I agree with the idea of books, the greatest gift I believe, is a love of reading!

My daughter had everything as well as getting spoilt off family and friends. I gave her a couple of boxes of coloured tissues and let her go to town making an absolute mess with them, she had a ball. The money I saved went into her bank account for her future.

I got my little one an indoor/ outdoor baby safe swing, she loved it and used it everyday until she finally outgrew her present.

After 5 kids I recommend a great special book.

When my little one first birthday I bought him baby phone.

wow many great suggestions here. you can get away with cheaper baby toys or spend a bit more on something. for my middle child’s first birthday, we got a push walker thing from v-tech that teaches them abc, counting and other nursery ryhmes. it also has things to move, push and spin. that has also lasted us a few years and the kids love it

A few ideas –
A tree to plant, the tree will grow with your child and be a beautiful thing to look back on when they are older, plus it’s environmentally awesome!
One friend gave my daughter a hammer for her first birthday, which I thought was awesome, and a great reminder that it’s out responsibility to teach them as they grow, and its never to early to start talking to them about things that are important to you.
last one – I’m planning to buy my nephew a Name puzzle for his first birthday; it’s a unique, personalised present that he can enjoy as a baby, but will also help him to learn to recognise the letters in his name as he grows older- win win!

When my daughter turned one we bought her a tricycle. Could it be an idea for you?

We got a write-on bear from Spotlight and got immediate family to each write a little birthday message for my daughter on it. We also got a blank notebook for guests (friends and family) to write in at her birthday party and decorate at will (had a box of different coloured pens and stickers: found that the parents had as much fun as the kids at writing in the book!). Later on I put in photos from her party, to make it a special keepsake from the day.

You really don’t need to spend much. Maybe make a time capsule?

Also; shape sorters and ring stackers are great for development and co-ordination and fun too; they also teach kids; colour, size and shape. They are reasonably priced too.

You really don’t need to buy a lot for your child around 1, I found that my girls got spoilt so much by friends and family that I didn’t really need to go all out. Maybe a couple of little things, like a walker or a photo album of bubs year?

I love books and CD’s; never to young to start the appreciation of books and music.