The first birthday is a biggie. Usher in the beginning of toddlerhood with these special gifts from Mastermind Toys.
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Wow, where did that year go? Celebrate a stellar first birthday with expertly gathered gifts from Mastermind Toys. The authority on play in Canada, Mastermind Toys first opened their doors in 1984 and are known for their skillful curation of toys and books with a keen eye to the development of imagination, cognitive skills and expression at every stage of life. They’re firm believers that play is critical for development and offer a unique selection of top-shelf first birthday gifts that will foster further development in very fun ways. Because choices are hard, we tapped their in-house experts on the best toys for one-year-olds. Oh, and don’t forget to take advantage of the in-store free gift-wrapping.
Owl Toys Jumping Unicorn
This mythical mate is ready to jump the sillies out. Constructed of durable, soft and easy-clean PVC, the pretty pink unicorn simply needs to be inflated with the included hand pump then it’s ready to prance. Fully pumped, little ones (up to 110 lbs) can plunk down and bounce around having a ball all while sharpening their motor skills in the process.
Owl Toys Jumping Unicorn, $35, mastermindtoys.com
Hape Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano
If you know Hape, then you know that it spells enduring quality. The German brand has been churning out beautiful and engaging toys for over 30 years and their Baby Einstein collab on this wooden piano is another slam dunk. The pint-sized instrument plays classical tunes all by itself. But if your mini maestro wants a turn, they can tap the colour-coded keys, learning six songs on the included music sheets.
Hape Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano, $40, mastermindtoys.com
Hape Rocket Ball Air Stacker
Look up! Stacking is reaching new heights and worlds. Little ones can pile colourful tubes onto a fan-powered base to form a towering rocket ship. They’ll learn simple physics when the ball is placed in the tube and the fan is switched on. But what goes up must come down. Cover the rocket’s top and the ball will descend back to base.
Hape Rocket Ball Air Stacker, $40, mastermindtoys.com
Radio Flyer EZ Fold 3-in-1 Tailgater Wagon with Canopy
Here’s a gift for babe and a gift for you. Make schlepping your tot and all their things easy and stylish with a classic Radio Flyer. The iconic red wagon has a UV canopy, high-backed padded seats with belts (safety first!), a cooler caddy for that inevitable extra cargo and cup holders (need a seltzer?), plus, it folds up easily with just one hand.
Radio Flyer EZ Fold 3-in-1 Tailgater Wagon with Canopy, $200, mastermindtoys.com
Okiedog 3-in-1 Foldable Trampoline With Ballpit
When it comes to toy-buying, you often want to buy smart, choosing something that can grow with your blossoming babe. This three-in-one foldable trampoline is the work-smart solution. No assembly is necessary and the froggy-patterned launchpad is suitable for kids 10 months to five years. It starts as a ball pit with 100 included balls, then morphs with ease into a trampoline that can be used as-is or with a safety bar.
Okiedog 3-in-1 Foldable Trampoline With Ballpit – Green Froggy 90cm, $150, mastermindtoys.com
Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Push Toy
What’s the weather looking like? Rainbow-bright with a definite chance of fun. This cheery, cloud-themed push toy will guide baby as they learn to toddle, gain balance and hone gross motor skills. Each step they take is rewarded by colourful balls that move inside the rainbow arches and create exciting popping sounds. Sort of like a heavenly cheer.
Skip Hop silver lining cloud push toy, $30, mastermindtoys.com
Jellycat Bashful Dragon Small
A superior comfort and keepsake toy, Jellycat is known for their high-quality, supersoft characters. Bashful Dragon is a loyal companion with beautiful sage fur, a long squishy tail, plus floppy ears and wings that are nice to squeeze when solace is needed. Hot tip: Buy a backup just in case anything happens to this fierce plushie.
Jellycat Bashful Dragon Small, $23, mastermindtoys.com
Sweetest Kulu
What gifts do Arctic animals bring for a newborn baby? Celina Kalluk, an acclaimed Inuit throat singer, answers just that in this richly illustrated lyrical lullaby. Steeped in the beauty of Inuit beliefs, values and their deep love and respect of their land and its animal dwellers, it’s a sweet bedtime book that’s a treat for babies and parents alike.
Sweetest Kulu, $10, mastermindtoys.com
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
A classic for good reason, this 38-page board book is relatable for chubby fingered and chubby toed babes. The modern nursery rhyme teaches that even though babies may be from different places, near and far, they’ve got two constants between them: 10 little fingers and 10 little toes.
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, $13, mastermindtoys.com
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