The Best First Birthday Gifts That Aren't Toys

With three kids, all of whom have a slew of friends, I’ve been buying up milestone birthday gifts like nobody’s business. It seems like there’s a birthday party (or ten) every weekend around these parts lately. I love coming up with creative and unique gift ideas for milestone birthdays. My favorite milestone birthday of them all is the first birthday.

My kids get enough toys for their birthdays, so I like to find non-toy gifts for them that they’ll actually love. Here are a few first birthday gifts I’ve purchased for my kids (and others!) that were truly loved and used to no end.

More First Birthday Ideas:

First Birthday Gifts That AREN'T Toys

Framed Personalized Word Art

Wellies Children's Custom Art, Minted - $29 and up

If you're looking for something super personal, Minted has a huge selection of customizable art prints for kids. As the birthday girl or boy starts to transition out of their nursery (and nursery decor), art that's more fitting for a big kid couldn't come at a more perfect time.

Photo: Minted
Number One Onesie

Lola & Darla Birthday Babe Onesie, $18

This sparkly, short sleeved bodysuit would make the perfect, festive first birthday gift. A lot of companies make numbered onesies, but I love the lettering and glam factor of this one from Lola & Darla, not to mention the tutu, slippers, and crown they've paired it with.

Photo: Lola & Darla
Personalized Storybook

I See Me! Personalized Books, $34,99

What kid doesn't love to see their name and read about themselves in a favorite book or adventure? I got this personalized book from I See Me! for my Calvin for his first birthday, and it is adorable and incorporates his whole name in a very educational and creative way. It makes such a great and affordable gift.

Photo: I See Me!
Personalized Memory Box

Paloma's Nest Memory Box, $78

I find that the grandparents often want to get a gift that is meaningful and personal. The memory box from Paloma's Nest is perfect. It is a beautiful heirloom that you can use to collect memories and treasures, like a snippet from baby's first haircut, your child's first tooth, their hospital bracelet, and anything you like over the years. I have one for both of my sons, and they are such a treasure.

Photo: Paloma's Nest
Handmade Native American Bracelet

Horsekeeping Navajo Handmade Bracelet, starting at $22

A sterling silver keepsake bracelet inlaid with turquoise, coral, and opal is a lovely gift idea for a first birthday. Though kiddos this young might not be that into jewelry, these delicate little bracelets from Horsekeeping are so beautiful, and something your child can always treasure.

Photo: Horsekeeping
First Birthday Crown

Opposite of Far Crown, $20

Personalize a crown with a name or number for a child's first birthday with one of these adorable crowns from one of my favorite makers, Opposite of Far. A crown also makes for some cute birthday photos if you put it on your little one for their cake smash.

Photo: Opposite of Far
Personalized Hoodie

Angel Dear Striped Customized Hoodie, $50

A personalized sweatshirt is a great first birthday gift for active (or messy!) kids that are on the go and in need of frequent wardrobe changes. Long after they have grown out of this cool little hoodie, they can put it on their favorite teddy bear as a reminder of their youth. I love this hoodie from Angel Dear because it's soft, super warm, and worthy of holding onto as a keepsake long after your kiddo grows out of it.

Photo: Mak a Boo
First Book of Names and Faces

Pinhole Press Big Book of Names and Faces, starting at $34.99

I love the idea of creating a book of important people and things in your little one's life, and Pinhole Press has the perfect option in their Big Book of Names and Faces. This is especially wonderful if you live far away from loved ones.

Photo: Pinhole Press
Growth Chart

Land of Nod Growth Chart, starting at $39

A personalized growth chart is the perfect first birthday gift because the little one is probably just starting to stand and maybe even walk. It is a great time to start charting yearly or bi-yearly measurements. Plus, they are so cute, right? There are so many gender neutral options as well.

Photo: The Land of Nod
Jazz for Kids

Jazz for Kids CD, $8.39

Music is a great first birthday gift that encourages movement, laughter, and creativity. Right around now, one year olds might be learning to stand or walk, and a good CD can help them get going. Jazz for Kids has some fantastic, hilarious songs from classic artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Prima, and Louis Armstrong.

Photo: Amazon
Stride Rite Captain America Light-Up Sneaker

Stride Rite Captain America Light-Up Sneaker, $32–$56.90

Hard to believe, but it's time to get your little one a pair of sturdy sneakers as they begin to take the world by storm. Though they won't really know sneakers are a gift, they'll appreciate something like these durable Stride Rite sneakers that light up, have fun Velcro, and come in lots of bright colors.

Photo: Amazon
OrnamentsInTheGreen Superhero Ornament

OrnamentsInTheGreen Personalized Superhero Ornament, $10.62

While a one year old won't understand the concept of a personalized ornament yet, this is a fun addition to a tree for the holidays, nonetheless. And it really won’t be long before they will be able to recognize their own name.

Photo: OrnamentsInTheGreen
Personalized Chair

Land of Nod Alphabet Chair, $78.97

A personalized chair is a wonderful gift for a little one on the go. Giving them somewhere soft and cozy to relax with a board book or a bottle of milk will be the perfect way for them to unwind throughout the day. This chair from The Land of Nod is frameless and perfect for smaller kids.

Photo: The Land of Nod