Non Toy Gifts for a One Year Old: Beyond the Toy Box

Let’s be honest: choosing gifts for little ones who have outgrown the baby stage and are beginning to truly play is a blast!

When kids hit that magical 1+ mark, they’re ready to dabble in crafting, maybe try drawing, dive into books, and soak up new knowledge like tiny, adorable sponges. But here’s the kicker—most 1-year-olds already have more toys than they know what to do with!

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That’s why I thought it’d be fantastic to put together a list of non-toy gifts for toddlers that are fun, engaging, and oh-so-original!

So, if you’re on the hunt for something that’s not just another addition to the toy mountain, you’re in the right place!

I’ve put together a list of fantastic non-toy gifts for a one year old that are sure to bring a smile to their faces and a little peace of mind to parents who are tired of tripping over toy trucks.

Let’s dive in and discover the perfect gift that will stand out this holiday season!!

Oh, and you’ll LOVE the last gift! It’s something really special, available instantly, and best of all—it’s completely free! No toys, just the perfect keepsake, a gift from your toddler to a loved one 🙂

Special Photo Albums for Toddlers

One of my favorite non-toy gift ideas is a special photo album! These personalized albums can be filled with pictures of family, friends, and all the fun moments from their first year.

Toddlers love looking at familiar faces and scenes, and a custom photo album can become their favorite book!

They’ll love flipping through it, recognizing faces, and maybe even trying to say some names.

For Christmas, consider making a holiday-themed photo album with pictures from previous celebrations.

Family photo Album With Captions

Drawing and Activity Books

Simple but amazing non-toy gifts for toddlers are drawing and activity books. They can scribble away to their heart’s content.

Plus, these books are great for developing fine motor skills and sparking creativity. For Christmas, consider festive-themed activity books.

One year olds love this: Christmas Sensory Bottle DIY: Simple, Fun, and Calming

Honeysticks for 1 Year Plus

Christmas Reusable Sticker Book

developmental boxes

These boxes are fantastic non-toy gift ideas for one-year-olds.

These developmental boxes are filled with activities and tools that encourage cognitive and motor skill development.

First Words & Sounds

Furniture

Another great idea is a toddler-sized chair or sofa.

Perfect for their little reading nook or for watching holiday TV, these cute small furniture pieces make them feel like they have their own special spot.

If your little one loves chilling as much as mine does, they will absolutely adore this mini sofa and chair!

Toddler Chair

Music Instruments

Okay, I know I said no toys, but hear me out! Musical toys like tambourines, maracas, or drums aren’t just toys – they help toddlers develop their auditory skills and sense of rhythm.

There are even music classes for toddlers! Plus, they’re just plain fun!!

But a little word of advice: don’t forget to buy some earplugs for yourself or the other parents!

Your little one’s musical journey might come with a few… let’s say, enthusiastic performances.

Wooden Musical Instruments

Personalized Gifts

Nothing says special like a gift that’s been made just for them!

Personalized gifts such as custom storybooks where they are the star, or a wooden puzzle with their name on it is a fantastic keepsake!

It’s educational, helps with name recognition, and looks lovely in the nursery.

Personalized Wooden Name Puzzle

Clothing Toddlers Love

Let’s talk about clothes that your toddler will actually enjoy wearing!

Rainboots are perfect for those puddle-jumping adventures and splashing around outside, Or those cute and funny grip socks are going to make your little one happy also!

The perfect DIY gift: Adorable DIY Christmas Snow Globe for Your Little One

Adorable DIY Christmas Snow Globe for Your Little One

Rainboots

Christmas themed gifts

These Christmas-themed gift ideas are perfect to get those little ones in the holiday spirit!

How about a safe ornament they can have fun with? Look for soft, unbreakable ornaments like those made of plastic or plush.

These are perfect to hang on the tree (or play with) without any risk of breaking!

This mini tree with lights and sticky ornaments can be a fantastic gift. The sticky ornaments are easy to handle and can be moved around endlessly, keeping your toddler entertained for hours.

They will LOVE their own Christmas tree 🙂

First Christmas Ornament

Conclusion: Non Toy Gifts For a One Year Old

I hope you’ve found some great ideas for gifts for the little ones! Or maybe you even found the perfect present.

Finding the right non-toy gift for a one-year-old can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s definitely worth the effort.

From drawing and activity books to personalized gifts that make them feel special! there are plenty of unique and fun options out there.

And let’s not forget the fun of watching them enjoy their very own furniture or make music with their new instruments.

Plus, those Christmas-themed gifts and mini Christmas trees can bring a whole lot of fun!!

So go ahead and think outside the box this Christmas. Give a gift that’s fun, engaging, and perfect for making the holiday season even more special.

Happy gifting and Merry Christmas!

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This post was about non toy gifts for a one year old

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