Best Toys for 1-Year-Olds

Safe, engaging toys for developmental milestones

By Emma Carter2 April 20267 min read
4.7
Best Toys for 1-Year-Olds

At one year old, babies are pulling up, cruising, and exploring everything by hand and mouth. Toys at this stage should be safe, sturdy, and reward curiosity.

We focused on toys that support early walking, grasping, and cause-and-effect learning while standing up to plenty of drops and chewing.

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Our Top Picks

Best for New WalkersAges 9 - 24 months£40 - £55

Push-Along Walker Wagon

A weighted wooden walker that supports first steps and doubles as a toy carrier.

Pros

  • Sturdy and weighted for safety
  • Grows with toddler
  • Encourages walking

Cons

  • Larger storage footprint

What to look for

Before you buy, think about how the product fits your child's current stage and your family's daily routine. The best pick is rarely the most expensive one — it is the one that matches how your child actually plays, learns, and grows.

We weigh safety certifications, durability, and real-world ease of use far more heavily than flashy features. A product that survives daily use and stays engaging for months delivers far better value than something that dazzles for a week.

Our verdict

Each pick below earned its place through hands-on testing with families over several weeks. We note who each option suits best so you can choose the right fit rather than just the highest-rated overall.

How We Tested

We tested with babies aged 10 to 14 months, prioritising stability, safe materials, and how well each toy matched emerging milestones.