Choosing the right toys for 1 year old children is essential for their growth and development. At this stage, toddlers are full of curiosity and eager to explore their surroundings. They are also beginning to develop essential skills such as coordination and communication.
So, choosing toys that are not only fun but also educational can really enhance their learning experience. This article will give you a guide to the best toys for a one-year-old, including recommendations for wooden toys for 1 year old, that are ideal for playtime and travel. By choosing the right toys, parents can create a stimulating environment that supports their child's overall development.
Why Play is Important for 1-Year-Olds
Playtime at this age is essential for developing motor skills, sensory awareness and cognitive abilities. Engaging with toys helps toddlers develop fine motor skills and encourages imaginative play. Parents should focus on finding educational toys that stimulate creativity and exploration, creating an enriching play environment.
Play also promotes social skills as children learn to interact with peers and caregivers. It provides opportunities for problem-solving and critical thinking, laying the foundation for future learning. Through play, toddlers express their emotions and experiment with different roles, which helps them understand themselves and others better. This self-discovery nurtures empathy and emotional regulation.
Overall, play is essential for a child's emotional well-being. It helps them feel a sense of security and confidence as they navigate their world, building resilience and adaptability that will last into adulthood.
Recommended Toys for 1-Year-Olds
1. Shape Sorters
Shape sorters are excellent wooden toys for 1 year olds that promote problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. These toys help toddlers learn about shapes, sizes and colours while enhancing their fine motor skills.
Products like the Owl & Fox shape sorter have received great reviews for their sturdy design and beautiful colours, making them an engaging choice for young children. The interactive nature of shape sorters encourages toddlers to think critically as they figure out how to fit each shape into its slot.
2. Wooden Toys
Durable and offering a tactile experience that many plastic toys do not provide, our wooden toys for 1 year old are a fantastic choice for young children. One great example is the Owl & Fox wooden xylophone which encourages children to explore sounds whilst also helping their coordination. Our range of wooden toys offers classic appeal, with their natural material and soft colours.
4. Educational Toys
If you’re wondering what kind of toys to get a 1 year old, look for educational toys that focus on foundational learning. Find toys that help them with skills like counting, shape recognition and words. Also, find toys that support their wider developmental education, for example, toys that encourage them to share to help them learn about turn-taking.
5. Travel Toys
For parents wondering what toys to take on holiday for a 1-year-old, consider travel toys that are easy to pack, keeping toddlers engaged even during long road trips. One great option is the Scuttlebug, which folds down easily to fit as a carry-on, making it perfect for keeping little ones entertained at the airport or on holiday. Look for toys designed with travel in mind, such as those that pack away easily, attach to the car seat, or can be used on a plane tray table. Small toys like finger puppets and sticker books are also great choices.
6. Stacking and Nesting Toys
Stacking and nesting toys are also fantastic for developing fine motor skills. The Owl & Fox topple tower is made from sustainable materials and with bright but subtle colours. The topple tower helps toddlers learn about size differentiation whilst also improving their hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Supporting Learning and Development
Choosing toys that support learning and development is essential during this period.
- Make sure your little ones engage in activities that develop fine motor skills and encourage sensory exploration. For example, toys with different textures, sounds or visual stimuli can massively enhance a child's sensory experience, they’ll also keep your little ones interested for longer.
- Interactive play is also important for little ones. Toys that support their creativity and social skills are great. Look for toys that they can share with caregivers or peers, this will help them learn about turn taking too.
- Incorporating toys that promote imaginative play, such as building sets or role-playing items, is great for their cognitive development. These activities not only provide enjoyment but also help toddlers develop critical thinking skills and emotional intelligence.
Ultimately, with the right toys, you can create a rich environment that supports a child's overall growth and learning journey, laying the foundation for future academic and social success.
Conclusion
Selecting the right toys for 1 year old children is about finding options that balance fun, learning and development. When thinking about what toys are suitable for a 1 year old, whether you choose wooden toys for 1 year olds, shape sorters, or role-play toys, make sure they meet your child's developmental needs. Additionally, consider travel toys for outings, selecting items that are easy to pack and engaging.
For a curated selection of the best toys for one-year-olds, visit TP Toys. We have a variety of high-quality toys designed to support fun and your child's growth. Our Owl & Fox range is especially great for 1-year-olds, even up to age 18 months too. These wooden toys are made from safe, natural materials, supporting the Montessori approach to play.
