i really loved having a swing for my son when he was little - and am about to get it out again for DS2. it was one of those non essentials that someone bought after he was born that was a lifesaver. you will use it from about 1 month in until 6+ months. we also used a bouncer a lot (a manual one - baby bjorn do them and ours is a valco). he used this as a seat too and DS2 is also loving it.
i am a sling addict - had an ellaroo ring sling with DS1 and then an ergo. also a ramalama which was not as confy but v good looking so used it for more formal fucntions. i will use all of these again and also bought a close carrier this time which DS2 already loves.
A pram is good - a larger one for early days or an unbrella stroller which you may use more once bub is a bit bigger.
A portacot of you will be going away or even to friends for dinner a lot - we have used ours heaps. they are around $100
I love the idea of ppl bringing meals for the freezer - this is lovely idea. no one has done this for me but i would have loved it and i often drop a meal past someone's house when they get home from hospital
Nappies if you are using sposies can add up - get one box newborn and then some the size up, you may not need many newborn (or you might, we are just about to go up a size and DS2 is 1 month old now - if you need more you can get them but good to have some in stock)
A gymini - play mat thingy - that is about all a newborn will play on for a few months. i have one with a mirror and music - we bought it for ds2. ds1 we had a v basic one and i always wished we got a better one as they do use them for a while (this one was about $120 i think)
Some ppl love the bumbo or bebe pod - i havent used one myself - but think they are used from about when they can support their own neck
Car seat - these can be expensive and you will use from about 6 months onwards (or get a rear facing reversible which you can use from birth - personally i hire a capsule as it is so good for NB and then buy a great car seat later)
High chair - i swear by the ikea one which is $50
gift cards would also be great if ppl would be confortable with this
some great books as reference - i love the baby book by sears but you need to find one that suits you...
A lovely nappy bag - you will use it ALL the time and for a few years...