One gift we received that we didnt register for or even know about is the Bumbo. My daughter was sitting up in it around a month old and used it well past her 1st birthday. We just gave it to my sil for her newest child.
Very useful, practical and affordable.

A friend of mine once told me she went through several diaper bags, so I suppose no matter how many she gets, they will be used. I would also buy unconventional things like a baby thermometer, oragel for when they start teething.

I think the best gift I've ever given was one for mom and dad to celebrate right after the baby was born. I made a basket with champagne and glasses, crackers and other snacks. A lot of hospitals don't mind champagne for celebrating the baby's birth. It was a big hit! Dad liked it because he didn't feel so left out, since everything else was for the baby.

When I had my shower for my oldest my father gave me a nice bathrobe, nightgown and slippers so I would have something special at the hospital. Ever since when I've gone to a shower I've gotten something for the mom and a pack of cloth diapers. They're great for burping and spiting.

I say the seat covers for shopping carts that can be thrown in the wash. I wish they had those when BD21 was a baby. You reach a point where it is easier to sit the baby in the seat in the cart rather than carry the carrier. TOo many germs. Especially when you consider that food of all sorts have sat there.

Another item is the travel diaper change bag. It is a small bag with a changing pad and you can keep a diaper and wipes in it. Looks like a larger bill fold for those quick moments that you don't need or want to carry a full diaper bag. I know FirstStep makes one and I saw it at a Target.

Some people like the formula or breastmilk cooler fridges. Works great for late night feedings especially if you are in a 2 story home. No need to get up and trek downstairs to prepare the baby's food. One even has a car charger adapter.

Boppy pillow comes in handy when you are feeding baby, baby is sleeping and I'm sure a variety of other reasons.

I only wish they had these things when I had a baby, but hey she made it through.

Step Mother's Motto this week is:

You don't have to LOVE me, you don't even have to LIKE me... But you will RESPECT me.

Swaddlers! Babies r us has the most types...warm weather, cold weather, different sizes...instead of using a blanket that never stays snug, they have swaddlers that use velcro...my baby slept awesome with them. also, they sell either by the box or in a little role, plastic scented bags for smelly diapers, which are great if you're at a friends so you don't stink up their trash can. They are usually next to the refills for diaper pails. Those were the two things I couldn't have lived without!

"Nobody will ever win the battle of the sexes. There's too much fraternizing with the enemy"

My mom actually got this book for my exSIL when she was pregnant with my niece. My nephew was such a terror by then and my exSIL would not let my brother parent at all so the kid had no discipline. I mean it sounds like your friend but you could say it's a gag gift :).