Image: MomJunction Design Team
Your little angel is finally turning a year old, which means it’s time to celebrate their birthday in a big way. Of course, your baby will not have a lot of memories of this day, but the gifts she gets might keep her entertained and happy for hours. The best toys for 1-year-old girls come in various stimulating categories, from dolls and soft toys to simple car sets, activity tables, and musical games.
After all, this is the age when your baby girl will want to engage with something meaningful for her development. The more interesting the toys are, the more occupied she will be and the slower she will outgrow them.
The toys we have handpicked are not just baby-friendly but suitable for parents, too, as they won’t disrupt your routine while your child plays. So, read on and pick the perfect one for your bright little girl.
Top Picks
13 Best Toys To Purchase In 2024 For 1-Year-Old Girls
1. Best Attractive:VTech Turn And Learn Driver
Bring home this VTech turn and learn driver that is a colorful and innovative toy for a toddler who has just begun to get the hang of sounds and colors. The steering wheel is the eye-catcher for the tiny curious mind, the grip giving the baby joy of driving a baby toy car. The theme of the car with an imaginative traffic light, a signal lever that gives fun sounds along with the music and steering which on turning makes a cute dog character move back and forth are all fun elements. The toy has a gear shifter that your daughter can push and pull, which can help improve their hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and finger strength. Overall a great early education toy for both boys and girls. Check out this brief product review cum testing video to understand how the product works.
Pros
- Develops fine motor skills
- Encourages imaginative play
- BPA-free
- Easy access to the battery compartment
Cons
- May not be attached to the stroller
- Horn may not be durable
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 26,566 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
Quick tip2. Best Quality:Top Bright Wooden Race Track
The Top Bright wooden race track is made using high-quality wood and painted with bright, non-toxic, water-based paint. The safety-tested colorful cars arouse curiosity and promote hand-eye coordination, sharpen observation and help develop thinking skills in young minds. The cars coming down the bright ramp racer brings the pleasure of racing and visual tracking ability of the toddlers.
Pros
- Includes removable parking lot
- Improves communication skills
- Cars have smooth wheels for easy mobility
- Meets ASTM F 963 and EN 71 safety standards
Cons
- Cars may be smaller than expected
- Numbers on the cars and ramps may not match
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 10,670 reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Flexible Handle:Lydaz Bubble Mower For Toddlers
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 21,898 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
Are you looking to give a gift to your little one? Here is the Lydaz bubble mower for toddlers that is a fun gift for any toddler. It has a flexible handle, a gardening mower tool and features realistic sounds. The colorful and innovative toy is a great tool for making children walk with support especially when they have just about started walking. This replica of a yard mower will encourage the children to get up and move as though helping their mom and dad to mow the backyard while having a fun family time too. Here’s a product testing video to help you understand the toy tool better.
Pros
- Has textured wheels
- Operates on a single button press
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Can be recycled
Cons
- May be slightly noisy
- Bubble solution may spill from the toy
4. Best Soft Polyester:To Be Ready For Life Premium Soft Baby Book
Handmade cloth books like this one from ToBe Ready For Life’s safe to play with and is a novel creation for infants. This safety-tested book is made from soft polyester and has a stuffed animal on the cover. The stitching is strong enough to endure rough handling too. It comes with a cloth handle and can help attach the book to a stroller or even a car seat. With a different feature on every page, it can be a wonderful and early way to stimulate the infant’s language and sensory skills. With bright colors and packed in a luxury gift box, this is a super gift for a toddler.
Pros
- Has peek-a-boo flaps and mirrors
- Made of non-toxic materials
- Ideal for newborns to toddlers
- Machine washable
- Toy meets US and EU standards
Cons
- Book may be thick
- Making the mouse squeak may be hard
5. Best Engaging:VTech Musical Rhymes Book
The VTech Musical rhymes book is filled with age-old six classic nursery rhymes and more than 40 melodies along with sounds and phrases. The big and easy-to-turn pages are visually fascinating to the toddlers. It comes with sliding and twisting fun play pieces that aid in building fine motor skills. The five colorful piano keys with the piano sounds introduce the infant to colors and instruments at a very tender age. The toy set also promotes language learning by introducing children to rhyming words and phrases. Not sure if this is the right fit for your little one? Check out this product testing video to learn about the product’s features.
Pros
- Visually stimulating
- Interactive
- Equipped with a starlight button for flashing lights
- Ready-to-use batteries included for demo purposes
Cons
- Batteries may exhaust fast
- Has no volume control option
6. Best Educational Toy:Best Learning Store Mushroom Garden
Parent-reccomended and award-winning toys like the all-in-one Best Learning mushroom garden are always attractive. This is an interactive educational light-up toy. As the name suggests, the colorful mushrooms light up with numbers, colors and music as well. Innovation and education are key features of the toy and it includes numbers, colors, music, hand and eye coordination and a lot more. This engaging and musical toy is intended for children between one to five years so you can rely on it to last through your child’s growth years.
Pros
- Made of ABS plastic material
- Stimulates logical thinking and problem solving
- Has two levels of volume adjustment
- BPA- and phthalate-free
Cons
- Battery cover may have easy access, exposing it to children
- Buttons may be hard to push
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 5,441 good reviews on Amazon.
7. Best Non-Toxic:The Amy & Benton Store Baby Toy Cars
The Amy & Benton Baby Toy Cars have vivid eye-catching colors encouraging the young mind’s imagination and recognition as well. They are non-toxic and have smooth edges and are thereby safe for the delicate baby hands. The play set has four toy vehicles with cartoon-faced animals on them and helps in the early cognitive development of the toddlers. It is an energy-saving and environment-friendly toy.
Pros
- Made of ABS material
- Rear tail of the car wiggles
- Smooth wheels for hassle-free movement
- Requires no batteries
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- Contains tiny parts that can be choking hazards
"My little one likes these little cars as they are colorful with eye-catching designs. He can make them scoot across the room, although some need extra effort to push the button. However, I am not sure if they can withstand rough handling. Still, I would recommend!"
Caution8. Best For Role-Play:The Manhattan Toy Store Baby Stella Toy
Nurturing toys helps your little one learn responsibility. This Manhattan baby stella toy is a soft toy that has all the makings to be your child’s first best friend. The toy is the perfect size to be held and cuddled with, and will soon be your baby girl’s go-to toy, it’s the perfect source of comfort. It comes with embroidered life-like features allowing your child to start recognizing facial features from the beginning. Available in a varied collection of items such as toy dress-up clothes and furniture to allow your child to role-play with the toy.
Pros
- Removable clothing with hook and loop closure
- Removable magnetic pacifier
- Movable legs and hands
- Stands 15 inches tall
Cons
- May be prone to getting dirty
- Hair may be rough
"I must say it's proven to be a cozy companion for my son while encouraging nurturing play. The magnetic pacifier is a lot of fun, though I feel a wider accessory range would make it even better."
9. Best Vibrant:VTech Latches And Doors Busy Board
Develop your little one’s motor skills with the Latches and doors busy board by the trusted brand VTech. This board contains a series of doors and windows that need to be opened and closed to reveal cute multi-colored toy animal figurines. It also contains a series of songs about numbers and letters which will help your little one in learning the basics from the very beginning.
Pros
- Built-in handle for portability
- Easy access buttons
- Made from BPA-free material
- Includes batteries
Cons
- Light switch may be flimsy
- Batteries may run out fast
"This toy is great for independent and interactive play. My daughter loves the songs, and it is customizable, which is a great addition. Also, the volume is pretty tolerable, although I would have loved more adjustment levels. It's a toy enjoyed over time as a child's abilities grow, so I'm happy with my purchase."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 3,863 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
Point to consider10. Best Eco-Friendly:YGJT Baby Balance Bike
Riding is fun. The YGJT Baby Balance Bike is an awesome lightweight one with no pedals. Made from a carbon steel structure, this YGJT balance bike is sturdy and durable. Keeping the toddler’s safety in mind, the wheels are fully enclosed to avoid the baby’s feet from getting clamped. The handlebars and wheels are eco-friendly and can be easily assembled. Riding a balance bike not only helps build the infant’s leg strength and balance but also builds confidence and mental strength.
Pros
- Wide wheels to prevent skid
- Steering is limited to 135° to minimize side falls
- Improves coordination
- Encourages to stand without wiggling
Cons
- Has no seat adjustment
- May be small for some
"This bike’s large wheels keep my little one stable even when he tries to pull different stunts. Its assembly was also fuss-free, and the shark design is pretty cute. My little one took some time to warm up to it, but it has been holding well to regular use."
11. Best ABS Plastic:Gxi Toddler Toy Cars Set
The Gxi Toddler mini friction toy car set has four brightly colored and adorable car toys each with a funny face. Mounted atop the toy are four key features: a cola can, chips, ice cream and a bottle of milk, all extremely exciting and attractive for a year old and up. Made from durable ABS plastic, it is well designed so as to fit into the baby’s tiny hand easily. These friction-powered cars and trucks go a long way with a slight push. What is unique about this toy is that as it slides the legs and rear part of the car toy moves up and down. This in turn attracts the child to observe thereby developing the ability of hand-to-eye coordination and imagination.
Pros
- BPA-, lead-, phthalate-free
- Free of sharp edges
- Stimulates color recognition
- Easy to grasp
- Works without batteries
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
"The vibrant colors and optimal size make them great for both play and honing my baby's motor skills. Even when play gets a bit rough or slobbery, these cars hold up. He loves pushing them around, and all in all, it has been a solid playtime addition."
12. Best Durable:Yeebay Interactive Pop Up Animals Toy
Let your little one learn while playing with the Yeebay Interactive pop up animals toy that is a perfect beginner toy for children when they get the feel of buttons, knobs, pulling and pushing. This push and pull toy for toddlers can enhance their motor skills, finger strength, and hand flexibility. It has an animal sound and music mode making it a perfect early learning toy. This is a well built durable toy and does not get damaged easily.
Pros
- Improves hand-eye coordination
- Built-in handle
- Easy-to-handle knobs and buttons
- Introduces to shapes
Cons
- No batteries included
- Speakers are located at the bottom; sound may be low
13. Best Interactive:Histoye Toddler Toy Train
Allow your tiny tot to chase the Histoye toddler toy train, which is an ideal toy for a one-year-old girl. It is a fun multicolored train toy that promotes learning along with physical activity. This toddler toy train includes three popper balls and has four gaming modes to switch between, offering a variety so that your child doesn’t get bored easily. The interactive games allow your child to learn to count as well as communicate making this the perfect toy for your little one.
Pros
- Encourages the baby to crawl or walk
- Comes with an optional volume button
- Non-toxic and safe
- Promotes color recognition
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
"My little one can spend hours playing with this toy as she is fascinated by its music and sounds. It's also proven durable enough to sustain a few tumbles, and the interactive ball feature has added a fun twist to my kids' playtime."
How To Choose The Right Toy For 1-Year-Old Girls – A Buying Guide
While buying a toy for a 1-year-old girl, keep in mind what she might like. Is she the kind who throws stuff around, does she like lights or do they scare her?
- Engagement: It’s a possibility that whatever you may get might not necessarily be her favorite, as what one child enjoys, another might find boring. But that shouldn’t scare you from buying something for these little wonders! The sheer joy on their faces at the lighting up of a bulb on their toy or a funny sound emanating from a toy figurine is enough to send them in peals of laughter, making the purchase worth every dollar!
- Developmental: The ages between 1and 5 are the years where the child’s mind grows exponentially and thus getting them a toy that appeals to them but also aids their growth is important. Their cognitive and physical growth can be aided by toys that are interactive and allow them to explore these aspects of their growth.
- Colors and patterns: Colorful toys that prompt some sort of movement from them can help in their motor-skills development.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. At what age does a baby start playing with toys?
Typically, babies start playing with toys after six months. However, it is recommended that you choose toys appropriate for your baby’s age. For instance, opt for toys with lights, musical features, and vibrant colors for a one-year-old child.
2. Are toys safe for a one-year-old girl?
Yes, age-appropriate toys are safe for a one-year-old girl. Just make sure there are no sharp edges and the toy is made of non-toxic materials before buying it.
3. How long do toys last?
Toys made of ABS plastic tend to last longer than plush toys. Cleaning the toys properly and storing them in a clean, dry place enhances the longevity of the product.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose specializes in toys and game reviews for children. She did extensive research to narrow down the top toys for one-year-old girls. She has evaluated the material, durability, safety, and user reviews while curating this list. To assist you in selecting the finest toys for your 1-year-olds, she has provided thorough information on each product and a few tips to pick the right toys for your child. The tried-and-tested toys on this list are engaging, fun to use, and comply with the safety regulations.
The Bottom Line
Turning a year old is a significant milestone in your baby girl’s life. Hence, one of the best ways to commemorate this occasion is by giving them a perfect gift. The toys we have handpicked for you here aren’t just fun and engaging but can also help with your little angel’s learning and overall development. The ToBe ReadyForLife Premium Soft Baby Book, for instance, can promote sensory and language skills, while the VTech Turn And Learn Driver can encourage imaginative play. The Manhattan Toy Store Baby Stella Toy with interactive elements such as detachable clothing and a magnetic dummy is another great pick. Choose a toy that suits your baby’s personality and boasts interactive features and bright colors to develop their senses and fine motor skills.
Infographic: Things To Consider When Getting Toys For One-Year-old
Toys play a crucial role in the physical and mental development of the child. A vibrant, colorful, and musical toy can keep the child occupied for long hours and improve their gross and fine motor skills, making it essential to get the correct toys. Read through the infographic to learn about the points to consider when getting toys for a baby. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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