Celebrating a first birthday is a significant milestone and a special occasion for families. If you're looking to give a memorable and unique gift, many great options are available from Toybox Tales. From sentimental keepsakes to practical items that will encourage the baby's development, you're sure to find something that the proud parents and their little ones will love. 

Whether you want to go for something classic, like a stuffed animal, or opt for something more interactive, like a toy kitchen or a play tent, there's a perfect gift for every budget and style.

 4 Top Gifts for First Birthday Celebrations

Here are our top five picks for choosing gifts for celebrating the first year of a baby's life:

1. Push/Pull Toys

Push/pull toys are an excellent choice for one-year-old children as they contribute to their physical development. These toys encourage walking and help to improve balance, coordination and motor skills. These toys also help to improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity as children push and pull the toys. Some popular items include:

• Walkers with toys attached
• Gender-neutral wooden prams
• Animal-shaped pull toys
• Simple wagons with blocks.

2. Stacking & Sorting

Stacking and sorting toys are great gifts for a first birthday celebration. They help develop a child's cognitive and fine motor skills. Stacking toys encourage hand-eye coordination, hand dexterity, and problem-solving skills as children learn to fit the pieces together in the correct order. Sorting toys, on the other hand, help children understand and differentiate between shapes, colours, and sizes.

These toys come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, including plastic, wood, and fabric. They can range from simple stacking blocks to more complex puzzles in varying shapes and sizes. It is crucial to choose toys that are appropriate for a one-year-old's age and abilities, such as the following:

• Wooden rainbow stacking toys
• Geometry puzzle
• Playground silicone rocket stacking puzzle
• Shape sorter
• Roll again sorter

 3. The Gift of Literacy

Giving the gift of literacy is a wonderful way to celebrate a first birthday and lay the foundation for a love of reading. Books are a great tool to help children develop language skills, expand their vocabulary, and improve their overall communication abilities. Reading to a child from an early age also fosters imagination and creativity.

When selecting books for a one-year-old, look for bright, colourful, and interactive books with simple storylines, clear images, and fun sounds. Some of our favourites include:

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
• Where is the Green Sheep by Mem Fox
• Welcome Baby with toy by Jess Racklyeft
• Wombat Big, Puggle Small by Renee Treml

Board books are an excellent option, as they are durable and can withstand the rough handling that young children often give to their books. Books with textures, flaps, and other interactive elements are also great for keeping a one-year-old's attention.

4. Musical Instruments

Giving musical instruments as a gift for a first birthday can be a fun and educational experience for both the child and the caregiver. At this young age, musical instruments help develop a child's sense of rhythm, coordination, and motor skills. They also provide an opportunity for imaginative play and allow children to explore their creativity and make their own music.

When choosing musical instruments for a one-year-old, consider items that are safe, non-toxic, and without small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Examples include:

• Child-sized xylophones
• Egg shakers
• Maracas
• Rhythm sticks
• Magic touch drums

They should be durable, easy to grip, and not too heavy for a young child to hold.