I think it is more important to have fun then to have gifts.  A playground is always a fun place to have a bday party- and its free.
I always try to get gifts that will last at least 5 years if not longer- I call them investments not "toys". 

The doctor would definitely tell you if the baby was too large because that would put his health at risk.  As long as you are feeding him healthy (which includes NO cow milk, sugar, meat, etc.) and communicating your concerns with the doctor then he should be fine.

If breastfeeding remember he is drinking what the mother puts into her body.  If you are not feeding him every 3 hours or so then his body may be storing more fat for the missed meals as well.

My kid was using sign language at the age of 7 months. 
I would recommend to every one to teach your baby sign language!!!!!!! - they do know what is going on... and if you want them to communicate with you then give them a way to do it.  (signing time for baby is the best!)
Babies can technically read and do math at the age of 6 months.  It is easier to know the word and its meaning first before learning to read it- I know that because we are learning 5 languages!  If you are teaching a baby or anyone a word it has to have a meaning or it is a waste of time and why would your brain store such useless information?  As long as the baby knows what the hand symbol or written symbol means they will learn it.
My kid did not learn to read until she was 2 years old- that I know of- she just walked up to me and started reading out loud.  I never made any attempts to teach her how to read. 

http://www.youtube.com/user/ladyxeona#p/c/20EB2F7DB79EA206/25/82XbPCoCBsM

The leapfrog dvds are awesome and also the leapfrog clickstart!!!
The male species are usually more hands on rather than verbal like girls -in general.  The brain is different in the area of communication.  I do not think boys are "slower" than girls they just have different wiring of the brain than girls.

I do think it is most important to focus on what NOT to give kids- such as candy, soda, and fast food. 
Unhealthy food not only makes the body unhealthy but also the brain- the healthier the food then the healthier the brain and then the better it will function.
It is a challenge to be 100% healthy in our day and time ...so just making an effort towards the top is the best anyone could strive for.  Even organic seedless grapes are dipped in chemicals. 
We are trying really hard to be vegetarian and someday hope to be vegan.  I have found that the most important part of any meal is the veggies.  My kid is not up to par if she has not had her veggies for the day.
I will be putting up another video soon of some more of Lady Xeona’s favorite meals. 
I would love it if any of you would put a video response or even leave a comment of what some of your kids favorite vegetarian meals are!!! http://www.youtube.com/user/ladyxeona#p/c/4F6382E2327BE102/0/3WPIzTcrkk0

"I see that gaming is one way that lady's mum has used.  My only question is this. If you learn by gaming ( which gives you an instant reward each time you get it right)" babies/kids get the same gratification from parents when they clap for them or get excited when they have done something good.

"and at a later stage enter a normal classroom how will the child cope not getting an instant reward for getting something right."  the instant reward comes from the feeling of achievement in the child

"In a normal classroom there are no bells and whistles no dogs doing tricks when you get something right, you may (if you are lucky) get a pat on the back, a well done written on a test and if you are really lucky a sticker." that is just like icing on the cake stuff and if you are on a healthy diet you really dont even bother with the icing

"How will the child cope?" it is not about outside rewards but the achievement of the goal for personal satisfaction and learning that anything is possible with practice.  the gaming does not replace the parents role for guidance.

"Im not trying to say that what she did is bad or wrong it is just another way to teach."  no human of any age wants to sit in a boring classroom.  if the material is made to be fun it is just easier to learn- i have dropped college courses because they bored me to headaches.  adults are even harder to entertain and ex. that is why commercials and products are so full of the "bells and whistles" 

"Im just trying to see if all the pros and cons are covered?."