Lost in the world of baby toys and not sure what present to get that one-year-old? We have some ideas.
Situation: You need to buy a gift for a one-year-old and you’re not quite sure what’s appropriate. At this point, they’re beyond the stage of crib toys and mobiles, but they’re not yet ready to tackle “big kid” toys that are marked with a “suitable for 3+” tag on them.
Where do you start?
Think of it this way: At 12 months, the child is pretty much a toddler. This means they will be developing their motor and coordination skills and showing deliberate cognitive functionality. They’ll start recognising things by name and be able to follow instructions. They might already be walking, talking and learning to put their clothes on, so the toy you’ll want to get them will nurture these developments.
To give you an idea of what’s in the “appropriate” box, think open-ended toys, such as, blocks, pegs, picture books, musical toys, outdoor toys and ride-ons. These toys help develop motor skills and nurture the imagination, but they don’t necessary require “solving” or “completing” anything. When in doubt, check the toy’s label for the age range. It does the trick every time.
Top 15 sites to buy toys for a 1 year old
- Target
- Big W
- Tiny Tiny Shop Shop
- Yogee Toys
- Purple Turtle Toys
- fun.com
- Toys ’R’ Us eBay
- Latest Buy
- DealsDirect
- Oo.com.au
Where to buy toys for 1 year olds
1. Target
Low-cost, high quality products is what Target is all about. It stocks a variety of kids' toys for 1 year olds.
- Free delivery for orders $39 or more
- Gift cards available
- Layby available
- View the full list of Target Australia coupon codes
2. Big W
One of Australia's beloved low-cost department stores stocks all things kids' toys. Expect to find everything from baby accessories and clothes to toys here.
- Earn points with your Everyday Rewards Card
- Click and Collect available
- Wide variety of toys
- View the full list of Big W coupon codes
3. Tiny Tiny Shop Shop
Tiny Tiny Shop Shop has a section dedicated to toys for the one-year-old in your life.
- Earn rewards points with every purchase
- Accepts bank deposits and PayPal
- Partners with children’s charities
4. Yogee Toys
Shop the “Toddlers 1-3 years” section for activity playsets and toys dedicated to developing young minds.
- Gift-wrapping available on most items
- 100-day returns
- Senior’s card accepted
- View the full list of Yogee Toys coupon codes
5. Purple Turtle Toys
Purple Turtle Toys has a “Baby and Toddler” section with more than a handful Meccano and LEGO-branded toys.
- Gift-wrapping with personalised message available
- Gift certificates available
- PayPal accepted
- View the full list of Purple Turtle Toys coupon codes
6. Disney Store
From babies to toddlers to kids, Disney is a perennial favourite for plush toys, costumes and novelty items.
- Officially licensed Disney products
- Ships to Australia at a cost
- Personalised items available
- View the full list of Disney Store coupon codes
7. OzGameShop
Stocking games for all ages, visit the “Baby, Toddler and Nursery” section at OzGameShop for VTech and AquaFun toys for youngsters.
- Weekly special offers
- 14-day returns
- PayPal accepted
- View the full list of OzGameShop coupon codes
8. Toy Galaxy
Get this year’s present by checking out Toy Galaxy’s “1-2 year olds” section, and come back next year to upgrade to toys from the “2-3 year olds” section.
- Earn rewards points with every purchase
- Flat $9.90 delivery fee
- Free pick-up available from Ultimo, Sydney
- View the full list of Toy Galaxy coupon codes
9. Hello Charlie
If you’re searching for boutique eco-friendly toys, Hello Charlie has bath toys, stacking toys, wooden toys and sand toys for one-year-olds.
- Eco-friendly toys and accessories
- Brands include Melissa and Doug and b.box
- Toys for development available
- View the full list of Hello Charlie coupon codes
10. Lime Tree Kids
Browse the “Babies 0-2” pages of Lime Tree Kids for beautiful puzzles and push-and-pull toys appropriate for developing minds.
- Free next-day shipping on orders of $150 or more
- Gift vouchers available
- Eco and Australian toys available
- View the full list of Lime Tree Kids coupon codes
11. fun.com
Bring fun to a toddler’s world with fun.com’s vast array of toys and games, many of which are branded with pop-culture favourites such as Star Wars and comic book heroes.
- Free shipping on orders of $65 or more
- Items fully trackable
- Shop by gender only (not by age)
- View the full list of fun.com coupon codes
12. Toys ’R’ Us eBay
Hit up Toys “R” Us’ dedicated Babies “R” Us store for toys that will develop a toddler’s cognitive and motor skills.
- PayPal accepted through eBay
- Official Babies “R” Us eBay store
- eBay and PayPal discounts and coupons accepted
- View the full list of eBay coupon codes
13. Latest Buy
One of Australia’s largest online department stores, Latest Buy offers practical gifts for toddlers, including fun plates and teaching clocks.
- Free shipping on orders over $150
- $9.95 flat-rate shipping on orders under $150
- 365-day returns
- View the full list of Latest Buy coupon codes
14. DealsDirect
Deals Direct is bargain central. Its products change all the time, so keep an eye out for steals on toddler toys.
- 30-day returns
- Accepts BPAY and PayPal
- Dedicated clearance section
15. Oo.com.au
The place you need to be on oo.com.au is the “Toys & Babies” section.
- Deliveries within 1-4 business days Australia-wide
- Free shipping available on select items
- Tracking available
Top toys for a one-year-old
VTech Touch and Teach Elephant
Yogee Toys
Vtech Shake & Move Puppy
David Jones
Oops Colourful and Multi-Textured Soft and Vibrat...
ozgameshop.com
tech Put & Take Dump Truck
David Jones
Laugh & Learn Rumble And Learn Driver
David Jones
Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Baby’s First Blocks
Target
Playskool Sesame Street Play All Day Elmo
Amazon
VTech Cody the Smart Cub
David Jones
