Since Lila’s birthday is so close to Christmas, I have to do double duty on looking for things to add to her Christmas list. Between the things she’s gotten for her birthday and what is on her list for the holidays, I think she’s getting some fun toys.

In general, we try to get her things that are open-ended and encourage active play. Things she can manipulate many different ways and discover in her own way. I also try to think about the future. Yes, she’s 1 now, but in six months, she might need some things that are a bit more advanced.

With that in mind, here are some ideas for Christmas gifts for a one year old. (click on any photos or title to buy these toys)

1. Bilibo Chair: We first discovered these rocking, swirling, stacking chairs at the Discovery Museum here in Reno. Lila loved rocking side to side in it and also using it as a bucket to carry other toys around in – a perfect open-ended toy for our active girl. This is going to be her present from Luke and me this year. :)

2. Pound & Tap Bench: I found this one at Barnes & Noble’s toy section and decided to get it for Lila’s birthday. Little did I know this toy has been on several “toy of the season” lists. I am not surprised – Lila plays with it first thing when she wakes up and in many different ways – she throws the balls, hammers the wood and plays the xylophone.

3. Tiggly Shapes: I know a lot of parents try to be screen free, but with my working in social media and Luke’s love for Apple, that wasn’t going to work for our family. So when Lila does see a screen, we try to make sure she’s using it actively vs passively. That’s why Tiggly is so cool. The different shapes work on the iPad screen and the game invites the toddler to interact using the shapes.

Lila is still a little too young for it, but this is one I think she’ll love when she’s closer to 18 months. Tiggly just came out with a super cute new Christmas game to play with the shapes – you can download it here. 

4. Push Around Buggy: Lila got this for her birthday from my sister’s family and it’s been a big hit. Lila loves to sit in it and pretend she’s driving. The other kids at the park are all enthralled with it too. We’ve had several try to climb in it and take off!

5. Learning Tower: I love the idea of these learning towers. Little ones can climb up and stand next to you at counter level to get in on all the kitchen action. I like to cook and Lila is always interested in what I’m doing in the kitchen, so this toy is a great fit for us. You can also get a chalkboard accessory for the back that turns the tower into an easel.

6. Keepsake ornament: I am all about starting Christmas traditions and one that we are starting this year is to get a special ornament for Lila that embodies the previous year. My goal is to have special ornaments that represent each year of all our kids lives on our tree. This year, Lila is getting a ladybug since we call her our Lilabug or just “buggy” for short.

7. Radio Flyer Scooter: After seeing my nearly-two-year-old niece Mabel zipping around on her scooter during a recent visit, I knew we had to get one for Lila. Again, this is one that is a bit advanced for a one year old, but within the next year she will be scooting all around, I’m sure.

We’ve had so much fun watching Lila explore all her new presents and every day she finds new ways to have fun with them. I’m curious, what toys do your little ones love?

Disclosure: I use Amazon affiliate links on Amazon products. I was also sent Tiggly Shapes to try and to review on my blog, but I only give favorable reviews to products I enjoy.