5 Last-Minute Christmas Gifts My 12+ Month Old Actually Loves 🎁

If you're shopping for a toddler, you already know this: they don't need more stuff — they need toys that actually hold their attention, work with their little hands, and grow with them.

My daughter is just over a year old, and these are five things she genuinely reaches for, plays with daily, and keeps coming back to. They're simple, engaging, and perfect if you're still scrambling for last-minute Christmas gifts for toddlers 12 months and up.

I've included direct links to these items below!

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1. A Fidget / Busy Cube Toy

This was one of those toys I didn't expect her to love as much as she does. The buttons, switches, and little moving pieces keep her hands busy without overstimulating her. She'll sit quietly and explore it — flipping things on and off, pushing, turning, and figuring it out in her own way.

I also love that it's screen-free and easy to toss into a diaper bag for errands or travel.

👉 Shop Fidget Cube on Amazon

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2. SmartMax Magnetic Trucks

These have been such a hit in our house. The magnetic pieces are easy for her to pull apart and snap back together, which is perfect for her age and fine motor development. She loves pushing the trucks around, taking them apart, and putting them back together over and over again.

They feel sturdy, safe, and open-ended — not a "one right way" toy — which means she stays interested longer.

👉 Shop SmartMax Trucks on Amazon

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3. Books (You Truly Can't Go Wrong)

We read every single day, and books are still one of her favorite things. She'll flip pages, point at pictures, and sometimes just sit in my lap and listen — which is honestly one of my favorite parts of the day.

Board books are especially great at this age because they can handle being chewed, dropped, and loved hard. They're also such an easy last-minute gift that never feels like a filler.

My favorite books are from the "My Little" series. They have fun rhymes and cute illustrations with a little something for everyone. The Christmas themed books are some of the best!

👉 Christmas Bug 👉 Christmas Miracle 👉 Christmas Cookie

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4. Little People Travel Sets

These are perfect for toddlers who are just starting imaginative play. The figures are easy for little hands to grab, and my daughter loves moving them around, taking them in and out, and carrying them from room to room.

The carrying case is a huge bonus — easy cleanup and great for taking along to grandparents' houses or appointments. It's a great way to bring more without really doing so or make toy rotations easier.

👉 Woodland Animals 👉 Disney Frozen

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5. Montessori-Style Instruments

Simple musical toys have been such a fun way for her to explore sound and movement. Whether it's shaking, tapping, or banging (because… toddler 😅), she loves experimenting with different noises.

I really appreciate Montessori-style instruments because they're simple, intentional, and not flashy — they invite exploration without overstimulation.

👉 Shop Instruments on Amazon

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Why I Love These as Toddler Gifts

• They're age-appropriate but not boring
• They encourage independent play
• They support development without feeling "educational"
• And most importantly — my daughter actually uses them

If you're shopping last minute and feeling overwhelmed, these are all gifts I'd confidently recommend to another mom — because they're already loved in our home.

Love & Lattes,
Kris