This is the truth about Christmas with a 1-year-old: One-year-olds love the great wide world and are awed by simple joys. Feel free to wrap up a stick, a water bottle, or a roll of tape. Better yet - give them something that they are not allowed to have (car keys, iPhones, pencils, permanent markers, etc). Just kidding on the last part!
Below are some fun and practical gift picks for 1-year-olds that are sure to be used all year long.
Shoes are unnecesary until babies start to crawl and then to walk, but most 1-year-olds are ready for real shoes. The tricky part is sizing. When in doubt, buy bigger. Below you will find two of our family's favorite shoe brands for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
See Kai Run has long been one our family's favorite brands for kid shoes! They are adorable, well-made, and comfortable for growing feet. You'll find boots, sandals, sneakers, and dress shoes for newborns all the way up to age 8 or so (3Y is the biggest size).
Pictured above is the super sturdy and stylish Sam Hiking Boot. They're waterproof, adjustable, and have a flexible rubber sole.
Robeez
Robeez is our other go-to brand for baby and toddler shoes. These soft-soled leather shoes are built specifically with babies' feet in mind. All of the brand's footwear are approved by the American Pediatric Medical Association so you can be assured that these shoes are bendable, flexible, and ideal for first walkers.
Pictured above: the Liam Galaxy (we're crazy about science-themed apparel and accessories over here!) and the Jaime sneaker (a classic design for well-dressed little boys).
Tea Collection is on my Christmas Gift Guide AGAIN. The San Francisco based brand appears almost every year because I am continually impressed by Tea's materials and styles. The company is known for their soft play pieces that feel as good as they look. New collections debut every quarter or so and they are always inspired by a distinct region in the world.
I especially love Tea's baby and toddler clothing pieces! Sumptuously soft, smartly designed, and so-so cute. My baby boy is wearing the Ogma Polo Romper in the above picture.
OshKosh B'gosh is another great place to find toddler clothing (at affordable prices!). Soft and stretchy jeans, cozy sweaters, puffy vests, and more.
Inglesina's FAST Table Chair is a gift that parents will appreciate. Designed for ages 6 months to 36 months (weight limit 37 pounds), this lightweight and stylish chair fastens to most dining tables. Ideal for use at home, at friends' homes, on camping trips, almost anywhere. It's easy to pack and easy to set up. A dining tray is available as an optional highchair.
Not sure what to get a baby or toddler for Christmas? Books, books, and more books! When in doubt, buy books. That's my motto.
I'm usually not a fan of children's books with overt morals or messages, but the Best Behavior series by Free Spirit Publishing is an exception. The books are colorful and captivating for a young audience - and the words are simple and to the point. Titles include: Teeth Are Not For Biting, Germs Are Not For Sharing, Hands Are Not For Hitting, Manners Time, Sharing Time, and many others.
Toss this in the baby's stocking. Green Goo makes an all-purpose Baby Balm for diaper rash, dry skin, eczema, cradle cap, and baby acne. This homeopathic salve is fragrance-free and has a great (easy-to-read-and-pronounce) ingredient list.
For jet-setting babies, take a peek at this adorable London Foam Bath Toys set by UK-brand JoJo Maman Bebe (now available in the USA!). The 40-piece set comes in a mesh storage bag that will stick to the bath surface for easy clean-up.
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What are YOU getting for the 1-year-olds on your list this Christmas?
BROWSE the complete 2017 Christmas Gift Guide to get ideas for everyone on your list!