I don't want to give money.
We have some friends who are expecting a baby girl in February. They did not register and have no plans to do so. We aren't close enough for me to be invited to a shower, so I'll have no idea as to what other people are getting for them... any ideas on something practical, but nice, for them? I don't really want to do gift cards/money/diapers, etc.

Re: What gift to buy for a couple that didn't register?
What about a nice bowl and plate set? It is something that they can use down the line and hae on display until used.
I have nice china and vintage glass sets. I used them since the first food feeding. My child is now a pre-schooler and is very careful at the table so they are still used on a daily basis.
Anyways, it is a nice and classy gift.
No registry and not wanting to do gift cards is tough.
Ditto the nice bowl and plate set suggested above. Pottery Barn Kids has some really nice ones (we received a set as a gift and it has held up quite well):
https://www.potterybarnkids.com/shop/baby/tabletop-feeding/tabletop-baby/
My little goofball born 1/2012
One of my favorite gifts that I didn't register for was Trumpette socks. DD wears them every day, so cute and they STAY ON!!
https://www.amazon.com/Trumpette-Pairs-Jewel-Assorted-Months/dp/B0048AW4UW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323291368&sr=8-1
lurking but a gal on the parenting board gives a Bissell machine! says it is her go to gift now, I think she got it for hers, and has received many thanks and compliments. Just something different ya know.
https://www.amazon.com/Bissell-Little-Multi-Purpose-Compact-Cleaner/dp/B0016HF5GK/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1323292764&sr=8-12
I didn't register and I didn't want people buying things for me, I wanted them to focus on things for the baby, toys, clothes, etc. It's great when people that have kids sent us their favorite thing for their baby. The thing DD likes most by far is the Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Puppy, https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Laugh-Learn-Learning-Puppy/dp/B000284ZNI
Her second favorite is Rosy, and you can get them to match the hair color of the baby. https://www.amazon.com/North-American-Bear-Company-Brunette/dp/B000G32Z18
Also, the Hanna Anderson, best ever socks. They aren't as cute as the Trumpette but they are the best, and DD has at least 50 pairs of socks. (these are the only ones I've bought, all of the others were gifts) They don't fall off. https://www.hannaandersson.com/style.asp?from=SC%7c11%7c2%7c156%7c45%7c11%7c%7c&simg=28554_001
And IPlay gauzy mitts, they are the best mitts I've found. https://www.kidslandusa.com/i-play/booties-mittens-n-hats/gauzie-mitts-2pk.php
The Barefoot Dreams cardigan is the only sweater/jacket that isn't enormous... https://www.laylagrayce.com/Products/Barefoot-Dreams-Bamboo-Chic-Cardigan-and-Hat-Set-Blue__BD404.aspx
The Restoration Hardware Baby receiving blankets are great for swaddling when it's cold and to put in the stroller. Their layette clothees are really cute too! https://www.rhbabyandchild.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=rhbc_prod238074&categoryId=rhbc_cat127001
I agree with one of the PP's that if I wasn't close enough to be invited, I may not buy a gift. However, some of my friends in college are getting married and we've not been as close since college, but I'm still buying them a wedding present.
I'd get them the gyrobowl (the bowl that you can shake and jiggle and all and it never spills.) It won't be useful now, but when the baby reaches toddler stage, they'll love it. I agree with a diaper bag full of things they'll be using. Bibs, burp cloths, wipes. Maybe some baby wash? Another thing that may be a good idea (though possibly not practical if you can't find them) is travel size bottles of go-to items. Sometimes babies are allergic to some items, and if mom has travel size, she'll be able to see which ones the baby can tolerate best instead of investing in larger size bottles and then not being able to use them. I'd also give books.
Books, a nice picture frame, or a small gift basket filled w/basics are very good choices to gift in this type of situation.
Me too. Or I would get something pretty small (under $10). Like a package of cute socks, a onsie, or small toy.
what about a monogrammed stroller blanket from PBK? You just have to wait for baby to be born and then order - shipping is free.
Otherwise, I like to give books or monthly onesie stickers.