Journal / lists

Orlagh O'Reilly, effortlessly stylish creative director, brand consultant and creator of The Mini Post (a blog about cool finds for modern families) shares her favourite gifts for two year olds...

So you've been invited to a first birthday party (awww) but what should you get the lucky birthday boy or girl? Remember, the little ones won't actually have a clue what's going on at this point, but here's a rundown of our 10 favourite gifts that the parents and the babe will love, long after the party is over.  These are all tried and tested on the Scout & Co kids (like everything on our site!)

1. The Noisy Book by Soledad Bravi, £9.99

A real fave, this one. Each spread features a bold illustration and a caption of the sound that goes with it. E.g. "firecracker goes boom", "donkey goes hee-haw", "monkey goes oo-oo"… It's brilliant fun to read aloud. My youngest (currently 13 months) loves it and we can even read it together with my nearly 4 year old, who loves to "teach" her little sister what the sounds are. 

2. Nor-Folk '1' T-shirt, £20

The Wonder Years tees from the Nor-Folk design collective are a real easy-win birthday present (available as 1-5 prints in black, white and grey). Wonderfully minimalist and pleasing to the eye, the soft jersey T-shirts are hand-printed in Norwich.

3. Design Letters initial cup, £9, and cup lid, £6.90

I love it when a baby gift is practical and cool. Design Letters initial cups are ace in their own right (hello melamine, you hard-wearing friend), and now you can buy lids that transform them into toddler-friendly sippy cups. 

4. Bajo wooden toy car, £6.50

A sweet and tactile wooden toy car with super-smooth curves. It's the perfect size for little hands to push around the floor, plus it's small enough to easily stash in your bag. Vroom!

5. Little Titans tights, £16

Perfect in many ways: super-fun designs like this Wild Thing style, non-slip soles so they're excellent for new walkers and tights are just so much more practical than socks – no kicking them off! 

6. Buddy and Bear plate, £7

Mealtimes with a one year old are funny / frustrating / pasta-sauce-over-face photo opportunities / an incredible mess / all of these things all at once. So why not add some super-cute tableware into the mix! British brand Buddy and Bear make super-sweet, extra-tough plastic plates and tumblers, which withstand all sorts of toddler tantrums. 

7. One Thousand Things, £12.99

Educational, good-looking and a joy to read and look at, One Thousand Things is a great addition to any bookshelf. This beautifully illustrated first word book is chock-full of pictures to point at and words to learn. 

8. Ferm Living play tent, £119

Yes, it's on the pricier side, but give this and know that your present will last for years to come! After all, who doesn't love a den to play in… Plus, it's stylish enough to keep on display in a living room for maximum play time.

9. Noodoll soft toy, £16.50

So sweet and snuggly! Snoozy little Ricepuffy here is one of Noodoll's family of super-soft, collectible plush toys. He's lovely to cuddle up to.

10. Kukkia hamburger and fries musical instruments, £20

One to make the parents laugh too! We love Japanese brand Kukkia's witty take fast food: maracas and shakers to go please…

Want more 1st birthday gift inspiration? Check out our collection here.