great ideas for a 12 month old

I got these ideas from babycenter.com.  This website is amazing you have to check it out if you haven't already!

Let's Play! String-Along & Package Play


Reviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board

Last updated: June 2009


String-Along

Small round objects are extra-enticing now that your baby is mastering
the "pincer grasp." Seize the chance to hone those fine motor skills while
also (hopefully) getting her to sit still for a little more breakfast than usual.
Appropriate for: 1 to 2 years
Skills developed: Fine motor, hand-eye coordination

What you'll need: A sturdy, short string, plastic cord, or shoelace; cereal-Os; a bracelet
On a highchair tray or nonbreakable plate, spread a thin layer of any kind
of O-shaped cereal with reasonably large holes. Then make a small
bracelet using a 6-inch piece of string or plastic cord (sold in craft stores).
Thread some Os on the string, then tie it around your baby's wrist.
Compare it to one of your own bracelets or necklaces, ideally one made
of beads that you can examine together. She'll feel like a big girl because
she's wearing "jewelry."

Safety note: Don't use a string longer than 6 inches; this can be a
strangling hazard. And supervise your baby while she's wearing her
cereal "bracelet."

Variation: As a special, occasional treat for an older child, this activity is a real thrill if the stringing is done with shoestring licorice and colorful "sugar cereal" with holes. Once she's finished, she can devour the entire bracelet.




Package Play

We all like getting presents, but for babies, the unwrapping the thing. There's both the thrill of discovery and the fun of making his fingers do what he wants. In this game, it doesn't seem to matter that the "present" is actually a bath toy he's been playing with for months – it's the element of surprise that counts.

Appropriate for: 8 months to 1 year

Skills developed: Hand-eye coordination, understanding of object permanence

What you'll need: A washcloth or two; some small plastic bath toys

At bath time, when your baby's seated in the bath but not looking right at you, use a wet washcloth to "wrap" a small bath toy, such as a rubber duckie or plastic dinosaur. Present him with the "package," saying, "I'm giving you a present." He'll unfold the washcloth, squeal with delight, and immediately want to do it again.

If you have two washcloths handy, you can start wrapping the next present while he's busy unwrapping the first one. As he gets older and his dexterity increases, he'll delight in wrapping such presents for you to open, a wonderful way to encourage his natural sense of generosity.

Remember: Each baby develops at a different pace, so if yours isn't quite ready for this week's activities, don't worry — just try them again in a few weeks.