Buying a first birthday present? Forget the biggest present in the room. Here’s what to look for instead.

A first birthday feels like a big occasion. And whether you’re a parent, Grandparent, godparent, Aunt, Uncle or family friend, it’s very easy to feel as though the present needs to be big too.

But they’re one.

They don’t need the biggest present in the room. They need something that’s exciting, engaging and just right for the stage they’re at now.

So, if you’re searching for first birthday present ideas or wondering what to buy a 1 year old for their birthday, here are a few things we think are worth looking for.

Choose a toy they can enjoy now

It can be tempting to choose a toy for a child to “grow into”, particularly when you’re buying a more special first birthday gift.

There’s nothing wrong with a toy having longevity, but we think a great present should offer plenty of play from the moment they open it.

At around one year old, little ones are busy discovering what their bodies, and everything around them can do. They’re reaching, grasping, moving, experimenting, copying and investigating.

So rather than asking, “Will they still play with this in two years?”, start with:

“What will they be able to do with this now?”

Look for toys that encourage them to DO something

Some of the best toys for 1 year olds are wonderfully simple.

Think about toys that invite a child to:

• push and pull

• stack and knock down

• put things in and take them out

• sort and match

• roll and move

• build

• make sounds

• open and close

• explore different shapes and textures

At this age, play doesn’t need lots of instructions or complicated features.

A toy that gives a one-year-old plenty of opportunities to experiment and discover can be far more captivating.

Think about the stage they’re at

One-year-olds can vary enormously in their development and interests.

One child might be desperate to get moving, while another will happily sit and investigate how objects fit together. Some love music and noise; others are fascinated by wheels, animals, stacking or putting absolutely everything into a container and taking it back out again.

That’s why choosing an age-appropriate toy for a 1 year old is about more than checking the age recommendation on the box.

Think about the little person you’re buying for.

What are they interested in? What are they trying to master? And what sort of play keeps bringing them back?

A special present can still be practical

A first birthday is often an occasion when families want to give something a little more special — and that doesn’t have to mean choosing the biggest or most expensive toy.

A lovely wooden walker, shape sorter, stacking toy, activity toy, musical toy or first ride-on can all feel substantial enough for a milestone birthday while still being something a one-year-old can genuinely enjoy.

The value of a present isn’t really in how impressive it looks when it’s wrapped.

It’s in how much it gets played with once the wrapping paper has disappeared.

Look for a toy they'll reach for again and again

You know those toys that somehow end up being carried from room to room?

They’re usually the good ones.

A great first birthday gift gives a child a reason to return to it. They might play with it differently as their confidence and skills develop, but it shouldn’t need to sit untouched for six months before it becomes interesting.

Longevity is lovely.

Play value now is essential.

Not sure what to buy a 1 year old? Ask us

Choosing a first birthday present can be surprisingly difficult — particularly if you don’t regularly buy toys for young children.

That’s where we can help.

The team at Treetop Toys Melrose know their toys and are always happy to help you choose something that’s right for a child’s age, stage and the way they love to play.

Because when it comes to choosing the best present for a one-year-old, we don’t think it needs to be the biggest present in the room.

The best present is the one they can’t stop playing with.