Collection: - 1 To 2 Years Old

"Your baby is fascinated by cause-and-effect and will enjoy any toy that responds to their actions and makes use of their newly acquired motor skills," says Robin Goodman, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist based in New York City. Little ones will love toys that allow them to hit a ball with a hammer or those that cause music to play or characters to pop up.

Some high-tech toys aimed at this age will name a letter, shape, or number whenever a baby presses a button. At this age, your baby is still too young to learn their ABCs, but they'll enjoy interacting with such toys and being exposed to language.

Top toys for 1-year-olds

• Stacking rings
• Nesting cups or boxes
• Push- or pull-toys that make noise or have pieces that pop up or move
• Hammering sets that let kids pound pegs or balls through holes
• Simple, sturdy musical instruments such as tambourines, drums, or maracas
• Shape sorters
• Play vehicles such as a school bus or a fire engine, and plastic people that ride in them
• Puzzles with four or five pieces
• Rubber ducks or toy boats