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I'd do a giftcard, to Target.

I agree with @looch

I would do a registry like that if I preferred GC's

Hmm, since I'm a parent now, I would probably gift stuff that's been useful in early newborn time like A&A blankets, a lovey for a couple months down the road, etc. You can never go wrong with some A&A blankets, diapers, wipes, burp cloths for those first few months.

I'd just shop from the registry or get a GC.

I just went to a shower this weekend with a similar registry. I bought a case of wipes, a case of diapers and a gift card. I think that's always a safe bet.

@NeekieRose: I was thinking the same thing-- I didn't register for soaps, pacis, bottles, so much-- like one or two of each only, pretty much. But I had my shower this weekend and two different people gave me the baby soaps/lotions that their babies liked best, so I'm glad to have those two options from moms who have done this before. I registered more for bigger things that I knew what I wanted (Beco carrier, bathtub, diaper bag).

I think picking a few nice basics that you might not buy yourself (like A&A blankets, among other things) and then practical things-- diapers, wipes, etc, all with a gift receipt, would be good.

Oh, and I'm sure people would think I was missing a lot of stuff, because I got a lot of gear and clothes handed down from my sister.

For me I stick to the registry and get what she needs and throw in a gift card or a box of diapers. I loved that I got enough diapers I didn't have to buy for the first 5 months, it was an incredible money saver!

If you want to buy her some 'basics' in addition to what she registered for, at least buy them from Target and include a gift receipt so she has the option to exchange.

I appreciated it when people would at least buy me a gift certificate to the store I registered at instead of randomly going to any store and buying one. I'm registered at BBB and Amazon so it was a little annoying to get a $25 gift certificate to Target and $25 gift certificate to Babies R Us. It's not that I'm ungrateful, but the stores aren't anywhere near me so I'll have to shop online and the $25 will barely cover tax and shipping for an essential item.

That's probably all that she needs/wants. I generally buy diapers for registries like that.

I could totally see myself in this situation. After purchasing a ton of baby stuff on my own and someone requesting my "registry" would find it pretty bare. I would just purchase clothes on the chance she stocked all the items herself.

@2PeasinaPod: I do the same thing . . . I always get a gift from the registry (when available!), and then I usually also gift something I found to be a must have.

I'm with the people who would probably get a small gift and then a gift card to PBK or Target. Sometimes I'll get a couple of books (can't go wrong with books) and tuck a gift card in there.
When people went off-registry for me, I ended up with a few things that were great (DH loved the travel diaper change kit thing) and plenty of things we never used (like any baby toiletries- we just used the same Cetaphil stuff that I use, at the recommendation of our pediatrician).
To be honest, for me it also depends on what I know of the mother-to-be (is she open to suggestions? is she a type-A planner with very definite opinions?) and also their financial situation- I'm more likely to go off-registry for something fun for a friend who is well-off, and more likely to stick very closely to the registry if I know money is tight.

@cascademom: That's a good idea! I'd do that or do the Target gift card. Everyone loves a gift card.

Diapers and wipes are a great gift. Add in something you found useful and I'm sure she will love it!

i would get her something off her registry and possibly something else small with a gift receipt.