Birthday is the time for celebration. It’s that time of the year that the family looks forward to the most. Birthday is also known as a milestone achieved by the baby. It's the time when one walks down the memory lane as to how quickly time passes. Apart from the celebration and creating new memories, birthday is all about gifts. Who doesn’t love gifts? Kids love birthday parties because of the gifts they receive. They eagerly wait for their birthday day because of the birthday gifts. Birthday is all about birthday gifts and one must analyse what gift they should give. There are different factors that can help one to choose the gift. Therefore birthday gift ideas for babies over a year old are:
Musical walker
As your child is one plus, he will be moving all around; gifting a musical walker will help them to stand straight without any support; they will become more confident in standing up and walking.
Wooden push and pull toys
As the baby is big enough to move around the house, push and pull toys with wheels are the best idea for a gift. The push and pull toys also helps in the development of a child.
Puzzle games
Puzzle games with cartoon character or fruit shape can be bought. These are easy and colourful to remember and hence beneficial to baby.
Building block games
Building block games are the most loved game by kids all over.
Drum set
Babies are music lovers, so why not encourage them? Maybe they will become a musician in the future if guided in the right direction.
Rocking ride on
Rocking ride on is an ideal gift for the baby as the to and fro movement helps the baby to develop firm grip, it also strengthens the muscles.
Musical toy set/doll
Musical toys are best for babies as they are more inclined to the sound that is coming from the toy.
Musical rhymes / soft / touch book’s
Introduce the baby to musical rhymes or touch or feel story books; the books will keep the kid occupied and on the same time, it will help them to develop fine motor skills.
Baby Tricycle
It helps the baby to develop gross motor skills in the most fun way and is perfect for gifting purpose.
Toy Slide
As the baby is old enough to walk and play, a slide can also be the option for the gift. It will help the movement of the body muscles, which is again beneficial for the development of the baby.
Colourful pool of balls
Kids’ favourite activity is to throw, so why not gift him a pool full of toxin free balls. This will also help the kid to develop his motor skills and he would really love you for this.
Tents
Peekaboo - that’s what kids do. They too need their private space, so that they can hide their things or some time throw tantrums and rush to their space. I have listed the most loved birthday gifts one wishes to receive on his special day. Birthday presents display the love and affection of one. There are many options one can choose from, but the best gift would be toy/gifts that help a child develop his fine motor skill. Nowadays even the paediatricians advise to enhance your child skills with various toys. The gift ideas mentioned above is not a compulsion to buy. You can buy what you like within your budget or style. One can also gift cash or gift vouchers so that the parent can take what is required for a child. You too can share your gift ideas or what you would love to receive as a gift for your kid on his special day in the comment section.
FAQ's
Q. What makes puzzle games a great birthday gift for babies over one year?
Ans. Puzzle games with bright colours or familiar shapes (e.g. animals, fruits, cartoon characters) are excellent gifts because they boost hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. At around one year and older, babies start recognising shapes and sorting patterns — puzzles help nurture those emerging cognitive abilities. They’re also engaging, satisfying, and safe for little hands, making them ideal for early developmental milestones.
Q. How do building blocks help toddlers develop when gifted for birthdays?
Ans. Building block sets are loved by toddlers because stacking, arranging, and breaking down blocks support fine and gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and creativity. These toys encourage experimentation — children can build towers, knock them down and rebuild. Such open-ended play develops problem-solving, hand coordination and early engineering sense.
Q. Why is a simple musical toy or drum set recommended as a baby birthday gift?
Ans. Babies and toddlers respond naturally to sounds and rhythms — a musical toy or drum set stimulates auditory senses, encourages rhythm perception, and helps build gross motor coordination. Playing with musical toys also supports early sensory development and can awaken a child’s interest in music. Such gifts combine fun with developmental benefits, making them perfect for a first or second birthday.
Q. Are books a good birthday gift option for one-plus year old babies?
Ans. Yes — soft-cover or board-style books can be excellent gifts. At this age, babies are starting to notice pictures, textures, and simple words. Reading together builds language exposure, vocabulary, and emotional bonding. Even simple picture or interactive books help stimulate curiosity, cognitive growth and early literacy in a fun, screen-free way.
Q. What role do ride-on or push toys play when gifted to toddlers?
Ans. As babies grow past their first year, many begin to walk or stand. Ride-on toys or push-along toys help them build balance, coordination, and leg strength — supporting physical development. They encourage mobility and exploration, making movement fun and helping toddlers gain confidence in walking and coordination.
Q. Why should toys for babies over a year old be age-appropriate and non-toxic?
Ans. At around one to two years, toddlers explore by touching and tasting — they put toys in their mouths. So age-appropriate toys need to be safe: free from small choking parts, non-toxic materials, smooth edges, and safe paints. This reduces risk of choking, allergic reactions, or toxicity while allowing the child to explore and learn safely.
Q. How can bath toys be both fun and developmental as birthday gifts?
Ans. Bath toys add fun to regular routines and stimulate sensory skills. For toddlers, water play boosts hand-eye coordination, cause-and-effect understanding (e.g. squeeze a toy and water squirts), and sensory development. Bath time becomes a playful learning session, combining hygiene and development — a practical yet enjoyable birthday gift.
Q. What makes soft toys or plushies a good birthday present for toddlers over a year old?
Ans. Soft toys and plushies provide comfort, tactile stimulation, and emotional security to toddlers. Around age 1+, babies begin to form attachments — a cuddly soft toy can become a “comfort buddy.” They’re also safe (no small parts), easy to hold, and encourage nurturing behavior, distribution of affection, and imaginative play.
Q. Why are interactive toys that encourage cause-and-effect useful birthday gifts for toddlers?
Ans. Interactive toys — ones that respond when babies push a button, pull a lever, or open a flap — teach toddlers cause-and-effect relationships, object permanence, and early logic. Such toys stimulate curiosity, reward experimentation, and foster cognitive growth. For a one-plus year old child, these toys turn play into learning, making them valuable gifts.
Q. How can practical gift sets (like meal kits or essentials) be meaningful birthday gifts for babies over a year?
Ans. Practical gift sets — such as colorful feeding sets, plates/spoons, baby-safe items, or essentials — may appeal to parents and help in daily routines. For toddlers starting solids or self-feeding, these gifts support growth and independence. They combine usefulness with thoughtful gesture, making practical and meaningful birthday gifts beyond toys alone.
