The best toys and gifts for one-year-olds: 25 fun, skill-building ideas, chosen by toddlers (and parents)

From wooden puzzles to plushies, these play-expert-approved gifts will inspire endless merriment for Christmas and beyond

• The best toys and gifts for newborns and babies

Buying gifts for a one-year-old can be a lot of fun. At this age, they’re increasingly inquisitive about the world and changing all the time. From “real world play”, such as pretend food sets, to a shape-sorter that’s bound to delight little ones, there are so many lovely options to appeal to this age group.

If you’re looking for a toy to help with education and development, look for one that encourages problem-solving, hand-eye coordination or understanding cause and effect, as these are skills they are developing. As one-year-olds are often starting to walk and talk, you may also look for wooden walkers and books to spark their imaginations and help them get to grips with language.