Shopping for a one-year-old at Christmas can be surprisingly tricky.
At this age, they’re growing quickly, becoming more independent and discovering something new almost every day. While another toy might be exciting for five minutes, some of the best Christmas gifts for a 1-year-old are the practical things they’ll use throughout the Australian summer and well into the year ahead.
Whether you’re shopping for your own little one, a grandchild, niece, nephew or a special one-year-old in your life, we’ve put together Christmas gift ideas that are useful, fun and made for real family life.
1. Swimwear for an Australian Summer
Christmas in Australia means summer, which makes swimwear a particularly useful gift for a one-year-old.
A beautiful swimsuit can be used for Christmas holidays, trips to the beach, backyard pools, swimming lessons and family days by the water. Explore the Sarah Jane Collection swimwear for kids for summer-ready options.
2. Reusable Swim Nappies
For babies and toddlers who aren't toilet trained yet, a reusable swim nappy is one of those gifts parents might not immediately think to ask for, but will use again and again.
- Swimming lessons
- Beach days
- Pool holidays
- Water play
- Daycare swimming activities
Unlike everyday nappies, swim nappies are designed specifically for use in the water. A reusable option can be washed and used repeatedly, making it a practical alternative to continually purchasing disposable swim nappies.
3. Waterproof Wet Bags
A wet bag might not look like a traditional Christmas present, but ask a parent of a toddler and they'll tell you how useful one can be.
Waterproof wet bags are perfect for carrying wet swimmers, reusable swim nappies, daycare clothes, spare outfits, toileting accidents, messy clothes and beach essentials.
4. A Swimming Bundle
If you're looking for a more substantial Christmas present for a one-year-old, create a swimming bundle.
Combine essentials such as swimwear, a reusable swim nappy and waterproof wet bag so parents have everything they need for swimming lessons, holidays and summer adventures.
It's a particularly good option for grandparents or family members looking for a Christmas gift that feels special while still being genuinely useful.
Explore matching swim bundles.
5. Daycare Essentials for the Year Ahead
For many one-year-olds, the new year also means starting or returning to daycare.
That makes Christmas a great opportunity to give something they'll need a few weeks later.
- Waterproof wet bags
- Spare swimwear
- Reusable swim nappies
- Easy-to-pack essentials
- Bags for wet or dirty clothes
Parents have enough to organise before the first daycare drop-off. A useful head start can make a surprisingly thoughtful gift.
6. Practical Christmas Gifts for 1 Year Olds
Not every Christmas present needs to be a toy.
One-year-olds grow quickly, and parents often appreciate gifts that solve an everyday problem or replace something their child has outgrown.
When choosing a practical Christmas gift, look for something that suits what the child will be doing over the next six to twelve months.
- Swimming lessons
- Beach holidays
- Daycare
- Family travel
- Summer activities
- Toddler adventures
7. Non-Toy Christmas Gifts for 1 Year Olds
If their toy box is already overflowing, a non-toy Christmas gift can be a welcome alternative.
Rather than adding another toy, consider something connected to an experience. Swimwear can mean more family beach days. A reusable swim nappy can be used for their first swimming lessons. A wet bag can come along on holidays, daycare days and adventures.
Christmas Gifts for 1-Year-Old Girls and Boys
There doesn't need to be a completely different Christmas gift list for one-year-old girls and boys.
Instead, choose colours, prints and styles that suit the child and their family. A practical gift they'll genuinely use is far more important than whether it sits in a traditional "boy" or "girl" category.
What Do You Get a 1 Year Old for Christmas?
When you're deciding what to get a one-year-old for Christmas, consider three things:
Will they use it?
Look for something appropriate for their current stage or the next few months.
Will the parents appreciate it?
Useful gifts often become favourites because they make everyday family life easier.
Will it last beyond Christmas Day?
A present that can be used throughout summer, daycare or swimming lessons has value long after the wrapping paper disappears.
Christmas Gifts for Babies Under 1
Shopping for a baby who hasn't quite reached their first birthday?
You can use the same principle. Choose something they can grow into and use over the coming months rather than focusing only on what they need right now.
Swim and daycare essentials can be especially useful for babies approaching their first summer of swimming, holidays and family outings.
Make Their Christmas Gift Useful, Fun and Made for Summer
The best Christmas gifts for one-year-olds don't have to be the biggest present under the tree.
Sometimes it's the practical things that become the most-used.
For an Australian Christmas, swimming, beach and daycare essentials make thoughtful gifts that little ones can enjoy throughout summer and beyond.
Explore Sarah Jane Collection's swim nappies and wet bags to create a Christmas gift that's beautiful, practical and ready for their next adventure.
For more practical presents suited to this stage, explore our first birthday gift ideas for boys and girls and adapt the choice to the child's summer plans.