What to Buy for a Baby Shower?

A good thermometer, like a Braun ear scanner or an Exergen temporal scanner.

That's my go-to gift.

ETA: I completely disagree with the attitude the "this is her second kid, so she doesn't need a baby shower." And why would she save everything for 6 years? I know some of the items I used with my boys were RECALLED (cribs with sides that lower, for instance). And why isn't second baby special, but first baby is?

With all due respect, I think it's odd to have a baby shower for a second baby. She should have saved her stuff instead of expecting folks to go buy it all again for her - most of that basic stuff does not depend on whether it's a boy or girl.

I know this is not answering your question, but I would decline the invitation, then send a nice congratulatory card once you get the birth announcement. You don't seem to have the disposible income to give her more stuff and you barely know her. Why should your finances be stretched thinner to give her more stuff because she couldn't figure out to save it just in case.... I think this is someone you barely know trying to get stuff from you. Maybe her finances are stretched thin too, who knows, but I would not feel obligated to attend.

2nd shower?
To me that says pack of diapers and/or a pack of boys onesies.
You can get a pack of cute 3-4 onesies at Target for $6-8.
OR Target or BRU gift card for $10-15-20.

Take a small basket and fill it with some baby washes, lotions and baby washcloths. Or any small inexpensive baby items (box of wipes, bibs, small toys) You don't have to spend any more than $10-$15 bucks and it looks nice with some pretty wrapping.

When in doubt, give diapers. They're ALWAYS needed and ALWAYS welcomed. :^)

a package of diapers and wipes
a hooded towel, baby washcloths, and baby wash

do NOT give clothing

I always buy medium or large size diapers. And a few outfits off clearance racks for a 6-12 month baby. Depending upon due date. If she has the baby in winter get some summer outfits in a larger size so they will fit in summer.

So many people buy newborn or 3 month clothes and small diapers and all of a sudden baby grows and mom has no clothes to put on the baby.

I would hit some of the local discount stores and grab a willow basket and hit the clearance aisles in the baby section and start filling it up. Last time I did this, I was able to grab a bunch of little things that came in quite handy for the mom-to-be such as nail clippers, onesies, lotions, hair bows (she was having a girl), shampoos, cleansers, changing pads, etc for really low prices and she was able to use the basket for the babies laundry once it was emptied. Our area has several of these stores quite close together, so I was able to run into all of them and grab a bit at each one of them. Last stop was Family Dollar Store when I picked up a couple of bags of shredded paper for the bottom of the basket and some cello wrap and a pretty bow to tie it all up with. All in all, I spent about $25.00 and ended up with an overstuffed basket.

I usually buy a basket and make a "medicine cabinet" with baby tylenol, gas drops, clippers, baby scissors, burp cloths, suction bulb, etc. I tend to go for practical stuff, It's not "cute" but she'll be very glad to have it when she needs it, especially at 3am when the baby is crying inconsolably.

If I'm short on cash, I go to the dollar store and fill up a cute basket with cotton balls, q-tips, baby bath, baby lotion, baby powder, baby shampoo, etc.

I think it's always fun to get a gift for the mom. I like going to Dollar Tree (or 99 cent store) and get some beauty products like lotion, bath puff, scented candle and then get a little basket to put it in and for under $10/$5

I would say if you'd like to stay on a budget then do a package of diapers (any size!!) or a small gift card. If you don't want to do a gift card then do something basic like a teething ring, a rattle, a ball, etc. If this is her first child then a small blanket or bibs would be nice too. I always liked those bath towels with the hoods as well. If this is her second child then she likely has all that kind of stuff so stick with diapers or wipes!

pack of dirty diaper bags from the $1
pack of size 1-2 pampers
pack of pampers wipes (kirkland/costco is good also)

pack of soft, blue towels (not hooded) or boyish pattern
pack of regular, soft washclothes

size 3m-6m sleeper outfit in a cute fall or boy pattern

I don't think you should feel obligated to go and to come with gifts. She is only an aquaintance and you said she has a lot of family.

If you are already cash strapped, you should not put yourself and your family get in a worse situation.

However, if you still feel so inclined to give something, I would go with something very basic that can be used such as diapers, wipes, and simple everyday items she might pick up at Target.

Diapers, wipes, and a nice little outfit :)