I'm dealing with the same issue. Did you see my recent post on "Best toys for one year old"? There's not much of a conversation going yet.
I'm very up front about the size issue--we live in a little house and have no room for huge toys. That said, we still end up with toys that are too big to store in bins and could easily take over our house.
The technique I've tried so far is to ask if people want gift suggestions. Something along the line of "Did you want ideas about what she likes and needs?" Most people are receptive, and it did help some with my daughter's first birthday.
That said, I don't offer more than general ideas (I.e. her clothing size and that she likes books and animals). We got some things that are not exactly what I would buy. So I'm rotating toys, returning an outfit I won't dress her in, and if needed, I'll donate a few toys. Overall, my baby does enjoy the toys, and I can control how much time she spends with the things I don't prefer.
(I'm already thinking ahead about how to explain at future birthdays and holidays that we won't allow mature-themed toys like Bratz dolls. One problem at a time!)
