First birthdays are very special, so of course you’re going to need a special present to match. We’ve found some of the most delightful and unique gifts to present to the lucky child in your life on their 12-month milestone.
The Early Rider Spherovelo Juno is an incredibly stylish balance bike that can be used for children as young as 10 months. The Spherovelo design is basically two large spheres, and is based upon the principle that a ball able to move freely will relocate, rather than tip like a wheel. So essentially the wheels have been replaced by an arrangement of spheres – simulating a bike, but being somewhat more forgiving. Find them at Early Rider for $120.
If the one year old you’re buying for is walking (or even if they're not - it won't be long now!), consider grabbing a Dudley Co rider ($89). Each ride-on is handmade and hand-painted; they're fitted with solid rubber casters, can move easily in any direction, can be used inside and out, and will not scratch floors.
Green Tones creates some amazing eco-toys with a musical-edge, and they categorise their wares by age group. The Endangered Animal Shakers are a winner with small children – engaging and noisy! This whale shaker is US$9.
A pair of cool kicks either for walkers or in anticipation of those first steps make a great first birthday present. And they don’t come much cooler than these Adidas from Hype DC ($59.95) - they've also got Converse and Onitsuka Tiger options.
The first birthday is the perfect occasion to bestow a special doll on the birthday child. These brilliant creations come from Mend By Ruby Grace from $117 - they can be custom made with the child's hair colour and other touches. Make sure to plan ahead for any special birthdays as there is a bit of a wait while your doll is made.
Green Toys, with their fabulous recycled plastic creations, will please even the fussiest 12-month-old. The main ingredient used to make these terrific toys is plastic milk cartons, and they're printed in soy ink. The eco-friendly range, which also includes animals on wheels, helicopters and a stove top, is great for imaginative play.
Babies are never too young to start learning about their ABCs, and these stunning handmade fabric alphabet books from Amanda Bergen Studio ($22) will be the gift that keeps on giving.
Janod is an absolute haven for incredible children’s toys, and their wooden house shape sorter will have one-year-olds grinning from ear to ear. It has a learning clock at one end, a carry handle, plus a neat little drawer to store the eight shapes. At $54.95, this be will a keepsake to pass down through the generations. They're available from Urban Baby.
Knitted, fair trade and gorgeous, Kahiniwalla dolls make a stunning gift, and deliver the possibility of a better life to the women who make them. They also offer knitted rattles and blankets for younger babies; find out more and shop at Kahiniwalla.com.
Make Me Iconic’s gorgeous Aussie-inspired wooden puzzle ($30), which includes Vegemite on toast and fairy bread, will have the birthday boy or girl drooling with delight!
What about this handsome fellow for some post-party bedtime cuddles? Noodolls are chewable, huggable and also look great in a nursery. With more than 15 plush toys currently in the range, there’s something for everyone; they do a great line of quirky monsters, but also some more “gentle” characters like plush ice-cream cones and rainclouds. Most Noodolls are available for £17.50 each, and they will ship worldwide.
The Micki Classic Wooden Walker is one of those wonderful toys which spans the ages. The perfect first birthday gift for a child just beginning to master their first steps, it’s also just the thing for a confident toddler to push around the house filled to the brim with toys and treasures. Made in Sweden, this walker has an adjustable handle and brake system that can be adjusted to the ability of the walker. The Micki Classic Wooden Walker is $79.95 from Zanui.
Wooden toys make for great playthings that will last a lifetime. Begin Again has a terrific selection of wooden and classic toys, including pull-along toys, blocks, wooden earthworms and more, all starting at $11.
Visit Babyology for more stylish modern finds for hip kids & parents.
