When your child turns one, they enter a wonderful phase filled with curiosity, movement, and cognitive leaps. Between 1 to 3 years old, children not only learn to walk and talk – they develop fine motor skills, begin to understand cause and effect, and discover the world through senses and experiments. So much is happening, which is why it’s essential to offer toys that support your child’s natural development through play.
At Lirum Larum Leg, we have carefully selected toys for children aged 1-3 years that both stimulate, motivate, and create joy. Here, we present our best recommendations, divided into key learning areas for children aged 1, 2, and 3 years.
Blocks and Construction Toys
At this age, children start putting things together, they love to build and stack blocks, and watch them tumble – and it’s actually one of the most educational things they can do! It strengthens fine motor skills, concentration, and spatial awareness. In our collection, you’ll find a wide range of different stacking blocks in colorful themes, which can be stacked and assembled over and over again. With stacking blocks, you get many hours of entertainment for 1-year-olds and slightly older children. With beautiful illustrations, they're fun to look at, they can be nested, teaching children about spatial awareness, they can be stacked, so a child learns about heights and shapes, and they can be knocked over for endless enjoyment.
See our range of stacking blocks from Djeco and Sebra.
Or explore other toy blocks for children aged 1-3 years.
Building blocks are some of the most versatile and developmental toys for young children. With blocks, children learn to stack, sort, build, and knock down – all through play that enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. At Lirum Larum Leg, you’ll find a carefully selected range of wooden blocks, stacking blocks, foam blocks, and creative building sets for children from 1 year and up. The blocks come in beautiful colors and natural materials – inviting hours of imaginative play.
Active Play and Learning – Hammer Benches, Activity Boards, and Shape Sorters
As your child grows older, curiosity in their hands flourishes – making activity toys with clear effects and functions a big hit. It’s all about understanding what happens when I do something – and it’s enormously stimulating.
We recommend:
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Hammer Benches – teach the child to hit, press, and pound. A great introduction to strength and control.
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Activity Panels – choose a theme like farm, city, or nature. Children can press, turn, and explore various functions.
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Knob Puzzles and Shape Sorters – ideal for practicing shapes and hand-eye coordination.
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Ball Tracks – learning about movement and logic: “Where does the ball go?” “What happens when I let it go?”
Toys with Sound – Engaging the Senses and Experiments with Effects
Sound and music are fantastic stimuli for small children. When they shake, rattle, or press a button and hear sound, it creates both an understanding of cause and effect and a substantial sensory joy. If your child is very interested in exploring sounds and movement, try:
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Rattle Eggs – a simple and classic musical instrument, manageable even for the smallest hands.
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Steering Wheel with Buttons – stimulates role play and introduces various sounds. Recommended from 2 years old.
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Toy Phone – there is both play, conversation, and imagination at play here.
Use the Body – Motor Skill Development and Body Awareness
Children aged 1-3 years need to move, crawl, jump, and roll. They constantly practice sensing their bodies, finding balance, and learning what they can do. Toys that invite movement are invaluable. For this, we recommend:
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Bouncing Toys – enhances balance and coordination.
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Rocking Horse – classic and soothing rhythm.
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Push and Pull Toys – perfect for first steps and walking support.
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Balance Beam – an excellent tool for practicing balance, courage, and body awareness through play.
Learning About Numbers, Colors, and Letters – Play and Recognition in Everyday Life
It’s never too early to introduce your child to numbers, letters, and colors through play. It’s not about learning everything – but about creating recognition, so your child forms a safe relationship with learning before they start preschool or school. We offer many products tailored to children aged 1-3 years that are educational, but we especially recommend:
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Learn about Numbers and Colors – Activity Set with Jungle Animals
An educational play set where children connect colors, numbers, and animals. Trains conceptual understanding and vocabulary. Recommended for children from 18 months.
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Sebra Wooden Blocks – Number Blocks
Beautiful blocks featuring numbers, figures, and symbols – perfect for learning through play and decoration. Recommended from 0 years, or when the child has learned to grasp and hold.
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Learning Resources Sorting Set – Fruits and Vegetables
Teaches children to sort by color and shape – strengthens logical thinking and vocabulary. Recommended from age 3.
Meaningful Toys for 1-3 Year Olds
Children aged 1-3 learn best through play – and it is during this phase that the foundation for their motor skills, language, and social abilities is established. The right toys can support your child's curiosity and eagerness to learn.
Looking for a gift idea for a 1-3-year-old?
Visit our gift guide, where you’ll find all our best recommendations for children of various ages. This makes it easy to find the perfect gift for birthdays, Christmas, or similar occasions.
Children at this age are truly special. They are curious, sweet, funny, and diving headfirst into discovering life for the first time. As a parent, you now have the best opportunity to inspire, support, and play with them – shaping their development in the most secure and engaging way, starting with play.
Play and enjoy your time with your toddler.
Warmest Regards
Anja and Team Lirum Larum Leg
