First Birthday Gift Ideas | My Favorites

I remember looking up first birthday gift ideas when Perry and Rosie turned one. They are fun to shop for since the first birthday is such a momentous occasion to celebrate! Not only is your child turning one year old, but you are making it through the first year of parenthood (a feat in itself!).

When it comes to toys, there are endless options of what to gift your child. I love being able to give my children an heirloom gift for their first birthday that 1) will last and 2) they can pass down to their children. I figure aunts, uncles, and other relatives will gift all of the trending toys and gadgets.

Below are my three favorite first birthday gifts.

1. Wooden blocks

Blocks are so versatile and durable. The National Association for the Education of Young Children list ten things children can learn from block play, including problem-solving, imagination, self-expression, mathematics, continuity and permanence, creativity, science, self-esteem, and social and emotional growth. Wow, what a list! I think many parents and caretakers desire our children to develop these skills.

We gifted Perry these blocks for his first birthday, and I can attest first-hand that they inspired so much creativity! He became obsessed with trains shortly after his first birthday, so he would build trains and train stations with his blocks for the longest time. It was so sweet and a great way to access so many skills.

2. Wooden Musical Instruments

If you know anything about me, I have a large background in music! I have both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education and I have achieved National Board Certification in music. There is a significant body of research that stresses the importance of music in development. I can basically talk on and on about this, but perhaps that is a post for another day!

We gifted Rosie this bag of small wooden percussion instruments, and they have been the biggest hit! They are good quality and so much fun (and not terribly loud!).

3. Inscribed Book

We had an “Oh the Places You’ll Go” party for Perry when he turned one, so we gifted him the book and had everyone who attended his birthday party sign a note inside. It was such a special and fun way to commemorate the day, and we have heartfelt messages to look back on every time we read the book.

First Birthday Gift Ideas | Marie Elizabeth Photography

Marie Elizabeth Photography specializes in fine art Maternity, Newborn, and Family Photography based out of Washington, D.C. She also serves the areas of Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Falls Church, Vienna, Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Kensington, Silver Spring, College Park, and Riverdale Park. Marie is available to travel worldwide.

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