You can consider to purchase something that will be useful and memorable for her and baby:1. Baby milestone cards: to record baby's major milestones e.g. first smile, first walk and etc. You can purchase from this online store or even DIY if you are crafty http://www.pupsikstudio.com/milestone-baby-cards.html 2. Studio voucher for maternity and newborn: the pictures for maternity and newborn baby will be very memorable for them. One recommendation will be MOJO studio, the price is between $100-200 depends on the package. http://www.mojo-studios.com/galleries/
The most useful gift that I received was a beanbag pillow. It's filled with synthetic beans instead of beansprout husks so it can be washed. It was useful in calming my baby when her Moro reflex was still present and she still hugs it to sleep even today. If you want to get something both mummy and baby can use, personally I found the My Brest Friend nursing pillow to be especially useful when she was a newborn. You can get it from Kiddy Palace for about $82.
Would not buying something like the breast friend pillow like jamie suggested as she may already have it. Go for something unique like a toy for the baby, books or baby clothes. For mummy post pregnancy, her biggest worries are hair falling and breastfeeding - herbs / stuff to combat these two challenges are super useful. :)
While everyone is gifting baby items to your new mummy friend, why not get something that she will appreciate like a spa voucher? I know I would definitely have appreciate to have a little time off from mummy duties for a few hours. It gets pretty overwhelming the first few weeks, so this would definitely had help.
Something to freshen up the ward - maybe balloons or flowers. Hospital rooms are usually very drab looking. Here are some cute balloons that I got.
thanks