Best gifts for one-year-old boys

Slugs and snails? Puppy dogs’ tails? Yes, sometimes. But it is a myth that all boys are boisterous and hardy – and we would do well to remember that they need the freedom to be quiet, sensitive and thoughtful.

When babies turn one, their development seems to accelerate. There’s a lot going on: they might be starting to walk, babbling will, over the next six months begin to turn into words. They will pick favourite toys and have plenty more energy as they career into toddlerhood.

Presents that reflect and nurture a baby’s development are certain winners – but practical or decorative gifts like socks, bags or nursery ornaments respectively are almost always appreciated by parents.

Here we round up the best gifts for boys (and girls) of one.

Mothercare Junior Trampoline

With a bar with soft handles for support and stability, this trampoline inspires plenty of confidence in children as young as 12 months, helping with coordination and muscle strength. It’s also perfect for babies who are just starting to walk, keeping them upright and helping them learn to be steady. The edges are padded with no gaps between the bouncing surface and the sides – so there’ll be no lost feet or hands! For indoors or outdoors use, this little trampoline is brilliant for young children with seemingly endless reserves of energy.

£36, Mothercare, Buy it now

SmartMax Magnets

The SmartMax range has won awards for introducing the world of magnets to children as young as 12 months in a safe, engaging way. The animal train set is not only really sweet but, as with all the SmartMax kit, it’s super clever, too. There magnetic bars which serve to connect the heads and tails of elephants and lions, which can then be transported in the magnetically connected train carriages. There are also magnetic balls which can help to create a whole range of structures. As babies become toddlers, their creativity with the magnets increases – and the sophistication of their play is laid bare as vast worlds are built.

From £30, Kidly, Buy it now

Book ends

A gorgeous addition to any stylish nursery, these book ends are a lovely present for a little boy and will endure through his entire childhood. I love the idea of the book ends growing further apart as baby bookworms’ collections grow over the years. The moon and star motifs are simple, pale and neutral – making them a great present because they’re sure to fit seamlessly into any colour scheme.

£20, My 1st Years, Buy it now

Rocking Horse

The vibrant block colour - which also comes in magenta - is impressive but it’s the deep, comfortable seat and ability to rock with impunity and without danger that makes this rocking horse such a hit. The only trouble is that children might fight over whose turn it is. On a practical level, it can be kept in the garden and wiped clean easily. The best bit? It’s a steal at under £25.

£24.99, Little Tikes, Buy it now

Bernie’s Number Sorting Bus

A joy of a toy. Wooden and vividly painted, the roof comes off to reveal two decks of peg passengers, who can be sorted and matched by numbers and colours. This is a great option for London youngsters who are familiar with the iconic red buses on their streets. The bus is specifically designed for little hands – woe betide any adult who goes meddling with the seating arrangements. You might spend the rest of the day with a wooden bus as a glove.

£39, Indigo Jamm, Buy it now

Dino’s Delightful Day Book

This is actually a really big toy – sturdy and impressive, with buttons and noises to boot. Exactly what babies are attracted to. This is perfect tool for helping little ones learn their ABC – Dino’s Delightful Day Book is an all-singing-all-dancing experience, which ingeniously teaches the alphabet by means of a lovely narrative story, featuring familiar objects such as fruits, animals and furniture. Numbers along the Dino’s back are a brilliant one-to-ten taster, too.

£20, Argos, Buy it now

Little Library: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Eric Carle’s masterpiece is deconstructed and put into a little library of mini board books for small children. Each book covers a different topic: numbers, animal noises, words and colours – introducing each in a simple but beautiful and effective way – that sees even one year olds engage with the contents. These are great for car journeys or having out and about in the pram as they take up no room but are engaging and can withstand being lobbed onto pavements, run over and covered in mashed potatoes and the like.

£4.99, Foyles, Buy it now

Boden socks

No one has ever not needed socks, which is why they are such an enduringly popular present. Parents are deeply grateful for socks – and with these Boden ones, which come in a lovely presentation box of seven pairs, no one can accuse you of giving unexciting presents. Boden are a popular choice for its colourways and themes, which are beautifully designed, along with its exceptional quality. There’s plenty of wear in these socks – no holes or threadbare soles.

From £18, Boden, Buy it now

Next Backpack

This dinosaur-themed backpack might seem oversized, but the large space really comes in handy. It's smart and sturdy, while being fun and relaxed and should see a little boy through early childhood. Our little tester of 20 months was especially into packing and unpacking, which is of course a phase that’s both encouraging and irritating in equal measure to parents throughout the land. The best bit about this backpack is that when your child tires of doing the carrying, you won’t feel ridiculous holding it yourself.

£18, Next, Buy it now

Chocolate Brown Merry Bear

This soft, non-jointed teddy bear is the latest addition to the Merrythought collection. Merrythought has been making teddy bears since 1930 – each is handmade. They are also a firm favourite amongst the Royal family, which certainly gives this a certain cache as a gift. The Merry bear has the softest ‘fur’, so it’s perfect for snuggling up to. However, if given to children under three, you should remove the bow (available in red or gold) for safety. A lovely addition to any nursery.

£45, Merrythought, Buy it now

Verdict

Our winner has to be Bernie’s Number Sorting Bus. Not only is it beautiful, but the little tester we gave it to begs to sleep with it every night. The Little Tikes Rocking Horse and Trampoline are worth a special mention, too. These are both big and impressive gifts with small price tags.