Fabulous first birthday gifts

Wow, where did that year go? Celebrate a stellar first birthday with expertly gathered gifts from Mastermind Toys. The authority on play in Canada, Mastermind Toys first opened their doors in 1984 and are known for their skillful curation of toys and books with a keen eye to the development of imagination, cognitive skills and expression at every stage of life. They’re firm believers that play is critical for development and offer a unique selection of top-shelf first birthday gifts that will foster further development in very fun ways. Because choices are hard, we tapped their in-house experts on the best toys for one-year-olds. Oh, and don’t forget to take advantage of the in-store free gift-wrapping. 

Baby Ride-On Bouncing Caterpillar

This adorable bug is ready to jump the sillies out. Constructed of durable, soft and easy-clean PVC, the bright blue caterpillar simply needs to be inflated with the included hand pump then it’s ready to jump and crawl. Fully pumped, little ones (up to 110 lbs) can plunk down and bounce around having a ball all while sharpening their motor skills in the process.

Mastermind Toys Baby Ride-On Bouncing Caterpillar, $35, mastermindtoys.com

Baby Wave Puzzle 8 Pieces

Great for assisting with hand-eye coordination and visual perception, we love a wooden puzzle in a wavy rainbow. Eight vibrant pieces can be nestled together or piled, creating a gravity-defying challenge. Plus, the smooth pieces won’t cause splinters. 

Mastermind Toys Baby Wave Puzzle 8 Pieces, $15, mastermindtoys.com

Musical Instrument 13pcs Set

What sound does an egg shaker make? What about handbells or maracas? How about a Glockenspiel when clanked with a wooden mallet? Budding composers can discover these sounds and more with a 13-piece wooden instrument set that also includes a tambourine, triangle and rhythm clapper. Grab the whole family and you’ve got yourself a tiny orchestra. 

Mastermind Toys Musical Instrument 13pcs Set, $60, mastermindtoys.com

3-in-1 Stacking Picture Blocks Game

From towering heights to tumbling tiles and pattern matching, there are three exciting games inside this box of animal-on-one-side and grocery-motif-on the other. Made from smooth, painted wood, kids can sort, stack, identify graphics like bananas and zebra print or enter a friendly match of dominoes, watching the wave of tiles topple over with just a tap. 

Mastermind Toys 3-in-1 Stacking Picture Blocks Game, $17, mastermindtoys.com

5" Pastel Rainbow Skill-Building Playground Ball

There’s a reason that the ball has been a universally loved toy for generations. This bouncy five-incher was designed to perfectly fit at tiny feet and into small palms. Pleasing in pastel hues of orange, purple, blue and pink, it’s a learning companion, teaching your tot to kick, roll, catch and toss. 

Mastermind Toys 5" Pastel Rainbow Skill-Building Playground Ball, $6, mastermindtoys.com

Pull Back Character Cars 4pk

Meep, meep, four cute car characters are ready to roll out the fun and imaginative play. Designed with animated, friendly features, babes can build dexterity by pulling each car backwards to wind ‘er up and watch it charge forward. 

Mastermind Toys Pull Back Character Cars 4pk, $33, mastermindtoys.com 

Shopping for a big kid? Find nine expertly picked birthday gifts for kids.

Throwing a party? Find easy loot bag ideas that kids love.