1st Birthday Gifts

A great 1st birthday gift is something that combines sentiment with practicality. Parents love items that become keepsakes, like personalised mugs, wall clocks, or photo frames with the baby’s name and birthdate. At the same time, babies benefit from age-appropriate toys such as stacking blocks, soft books, or sensory play sets. A mix of something they can use now and something they can treasure later works best.

Grandparents often like to buy meaningful gifts that can last. Personalised keepsakes – such as a mug with the baby’s name, a star map showing the night they were born, or a framed print for the nursery – make wonderful options. Many grandparents also choose savings bonds, children’s jewellery, or heirloom-quality toys that can be kept for years.

Popular choices include:

• Personalised gifts 

• Ride-on toys for toddlers

• Building blocks and stacking rings

• Soft toys and comforters

• Photo keepsakes that celebrate the milestone

Personalised items are trending strongly right now because they feel unique and thoughtful, making them stand out from standard toys.

A mix of fun and practical works perfectly for nieces and nephews. A personalised wall clock or framed print makes a thoughtful keepsake for their nursery, while an interactive toy like a musical instrument or shape sorter gives them something to play with right away. You might also consider personalised storybooks that feature their name in the text, which parents love to read to them as they grow.

A meaningful 1st birthday gift is one that carries long-term value. For example, a personalised star map showing the exact night sky from the day they were born, or a ceramic mug with their name and date of birth, creates a keepsake that can be cherished for years. Other meaningful options include engraved jewellery, a time capsule box, or a personalised photo album.

There’s no set rule, but most people spend between £15 and £50. Close family members like grandparents or godparents may spend more, while friends often choose thoughtful but affordable personalised gifts. Remember, it’s the sentiment and thought behind the present that matters most, not the price tag.

Most parents appreciate gifts that are useful, sentimental, or help create memories. Practical items like clothes, keepsakes, or vouchers for baby classes are always appreciated. Parents also love photo-worthy personalised items such as a customised wall clock or a mug that celebrates the baby’s name and birthdate.

Not every gift has to be a toy. Instead, you could choose:

• Personalised keepsakes (baby vests, framed prints)

• Clothing or blankets with the baby’s name

• Books with a personalised dedication

• Savings accounts or bonds as a future investment

• Nursery décor such as prints, wall art, or clocks

These gifts often stand out because they last far beyond the early toddler years.

At Mama Makes, we offer a beautiful range of personalised gifts perfect for 1st birthdays – from wall clocks and ceramic mugs to nursery prints and keepsakes. Each piece can be customised with names, dates, or special messages, making your gift truly unique.