The development of early gestures in very preterm/very-low-birth-weight children (VP/ VLBW; born < 32 gestational age and/or birth weight ≤ 1500g) has not been studied intensively. The studies on the possible association between early gestures and later cognitive development in this group of children are missing, although this information would be clinically relevant. This study analyzed the development of gestures at 1;0 (corrected age), and the association between early gestures and cognitive skills at 2;0 (corrected age) in a group of 57 VP/VLBW children. The data on gestures was gathered using the Finnish version of the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory (FinCDI). The cognitive skills of the children were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd edition (Bayley-III), Cognitive score. The mean value of the total gestures summary score of the FinCDI was lower than the one in the norming study of the FinCDI. Cognitive development of the VP/VLBW children, when measured at group level, was age appropriate. Early development of gestures correlated significantly and positively with later cognitive skills. This information can be used when identifying those children who need follow-up already at an early age.