15 Feb 2022 | 12 First Birthday Gift Ideas That Are Memorable & Unique
Looking for a memorable first birthday gift? Find the perfect present with these 12 first birthday gift ideas for girls and boys that are meaningful and unique.
First birthdays are so special. There’s nothing more precious than a one year old being surprised by a birthday cake with a lit candle on top, a birthday song and family and friends gathering around to celebrate.
Such an important milestone birthday should be commemorated with meaningful gifts that can stand the test of time. The newly minted one year old won’t remember the gifts, but if they’re special enough, they will likely be kept around for some time to come.
You know there will be plenty of toys and cute outfits for the little one year old, so why not go for something more original, practical, and most importantly memorable!
Below you’ll find 12 creative and unique first birthday gift ideas that are perfect for little boys and girls. Many of these gifts are also great for toddlers (children ages 1 through 3), as they’re truly meant to last for some time to come. And as you’ll notice, a number of the gift ideas are very practical but also special, since they include personalized details.
1. First Birthday Time Capsule Box
This is the perfect first birthday gift from parents or grandparents, because it should be personal and intimate. However, a beautiful personalized first birthday time capsule box makes for a great gift on it’s own for the parents and baby. Of course, the most meaningful part of this gift is curating the time capsule’s contents. But having a beautiful box to start with makes the whole gift a bit more special.
2. Custom Name Art
A custom-made wooden sign or canvas print with the child’s name is a gift that will be treasured for years. Parents will appreciate the thoughtful gesture and the art piece will become a fun part of the child’s room or play area. Look for themes and designs that are simple and could work in just about any space, or ones that will grow with the child and look appropriate in an older kids’ room. Alternatively, you can go with a themed design, like the outer space theme in these canvas prints, customizing the colors, graphics and other elements. And most importantly, the child’s name.
3. Ruler Growth Chart
If you’re looking for a gift that can do double duty, consider a personalized kids’ growth chart. It will become part of the child’s room décor and a fun way to keep track of how fast they’re growing. As they outgrow the chart, it will become a keepsake from their childhoods that they can look back on and share with their own kids one day.
4. Kids Backpack, Duffel or Luggage
You won’t believe how excited kids can get over their first very own backpack or luggage set. Make their first travel accessory more special by customizing it with their name, monogram or first initial. Choose from toddler and child-sized backpacks, duffel bags, rolling luggage bags and more, all of which come in fun designs and colors that are perfect for little ones. You know they’ll get plenty of good use out of these going for a sleepover or a night at grandma’s house, or traveling with family.
5. Personalized Bookends
Instilling a love for books at a young age can have enormous benefits. And what child (and parent, for that matter) doesn’t love books? If you want to find a reading-related gift, consider a personalized set of bookends and a favorite children’s book or two (or a personalized kids’ book!). For a one-year-old, the best books are tried and true classics, like Goodnight Moon or The Very hungry Caterpillar, nursery rhymes, touch-and-feel books, lift-the-flap books, and other fun board books made just for toddlers.
6. Personalized LED Night Light
If you’re looking for a fun and functional birthday gift, these color-changing LED signs, that double as night lights, are all the rage these days. You can choose from really fun kids’ designs that incorporate their names and themes children will love, like dinosaurs and unicorns, spaceships and rainbows, sports and more. It’s another practical gift that will get a lot of good use.
7. My First Year Photo Canvas
Commemorate the child’s first year with a photo canvas print that shows off their monthly photos – and how they’ve grown over the year. This keepsake gift will be enjoyed by both the child and parents for many years to come, as they look back on the first year memories.
8. Kids’ Art Display
At this age, all children love creating art – and they love showing it off to their parents just as much. Add a space to display their creative endeavors with a personalized art display sign. This fun sign has their name and handy clips to easily add and display their latest works of art. Pair this gift with some art supplies or coloring books for the perfect gift for any one year old.
9. Plush Elephant Chair
Whether it’s for their bedroom, living room or play area, a personalized kids’ chair will get a ton of great use. Kids are so excited to have their very own furniture and there’s nothing like a fun chair that’s just the right size for them! No matter what type of kid’s chair you choose, personalizing it with their name will ensure it will be their favorite.
10. Personalized Piggy Bank
It’s never to early to teach kids to save! And what better way than with a personalized piggy bank customized just for the birthday tot. Choose a classic piggy bank design, or an updated version, like this ceramic unicorn for girls (or a shark for boys!) The piggy bank is a keepsake gift that can become part of the child’s room décor and the perfect place to store their birthday money!
11. First Birthday Plush Toys
While most of the first birthday gifts listed in this guide are not toys, we did want to include a toy option for those who have their hearts set on a toy gift. We chose this this First Birthday plush toy set for several reasons – it’s adorable, personalized and makes a great take along toy for the birthday boy or girl. This is also a great gift to give ahead of the celebration, so the child can get in the birthday mood ahead of the festivities!
12. Dry Erase Birthday Sign
Here’s another gift that will get plenty of use for many years to come. This personalized dry erase birthday sign can be filled in with the child’s personal details every year for a great photo prop and birthday party decor. You can customize the It’s My Birthday sign with any name and birthdate and then add in each year’s details with a dry erase marker. Genious!
First Birthday Gift Ideas For Girls
Some of the most popular first birthday gifts for girls include:
- Gund Flappy the elephant
- Rainbow ball pit
- Musical keyboard playmat
- Wooden name puzzles
- Water or sand table
- Ride on and push walker toy
- My first doctor toy set
- Bath toy set
- Wooden rainbow blocks
- Tipi or popup tent
First Birthday Gift Ideas For Boys
Here are some great options for first birthday gifts for boys:
- Baby balance bike
- Bubble lawn mower
- Wooden activity cubes
- Baby pool with splashpad
- Ride on car
- My first toolbox toy set
- Xylophone or other musical instrument for baby
- My first building blocks
- Crawling tunnels
- Wooden toy train
Share Your Favorite First Birthday Gift Ideas
What are some great first birthday gifts you have given or seen? Share your favorite ideas in the comments below.