Gift Guide for a Baby’s 1st Birthday – Thoughtful Ideas for Grandparents and Friends

A baby’s first birthday is a truly special milestone. It marks a year full of cuddles, first smiles, wobbly steps, and precious memories. For grandparents, family members, and friends, choosing the perfect gift can feel both exciting and a little daunting. You want something meaningful, lasting, and maybe even a little bit fun for the little one (and their parents!).

Whether you're after something sentimental, practical, or playful, we've rounded up five wonderful gift ideas for a baby’s first birthday including two charming keepsakes from The Joyful Rebel.

Shop The Joyful Rebel Gifts for a 1st Birthday.

1. Personalised Birthday Shirt – A Keepsake to Treasure

Mark the occasion with something they can wear on their big day! The Joyful Rebel’s Personalised Birthday Shirts are a gorgeous blend of celebration and comfort. Made from soft, breathable cotton, these shirts feature glittery birthday numbers and the child’s name for that extra special touch.

Available in a range of colours and styles for both boys and girls, they’re perfect for cake smash photos, birthday parties, or a relaxed family day at home. Best of all, they become a keepsake parents will treasure forever.

Bonus tip: Add a frame to turn the shirt into a sweet nursery decoration after the birthday!

Click Here for Birthday T-shirts for 1st Birthday Gift.

2. First Birthday Board Book or Keepsake Story

Books are timeless gifts, and there are many beautiful titles tailored to a child’s first birthday. Look for personalised storybooks featuring the baby’s name, or classics like Guess How Much I Love You or Where’s Spot?, which offer interactive fun. Board books encourage bonding, early language development, and a love for reading from the start.

Pair it with a plush toy or a soft blanket for a snuggly gift bundle.

I recommend: https://www.wonderbly.com/uk/

3. Handmade Glitter Birthday Badge – The Joyful Rebel

Add a little sparkle to their celebration with The Joyful Rebel’s Liberty Print Birthday Badge. Lovingly handmade with premium Liberty cotton and a glittery number one, this soft fabric badge is the perfect accessory for a baby's first outfit.

It’s photo-ready, baby-safe (with a secure fastening), and something parents will love to pop into their keepsake box after the party. It also pairs beautifully with the personalised birthday shirt for a matching birthday set.

Shop Now for 1st Birthday Badge - Handmade Glitter Badges for Memorable Birthdays

4. Wooden Toys – Beautiful and Built to Last

Skip the plastic and go for beautifully made wooden toys. Whether it's a push-along animal, stacking rings, or a wooden shape sorter, these toys offer tactile, educational play that grows with the child. Look for non-toxic paints and sustainably sourced wood to ensure safety and eco-friendliness.

Grandparents especially love gifting traditional wooden toys that can be passed down through generations.

Take a look at the amazing Rubi And Bear: https://rudiandbear.co.uk/

5. A Personalised Memory Box

The first year flies by in a blur of milestones—why not gift a special place to keep them all? A wooden memory box engraved with the baby’s name and birthday gives parents a beautiful way to store hospital bands, tiny shoes, cards, and photos. It’s the kind of gift that becomes even more treasured over time.

The Lovely Keepsake Company has some lovely options - https://www.thelovelykeepsakecompany.co.uk/