When I think about Christmas morning, I picture the joy of watching little hands dig into their stocking and discover tiny treasures. This year, I get to experience that magic with my one year old and I couldn’t be more excited.
But here’s the thing, finding stocking stuffer ideas for a one year old isn’t always easy. You want items that are safe, useful, and fun without being “junk” that ends up tossed aside. That’s why I’ve put together this list of mom-approved stocking stuffers for baby’s first Christmas. These are practical, affordable, and things your little one will actually use and love.
Whether you’re shopping for your own baby or looking for a gift idea for a niece, nephew, or grandchild, this guide will help you find the best stocking stuffers for one year olds that make Christmas morning extra special.
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If you’re short on time, here’s a quick breakdown of the best stocking stuffer ideas for one year olds:
- Bath toys
- Feeding essentials
- Travel + on-the-go toys
- Montessori + learning toys
- Music + entertainment
What to Look for in Stocking Stuffers for One Year Olds
Before we dive into the list, here are a few things I look for when choosing stocking stuffers:
- Safe + Non-Toxic Materials → BPA-free, silicone, or wood.
- Practical + Useful → Items that make daily life easier (feeding gear, socks, etc.).
- Developmental Play Value → Toys that encourage fine motor skills and learning.
- Small & Affordable → Perfect for slipping into a stocking without breaking the bank.
Mom-Approved Stocking Stuffer Ideas for One Year Olds
1. Bath Toys
Bath time is always such a hit at this age, and stocking stuffers are the perfect excuse to refresh your bath toy stash. I try to keep bath toys simple, easy to clean, and fun for both baby and mom.
Stackable bath boats – We have these and my baby is obsessed. He loves pouring water from one to another and stacking them up, it keeps him busy way longer than I’d expect.
Pour and Play Bath Toy Set – This pour-and-play set looks like so much fun. I love that it encourages scooping, pouring, and splashing, all the things babies naturally love doing in the tub.
Silicone Suction Builder Toy – Endless entertainment. These suction toys stick to the sides of the tub, the wall, or even highchairs. They’re great for sensory play and so easy to rinse clean.
Silicone bathtime storage bin – I had to include this because bath toys multiply overnight, right? This silicone bin is perfect for keeping everything organized. I love that it has holes in the bottom so the toys actually dry and don’t get gross over time.
New mom? You might also love my Postpartum Essentials List
2. Feeding Essentials
One year olds are right in the middle of their food exploration era, and I love adding small mealtime items to their stocking. It’s practical, affordable, and makes everyday feeding just a little more fun.
- Stainless steel snack cups – We have these and use them daily. They’re sturdy, easy to clean, and perfect for car snacks or throwing in the diaper bag.
- Silicone baby food pouches – These are genius! You can swap out the top for a straw or spoon attachment depending on what you’re serving. So much better (and cuter) than the store-bought disposable ones.
- Disposable baby bibs(pack of 25) – A must for restaurants. I love these because you can just toss them after and not deal with a messy bib in your bag.
- Restaurant Essentials Kit for Baby (with food scissors) – Okay, this one is genius. A silicone placemat, suction bowl, and baby food scissors! Perfect for cutting up food on the go. I’m literally ordering this right now.
- Silicone Teethers – These are perfect for teething babies. I love putting frozen fruit (like mango) inside. It soothes their gums and doubles as a little treat.
3. Travel + On-the-Go Toys
If you’re traveling for the holidays, these are lifesavers. I keep a small stash of “car toys” and “restaurant toys” just for when we’re out, it makes outings so much smoother.
Mushie Paint Palette Press Toy – We throw this one in our diaper bag all the time. It’s small, quiet, and perfect for keeping baby’s hands busy at a restaurant.
Farmhouse busy book – Perfect for road trips or airplane travel. It’s full of zippers, buttons, and textures, so good for fine motor skills.
Busy sensory cube – We keep this in the car at all times. It’s the perfect Montessori-style toy that doesn’t take up much space but keeps little hands occupied.
Giraffe pop tube sensory toys – These are so fun for road trips! They stick to windows or tables!
My first Activity Book (Melissa & Doug) – A total classic. Lots of textures and flaps to lift. It’s simple but keeps them entertained every single time.
Touch Light Musical Sensory Toy – A mess-free drawing pad? Yes, please. They can “draw” with their fingers, no markers or crayons needed – which makes it perfect for travel.
4. Montessori toys for Baby
If you’re into Montessori-style play, these are amazing stocking stuffer options that support learning through exploration.
Wooden Color Sorting Sticks – My mom bought this for our baby when he was about 9 months and he will literally sit and play with this for 20+ minutes. Can’t recommend it enough!
Magnetic Building Blocks – These are on our Christmas list! They’re easy to stack and build with, and I already know he’ll be obsessed. Plus, they grow with your child for years.
Montessori Pull String Travel Toy – We’ve had this for a full year now and it’s still going strong. It’s compact, durable, and great for teething and sensory play.
Safari Animal Toys (Color Matching & Counting Skills) – These are adorable. I love that they mix fun play with learning colors and counting.
Coin Box – A classic Montessori favorite. Perfect for hand-eye coordination and that satisfying “put it in, take it out” stage.
If you love Montessori-style toys and play ideas, check out my full post on Montessori Toys for One Year Olds. I share the best Montessori toys and what’s actually worth buying!
5. Music + Entertainment
A few small music toys can make great stocking stuffers, especially ones that don’t make you want to pull your hair out (ha!).
Pop apart animal farm animals – These are so fun! My son loves pulling them apart and putting them back together. It’s great for fine motor skills and imaginative play.
Xylophone & Fishing Game toy – Okay, hear me out… music toys can be a lot, but a xylophone is one I can handle. It’s actually kind of soothing, and this one doubles as a little fishing game too.
Toy Silicone Remote – This one’s a favorite in our house. My baby loves to chew on it and swing it around by the attached string. It’s simple but always a hit.
Wooden race car ramp – This is such a fun, timeless toy. The cars zoom down the track, and it’s surprisingly mesmerizing (for both of us).
Pull Back Cars – These are a classic and perfect for a stocking. They’re small, easy to grip, and toddlers love watching them zoom across the floor.
FAQs: Stocking Stuffers for One Year Olds
I like to fill my baby’s stocking with a mix of practical and fun things. Think snack cups, teethers, bath toys, socks, and board books. Basically, small items they’ll actually use (and that won’t take up too much space). I skip anything with tiny parts or anything too sugary since it’s still baby’s first Christmas!
My favorite non-toy ideas are the practical ones: socks, beanies, bibs, snack containers, or even a soft baby toothbrush. I also love including something cozy like pajamas or a lovey to make it feel a little more special.
I use a regular-sized stocking, about 18–20 inches and it’s perfect. You’d be surprised how quickly it fills up with small toys and essentials. If you go smaller, you can always wrap a few extras separately under the tree.
I usually start collecting small things in early November and keep them in a basket so I can add as I go. That way I’m not scrambling at the last minute and can take advantage of early sales and shipping times.
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