I’m not sure what the fascination is with unboxing videos, but I admit I get intrigued by watching people open their mail and packages too. We had a real problem to deal with, which was that Lincoln’s presents from his first birthday party (a HUGE party which is a Korean tradition called a “dohl”) were taking over our home and we had to tackle them while he napped. There was no way that we were going to deal with him being awake while we opened up boxes and wrangled with mountains of tissue paper.
So we took the opportunity during his afternoon nap to quickly set up our lights, get into place and film our own version of an “unboxing” video. We thought it was a good way to share with you some gift ideas to get a one-year-old (specifically a toddler boy) based on our reactions.
Since filming this video, Lincoln has played with some of his awesome new toys, and our predictions about how he would probably feel towards them are right on the money! It’s funny how much you know your own kid and can guess what he will like. So if you enjoy watching people open their presents like I do, or want some inspiration on what to get a one-year-old, grab a cup of coffee and watch our video while we unbox and chat! If you’re interested in any of these items to buy yourself, to make things easier for you, we listed most of the toys below.
LeapFrog Tad’s Get Ready for School Book
Lincoln loves flipping through the pages of his books and I know he’ll enjoy this one because of the lights and sounds. I love that the pages are durable, so they can keep up with his violent page turning, and you can’t go wrong with any LeapFrog educational toys! We currently have it stashed away for a time when he can get better use out of it…but that time will come soon!
FIND IT HERE: LeapFrog Tad’s Get Ready for School Book
Melissa & Doug Safari Wooden Chunky Puzzle
I thought Lincoln would be too young to enjoy a puzzle, but he’s been really into these Melissa and Doug ones. The Safari one is colorful and cute and the pictures behind the pieces make it easier for him to match them.
FIND IT HERE: Melissa & Doug Safari Wooden Chunky Puzzle
Melissa & Doug Construction Vehicles Wooden Chunky Puzzle
This puzzle is probably Lincoln’s current favorite because of the vehicle shapes. I find it to be cute because he will hold the pieces upright and move them around like actual toy cars! This one and the safari puzzle are currently always out on his play mat.
FIND IT HERE: Melissa & Doug Construction Vehicles Wooden Chunky Puzzle
Dinosaur Dance Board Book
We already owned this book, but it was Lincoln’s favorite since he was born! I have it memorized and end up singing it to him when he’s acting fussy and I need to distract him. I think there’s a good rhythm to the way the book is written and maybe it’s also because Lincoln is really into dancing! And honestly, you just can’t go wrong with Sandra Boynton books!
FIND IT HERE: Dinosaur Dance Board Book
Janod Kubix Number & Letter Wooden Blocks in Playmat
I don’t know what it is about toddlers, but they seem to really gravitate towards toys with a lot of little pieces. I love the design of these letter and number blocks and the fact that they come with their own playmat, which I’m hoping makes cleanup, storage, and travel more manageable. For now, I have them tucked away until I can trust that he won’t chew them up or throw them around everywhere!
FIND IT HERE: Janod Kubix Number & Letter Wooden Blocks in Playmat
Melissa & Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Clock
I have a mild obsession with Melissa & Doug wooden toys, so I was happy to receive this shape sorting clock. It can teach him shapes, time, and act as a puzzle at the same time. We are going to hold on to this one until we do start teaching him how to tell time. Yay for useful educational toys!
FIND IT HERE: Melissa & Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Clock
The Little Red Box of Bright and Early Books
I was so happy to receive this little cute bundle of Dr. Seuss books from the Bright and Early collection. We’re always reading to Lincoln before he goes down for the night and this will definitely be in our rotation. It will probably come in especially handy when he starts to learn how to read by himself! I think this is a great gift idea because it comes with FOUR books!
FIND IT HERE: The Little Red Box of Bright and Early Books
See Kai Run Stevie Li Gray Jersey Toddler Boat Shoe
I cannot rave enough about these shoes. At the time we filmed this video, we had no idea that these were award winning shoes and the only ones Lincoln would like wearing when he first began to walk! They’re super lightweight, sturdy, flexible, and soft. The velcro closures make them easy to slip on and I can tell he’s the happiest when we put these on his feet. They’re a great starter shoe and I highly recommend!
FIND IT HERE: See Kai Run Stevie Li Gray Jersey Toddler Boat Shoe
Shel Silverstein The Giving Tree Hardcover Book
We already owned this book, but it is a wonderful gift to receive because it’s a timeless classic. I also think it’s important for every kid to read this story about unconditional love and sacrifice. Having a hardcover version makes it feel more special, like it’s a keepsake. I’m saving it until Lincoln’s older so he doesn’t rip it up, and hopefully we can have it around for a long time.
FIND IT HERE: The Giving Tree Hardcover Book
Fisher-Price Tiny Garden Puzzle
The look of this cheerful puzzle is totally my aesthetic, especially because it involves food! This was one of the first puzzles Lincoln could master on his own because of the big chunky pieces and deep wells. It makes noise when you press the button and Lincoln feels proud every time he plays with it.
FIND IT HERE: Fisher-Price Tiny Garden Puzzle
VTech Drop & Go Dump Truck
I love Vtech toys because they usually involve music and flashing lights, which really gets our toddler’s attention. We haven’t opened this one out of the package yet because we already have a similar toy that’s shaped like a dinosaur that he loves, so we’re going to save this for when he’s bored of the dinosaur! My sister told me that little toddler boys especially love toys like these that involve motor skills like dropping the ball into the truck. I think Lincoln will love it just for the fact that it’s another truck!
FIND IT HERE: VTech Drop & Go Dump Truck
Set of 100 Ball Pit Balls
It might sound funny but when my friends asked what they could get Lincoln for a gift, I kept mentioning ball pit balls. Not only are they great for filling a ball pit (see below), but they can be used in various OT activities. I have Lincoln stack them into a muffin tin, fill a bucket, or play with them in the bath! They’re versatile, safe to throw around, and perfect for little toddler hands!
FIND IT HERE: Set of 100 Ball Pit Balls
Kiddey Ball Pit
My sister got us this ball pit for Christmas and we love pulling it out on days we’re stuck inside and Lincoln’s going stir crazy. It’s compact and collapsible so I usually keep it tucked away in a small cabinet. He hasn’t quite mastered the concept of it yet, but he does find it intriguing. The balls are sold separately, so make sure you get a lot of balls for this particular ball pit…it’s really huge! My sister also gave us a bag of 200 balls to go along with it and it definitely was not enough (hence the reason I kept requesting more ball pit balls from my friends)! I know when he gets a little older, it will help him to burn energy on a rainy day, or it will be a fun activity to do with friends.
FIND IT HERE: Kiddey Ball Pit
Lego Duplo Play Set
I was so excited to get this Lego duplo set for Lincoln because he’s so into Legos whenever I take him to the library, but those small pieces are too advanced for him. This Duplo size is perfect for toddler hands and Lincoln loves it! He still can’t quite build anything with it, but he does like stacking a few of the pieces together or knocking down towers that I build for him. It comes with one car base and he loves that thing so much. It comes in its own hard plastic case which I think is necessary for storage. I’m thinking of buying more!
FIND IT HERE: Lego Duplo Play Set
Little Tikes Shopping Cart
I was hoping someone would get us a shopping cart because pushing things on wheels is Lincoln’s absolute favorite activity to do. At first the cart was too tall for him, but now he pushes it around like a pro and it helps him to burn some energy indoors. I think when he gets a little taller, he will start utilizing the cart basket and have fun dropping in toy food in there (see below) and pretend he’s going grocery shopping with mommy!
FIND IT HERE: Little Tikes Shopping Cart
Plastic Play Food Cutting Set
This was another gift item I was hoping to receive. I requested play food for Lincoln and I love how detailed the fruits and veggies look like when you “cut them” in half. The plastic pieces are held together with strong velcro and don’t come apart too easily. I can’t find the exact set my friend gifted us with, so I found one that looks very similar to ours. Lincoln can’t master the whole cutting it with the included knife yet so he just likes to pull them apart using his hands and all his might. We have a play kitchen stored away and I can’t wait for him to play with both items together.
FIND IT HERE: Plastic Play Food Cutting Set
Remo Lollipop Drum
I could tell that Lincoln was really into music, so I requested rhythm sticks or a toy drum. This one is shaped like a lollipop and easy for toddler hands to hold. I taught him how to hit the drum with the stick once and he got it right away! I think he’ll learn to appreciate it more once he gets a little older and realizes he can make music with it.
FIND IT HERE: Remo Lollipop Drum
Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Water Table
I really wanted a water table for Lincoln knowing that the hot summer days were upon us. We have a small deck and I knew we could set it out there for him since he loves playing with the kitchen faucet! I was planning on using it this summer, but I think I’m going to wait until next summer at this point, when I feel like he can grasp the concept of all the functions of this water table better. It looks like a lot of fun and a great way to keep cool!
FIND IT HERE: Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Water Table
Step2 Whisper Ride Cruiser
My friend dragged this huge boxed package to Lincoln’s birthday party and told me to open it right away because he could use it now. She was right because he is really into cars and climbing in and out of this. It’s a nice alternative to enjoying the outdoors without being in a stroller. We tend to use this on our summer night walks. One PSA, I think it can get a little bumpy when riding on the sidewalk, so I think he prefers being on flat asphalt like the driveway better. Maybe when he’s older he’ll be able to tolerate the bumpy ride. But this car is super cute and pretty easy to maneuver. He looks adorable cruising in his new ride.
FIND IT HERE: Step2 Whisper Ride Cruiser
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