Age Appropriate

Ok, so as you know...Alexa's first birthday is just around the corner, and as her mother I want it to be a great one. I also want to get her something for her birthday that she will love, and that will be useful. I know that she is still very young, and won't remember her birthday, so I'm not trying to go overboard, but I'm looking for suggestions. I want to find something age appropriate that isn't too expensive, that will not only be fun for her to play with, but also will help expand her mind and challenge her. Any ideas? Here are a few things I have been thinking about...let me know what you think!
The Leap Frog Little Touch LeapPad. It is a great learning tool that is versatile, so you can purchase new books to go with it and your child won't get as easily bored with it.

This is the VTech Sing and Discover Piano. It does various things and plays music while helping the child learn rhythm, and counting...that sort of thing. I think Walker has something similar and she seemed to like it.

This is the VSmile Baby Infant Development System. It connects to the TV and is supposed to be a good way for the parent to bond with the child while giving you an opportunity to help them grow mentally.

This is the LeapFrog Brightlings Stackers...Walker has a stacking star similar to this one, and she loved playing with it at the beach. This one is a little different and I think it will grow with her a little more.

Those are just a few of the ideas I have, please feel free to offer up other suggestions...I'm running out of time!! :)