Party-of-five - when people asked what we wanted for DS's birth, I said books too - that's worked out quite well (for those that asked).

I guess I'm just not comfortable being so blunt with people who are meaning to be generous by buying DS something - but there's been some good suggestions and I'll give some of them a try.

Loula - haven't put together the list, but I googled various things "bpa-free toys" "green toys" "safe toys" "non-toxic toys" and you start to get a good idea of the brands etc that are good.