Choosing the right toy for your child isn’t just about fun, it's about supporting their growth, development and confidence at every stage. Whether you're shopping for toys for 6 month olds, looking for brain development toys for 1 year olds, or just need inspiring toy ideas for 1 year olds, this guide breaks it down for you age by age, need by need.
Let’s explore the best options, from soothing sensory toys for infants to creative sandbox toys and everything in between.
Toys for 0-6 Month Olds: Soothing, Sensing, Bonding
In the early months, babies are discovering the world through touch, sound and sight. The best toys for infants development focus on sensory stimulation, comfort, and movement.
Top picks include:
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Crib toys for infants that offer gentle lights or white noise
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Soft musical toys for infants that introduce rhythm and sound
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High-contrast mobile toys for infants that encourage eye tracking
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Safe sensory toys for infants with textures to explore and grip
At this stage, think simple and soothing. Riff Raff sleep toys double as sensory companions and sleep cues soft, safe and oh-so-snuggly. Just remember as per Red Nose Safe Sleep Guidelines that infants at this age should not have any lose items left in their sleep environment so ensure you use the safety strap on your Riff Raff to secure it to the outside of their crib.
Toys for 6 Month Olds: Grab, Shake, Explore
Once babies hit the 6-month mark, they’re starting to sit, reach and interact more intentionally. This is the time to introduce developmental toys for 6 month olds that encourage cause and effect, fine motor skills and sensory engagement.
Great toys for 6 month olds include:
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Sensory toys for 6 month old babies with crinkles, tags or soft mirrors
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Educational toys for 6 month old development, like textured rattles or fabric books
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Teething-friendly items that double as grip-strength toys
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High-contrast plush comforters to help with sleep routines
Toys for 1 Year Olds: Movement, Learning and Imagination
As babies become toddlers, play becomes more intentional and interactive. The best developmental toys for 1 year old kids support fine motor skills, language, and curiosity.
Top learning toys for 1yr old toddlers:
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Shape sorters and stackers
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Pull toys or soft push walkers
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Soft balls or large building blocks
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Musical toys for infants that introduce beat and sound control
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Simple puzzles and busy boards for 1 year olds
Need gifts for 1 year old girl Australia style? Go for playful, colourful, soft-sided items that encourage both sensory play and imagination and yes, our plush Riff Raff pals totally fit the brief.
Other popular toys 1yr old options include character storybooks, mirror toys, or interactive plush toys with gentle sound cues.
Preschoolers and Kindergarten Play
For older toddlers and young kids heading into kindy, toys get more social, skill-based and imaginative. The best toys for preschoolers and kindergarten toys list items support emotional expression, coordination and problem-solving.
Ideas include:
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Pretend play sets (kitchen, tools, doll houses)
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Sandbox toys for outdoor sensory play
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Simple board games for learning turn-taking
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Dress-ups and role-play costumes
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Building sets that develop spatial reasoning
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Open-ended toys that grow with them
These children's toy options help bridge the gap between learning and play- and keep curious minds engaged longer.
Teens and Toys? Still a Thing.
Yep, you read that right. Teens and toys still matter- they just look a little different. Think fidget gadgets, brain-teasers, arts and crafts kits or nostalgic items that let older kids decompress and express themselves creatively.
Play doesn't stop at preschool it just evolves.
Whether you're shopping for educational toys for a 6 month old, need a keepsake-quality baby bear comforter, or want developmental toys for 1 year old toddlers who are into everything there’s something magical about choosing the right toy for the right stage.
With the right balance of comfort, challenge and fun, toys can help kids feel seen, soothed and supported and that’s what we’re all about at Riff Raff Baby.