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There’s always one clever clogs who will make a remark as your baby turns one, about how you may as well just wrap up an empty box given that the child will probably only play with the wrapping paper and the box.
But when you are buying a present for a one-year-old you are buying them something that will see them through a phenomenal period in their development, a stage when they are learning to walk and talk, developing their fine motor skills and exploring the world with a greater degree of independence – not to mention throwing things on the floor and putting things in their mouth.
Please note that not all of these are recommended by the manufacturer for a one-year-old, which means they haven’t been safety tested for this age group. Please do your own safety assessment before giving these to a child.
1. Tomy Aquadoodle – Thomas and Friends: $45, Amazon
The Aquadoodle is a reusable mat that you draw on with water – so even the smallest hands can make a mark using a brush, an Aquadoodle stamper, their hands or, er, by throwing a beaker of water over it, though the last of these takes longer to dry and therefore longer until you are able to use it again. The range has a variety of well-known character mats – including Minnie Mouse, Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol and Thomas – as well as non-character versions. This Thomas Aquadoodle has an actual Thomas train you dip in water and use to draw tracks on the mat. Ingenious.
2. Noah’s Ark Play Set: $55, JoJo Maman Bebe
The Noah’s Ark story has something for everyone, no matter how religious you may or may not be. Pairs of animals – check. A big boat – check. The ability to put the animals in and out of the boat – check. This wooden version has stylish animals chunky enough for a young child to play with, and there are holes on the ark through which they can see the animals inside. This is the kind of present that grows with the...