The first birthday is something really special. There are many nice alternatives to gift a soon-to-be one year old.
All children are unique and develop in their own pace. It is common that the hand motor skills are starting to get really good as the hands are used to feel and experience the surrounding world.
Children that are close to one year wants to practice what they have learned, again and again! This can be witnessed as they want to build, stack or match shapes or use toys that make noise or plays melodies.