12 Months & Baby Toys

Wooden toys tend to be heavier and more satisfying to handle, which supports grip development and fine motor skills in one-year-olds. They do not flex or crack into sharp edges the way thin plastic can, and they do not rely on batteries. Many parents find wooden toys hold a child's attention longer because the play is open-ended rather than screen-led.

Check that the toy uses non-toxic, child-safe paint or natural wood finishes with no loose small parts that could detach. Joints and dowels should be firmly fixed. Look for toys that meet EN71, the European toy safety standard applicable in the UK. Jaques of London uses child-safe finishes across its wooden baby range and designs pieces with age-appropriate part sizes in mind.

Wipe wooden toys with a damp cloth and a mild soap solution, then dry them immediately. Never soak or put them in a dishwasher, as prolonged moisture causes wood to warp and joints to loosen. If the surface looks dry over time, a very light rub with natural beeswax polish restores it. Avoid leaving wooden toys in direct sunlight for long periods to prevent colour fade.

At 12 months, babies are pulling themselves upright, banging objects together, and beginning to sort shapes. Simple stackers, chunky shape sorters, push-along toys, and basic puzzles with large knobbed pieces all match this developmental stage well. Avoid toys with small beads or thin rods at this age. The key is pieces large enough to grasp confidently with a whole hand.

They make a very practical gift because they are built to last well beyond babyhood and can be passed to younger siblings or stored as keepsakes. A toy from a maker established in 1795 also carries a story worth giving. If you are buying for someone else's child, a classic stacker or shape sorter suits a wide range of 12-month-plus babies without needing to know exact interests.

Between 12 and 24 months, children learn primarily through touch, repetition, and cause and effect. Wooden learning toys that stack, slot, roll, or make sounds when struck give immediate physical feedback, which reinforces learning more directly than a screen does. Sorting shapes builds early problem-solving. Pushing or pulling toys builds coordination and confidence in new walkers. The simplicity of the toy puts the child, not the object, in control.

Yes, provided they are well made from solid wood rather than MDF or veneered board, and finished with durable non-toxic paint or lacquer. Jaques of London has made toys intended to outlast a single childhood since 1795, and many families do keep them across generations. A simple stacker or shape sorter that survives three children and still looks presentable is genuinely better value than a cheaper toy replaced every year.