The first birthday is magical – twelve months full of first steps, curious glances, and endless parental love. Now the big celebration is coming up: Which gift makes children's eyes light up, promotes motor skills, and fits into modern living spaces? Our guide shows why open movement elements from Stapelstein® are the perfect choice – sustainable, safe, and boundlessly creative.

Why Age-Appropriate Movement Gifts Matter

Toddlers need daily movement to develop balance, muscles, and cognitive abilities. Play modules that grow with them give them the freedom to assess risks and build self-confidence. Stapelstein® elements are made from ultra-light EPP, are 100% recyclable, and are completely free from harmful substances, plasticizers or harmful additives – so even one-year-olds can safely balance, stack, and romp. 

Stapelstein® Birthday Club

Whether as a balancing stone, stool, or drum – Stapelstein® grows with them, is fun every day, and playfully promotes motor skills and imagination. And the best part: As part of our Birthday Club, there is a Stapelstein® element as a gift! Find out more here.

Top Gift Ideas with Stapelstein®

Movement & Motor Skills

• Stapelstein® Rainbow Classic Set – six Original elements plus Board form a Mini course and train balance & coordination.
• Original warm 3-piece Set – ideal starter combination for small spaces; stackable as a stool or for color or number games.
• Inside rainbow classic – Nesting stones for grasping, sorting, and first throwing without noise.
• Stapelstein® Mat – two-colored, non-slip play and yoga mat (183 × 111 cm); perfect landing area for courses, first crawling moves, and shared floor time.
• Stapelstein® Board – wobbling balance plate; non-slip & indoor suitable.
  

Montessori-inspired play

• Original Mini rainbow – fine motor stacking games and color sorting.
• 10 basic functions as printed Play-Cards – step-by-step ideas according to the principle of self-activity.
• Inside Set cool – high-contrast colors for sensory explorers.
• Digital Play App – free play guide that shows movement tasks and guides parents.

 

All recommended items for Montessori-inspired toys from 1 year can be found here in this collection.

Stapelstein®: Joy of movement from the 1st birthday

Our customers love the variety: 28% use Stapelstein® more than five hours per week – often still years later. 46% use it 2 – 5 hours per week. Sustainable production in Germany, tested safety (CE) and endless play forms make each element a long-term favorite piece. 

FAQ – frequently asked questions about toys for 1-year-olds

• What do you give a 1-year-old who already has everything?
  Experiences and open play systems like Stapelstein®, which grow in the long term.
  
  
• Which Montessori gifts are suitable from 1 year?
  Elements that allow sorting, stacking, and free experimentation – e.g., Inside rainbow.
  
  
• How much should a gift cost?
  Between 30 € and 150 € – the main thing is durable and versatile. Stapelstein products last a lifetime and are used for many years due to their diverse usability. Additionally, these products can be due to their high Quality and value retention can also be resold well.
  
  
• Are Balance-Boards safe from 1 year old?
  Yes, the Stapelstein® Board is non-slip, lightweight, and supports up to 120 kg.
  
  
• Do the elements really promote motor skills?
  Yes – movement experts confirm positive effects on balance & muscles.
  
  
• Are there waterproof variants?
  All Original and Inside elements are splash-proof and easy to clean.
  

Conclusion

Open movement play excites children for a lifetime. Discover the complete Stapelstein® range for one-year-olds and bring more movement into your home!