K., be kind to yourself. She's one year old! Take the birthday gifts that you put away and wrap them in Christmas paper! Enjoy this while you can because once they get about 4 yo, they'll remember. Stuffed toys are always a bit hit. The bean bag chair is a GREAT idea - OR, they have small 'easy' chairs, recliners, rockers, etc.... You can put a huge bow on it from Santa if you want....it doesn't have to be wrapped. Also, I know it's hard, but try not to go overboard. Try to remember she's only a year old. She will be overwhelmed ..... it's too much for her to process at her age. There will be plenty of time for bake sets, tea parties, interactive stuff. BOOKS are wonderful - they never get tired of them and it's a wonderful headstart to get her interested in reading. The typical toys - pull a string and it makes a sound (dog, cat, cow, etc.... You're SO proud of her, you want to give her everything. That day will come too soon, when 3 or 4 things won't satisfy her .... and when she gets to be 10, her toys will be a LOT more expensive, so start small.
Get her a GI Joe or an AF doll and/or plane that she can play with. He can give them to her as he leaves and tell her that to pretend that it's him and talk to him and he'll hear her, etc. Be sure to have pictures of him everywhere - her room, your room, living room and talk about him a lot. Let her draw pictures to send to him.
I don't know what kind of communication you'll have while Daddy is gone, but be sure to take LOTS of pictures . . . she will change SO much.
This is going to be harder on you than on her....she's ONE YEAR OLD. Please don't make the mistake of buying her a gift every time Daddy leaves. She will begin to look forward to his leaving because she gets new toys, etc. And I don't believe in daddy bringing presents when he comes home. The greatest gift s/b HIM!
Been there, done that!!!!!
Good luck.