All of these are great suggestions - the picture idea is spot on. As the mom of three boys - ages nine to four - I am pulling from the practical side of life (which I wasn't there for my first, but you learn quick!) Diapers are really needed - and in a variety of sizes they do grow quick!
I would also suggest a first aid kit that includes tylenol, teething gels, and gripe water..you might be able to make this cheaper by collecting all the stuff yourself, just look at the ready made ones as a guide and go from there - believe me, in those early days (and *really* late nights when nothing seems to be open) will be when the little miss hurts or is just plain cranky. This kit will be a life saver esp if they don't have any of it ahead. ALSO, coupons for you to come over and help new mom with a baby while she naps or goes shopping? As a new mom, so many times you feel tied to the little one and wonder where YOUR life went. Crying? Well, chances are that the cries of the little one won't bother you as much as mom - and even if she b/fs (breastfeeds) you could time it so that she can feed the little one, and go for an hour to the library or wherever. Again, sometimes we as moms forget to ASK for help, but if it is volunteered - or better yet, lands in our lap b/c you show up and tell mom that she needs to get a shower, spiffed up and go out for a coffee you are going to watch little miss - she may not be able to tell you - but trust me when I say that is the biggest thing you can do for her.
Lastly, just going and spending time with mom...it's great for her when she feels like she can 't get out due to sleeping and eating schedules and it also prepares you to help others out when the time comes - it will also make you more aware of what you need to do when your time comes. Gadgets are good, thoughtful trinkets can even be passed down, but really, the gift of time and attention goes and lasts so much more. Save the special gift for when Samantha can appreciate it too.
Good luck!

I recently bought baby gifts from Roisin Fagan, who makes baby clothes (hand-dyes, prints and sews the fabrics) - she has some gorgeous pinafores for little girls. Her website is www.roisin.ca

They sound like a military family. I too was a mom, with a soldier stationed overseas. He made it home JUST in time for the birth and left 2 weeks later and the greatest, most precious thing I recieved when my son was born. A gift certificate to have photos done of us as a family. A friend of mine found a great photographer on the web. Inquired about pricing and basically bought us a package. We were able to set up the dates for a week after the baby was born.

Being that he was only home for those two weeks and had 6 more months of his deployment to go, those were our first photos as a family. And pictures of your newborn are pricless, because they don't stay that little for too long. Everyone envy's the pictures of my husband in his uniform holding our tiny boy in the palms of his hands. The photographer did an amazing job.

O.K., I know this suggestion is going to make me seem really cheap, uncreative, and, perhaps, a bit of a baby-hater, but I like it, so here it is:

I have decided since practically ALL of my friends have babies that I'm not going to spend a lot of money on things that may not last or are disposable. Thus, I buy baby clothes at dollar stores.

In fact, I don't buy just baby clothes, but baby clothes for babies older than new-born.

My friends don't really know the difference (except that there are no "BabyGap," "BabyNike," or "Gymboree" embroidered on the clothes), and they are grateful for having clothes that their babies can grow into. Most of the time, it seems like by the time a baby has grown out of her clothes, the clothes are ready to be trashed anyway because of stains or wear-and-tear.

The clothes can be hit or miss as far as cuteness, but I've found some really cute things.

Actually, my last great idea was to send my best friend some bath salts I made for her but to pad the box with cheap, dollar-store baby clothes (and an awesomely soft teddy bear that I got at the same dollar store!). The clothes and bear were perfect stuffers to keep the bath salts jar secure, and, apparently, the baby is already dragging the teddy bear around with her. It's just so soft. And while the baby is 14 months old, the clothes, which are cute, are for 18- to 24-month-olds.

A long post, but here it is. I guess since I'm so grateful for this blog, I may as well give back in any way I can! :)

An adorable diaper bag with the baby's name or initials would be wonderful.

Maybe a taggie blanket. Kids love them. I am sure you could find one on etsy.

I love all things baby from Etsy--burp clothes, bibs, appliques onesies. So cute and different!

Also, I received a cute monogrammed bag from Monogram Divas that my sister bought. I love it because it's not a frumpy diaper bag and it's cute!

Books are always good, too. And diapers! And if they formula feed formula (find out what kind they will use) would be nice, too.

Looks like there are a lot of awesome ideas--I know you'll find something wonderful :)

I too am a fan of almost anything personalized! The most useful personalized things for me are a light weight blanket, diaper bags, and paci clips!

K&S Pewter makes beautiful baby cups (pewter is like silver) which they can engrave and personalize.
www.kspewter.com

I think this personalized print is so adorable for a little girl.

from etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24254299

While I understand not being a registry fan, I wonder if you wewre married or had a child you might change your thoughts on that. The reason I say this is because with a wedding you end up with all kinds of things you never wanted, or needed. Also, with a child, there are the things you need and they just suck you dry. Then you end up with some wall hanging you hate (and don't hang) from some well meaning person, but you still need the cover for the diaper changer. I only say this because your blog *is* about being frugal, and this would HELP your friends *be* frugal, no? Sometimes ,recooping money from the wedding, or money for diapers is more appreciated than you would ever know!

That said, I usually give half of my present for this kind of thing in gift certificate or straight from the registry and have in a unique gift. So, if I plan on giving 100 I split it 50/50 between the two concepts.Then I can give something I know THEY want, and something I know *I* want them to have :)

I just purchased these awesome applique pillows and pillowcases for a friend who gave birth.
(etsy)

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5301870&section_id=6073624

One of my friends just had a baby shower for her first girl and I made her a bow holder with the baby's name that matched the bedding. And then some necessities like diapers and wipes and shampoo. I've noticed mom's seem to LOVE personalized stuff, but also really need those mundane things, a mix of the two works out great.

Perhaps a gift certificate for birth announcements? It's still personal, but they get to do the choosing so you know they'll be happy!

I love love love laurennicolegifts.com for all things. She has some gorgeous personalized things for baby and mama. I have purchased two of the silver necklaces for mommy-friends with their kids names on it and that always goes over well. And Denise over there does an absolutely INCREDIBLE job!

I searched Etsy and found some really cute Lilly Pulitzer bibs/burp cloths etc. They made really cute gifts. Your friends will just be happy that you were thinking of them!

I just had a baby girl...and really there wasn't anything I didn't appreciate. I love my personalized canvas to go with her room theme...something that will always be in her room!!!! Diapers and wipes!!!!!! They are always needed!!!!!!

I don't have any close friends with kids either (besides family) so I'd be at a loss too...

Blue Eyed Bride did a cute post a couple weeks ago on things she got that didn't know she'd need/ended up loving... maybe this will give you an idea...
http://blueeyedbride.com/2009/06/23/gifts-for-the-mom-to-be/

Good luck!

When my friends first started having babies last Summer, I was like you. I didn't really want to do a registry item; because, I wanted a more personal item. I purchased personalized burb cloths from an Ebay store by the name of Lucy's Pocket I believe. You could choose the font, fabric, and color. They use Lilly Pultizer fabric. The fabric is for the design such as a butterfly, turtle, etc. They might be on Etsy too now. Not sure. Hope that helps=)

I love to give books to the new parents, some favorites are Goodnight Gorilla and Goodnight Moon, I'll Love You Forever, Pat The Bunny, etc.
Best to your friend.

I've loved giving gorgeous wood teethers made by Etsy seller Little Alouette as baby gifts. Wooden toys seem so nostalgic to me!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5645113

I've personally purchased "The Handle" rattle and the set of little wooden keys (both for baby boys). If I were buying one for a girl, I'd go for the butterfly or the oval handles.

It's not personal...but trust me on this. Diapers. Find out if they are going to cloth diaper or use disposable diapers and get them some diapers. That is my "go to" baby gift...well, it's not the ONLY gift, but it's a good gift because, well, baby's poo a lot. I should know because I have two kids of my own. ;-)

But, you're going for personal and unique...and for the baby. Maybe some monogrammed onesies? Shoot...they're having a girl so I'd go with monogrammed anything!! ;-)

Just have fun with it. There are some really cute baby things out there!

As far as personal gifts, I like monogrammed baby blankets. You can get one with initials or the baby's name. If you wait until the baby comes, you could have the birthdate put on the blanket as well. Use Google or Etsy to find what you like.

As far as non-personal gifts, diapers and wipes are the way to go. They'll need those for 2 years at least. :)

My mom makes these stork baskets with legs and arms. It is so cute! When I give it as a gift I will fill it up with essentials like baby lotion, shampoo, powder, wipes, etc.