A bassinet/cradle/crib, a trashcan, and a little laundry basket. Someplace to sit…a glider or rocker is nice, but not strictly necessary. I never had a changing table…you’re hardly ever in the baby’s room when it’s time for a diaper change. Instead, I kept baskets stocked with diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment, a changing pad and burp cloths – one for upstairs and one for downstairs. A lightweight basket with a single handle made it easy to carry anywhere in the house.
A carseat and a stroller. A baby monitor. Some onesies, sleepers and maybe some socks. Several crib sheets, and waterproof pads for under them. [Pro tip: ‘double make’ the crib. One waterproof pad followed by one sheet, followed by another waterproof pad and another sheet. Middle-of-the-night crib changing is no fun!] Diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment, baby nail clippers, bottles and nipples (a few or many, depending on whether you’re breastfeeding), several baby blankets & baby shampoo. Playpens and baby swings are great, but not strictly necessary.
My ‘go-to gift’ for baby showers is a little round laundry basket filled with useful stuff. Diapers and onesies that are a size or two up from newborn, wipes, baby shampoo, cloth diapers (they make excellent burp cloths and changing pad ‘covers’ even if disposable diapers are used). And something cute, like a baby-safe stuffed animal, cute outfit or a cuddly blankie.