How to choose an ideal gift for a one year old baby boy

I have two seperate answers for this. The standard answer and an answer I believe in.

The standard answer is that one should use common sense. The most important thing is that the present should be safe. Nothing that has any peices that might come off and fit inside of the childs mouth. No sharp edges or corners that can hurt the child. Toys that have flashing lights to them are usually good for keeping a childs attention a little longer than most. If it makes sounds it is good too but not too loud or the parents will hide it.

The untraditional answer is more of a theory of mine. I will be honest, I do not have children of my own so I have never truly experienced it. But in seeing my brothers and friends have kids I have come to two realizations. One is that the baby at only one year old does not have any true understanding of gifts or its birthday. The second is that the first year of raising a child is the toughest, rivaled only by a daughter who reaches her teens. The daughter bit I understand a little more because I have a step-daughter who is seventeen now. So in comes my theory. I have a belief that the first birthday should be transfered to the parents. Let the parents buy the baby some toys they would like the baby to play with. All of the friends, aunts, uncles and grandparents should buy presents for the parents. Sort of a reward for getting through that first year. The difference would not even be noticed by the one year old but believe me this would sure mean a lot to the parents. This should only be done for the first bithday though. At two years old the child has a much more clearer understanding of things and therefore should recieve the presents. But that first birthday? The child wont care and the parents can use it more. As I said, this is unorthodox, but I also believe it makes a lot of sense.