one is a tough age for presents because kids are still outgrowing stuff quickly. I would check in with the parents before getting anything big - but an activity table or ride on toy or water table might be nice. we also liked color wonder at that age. Books are always a good choice and I like to do towels, sheets, or blankets. One year old still need day care and diapers - so a small gift and a gift card or check might be appreciated.

Anonymous wrote:Honestly just pick up the phone and call the kid's parent. They may have some things in mind.

This! Just ask. The kid will be surprised either way, unless you’re trying to surprise the parents.

Honestly, I'd stick with something obvious. You don't need to get him some special toy -- kids that age can play with a napkin and it's magic. Get him a good quality stuffed animal unless he already has a million, or buy a special picture book and inscribe it. My favorites are The Rabbit Listens and anything by Carson Ellis.

But my actual recommendation: buy the parents something practical and thoughtful. A week of prepared meals. A gift card to a cleaning service. Offer to babysit for a date night. Or the date night itself -- movie passes or a free hour of pickleball at one of those places like Kraken. Raising kids is hard and while no one year old is ever going to remember or care about what you give them, his parents will remember the kindness of you thinking of them and doing something to make their lives a little easier or more pleasurable.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Baby doll stroller

I feel like 1 is a little young for it, but my son was absolutely obsessed (I think he was 2). A push trike is a great gift, but may be more than you want to spend/ make sure someone else isn’t getting it.

My kids loved theirs at 1. They weren’t playing daddy they just ran ran around the house pushing it or loaded it with random things and dumped it out. But it got so much use. Later they liked to push dolls and stuffies, but at 1 it was so sensory and motor driven not pretend play.

Wooden, indoor ride on toy, like this:

https://www.janod.us/717-hippopotamus-ride-on-wood.html

Or +1 for a stroller or pram
https://www.tenderleaftoys.com/products/sweet-swan-pram

My kids especially like something they can put their toys and stuffies in and push around the house.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My sister got my daughter a nugget when she turned 1 and we use it daily 2 years later. Also picked a toy kitchen from the curb same day and use that daily too

We love our nugget, but that is a large and expensive gift. Check with your sibling first before buying.

Yes she asked we are fortunate to get boxes and boxes of books and clothes hand me down from siblings and buy nothing so I generally dislike clothes or books as gifts. Love personalized things I wouldn't otherwise buy or get used ( like a pb towel)

I love those wooden puzzle stools with their name on them. Etsy has really cute ones.

Honestly just pick up the phone and call the kid's parent. They may have some things in mind.

Anonymous wrote:My sister got my daughter a nugget when she turned 1 and we use it daily 2 years later. Also picked a toy kitchen from the curb same day and use that daily too

We love our nugget, but that is a large and expensive gift. Check with your sibling first before buying.

Anonymous wrote:Books.

+1 Books are great. I get tired of reading the same stories over and over again, so it’s nice to have something new to read. Plus it encourages literacy.

No stuffed animals. No toys that light up or make noise. No toys that have a million pieces.

My sister got my daughter a nugget when she turned 1 and we use it daily 2 years later. Also picked a toy kitchen from the curb same day and use that daily too

Books.

Anonymous wrote:Baby doll stroller

I feel like 1 is a little young for it, but my son was absolutely obsessed (I think he was 2). A push trike is a great gift, but may be more than you want to spend/ make sure someone else isn’t getting it.

Baby doll stroller

My nephew is turning 1 and I want to get something special but practical for him. My kids are tweens now so not up to date on the best gifts for the toddler set. Thanks for any feedback.