A.,
My son is about to turn 3 and he has no lacking for stuff, so I can understand your pain. Actually this year I asked people to buy him some things he needed. (Shoes, sheets, socks, etc..)
Some of Noah's favorites for his first birthday were his "Latches Board" puzzle (Mardel's or babies-r-us) he still loves opening and closing all the doors, windows and gates and its great for motor skills. He absolutely loves any puzzle he gets.
His Ocean Wonders baby tunnel (target or babies-r-us)which you would have thought he was a gerbil when he was in it and he still loves it. Though he has outgrown it and I keep it put up whenever he sees it in the closet he pulls it out and rolls around in it like good ole times. In fact if you want it you can have it.
He liked his small powerwheels (wal-mart) but it took him a few months to master holding down the button with his thumb and not dragging his feet when he rode it but he still loves to ride it.
And of course his large hard plastic Tonka truck sets (Wal-mart) he plays with them every single day to this day. He especially loves the F150 and Hummer.
Also I got him the board back books for his ABC's and 123's and colors (dollartree or basically anystore). He reads everyday and I make sure to get him new books at every holiday and special occasion. Books are always great gifts and promote brain development.
Since Noah gets gifts from so many people due to my being divorced and remarried I can pretty much give you the downlow on most of Toys-R-us. I always say he already has the left side and their working on the right. Let me know if I can help. Good luck in your shopping. Im sure whatever you get he'll love it!!