Gift ideas for children aged 1 to 2: playing, discovering and making memories

Between 1 and 2 years old, children make an enormous developmental leap: moving, talking, imitating, mirroring, testing boundaries… and above all: wondering at the world. Gifts for this age may certainly be playful, but should also support motor skills, language, creativity and connection.

Here are a few of our favourite gifts that bring real joy and real value.

1. Stapelstein – balance, movement and endless imagination

   Stapelstein is a wonderful gift for this age. Lightweight, durable, safe and endlessly multifunctional:

   Children use them as:
   - a step
   - a stool
   - a balance stone
   - a boat
   - a table
   - a sitting circle
   - a balance exercise
   - an imaginary pizza oven ;-)

   They stimulate gross motor skills, balance and imaginative play, and they are made with a focus on sustainability — which fits our values perfectly.

2. A wooden kitchen or cooking set
   Between 1 and 2 years old, children discover the magic of role play.
   They "cook like mummy", "stir the soup", "make tea for the cuddly toys". A small wooden cooking set or tea set gives so much rich play: language development, social play, imitation, imagination, cooperation, ... And what's more: no plastic, no noise, no flashing lights, no batteries. Just… play. :-)

3. Oh, Baby! Foaming Wash & Bubble Bath – bubbles, sensation and skin-friendly fun
   
   Around this age, bath time often turns into a real play session: fingers gliding over slippery bubbles, little hands kneading foam, small dolphins diving into the water. Our Oh, Baby! Foaming Wash and Bubble Bath are perfect for this: ultra-gentle on toddler skin, hypoallergenic, sulfate-free, dermatologically tested and mildly formulated for washing through play. By feeling, kneading, rubbing, gliding and patting, playing with foam stimulates:
   - sensory development (texture & touch)
   - fine motor skills
   - hand coordination
   - and above all: pure water fun

4. Sustainable toys from De Speelvogel

   If you like to give toys that are beautiful, timeless and consciously made, we are very happy to point you to De Speelvogel, a wonderful sustainable toy shop. There you will find wooden puzzles, nature-friendly materials, slow-play items and toys that don't shout — but invite discovery. A shop where children are not overstimulated, but challenged to explore.

5. Quoters – the little book for the most hilarious sayings

   Around their second birthday, children suddenly start producing gems of sayings. Sentences so disarming, unintentionally funny or poetic that you never want to forget them. Quoters is a beautifully designed little book in which parents can write those sayings down. I received one myself before the birth. From: "The sun is tired, it's going to bed now." to "I'm not naughty, I'm just splashy today."This is the kind of gift that isn't a toy, but a little box of memories. And the best part? When the child is older, you read it all back — and relive those small moments all over again.

Finally

Children aged 1–2 mostly need: movement, touch, imitation, imagination, connection, ... The loveliest gifts are invitations to play, energy, softness and memories.