I would get something that is a good keepsake. For our first, we got a set of Little Mates books. They are adorable, Australian, and have the best use of alliteration and provide good discussion points. Our second received a music box (our first got one for his first Christmas present) that plays one of his favourite songs. We aren’t big gift people, but will have these for a very long time.

I’m not sure they need anything at 1. They won’t remember. I don’t think my kids got any birthday presents from my husband and I until they were 2

I like educational toys. I also like Duplo, its something you can add to over time and keep for any future children

If you like practical gift and working towards minimalism – for a 1st bday I’d recommend books (always great to have books), a good quality push Walker that can be converted to a stand up toy or board, or good quality wooden stacking toy.
Wooden toys cost a lot more, but last forever. Stacking toys are great educationally and for development – especially if coloured or has numbers, and will be used for many years by your child. Open ended toys I’ve found the best both for my child and their interest but also practical wise as there’s so many uses for them and they last so long. My 8 year old still plays with wooden blocks recieved when they were 1. Uses them for building, counting, making car tracks, making a dinosaur world – anything imaginative and open ended I’ve found the best.

Artwork. Maybe a 1 year old family photo shoot. Memories rather than gifts.

BOOKS! Can never go wrong with books

We really love the my first crayons crayons set. My kiddo loved them and it helped with teaching colours too!

My one year old loves her baby!
I just bought it from kmart and the pram was only $7.50!

My 1 year olds favourite toys are her dolls, dolls pram, dolls bed, farm animals, puzzles, lego duplo, ball pit, cars and trucks, buckets and spades, balance bike and anything she can climb. She also loves reading books, so she has some in her room, her play room and the lounge room. I think it also depends on each child, my daughter has always had toys above her recommended age group.

Both our girls got the most use out of one of these. But honestly, you should ask the mum, she knows what her bubba likes / and already has. I really appreciate it when parents ask me so we dont end up with double ups or things the kids don’t like.

Books are always great gifts or depending on how much you want to spend swimming lessons or passes for the pool for the family. Can be a great experience for toddler and parents

I am a huge fan of Kmart and its amazing selection of educational toys for little ones. They also have a wonderful variety of books that explore numbers, shapes, animals, etc with lots of tactile experiences. Additionally, their puzzles are fabulous and age-appropriate. I have a 16-month-old and Kmart is my go-to for most of his toys etc. I absolutely love their wooden toy collection. The best thing is that it is all so affordable!

We will be having a spate of 1 year old parties to attend in the near future and have gone with a board book and an article of clothing as these were both things that I’d love to receive for my almost 1 year old.

There is some very good suggestions on the other comments. Blocks that have numbers as well as the alphabet are an excellent idea. I don’t know if you can still get floor jigsaw puzzles with a poster that you match the very large puzzle pieces Parents can help the little one do it a few times. I won’t take long for the little one to try too. The puzzles have words and pictures to match. 3 children and it is still in very good condition.

Colouring and activity books? Something that can keep her occupied in times when a device may be used.