Best Learning Toys for Kids 2022

1-Year-Old Developmental Milestones

As your child approaches a full 12 months of being on this earth, it feels like a monumental moment — and not just because of the time that’s passed. “By the age of 12 months, 75% of children are playing simple games, such as hide and seek with toys or peek-a-boo,” shares Dr. Gonzalez. “Most will be calling out for ‘mama’ or ‘dada’ and cruising around the furniture.”

But the endearing moments also come with challenges. “At this age, they may be experiencing the peak of stranger anxiety in public, but yearn for independence in the home. Emotionally, they are going through all the ranges of emotions of anger, frustration, happiness, sadness, and excitement... even in the same moment!”

As your child grows, a whole new world of physical movement, communication, and emotions unfold. “At 12 months, physically they are learning to walk, run, climb, use the stairs, and throw a ball. They are also learning to communicate a little better with single words or at least pointing their fingers to request or get your attention.” In addition to learning about feelings and new emotions, children are also “expanding their problem-solving skills by stacking blocks, putting simple puzzles together or playing hide-and-seek with objects.”

What Are The Best Learning Toys For 1-Year-Olds?

Thankfully, you don’t have to teach them alone. As your kiddo practices and explores these developmental milestones at their own pace, there are a number of toys designed to make the most of playtime. “Some toys that can help with development are simple blocks or puzzles,” reveals Dr. Gonzalez. “Toys that can be grouped together or categorized—such as colors and shapes. Placing toys inside other toys allows them to learn about shapes and sizes. Books with pictures of different emotions so they can learn what each one is and eventually know how to recognize them!”

And if your child isn’t catching on right away, it’s totally normal and expected. “One-year-olds aren't great with rules at this time so having exploratory zones and child-proof areas will help them learn and explore freely!”

Ready to play? We selected a collection of parent-approved toys for one-year-olds below.

In a hurry? Here are the top picks for the best learning toys for one-year-olds:

01 A Montessori Wooden Activity Cube For Curious Hands

The Montessori toy was built with learning specifics in mind — namely sensory, fine-motor, and hand-eye coordination. 

02 A Fan-Favorite Stacking Ring Set

This wildy popular stacking ring set has so many fun textures to explore, so you get a sensory toy and teether in one. The cute and colorful rings come in nine different sizes that are designed to stack in any order for endless creations. Your 1-year-old will love dumping the chunky rings off and then reloading them, all the while working on hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

03 The Best Musical Toys For A 1-Year-Old

These cute percussion instruments will keep your kiddo’s little hands busy.

04 A Cute Pull-Back Car Set For Going Vrooom!

Cute pull-back cars are the perfect place to start, teaching your kiddo both fine and gross motor skills.