First Birthday Gift Ideas: Complete Guide
Written by Louise McCamily
29th December 2023
Your little one’s first birthday is a special milestone, and choosing the perfect gift can be a delightful experience. From toys that spark imagination to items that aid development, finding the right present can make their day truly memorable. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options or something extra special, we’ve compiled a range of gift ideas to make your search easier.
Gifts Under £10
Gifts needn’t break the bank to bring joy. There’s a wealth of affordable options that entertain, educate, and engage your little one. From colourful board books to playful bath toys, these budget-friendly choices ensure a delightful surprise without compromising on fun.
Board Books – Baby Touch and Feel Animals – £3.74
Introduce your little one to the joys of reading through colourful board books. These books, filled with vivid pictures and captivating stories, are ideal for nurturing a passion for reading at an early age.
This durable sensory book, neither too large nor too small, is perfect for tiny hands. Babies and toddlers can flip the sturdy board pages themselves, promoting fine motor skills and laying the groundwork for early language development. The charming animal illustrations will keep your child engaged and delighted with every turn of the page.
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Stacking Cups – hahaland Rainbow Stacking Cups – £9.99
Introduce your little one to interactive fun with this 10-piece stacking cups set! It’s not just stacking – it’s a playtime journey teaching balance, colors, and sizes. With cute rewards like sounds and lights, it’s engaging and safe, designed for tiny hands. It’s more than a toy; it’s a learning experience for problem-solving and sensory development.
Perfect for kids aged 12+ months, these cups are a fantastic gift that combines entertainment and education for your curious learner!
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Bath Toys – lenbest Suction Cup Spinner Toy – £9.99
Transform bath time into an exciting adventure with these colourful suction cup spinner toys! Designed to captivate and educate, these spinners engage your little one’s senses and foster early learning, enhancing colour recognition and number skills.
No batteries needed—just a twist and watch the fun unfold as these toys attach to various surfaces, making bath time an interactive delight. Crafted with safety in mind, they’re made from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and a smooth, safe play experience.
Perfect for 12+ months, these toys promise endless joy during bath times for your little ones.
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Soft Plush Toys – B. toys – Stuffed Animal Dog- £8.95
Discover the perfect cuddle companion for your little one! Meet Cupcake Pup—a charming, soft plush toy designed to be your child’s best friend.
With its extra-soft cream and brown coat, patterned ears, and colourful paws, this friendly dog brings joy to every adventure, from storytime snuggles to outdoor escapades. At 12 inches long, Cupcake Pup is just the right size for endless cuddles and hugs.
Plus, caring for this adorable companion is easy—it’s machine washable, ensuring convenience for both play and hygiene. Perfect for babies and older kids because who doesn’t need a cuddly friend by their side?
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Shape Sorters – Fisher-Price Stacking Toy Baby’s First Blocks Set of 10 Shapes for Sorting – £8.90
Introduce your little one to the wonderful world of shapes and colours with this engaging shape sorter set! Featuring 10 vibrant blocks perfect for sorting, stacking, and dropping into corresponding shapes, this set sparks curiosity and problem-solving skills in babies aged 6 months and up. With a convenient bucket for storage and an easy-carry handle, this toy is ideal for on-the-go fun and learning. Watch as your child explores colours, shapes, and hand-eye coordination with this interactive and educational playset.
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Musical Instruments – Paddington Bear Wooden Tambourine – £9.99
Introduce your child to the joy of music with this charming Paddington Bear wooden tambourine! Crafted for safety and durability, this official licensed tambourine delights kids aged 12 months and up with vibrant colours and a delightful Paddington Bear character. Designed by Orange Tree Toys in the UK, this tambourine meets European safety standards and promises both quality and safety. Explore creativity and sensory play with this musical instrument, encouraging rhythmic exploration while providing endless fun. An ideal first birthday or special occasion gift, this tambourine brings the magic of music to little Paddington fans!
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Puzzle Playsets – Wooden Shape Peg Puzzle – £9.99
Introduce your little one to shapes and colours with this Montessori-inspired peg puzzle set! Made of durable, natural wood with smooth edges, these puzzles feature five geometric shapes and colours to engage and educate toddlers aged 1-3. The knobs on each piece aid handling and fine motor skills, making learning enjoyable and safe. An ideal gift for curious minds, this set encourages shape recognition and interactive play for early learning.
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Simple Building Blocks – Goorder Baby Stacking Building Blocks – £9.99
Explore endless possibilities with this soft baby block set! Crafted from non-toxic, BPA-free materials, these sensory blocks offer a safe and chewable experience for teething toddlers. Whether in the bath or during playtime, these blocks stimulate touch and sensory exploration. Each piece features embossed animals, shapes, numerals, and patterns, fostering fine motor skills and early learning. These versatile blocks can float in water, double as stacking toys, and even spray water, offering endless fun while aiding in your child’s development. An ideal gift for various occasions, these blocks engage and entertain growing minds.
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Gifts Under £20
For those seeking a touch more, stepping up to the next budget range opens a world of exciting possibilities. Consider interactive toys, musical instruments, or building blocks that not only entertain but also encourage learning and development. Here are some wonderful options that strike the balance between value and quality.
Interactive Storybooks –
Discover engaging, touchy-feely books crafted to captivate babies and toddlers. Vibrant illustrations paired with gentle musical sounds and textured patches invite exploration of jungle scenes and outer space adventures. Designed for shared joy, these books are captivating from the earliest days, featuring low-decibel sounds and contrasting images. With original music by Anthony Marks, they spark a lifelong love for reading.
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Wooden Puzzles – Montessori Wooden Toys Pull-Along Cart Puzzle – £18.99
Discover this 7-in-1 Montessori-inspired wooden toy, promoting safe, engaging play. Featuring a pull-along cart, 12 fruit blocks, 8 carrots, and a rabbit, it encourages shape sorting, colour recognition, and imaginative fun. Crafted from natural New Zealand pine with water-based varnish, it’s safe and non-toxic for children aged 12-36 months.
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Stacking and Nesting Toys – MOONTOY Stacking Cups – £18.99
Explore the vibrant world of MOONTOY’s Rainbow Stacking Cup set, a stimulating 19-piece collection fostering creativity and learning for toddlers aged 1-6 years. With various shapes, colors, and animal prints, these durable ABS cups encourage imaginative play, shape sorting, and bath-time fun. Crafted for safety and easy cleaning, this set also cleverly transforms into a storage container for on-the-go adventures. Ideal for birthdays and holidays, these stacking cups make an engaging gift for little ones, promising endless play possibilities and joyful learning experiences.
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Shape Sorters with Multiple Shapes – Fisher-Price Baby Musical Learning Toy – £19.99
Explore the world of shapes and colours with Fisher Price’s engaging shape sorter set! Encouraging little ones to reach, grasp, and develop hand-eye coordination, this toy introduces early concepts of shapes, colours, and numbers. With interactive sing-along songs and music modes that respond to baby’s touch, this set includes five delightful cookie shapes, a jar, lid, and batteries for hours of fun-filled learning and play.
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Larger Play Vehicles – MOONTOY Baby Car Toys – £16.99
Explore the world of construction with our set of four robust truck toys! From a Push and Go Tractor to a Mixer Truck and more, these authentic vehicles provide hours of imaginative play. With no batteries required, kids can simply push these friction-powered cars forward for an exciting long-distance journey. These multicoloured toys promote hand-eye coordination, sensory perception, and imaginative play, all while meeting strict safety standards. Built to withstand the toughest play, these trucks promise a lifetime of fun and exploration.
Colourful Ball Pits – NUBUNI ball pool for children – £15.99
Create a vibrant and engaging play space with this Portable Ball Pit! Designed for both boys and girls, this colourful ball pool features a basketball basket for added fun. Perfect for children from 1 year and up, it’s great for activities like throwing, catching, and tumbling. Easily set up the pop-up pool anywhere – in the children’s room or even on the go. The foldable design makes it a versatile choice, providing a safe and entertaining environment with its soft fabric trim. Whether indoors or outdoors, this ball pool is an excellent gift idea for a memorable 1st birthday celebration.
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Bigger Gifts
For those looking to mark the occasion with a grander gesture, exploring larger gifts opens doors to long-lasting and impactful presents. From ride-on toys that encourage movement to personalized keepsakes, these gifts go the extra mile in making this birthday celebration unforgettable.
Activity Tables – Baby Activity Table, 11 in 1 Early Learning Educational Baby Toy – £29.99
Engage your little one’s curiosity with this Interactive Activity Table! Packed with educational features, this musical learning table boasts an array of colorful gears, buttons, a mini piano, and much more. The 0-9 phone keys produce various sounds, encouraging cognitive development while sparking imaginative play. Crafted from sturdy ABS plastic, it’s designed with rounded corners for safety and measures 303029cm. Versatile and detachable, this table offers both table and standing play options, making it a delightful and versatile gift choice for children. (Note: Batteries not included – requires 3*1.5V AA batteries.)
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Ride-On Toys – Clementoni – My First Ride On Car – £33.99
Hop on board our vibrant ride-on toy! Crafted from recycled materials, this vintage-styled car is your child’s ticket to thrilling adventures. With steerable wheels for easy navigation and a squeaky horn that captivates and sparks curiosity, it helps little ones understand cause and effect while stimulating their auditory senses. This ride-on wonder is more than just fun—it’s designed to enhance motor skills, coordination, and spatial perception. Perfect for little explorers aged 12 months and up!
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Play Kitchens – Plum Roleplay Kids Indoor Wooden Bakehouse Play Kitchen – £159.99
Step into a world of culinary creativity with this spacious miniature kitchen! With illuminated microwave and cooker hood, a modular fridge freezer, and realistic light-up hobs, this set encourages imaginative play. It comes with everything needed for cooking adventures, including pots, utensils, and functional oven and washing machine doors. Easy to assemble and packed with interactive features, it’s the perfect setup for little chefs!
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Balance Bikes – LOL-FUN Toddler Balance Bike – £66.99
Discover the 4-in-1 LOL-FUN balance bike designed for little ones’ cycling adventures! It adapts as your child grows, offering three-wheel stability for beginners and a two-wheel mode to master balance. Crafted with care, it features a sturdy carbon steel body, non-slip handles, and oversized wheels for indoor and outdoor fun. Safety is key, with BPA-free materials and a simple, tool-free assembly. Perfect for 1 to 4-year-olds, this bike makes an ideal first-birthday gift! Questions? We’re here to help anytime!
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Toy Workbenches – EastSun Baby Musical Workbench – £29.99
Explore the multifaceted 6-in-1 Toddler Workbench, a hub of learning and fun! With 7 interactive tools, 4 shape blocks, and 5 musical tunes, this set sparks imagination and fine motor skills. The tools produce lifelike sounds and flashing lights, fostering role-play and creativity. Engaging shape sorter features reinforce learning as shapes are matched and identified. Ideal for 12 to 18-month-old babies, this workbench is an excellent first toolkit and a perfect birthday gift for little ones aged 1 to 2 years old! (Batteries not included)
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Louise is a valuable contributor to our blog, with many years of experience in the parenting niche. She specialises in crafting well-researched articles on fertility, pregnancy, and baby care, often collaborating with experts. With a solid background in baby name research and guidance, she is dedicated to providing trustworthy and insightful content, making her an essential resource for parents navigating their journey.
