Best STEM Toys for 1 Year Olds: Educational and Fun

STEM toys are designed to encourage children to learn and explore the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and math. These toys can help build a strong foundation for future learning, and they can be an excellent way to introduce complex concepts to young children in a fun and engaging way. For one-year-olds, STEM toys can be especially beneficial as they are in a critical stage of development.

When choosing the best STEM toy for a one-year-old, there are several things to consider. First, the toy should be age-appropriate and safe for the child to use. It should also be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of a curious toddler. Additionally, the toy should be engaging and interactive, encouraging the child to explore and learn.

We spent hours researching and testing a variety of STEM toys for one-year-olds to identify the best options available. Our goal was to find toys that would provide a fun and educational experience for children while also meeting the needs of parents who want to encourage their child’s development. Here are our top picks for the best STEM toys for one-year-olds.

Best STEM Toys for 1 Year Olds

One way to help our little ones develop their cognitive, motor, and problem-solving skills is through play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best STEM toys for 1 year olds. These toys are not only fun and engaging, but they also promote learning and development in various areas, such as science, technology, engineering, and math. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best STEM toys for 1 year olds.

Goobi 20 Piece Construction Set

If you’re looking for a fun and educational toy for your 1 year old, the Goobi 20 Piece Construction Set is definitely worth considering. It’s a great way to encourage creativity, fine motor skills, and interaction while also serving as a valuable kit for a STEM learning curriculum.Pros

• The set includes 20 jumbo pieces in vibrant attractive colors that are sure to fascinate your little one.
• The bars (rods) and balls form incredibly strong connections, making it possible to build large scale structures.
• Complies with ASTM (USA) and EN71 (EU) toy safety standards, ensuring your child’s safety.

Cons

• The set may be a bit heavy for some 1 year olds to handle on their own.
• The magnets aren’t very strong, which may make it difficult to build certain structures.
• The set only comes with 20 pieces, which may not be enough for some kids who want to build larger structures.

We were impressed by the quality of the Goobi 20 Piece Construction Set. The pieces are made using the best material on the market such as ABS plastic, which makes them durable and long-lasting. We also appreciated the fact that the set comes with a satisfaction money-back guarantee, which gave us peace of mind when making our purchase.

Our 1 year old had a blast playing with the set and building all sorts of structures. We were amazed at how quickly she was able to figure out how to connect the pieces together. The vibrant colors and large size of the pieces also made it easy for her to grip and manipulate them.

The only downside we found was that the set may be a bit heavy for some 1 year olds to handle on their own. We also noticed that the magnets aren’t very strong, which may make it difficult to build certain structures. Finally, the set only comes with 20 pieces, which may not be enough for some kids who want to build larger structures.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Goobi 20 Piece Construction Set to parents who are looking for a fun and educational toy for their 1 year old. It’s a great way to encourage creativity and fine motor skills while also providing a valuable kit for a STEM learning curriculum.

Sensory Stacking Blocks Baby Toys

We highly recommend the hahaland Stacking Sensory Toys for toddlers. It’s a great way to promote your child’s development in a fun and engaging way.Pros

• The hahaland baby stacking sensory toys are made of eco-friendly and non-toxic plastic and PVC material, making them safe and durable for your child to play with. They are easy for small hands to grab and play with, with polished smooth edges and burr-free design.
• With vibrant, rainbow-colored, and different shapes, these stacking toys are perfect for babies aged 12-18 months to build early awareness of size and space geometry. A toddler can develop their sense of touch and vision by touching and observing these blocks of different sizes and textures. Bright color matching promotes visual development and color cognition.
• The soft stacking toys are designed as learning toys to help kids develop fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, logical thinking skills, balance skills, hand-eye coordination, and also arouse their creativity and imagination. Kids can build according to their own ideas, making it a great baby and toddler stacking block learning toy and preschool learning activity. Perfect gifts for boys and girls on special days.

Cons

• The stacking toys require cleaning before use, which can be a bit of a hassle.
• The rattle toys included in the set are a bit small and may pose a choking hazard if not monitored closely.
• The blocks are not very large, which may limit the creativity of older children.

Overall, the hahaland Stacking Sensory Toys are a great investment for parents looking for educational toys that are both fun and engaging for their little ones. The toys are durable, safe, and will provide hours of entertainment for your child.

WOODMAM Montessori Toys for 1 Year Old, 8 in 1 Wooden Activity Cube

We highly recommend the WOODMAM Montessori Toys for 1 Year Old, 8 in 1 Wooden Activity Cube. This toy is an excellent choice for parents looking for an engaging and educational toy for their little ones. With its eight different games in one, it’s an excellent way to keep your baby occupied and entertained while actually learning things.Pros

• The wooden activity center is made of natural rubber solid wood, non-toxic water-based paint, and has passed the highest toy safety standards.
• The learning cube is designed to build kids’ sensory, improve color, shape and fruit recognition, promote hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, number counting, language development, as well as encourage audio recognition and musical development.
• The top and the bottom of the bead cube are detached, so you can flip over the bead maze and place it on the box to teach kids the clock or save space for easy storage. It makes this toddler toy easily portable and excellent for toddlers as a travel toy.

Cons

• The product is smaller than expected for the price, but it’s still a decent toy.
• It might have some sanitation issues if used in a daycare environment.
• Some users have reported that the xylophone is not very loud.

The WOODMAM Montessori Toys for 1 Year Old, 8 in 1 Wooden Activity Cube is a great way to keep your little one entertained and educated. The toy is well-made, sturdy, and packed with different activities to stimulate your child’s mind. It’s an awesome gift idea, best for your little one on birthday, Children’s Day, Christmas, New Year, and other festivals. This toy is perfect for parents who want to give their child a head start in learning while still having fun.

The compact and versatile design of this toy makes it easy to take with you on the go, so your child can enjoy it wherever you go. The product comes nicely gift packaged and can be gifted in the box it comes with. The WOODMAM Montessori Toys for 1 Year Old, 8 in 1 Wooden Activity Cube is an excellent choice for parents who want to give their child a toy that is both educational and fun.

The WOODMAM Montessori Toys for 1 Year Old, 8 in 1 Wooden Activity Cube is a great investment for parents who want to give their child a toy that will stimulate their mind and help them learn. It’s a perfect toy for parents who want to give their child a head start in learning while still having fun. We highly recommend this toy to parents who want to give their child the best possible start in life.

Duchong 6-in-1 Wooden Activity Cube

We highly recommend the Duchong 6-in-1 Wooden Activity Cube for parents looking for a fun and educational toy for their 1-year-old. This STEM toy promotes learning in a variety of ways and is built to last.Pros

• The activity cube combines 6 different activities in one toy, providing a variety of ways for your child to play and learn.
• The STEM educational toy promotes science, technology, engineering, and maths in an interactive way, helping your child develop important skills.
• The activity cube is made of lightweight natural wood covered with non-toxic water paint, ensuring your child’s safety while they play.

Cons

• The size of the activity cube may be a bit too large for some families’ living spaces.
• The price point is a bit higher than some other toys on the market, but the quality of the toy justifies the cost.
• The toy may not hold your child’s attention for extended periods of time, as they may quickly move on to other activities.

The Duchong 6-in-1 Wooden Activity Cube is a great toy for parents who want to promote learning and development in their 1-year-old. The variety of activities and educational benefits make it a great investment for families. The safety of the toy is also a major plus, as parents can feel confident that their child is playing with a safe and non-toxic toy.

While the size of the activity cube may be a bit large for some living spaces, it is still a great investment for families who want to encourage their child’s development. Additionally, while the price point may be a bit higher than some other toys on the market, the quality of the toy justifies the cost.

Overall, we highly recommend the Duchong 6-in-1 Wooden Activity Cube for parents looking for a fun and educational toy for their 1-year-old. It’s a perfect gift for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

BigShu Wooden Shape Sorting Puzzle

We highly recommend the BigShu Wooden Shape Sorting Puzzle for parents looking for a fun and educational toy for their 1-year-old. This toy is perfect for helping toddlers learn about different shapes and colors while developing their hand-eye coordination and creative thinking skills.Pros

• Sturdy and colorful wooden blocks that are easy for little hands to grasp
• Montessori-inspired 2D-to-3D stacking feature provides lots of fun ways to play and learn
• Safe for toddlers with smooth edges and non-toxic paint

Cons

• May be too challenging for some 1-year-olds to stack 2D shapes into 3D toys
• Some pieces may be too small for children who still put toys in their mouths
• Not as many puzzle options as some other shape sorting toys on the market

The BigShu Wooden Shape Sorting Puzzle is a great activity toy for toddlers to play with on their own or with a parent. It’s also a wonderful sensory toy for 1-3 year olds to explore and discover new shapes and colors. We love that this toy is both fun and educational, making it a great gift for birthdays, Halloween, and Christmas.

Overall, we believe that the BigShu Wooden Shape Sorting Puzzle is a smart investment for parents who want to provide their little ones with a quality, safe, and stimulating toy that will help them learn and grow.

PEBIRA Wooden Sorting & Stacking Puzzle

We highly recommend the PEBIRA Wooden Sorting & Stacking Puzzle for parents looking for a fun and educational toy for their 1-year-old. Pros

• The variety of colors and shapes help build early shape, color, and size differentiation skills in babies.
• It’s a great way for children to learn colors, shapes, and numbers through sorting by shape, color, or the number of holes for pegs.
• The wooden puzzle is perfectly sized for toddlers’ hands and is a great choice as travel toys.

Cons

• Some pegs may fall out easily.
• It may break easily if dropped frequently.
• It may not hold the attention of older toddlers for very long.

The PEBIRA Wooden Sorting & Stacking Puzzle is a great toy for parents who want to encourage their child’s learning while they play. It’s made of 100% non-toxic wood with water-based paint, so it’s child-safe, as well as eco-friendly. The edges of the Stacking Geometric Board are smooth and won’t hurt the baby’s skin, making it safe for little hands to play with. The bright colors, different geometric shapes, and engaging design will keep your child entertained and learning for hours.

Overall, we think this is a great toy for parents looking to encourage their child’s learning and development in a fun and engaging way. It’s a perfect gift for 2-3-year-olds, and we highly recommend it.

Litand Soft Stacking Blocks for Baby Montessori Sensory Infant Bath Toys for Toddlee Toddlers Babies 6 9 Month 1 2 Year Old

If you’re looking for a fun and educational toy for your 1-year-old, the Litand Soft Stacking Blocks are a great option. These Montessori-inspired blocks offer a variety of tactile and visual experiences that will help your little one develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.Pros

• These blocks are soft and durable, making them easy for little hands to grasp and squeeze. They even make a fun squeaking sound!
• The set includes 12 blocks with different animal, shape, fruit, and number designs, providing plenty of opportunities for learning and exploration.
• These blocks are not only great for stacking and building, but also for counting, matching, and balancing.

Cons

• While the blocks are soft and safe for babies, they may not be as challenging for older toddlers who are more advanced in their motor skills.
• The blocks cannot be submerged in water for cleaning, which may make them less suitable for use as bath toys.
• Some reviewers have noted that the blocks can be difficult to stack properly, especially for younger babies.

The Litand Soft Stacking Blocks are a versatile and engaging toy that will provide hours of fun and learning for your little one. Whether your child is just starting to explore the world around them or is already on their way to becoming a master builder, these blocks are sure to be a hit.

So if you’re looking for a great STEM toy for your 1-year-old, be sure to check out the Litand Soft Stacking Blocks!

KMTJT Dinosaur Sorting and Stacking Toys

We highly recommend the KMTJT Dinosaur Sorting and Stacking Toys for parents looking for a fun and educational toy for their 1 year old.Pros

• The bright colors and dinosaur theme are engaging for young children.
• The nesting and stacking features help develop problem-solving skills.
• The toy is made of environmentally friendly materials and non-toxic paints.

Cons

• The boxes are made of cardboard and may not be as durable as other materials.
• The toy requires adult supervision to ensure safe play.
• The price point may be higher than some other stacking toys on the market.

The KMTJT Dinosaur Sorting and Stacking Toys are a great way to introduce your child to STEM learning while also encouraging creativity and imagination. The nesting and stacking features allow children to learn about sizes, weight, numbers, counting, colors, and dinosaurs all while having fun. The toy is also made of environmentally friendly materials and non-toxic paints, making it a safe option for parents.

While the boxes are made of cardboard and may not be as durable as other materials, they are still sturdy enough for everyday play. It is important to note that adult supervision is required to ensure safe play, especially for younger children. Additionally, the price point may be higher than some other stacking toys on the market, but the educational value and quality of the toy make it worth the investment.

Overall, we believe the KMTJT Dinosaur Sorting and Stacking Toys are a great choice for parents looking for a fun and educational toy for their 1 year old. The bright colors, engaging theme, and nesting and stacking features make it a toy that your child will enjoy playing with for hours on end.

Exorany Busy Board

If you’re looking for a fun and educational toy for your 1 year old, the Exorany Busy Board is definitely worth considering. This Montessori-inspired toy is designed to help toddlers learn while they play, and it’s packed with features that will keep them engaged and entertained for hours.Pros

• The Exorany Busy Board is made from high-quality materials that are safe, durable, and designed to last.
• This toy is lightweight and portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go. It’s perfect for long car rides or airplane trips.
• The Exorany Busy Board is a great way to introduce your child to the world of Montessori learning. It’s a fun and engaging way to help them develop important skills like problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and more.

Cons

• The Exorany Busy Board may be a bit too challenging for some 1 year olds. It’s designed for children aged 3 and up, so younger kids may struggle with some of the more advanced features.
• While the Exorany Busy Board is relatively affordable, it’s still a bit more expensive than some other toys on the market.
• Some parents may find that the Exorany Busy Board is a bit too bulky to carry around with them on a daily basis.

The Exorany Busy Board is a great toy for any 1 year old who loves to learn and play. With its fun and engaging features, this toy is sure to keep your child entertained for hours on end. Whether you’re looking for a toy to take on long car rides or just something to keep your little one busy at home, the Exorany Busy Board is definitely worth considering.

Overall, we think that the Exorany Busy Board is a great investment for any parent who wants to give their child a fun and educational toy that will help them develop important skills. So if you’re looking for a toy that your child will love, be sure to check out the Exorany Busy Board today!

6 in 1 Wooden Montessori Toys for 1 Year Old Whack a Mole Game Hammering Pounding Toy with Xylophone Carrot Harvest Game Learning Developmental Toys Toddler Activities Gift Ages 1 2 3 4 6-in-1 Green

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive, and educational toy for your 1 year old, then the 6 in 1 Wooden Montessori Toy Set by Amtreen is a great choice. Pros

• Offers 6 different games in one toy, keeping your little one entertained for hours.
• Made with natural wood and polished with a multi-layer process, ensuring safety and durability.
• Helps develop various skills such as eye-hand coordination, fine motor skills, logical thinking, musical perception, and social skills.

Cons

• The worms in the magnetic woodpecker game can get stuck inside and be difficult to remove.
• The hammer may not be suitable for younger children due to its size.
• The toy can be a bit noisy, which may bother some parents.

The Amtreen Montessori Toy Set is not only a fun toy for your little one, but it’s also a great tool for parents to spend quality time with their child and participate in their growth. The toy is perfect for all occasions, such as birthdays, Christmas, and other holidays. Its bright colors and abundant accessories are sure to attract your child’s attention and stimulate their perception of color.

The whack-a-mole game is perfect for exercising your child’s eye-hand coordination, while the magnetic woodpecker game helps develop fine motor skills and quick reaction. The xylophone playing game is a great way to introduce your child to music and develop their musical perception, and the carrot harvest game is perfect for teaching your child number and time cognition. Additionally, the gear rotation game helps your child develop logical thinking skills.

The Amtreen Montessori Toy Set is made with natural wood and polished with a multi-layer process, ensuring safety and durability. The toy is odorless and has smooth edges, making it well-protected for your child to play with. The set also comes with two hammers and mallets, which can be shared to help improve your child’s social skills.

Overall, the Amtreen Montessori Toy Set is an awesome gift for 1 year old boys and girls. It’s a perfect choice as a learning toy for your child’s development, and it’s sure to be appreciated by both toddlers and parents alike.

Buying Guide

Choosing the best STEM toy for a 1-year-old can be a challenging task. With so many options available in the market, it’s important to consider a few factors before making a purchase. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Age Appropriateness

Make sure the toy is age-appropriate for your child. Toys that are too advanced may be frustrating and discouraging for a 1-year-old. Look for toys that are designed specifically for this age group and are easy to use.

Material and Durability

Since 1-year-olds tend to put everything in their mouths, it’s important to choose toys that are made of safe and durable materials. Avoid toys with small parts that can be a choking hazard. Choose toys made of non-toxic materials that can withstand rough play and frequent use.

Learning Opportunities

STEM toys should offer opportunities for your child to learn and explore. Look for toys that encourage problem-solving, creativity, and imagination. Toys that help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination are also great choices.

Interactive Features

1-year-olds love toys that make noise, light up, or move. Look for toys that have interactive features to keep your child engaged and entertained. Toys that respond to your child’s actions, such as buttons that make sounds or lights, are great for stimulating their curiosity and sense of cause and effect.

Price

STEM toys can vary in price, so it’s important to consider your budget before making a purchase. While more expensive toys may have more features, there are plenty of affordable options that offer great learning opportunities for your child.