

Fat Brain Toys Wooden Name Puzzle

Fat Brain Toys Wooden Personalized Name Puzzle - Flat Rate up to 9 Letters
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

What could be better than a puzzle of her very own name? The Fat Brain Toys Wooden Name Puzzle is a perfect activity that will help her learn the letters in her name with brightly colored puzzle pieces.

The wooden puzzle can be crafted with any name up to nine letters long. It is durable and colorful. Fat Brain’s commitment to safety and quality means you will get a high-quality product that is perfectly safe for your little girl. Assembling the puzzle helps with motor skills and matching.

Things You Will Love

  • Colorful Letters
  • Your Child’s Unique Name
  • Helps With Skill Development
  • Letter Recognition

Considerations

  • No Handle Pegs on the Pieces
  • Not Made of Solid Wood

Bottom Line

This is a completely unique gift tailored to the little girl in your life. She can play with this endlessly and when she gets older, it will make a great decoration for her room. Give her the gift of her name that will also help develop lifelong skills.

Flappy The Elephant Plush Toy

GUND Baby Animated Flappy The Elephant Plush, Singing Stuffed Animal Baby Toy for Ages 0 and Up, Gray, 12
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

What elephant can play peek-a-boo and sing a song? Flappy the Elephant Plush Toy is a cuddly companion that can interact with your little one. Flappy’s fuzzy ears can cover his eyes and will endear him to everyone who meets him.

Girls will love carting him around with them and playing peek-a-boo in the car. The song will have her singing along in no time. This is the perfect gift for any girl.

Things You Will Love

  • Fuzzy Stuffed Animal
  • Can Be Cleaned With a Cloth
  • Sings and Plays With the Child
  • Adorable

Considerations

  • Needs batteries

Bottom Line

This is the sweetest companion for a little girl. Everyone loves an adorable elephant and the fact that it interacts and plays with her, will make her love it even more. Flappy is a great gift that will quickly become her best friend and constant companion.

Gibot Palm Grip Crayons

Gibot 12 Colors Toddlers Crayons Palm Grip Crayons, Finger Paint Crayons Sticks Stackable Toys Safe for Kids, Children, Boys and Girls
Price$$
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Creativity is what childhood is all about. These fun-shaped Gibot Palm Grip crayons are non-toxic and shaped for little hands. The bulb on the bottom keeps the crayon firmly in your little one’s hand, while the pointed end is perfect for drawing and coloring.

The finger crayon can also be placed over the fingertip for finger drawing. This set includes 12 colorful crayons that are stackable and edible. Not that we recommend eating them, but if they accidentally end up in your little girl’s mouth, it will not cause any problems.

Crayons are an essential tool for every kid. Coloring is part of learning and is good preparation for school as she gets older. With 12 color choices, your girl can create wonderful art to adorn any refrigerator. These double as a stackable toy and can be used for color identification and are easy for little hands to hold.

Things You Will Love

  • 12 Colors
  • Conical Shape is Easy for Little Hands to Hold
  • Non-Toxic
  • Washable
  • Stackable
  • Strong

Considerations

  • Tips Can Break
  • Colors Can Rub off on Hands

Bottom Line

Crayons are a right of passage for all kids. These easy to hold crayons will give your girl better control when coloring or drawing. She will love the 12 stackable colors and you will love that they easily wash off hands and surfaces. Crayons keep kids occupied for good, clean fun that lasts and lasts.

Leapfrog Musical Rainbow Tea Party Set

LeapFrog Musical Rainbow Tea Party Toy
Price$$$
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If your girl loves to play tea party this Leapfrog Musical Rainbow Tea Set will bring squeals of joy. Brew up some fun with the cute teapot that plays seven catchy songs and lights up in six magical colors.

When she pours the tea, she will be amazed at the sound of the tea pouring out as the tea level drops. She will love sharing tea time with her family and friends and learning about proper manners, greetings, counting, and more. The teapot will give commands such as, “pour 2 cups of tea” and gives feedback as she pours.

Your little princess will love having a fancy tea time just like grown-up princesses. The set comes with six different “flavored” pieces of cake, a cake plate, teapot, and two fun colored teacups for a tea with her favorite people.  Girls will be delighted by the lights that make it look like actual tea is pouring after which she can push a button to “brew” more.

She can sing songs and play matching games with cake slices. The chunky pieces keep kids safe from choking hazards and are well made to stand the test of many drops and washes.

Things You Will Love

  • Songs Teach Manners/Counting/Greetings etc.
  • Colorful Cake Pieces and Cups
  • Tea Level “Drops” as She Pours
  • Quality Materials
  • On/Off Switch

Considerations

  • Songs Might Get Annoying
  • Holes in the Cup 

Bottom Line

This charming teapot is everything a girl needs for a fabulous tea party with mommy, daddy, or even her favorite toys. She will feel so grown-up as she pours her tea and uses the manners this teapot teaches. Share a piece of cake and a cup of tea with the sweet girl in your life and learn the toddler intricacies of a tea party.

Tiny Captain Toddler Ballet Socks

Tiny Captain Baby Toddler Girls Grip Socks 0-12, 1-3, 3-5 Year Old Anti Slip w/Strap Socks Girl 0-5 Yr Old Gift (as1, age, 1_year, 3_years, Rainbow)
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

As toddlers learn to walk, they often slip and slide around on floors. TheseToddler Ballet Socks by Tiny Captain will keep her feet straight and steady with the grippy bottoms.

These come in a variety of fun colors and have a strap across the front that securely hold the socks on a toddler’s feet. These socks are good for all types of ground, including indoors, outdoors, wood, concrete, carpet, or grass. They keep her feet covered and protected as she toddles around. The cute gift for 1-year-old girls includes six colorful pairs of socks.

Things You Will Love

  • Difficult for Children to Pull Off
  • Don’t Fall off Easily
  • Cute Colors
  • Grippy Bottoms

Considerations

  • Sizing May Be Off

Bottom Line

These are a great gift to keep her feet protected, warm, and steady on any floor. Whether she wears them to daycare, grandma’s house, play dates, or at home, she will love wearing these socks. The socks stay on well, come in a multi-pack, and are in fun colors and patterns. These are a gift that the girl in your life will love, as will her parents.

Playz Five Piece Kids Playhouse

Playz 5pc Kids Princess Play Tent, Ball Pit with Basketball Hoop & Kids Play Tunnel for Toddlers, Babies, Kids, Girls & Boys Indoor & Outdoor Pop Up Playhouse Bundle with Bag, Yellow, Pink & Purple
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

Wanna be her favorite gift giver? Give the gift of play. This Playz Five Piece Kids Playhouse is great for indoor fun. Girls will love crawling through the tunnels to get to the integrated ball pit, as well as slam-dunking balls through the basketball hoop.

This gift is great for active play when inside. Kids need lots of opportunities to crawl, balance, climb, and play, and this is the perfect way to challenge and occupy her. It comes with a triangular play tent, a square play tent, two tunnels, one ball pit, a carrying case, and instructions. This toy is easy to assemble and is sure to entertain.

Things You Will Love

  • Lots of Parts for Large Playspace
  • Fun for Indoors
  • Colorful
  • Good for Playdates

Considerations

  • Metal Parts May Come Loose and Be Dangerous
  • Balls Not Included

Bottom Line

Having an indoor playground is great! This will keep her and any other little ones busy for long periods of time laughing and playing. The ball pit can hold up to 1000 balls, though these have to be purchased separately. Your little girl is sure to love this playhouse and use it often. You may even have trouble getting her to come out at all.

Ditty Bird Interactive Musical Nursery Rhymes Book

Nursery rhymes are part of growing up. Little girls will enjoy listening to Ditty Bird’s Interactive Musical Nursery Rhymes Book as Ditty Bird sings six of her favorite nursery rhymes at the push of a button.

Colorful illustrations will further delight her as she turns the pages and sings along to the songs. This book plays the Itsy, Bitsy Spider, Baa, Baa Black Sheep, Twinkle Twinkle, Old MacDonald, Hickory Dickory Dock, and Row, Row, Row Your Boat. Give the gift of reading, music, and fun all in one.

Things You Will Love

  • Encourages Reading
  • Fun Nursery Rhymes
  • Colorful Illustrations
  • Heavy, Durable Board Book

Considerations

  • Goes Through Batteries Quickly
  • Songs are Only Clips

Bottom Line

If you are tired of singing the same nursery rhymes over and over, this book will do the job for you, while reinforcing reading and rhyming. Your girl will love being in control of the songs and the colorful illustrations of Ditty Bird and his friends.

VTech Lil’ Critters Roll and Discover Ball

VTech Lil' Critters Roll & Discover Ball,Multicolor
Price$$
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All kids love balls. They roll, they bounce, they can be thrown, kicked, or caught. This VTech Lil’ Critters Roll and Discover Ball has plenty of ways to play, from music to animal sounds, she will love this interactive toy.

A built-in motion detector emits sounds as little girls play with this ball. It also features a variety of textures and tags to keep her busy and engaged. The large star button on top helps teach her numbers and shapes, which she’ll be repeating in no time. This is a great toy to roll around with your little one and can be played with alone or with her favorite adult.

Things You Will Love

  • Introduces Numbers and Animals
  • Lots of Fun Sounds
  • Many Ways to Play (ie: roll, toss, shake)
  • Very Colorful

Considerations

  • Ball is Fairly Heavy
  • Noise Can Get Annoying

Bottom Line

A ball? What fun! Girls will love playing with the ball and listening to the sounds it makes. Parents will love that she is learning and engaged. Because balls roll away, it will encourage her to chase it and move around. It is great for solo play or for play with others. You can’t go wrong with this best toy for 1-year-old girls.

Skoolzy Lacing Beads

Skoolzy Jumbo Lacing Beads 41 Piece Set - Autism Fine Motor Skills Montessori Toys - 36 String Beads, 4 Strings, Travel Bag, Preschool Activities eBook Set
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

These safe and durable beads are fun for girls of any age. The Skoolzy Lacing Beads have large holes that are easy to slide a string through to make necklaces, bracelets, or other fun creations. Each bead is large enough that they aren’t a choking hazard and are smooth plastic that is easy for little hands to pick up. They come in their own storage bag for easy cleanup and transport.

With 36 beads, four strings, and a travel bag, these can be played with solo or in a group setting. Girls will love being able to create patterns, identify colors, and do it all herself. These beads help her develop motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity. They are also light enough to not hurt when thrown or dropped. The bright colors will hold her attention and can be used for sorting, grouping, and color identification.

Things You Will Love

  • Large, Colorful Beads
  • Develops Fine Motor Skills, Hand-Eye Coordination, and Dexterity
  • Storage Bag for Easy Cleanup
  • Enough Beads for Multiple Children
  • Not Heavy

Considerations

  • Ends of String are Not Stiff Enough
  • Can be a Choking Hazard for Kids Who Put Things in Their Mouths

Overall

Stringing beads is a great activity to develop skills in your little girl. She will love the bright colors and the ease of doing it herself. There are enough beads to help her work on her sharing skills and they come in a convenient bag for easy cleanup and for taking anywhere. This toy is sure to be a hit with your one-year-old girl.

Leapfrog My Own Leaptop

LeapFrog My Own Leaptop, Pink
Price$$$
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Who doesn’t have a laptop these days? Little girls will love to have their very own Leapfrog My Own Leaptop to engage and entertain them. This early learning center looks like a real laptop that she can safely play with. The screen teaches early learning skills that will assist in her development and the chunky buttons are colorful and fun to push.

Batteries are already included with this best toy for 1-year-olds, so the fun can begin immediately. Everything about this laptop is colorful and fun for little eyes and hands. The songs and phrases will have her repeating and learning every time she plays with it. You can even plug it into your computer and customize it so that she can learn to spell her own name!

Things You Will Love

  • Batteries Included
  • Colorful Design
  • Educational Sounds
  • Durable, Sturdy Toy

Considerations

  • Top Closes and Child May Need Help Reopening

Bottom Line

If you know a little one who always wants to play with a laptop,  then this toy will be a hit. She will love being able to play with it anytime and anywhere she goes. This gift is great for in the car, visits to friend’s and family’s houses and will last for quite a while.

Melissa and Doug Tub Stickables

Melissa & Doug Tub Stickables - Mermaids
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Bath time is fun time with these Melissa and Doug Tub Stickables. As if playing in the water wasn’t enough fun in itself, this toy will add an element of enjoyment to your girl’s bath time.

These fun and textured shapes float in the tub for her to fish out and look at. All pieces are sealed foam so that water can’t enter and cause mold and mildew to grow. Once wet, they’ll cling to the side of the tub. You can make a story together using the pictures. This is a great way to reinforce her language and imagination skills. So whether it’s time to introduce her to mermaids or just to keep her busy in the tub, this simple tub toy is a wonderful addition to your bath time routine.

Things You Will Love

  • Can’t Fill With Water and Get Moldy
  • Colorful and Durable Foam
  • Great for Playtime
  • Reinforces Creative Play Skills

Considerations

  • Storage Container Doesn’t Stick Well
  • Might Be Boring to Some Kids

Bottom Line

This is a fun addition to bath time (or anytime, really!) and the many pieces will keep kids busy and entertained in the tub. Parents can use this toy to teach color identification, fine motor skills, and language by telling stories. Girls will love these fun mermaids in the tub with them.

This is What an Awesome One Year Old Looks Like

Tstars 1st Birthday Outfit Boy Girl One Year Old Gifts Awesome 1 Baby Bodysuit Newborn Black
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Proclaim her awesomeness with this sassy bodysuit fit for any one-year-old girl. If anyone was wondering what an awesome one-year-old looks like, they need look no further. She’s right in front of them. With eight colors to choose from you can buy one that will complement her wardrobe perfectly.

With the included birthday stickers, she can decorate her favorite things on her special day. The bodysuit is well-made and perfect for every kiddo that is just turning one-year-old.

Things You Will Love

  • Eight Color Choices
  • Quality Material
  • Design Doesn’t Peel Even After Several Washes

Considerations

  • Runs Large

Bottom Line

Since she can’t talk yet, let this bodysuit speak for her. The durable fabric will last long past the birthday celebration and can remain a treasured keepsake for her. She will certainly look stylish and sweet in this fun outfit.

VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube

VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube, Multicolor
Price$$$
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For the ultimate in busy activity, this VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube is the gift you need to get. With five sides of activities, she won’t get bored with this toy, ever! Not only that, the toy provides many interactive activities. It sings songs, introduces animal sounds, animal names, and shapes.

She can press, slide, spin, and twist to learn and play in a variety of ways. All components are connected so there is no mess with this great toy. Bright, engaging colors will hold her attention and give her fresh ways to play no matter which side of the cube she is on. With 25 sounds and songs, she will love discovering each new sound and remembering which button to push for which sound.

Things You Will Love

  • Many Ways to Play
  • Colorful
  • Educational
  • BPA-Free

Considerations

  • Not Very Sturdy for Pulling Up
  • Songs Get Annoying

Bottom Line

This toy is sure to keep girls busy for a long time to come. Parents will love the educational components and a variety of activities. With bright colors and tons of ways to move the parts, this will be a favorite gift for any occasion.

Skip Hop Butterfly Backpack

Skip Hop Toddler Backpack, Zoo Preschool Ages 3-4, Butterfly
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Every girl needs somewhere to carry her most treasured possessions, whether her favorite toys, jewelry, blocks, cars, or things she finds on a nature walk. This adorable Skip Hop Toddler Butterfly Backpack will keep her things safe and close by for easy access. It is great for travel, as a diaper bag, to carry a change of clothes, sippy cup, or even snacks while on-the-go.

The pink and purple backpack is soft and cleanable canvas and has an expandable mesh outside pocket to hold her favorite drink. The adjustable straps make it easy for little girls to carry on their backs and store nearly anything. Having a place to put her things keeps things tidy and accessible, even in the car.

Things You Will Love

  • Small Size is Easy for Little Ones to Carry
  • Easy Clean Canvas
  • Multi-Use Bag
  • Keeps Her Organized
  • Mesh Pocket for Drink
  • Pink and Purple Butterfly Design

Considerations

  • Will Not Fit a Full-Size School Folder

Bottom Line

A girl needs a place for her stuff and this backpack holds a surprising amount of stuff. It is the perfect size for little ones to carry around with an easy access pocket for her favorite drink, as well. Her favorite things will easily fit inside this bag and will be able to go anywhere she goes. You can also tuck an extra outfit for potty training mishaps for whenever the need arises. This is a top gift that you will both love for its cuteness and convenience.

Gifts for Similar Ages

How the Best Gifts Were Chosen

We started with the best selling toys for toddler girls and then chose ones with great reviews. All the choices here were highly rated by parents, are reasonably durable, and have already been loved by thousands of one-year-old girls.

Each best gift for 1-year-old girls was chosen due to its educational value or simply for the joy and types of play it brings.

A one-year-old girl is an exciting person to buy a toy or gift for. She can interact more with the objects around her and understand a bit of cause and effect. If she pushes a button, a light comes on or her toy makes a noise. This brings endless joy both to the child and the adults around her.

We wanted to make sure to find a variety of types of things for her to play with to challenge and delight her. Then we considered what little girls in our own lives have loved and would love to receive. Only the gifts that met all of our conditions were the ones that made this list.

We also looked closely at the milestones for this age when choosing toys.

Physical Milestones

Physically one-year-olds are gaining control over their movement. They should be able to get into a sitting position, pull up to standing, and even “cruise” around holding onto furniture. Many one-year-olds are taking their first steps and are able to access many new places. Be especially cautious of baby-proofing things as they can climb and reach things at this age. Stairs are also a novelty that children are drawn to, so keep a close watch.

Emotional Milestones

Toddlers are notorious for having issues with separating from their parents. This is called, separation anxiety and a child might cry when their parent leaves the house or even the room. Often they are also wary of strangers, or even family members they see frequently. If you are “Not the Mama!”, or the Daddy, a one-year-old could be reluctant to spend one-on-one time with you.

Social Milestones

One-year-olds have begun to communicate their wants. They may bring you a book when they want to hear a story, or reach for something they desire. They begin to imitate actions and sounds for attention and show fear of certain things. Children of this age have favorite things and people and can play games such as “peek a boo” and “patty cake.”

infant baby doll
Our dolls always seem to lose their clothes

Cognitive Milestones

Brain development is rapid in the first five years and at one year of age, children want to explore everything. They may shake, throw, bang, or mouth toys to help them understand the significance of an object. Children will enjoy putting things in and taking them out over and over again. They begin to be able to follow simple directions such as “give me the toy” and will look at a familiar object that is named, such as turning toward their pet when asked, “Do you see the dog?”

FAQ’s for 1-Year-Old Girl Gifts

How do I know what gifts are safe for one-year-olds?

First off, you can check out the CPSC guidelines for young children. Manufacturers are required to list appropriate ages for their products. Check and see the recommended ages for whatever gift catches your eye.

Then, find and read reviews from parents who have purchased the product. Sometimes, you might uncover that a product meant for a one-year-old is actually better for an older or younger kiddo.

Finally, consider the materials and sizes of the gift or toy. Look for the words non-toxic, fire retardant, and tested for safety. Do not purchase gifts for a child under the age of three with parts small enough to choke on. Anything that fits through an empty toilet paper roll is considered a choking hazard for children under three.

The CDC and Kids Health have more guidelines to ensure the safety of younger children.

How can I choose a gift that a one-year-old girl will love?

There’s no hard and fast rule for ensuring that a child will love any gift they are given. What one child finds captivating, another may have no interest in.

Try to discover what the kiddo you are buying for likes. Does she throw a lot of things? Choose something soft or that bounces. Does she love things that light up? Choose a product with lots of lights. Does she like to sit quietly and fiddle with small items? Get beads or blocks that provide endless ways of entertaining. Does she love furry, fuzzy things? Get her a soft doll or stuffed animal.

Another suggestion is to choose toys that can be used in a variety of ways. The more ways a toy can be played with, the more fun your child can have with it. Things like blocks, beads, and dress-up items can grow a child’s imagination and allow the toys to become anything they desire.

Sit back and watch her imagination take center stage with whatever gift you choose.

Don’t kids outgrow their toys pretty fast at this age?

Many modern toys are being created to grow with your child. It may have additional features or ways to expand the toy’s usefulness as the child gets older. Few toys will stay with them forever, but the skills they develop through play will last a lifetime.

Find toys with a variety of options that grow as they do. Blocks are great for this. As her skill and confidence grow, she can create ever more impressive structures without getting bored.

The best ride on toys that adjust will be able to be used for much longer than ones that don’t. If possible choose a growing toy and she will be able to enjoy it for a longer period of time.

Is there a benefit to buying toys that have sound or lights?

Toys that do things on their own are often recommended as “teaching” or “educational” toys. And while they may very well teach songs and skills, they also don’t require the child to interact as much or use their imagination. A doll can be a friend, baby, puppy, or even a pillow, anything your girl can imagine.

Toys that make noise and light up don’t challenge a child’s imagination as much. There is little evidence that these types of toys do actually teach a young child anything. There is a place for these toys, but ensure that the little one has plenty of imaginative play items to use as well.

Learning toys for 1-year-old girls are wonderful to reinforce certain skills and enthrall a child, just don’t let them be the only type of toy your child plays with.

How do I choose an imaginative toy?

Most toys foster imaginative play. Stuffed animals, dolls, toy food, dress-up clothes, and play structures such as tents allow a child to pretend and adapt play to whatever is going on in her mind.

Having safe replicas of grown-up items grows her perception of the world and her vocabulary. A toy phone and set of keys can inspire her to be mommy heading off to work, or an apron and food can be daddy making dinner. A tent might be a cave or a princess tower.

Give kids a variety of ways to play and express themselves. Play is their job. Give them the tools to do it well.

Is there one gift that will be great for every one-year-old girl?

The gift that keeps on giving and the one that will work for every child is a book.

There are thousands of great books for toddlers out there and hearing stories is great for kids. Many brain connections are made in the first six years and will develop pathways necessary for later life skills. Choose a picture book that had an impact on you when you were a kid, or choose one that sounds fun. You can even create personalized books that put your child in the story.

When giving a gift, you can never go wrong with a book.

Wrap Up

Choosing the best gift for a one-year-old girl can be challenging. If you keep in mind the child you are buying for, chat with the child’s parents, and do a little research, you are sure to make the little princess in your life smile.

Toddlers are learning more about the world, imitating others, and doing a lot more moving and shaking.

Check out the age recommendation and take into consideration the child. Maybe she is more or less mature than most kids her age and needs a gift that reflects that. Just because a product says it is for a one-year-old, if it looks too complicated or dangerous, look for something else.

Kids love getting gifts and discovering something new is already half of the challenge. Sometimes the wrapping paper or box are just as much fun as the gift, so don’t worry too much about choosing the perfect gift.

No matter which of these best gift for 1-year-old girl options that you choose, as long as your heart is in it, she will love her gift. Additionally, toddlers are easy to please and will play with any gift you give them, even pots and pans.

Hopefully, this list of the best gifts for 1-year-old girls takes some of the guesswork out of choosing the perfect gift for the little girl in your life.

Sources

  1. The Importance of Dress-Up Play to a Child, mommymoment.ca
  2. 6 Great Reasons to Read Aloud to Your Kids (+ a GREAT Resource!), blog.allaboutlearningpress.com
  3. Structured block play: Can construction toys boost STEM skills?, www.parentingscience.com
  4. Your Child’s Development: 1 Year (12 Months) (for Parents), kidshealth.org
  5. https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/281%281%29.pdf, www.cpsc.gov
  6. Choosing Safe Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers (for Parents), kidshealth.org
  7. Bulletin #4356, Children and Brain Development: What We Know About How Children Learn, extension.umaine.edu

Jennifer Doss

One-quarter Disney buff, two-thirds momma bear, three-fourths trophy wife, one-half avid reader/writer, one-eighth movie watcher. Does that add up? Hey, I’m a writer, not a mathematician. Jennifer lives with her husband and two of her four fabulous children in the state of Indiana. Her other children somehow became grown-ups and started their adult lives.