22+ Budget-Friendly One-Year-Old Gifts Under $10 (That Aren’t Just Stuff)

Gifts for one-year-olds definitely don’t need to break the bank. Let’s be real, hand them a wooden spoon and an empty cardboard box, and they’ll be over the moon.

But you also don’t want your living room turning into a graveyard of ‘cheap junk’ that clutters up your home (and your sanity).

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That’s why I’ve rounded up 30 budget-friendly one-year-old gifts under $10 that don’t look cheap, won’t fall apart within a week, and actually serve a purpose.

Plus, you’ll find some fun wrapping tips, because that’s half the fun, right?

And don’t miss the free gift: 92 seasonal flashcards, perfect for helping your little one learn their first words!

Budget-Friendly One-Year-Old Gifts Under $10

Sensory Busy Board

This Montessori Busy Board is a super fun activity for one-year-olds. Perfect for keeping little hands busy at home or on the go, whether you’re traveling by plane, car, or just heading out!

Float & Play Bath Toys

How cute are these bath toys? These bubbly toys float, spin, and rattle. Plus, they have a mold-free design!

Wooden Stacking Burger

A classic Montessori-inspired toy that improves hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and concentration.

Plus, this burger set comes with recipe cards, turning it into a gift that offers extended playtime and grows with your little one as they explore new ways to use it.

Palm Grip Crayons

These palm-grip crayons are a game-changer for little artists! Designed perfectly for tiny hands, they’re easy to hold, non-toxic, and washable!

Ideal for one-year-olds just starting their creative journey.

A budget-friendly gift that combines creativity, play, and practicality!

Special Board Book

Press Here by Hervé Tullet turns reading into play!

With simple prompts like pressing dots and shaking pages, it’s perfect for one-year-olds learning through fun and discovery. A gift that entertains kids and parents alike!

Musical Egg Shakers

These egg shakers are a budget-friendly win for endless toddler fun! They’re perfect for little hands, encourage rhythm and coordination, and double as a no-fail way to keep kids entertained!

Durable, easy to clean, and small enough to take anywhere 🙂

Suction Cup Spinner Toys

Stick them to a table, bath, or highchair, and watch your 1-year-old light up with joy as they spin and wobble.

Sensory Scarves

Great for peek-a-boo, dancing, or just waving around like a tiny magician.

Color Matching Toy

Does your little one love putting sticks in cups? Then this gift is sure to be a hit!

Chunky Animal Puzzle

Thick, toddler-friendly puzzle pieces in cute animals

Moisturizing Bath Water Color Tablets

Bath time just got a whole lot cooler with these color Munchkin® color buddies! These little tablets turn plain old water into a colorful wonderland. Plus, they’re moisturizing!

Finger Puppets

A fun, interactive way to tell stories. Perfect for bedtime or keeping toddlers entertained on the go.

Related: DIY Felt Monkey Hand Puppet: No Sewing Experience Needed

Play-Doh Starter Set

Classic, cheap, and endlessly fun. See if this suits your child, if they’re still putting everything in their mouth, this might not be the best choice 😉. If not, they’ll have endless fun with this!

Fridge Magnets

Cute wooden animals! Magnetic toys are a win for little ones learning to play independently.

Little Pink Bag or a Very Cool Space Purse

A cute and functional little bag for “big adventures” (a trip to the grocery store counts).

Talking Flashcards

It works very well for learning their first words! Perfect for curious toddlers 🙂

Seasonal Flashcards (Free)

Perfect for one-year-olds!

Reusable Sticker Books

Mess-free stickers that you can peel and re-stick? Yes, please!

Related: Sticker Activities for 1 Year Old Toddlers

Coloring Placemat

Placemats that toddlers can color during mealtime.

Montessori Coin Box

The Montessori Coin Box is a wooden toy that helps one-year-olds develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving, all through simple, fun play!

Pop Tubes

Pop tubes: the noisy, twisty, stretchy toy kids love to fidget with—and adults secretly can’t put down! Perfect for little hands and big stress relief!

Drum Set

An all-in-one instrument? Your toddler will love it. Your ears… well, it’s only $10.

Slinky Walking Spring Toy

The Giant Rainbow Slinky is officially for ages 5+, but let’s be real, your one-year-old will love this! Watching it bounce and stretch is like magic for little eyes (and guaranteed giggles for you).

Bonus Ideas: Creative Wrapping for Toddlers

Because half the fun is in the unwrapping, here are a few toddler-friendly wrapping ideas that are as cute as they are practical:

• Stickers Galore: Cover the wrapping paper with fun, toddler-friendly stickers—let them peel them off as part of the unwrapping fun!

• Gift Bags They Can Decorate: Give toddlers a plain gift bag with crayons or washable markers so they can decorate it themselves afterward.

• Wrap in a Balloon: Place small gifts inside a large balloon and blow it up—attach ribbons to the balloon for added excitement. Popping the balloon adds giggles to the gift reveal!

• Decorate with Shiny & Fun Dollar Store Finds: Think shiny bows, pom-poms, foam shapes, googly eyes, or anything sticky and colorful from the dollar store.

• Attach Hand Balloons: Tie a cluster of helium balloons to the gift, turning it into a festive display, toddlers will love playing with the balloons after unwrapping!

• Colorful Ribbons and Bells: Tie up gifts with chunky ribbons and attach little jingle bells for an extra sensory experience.

Why These Gifts Work

One-year-olds are at that magical age where the simplest things spark the biggest joy. You don’t need to spend a fortune to find gifts that are fun, engaging, and practical.

Now go ahead and fill that gift bag with confidence, without emptying your wallet!

Happy gifting!

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This post was about budget-friendly one-year-old gifts

Last update on 2025-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API