The Best Birthday Gift Ideas for 1st Birthdays

Forget mass-market toys, we’re here to bring you the most thoughtful first birthday gift ideas from the UK’s best independent brands. Think handcrafted keepsakes the parents will keep forever, baby-friendly toys to spark their imagination and adorable things for their nursery. Read on for our top birthday gifts for babies… 

Personalised 1st Birthday Gifts

Celebrating their first birthday with a personalised gift is a really meaningful way to pay tribute to their bundle of joy. Whether it’s a keepsake they can treasure for years to come or something customised with their name, these personalised gifts for babies are sure to pull on their heart strings. 

One idea we really love for a first birthday? A personalised print or photo frame that can be hung with pride in their nursery. A real customer favourite is this inkless hand and footprint kit which lets the parents create their own priceless artwork. Another one of our top ideas? This adorable, handmade bunny that’s personalised with little one’s initial. We’re obsessed. And, don’t even get us started on this darling gingham romper. 

Remember, always make sure that anything gifted directly to the baby is age appropriate. This is the most important thing to consider when gifting to a very little one. It’s no use if they can’t actually use it, after all. 

Memorable 1st Birthday Gifts

For a really memorable first birthday gift, think about getting something sentimental and nostalgic, that both the parents and child can look back on. Whether it’s a keepsake box to house all their milestones, a personalised photo album for their most special memories, a print with their birth year or a plate marking one trip around the sun, our independent brands have lots of creative ways to celebrate. You could even treat the little one to their own personalised bracelet. How sweet!

1st Birthday Toys & Games

From wooden activity cubes and shape sorters to sensory toys, toys and games are great for helping little ones build their motor skills and let their imagination grow. A really important thing to keep in mind when buying any items for babies, but especially toys, is making sure that they are age appropriate and safe for them to play with. Avoid large pieces and really small parts, and make sure you always check the product description to see what age it’s recommended for as you also don’t want anything too advanced. 

Some other toy ideas that always seem to go down well are pull-along animal toys and push walkers, stacking toys or puzzles, baby comforters and musical toys to help them express themselves. We particularly love this colouring-in book that magically changes colour when it comes into contact with water.

1st Birthday Books

Books, especially personalised ones, are a really meaningful gift. Not only are they a keepsake they’ll treasure for years to come, they also help to promote early literacy and bonding with parents at bedtime. Our marketplace is filled with books for every interest, from alphabet stories to sensory, animal tales. When it comes to personalised books, there are so many completely customisable options to choose from where you can literally make them the star of their own story. And what kid doesn’t want that? You can even create stories starring their older sibling. Aww.

Cosy & Practical 1st Birthday Gifts

Just because a gift is practical doesn’t mean it can’t feel really special. In fact, something practical can actually be the most thoughtful kind of present, especially if it helps the parents save a bit of their own money. And, thanks to our creative independent brands, we’ve got lots of handcrafted and luxurious options to make the little one feel really loved. 

One thing you could do is get something for their nursery. Add their name to a personalised plaque for their door. Get them a height chart so they can keep track of their bundle of joy as they grow. Or help them keep things tidy with a personalised toy trunk. If they’ve got a bit more space in their nursery, you could even get a tent to let them create their own cosy nook or den. Cute. 
Depending on the time of year, you’ll want to pick something that matches the season. If it’s cold out, personalised PJs, dressing gowns, blankets or slippers are a really good shout. While if it’s summer, outdoor toys and activities are a much better idea to keep the little one busy.

In case that wasn't enough inspiration already, we’ve left a link below with even more original first birthday gift ideas, all from the UK’s best independent brands.