playskool ball popper

Choosing baby toys from the millions available can be tough. This quick list of fun baby toys will help you choose birthday and holiday gifts for one-year-olds. Babies of this age are always on the go, and they're on the cusp of becoming full-fledged toddlers. The following toys allow babies to get out some of their extra energy or develop some new skills, such as imaginative play. No matter which skill they're developing with these toys, the learning will be fun!

Busy Ball Popper from Playskool

The Busy Ball Popper from Playskool is one of the most fun toys that I've seen for baby. Once balls are placed on the track, they roll down and then are popped back up from the top with lots of music and silly sound effects. Aside from the entertainment it provides, it also teaches baby basic skills of picking up and grasping. I included this wonderful toy in the Educational Baby Toys list because it provides an excellent educational experience for babies, strengthening their hand-eye co-ordination, in addition to keeping baby happily occupied. Great for ages 9 months and up.

Dwell Finger Puppets
Photo courtesy of Pricegrabber.com. Used with permission.
At age 1, toddlers are beginning to use their imaginations quite well. Finger puppets allow you to interact with your little one, and it lets them get in on the story time fun, as well. These modern finger puppets from Dwell will give you and your toddler plenty of creative options for making up stories together. A moose, raccoon, bunny, bear and owl are included in the set.

Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug Ride-On Toys
Prince Lionheart. Used with permission.
Wheely Bugs are a fun update to the classic ride-on toy for babies and toddlers. Available in ladybug, cow or bee patterns, these ride-ons have swivel wheels that allow baby to move back and forth, side to side, or any which way. The soft seat is comfortable and easy to wipe clean if necessary. The padded handlebar is nice, too. The toddlers who tested this toy for me were instantly in love with the Wheely Bug. It's a sturdy and entertaining toy that should last for several years. The small size is best for smaller toddlers. A larger size is available for ages 3 and up.

Kettler Junior Tricycle with Pushbar
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A tricycle that can grow with a toddler is a great choice for a gift. Kettler tricycles are well-built and are made to turn only to certain angles so they don't tip over like the trikes you may remember from your youth. The molded seat is comfy for toddlers, and the removable pushbar that comes with this version of the Kettler Junior Tricycle allows a parent to help push the child along when necessary. This also allows younger kids to start using the tricycle sooner, and a parent can help while they learn to pedal.

Educational Baby Toys for Babies and Infants:

Fisher-Price Little People Animal Sounds Farm
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Fisher-Price has updated this classic baby toy to include battery-operated sounds that babies will love. The set includes the familiar barn and several animal pals, as well as a farmer figurine. Babies will enjoy practicing their animal sounds and exploring life on the farm with this fun activity set. The whole barn closes up, housing all of the accessories inside, so you can easily store it when play time is over.

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