Target has Robeez knock-offs that are great, and much cheaper than the real thing. Both of my girls have worn those.

We have gotten crib sets for ours. We just don't use the comforter part until they reach the toddler bed stage. We don't use pillows until then, either, but most crib sets don't come with pillows. Personally, I just think the crib looks more "put together" with a dust ruffle, and it makes it nice for hiding under-bed storage boxes, which we need with the lack of storage space in our little house. That is another one of those matters of personal preference, though. If you don't want to go the crib set route, though, the mesh bumpers sound like a good idea.

For the record, we went and started a registry at Target tonight. (Not our first baby, but our first boy and when people start asking what you need, it is much easier to point them toward a registry than to try and think off-the-cuff.) Anyway, this is not the best time to be doing that. They are transitioning a lot of their baby merchandise and a lot of things are on clearance, which means you really don't need to include them on a registry list. That said, if you are just looking to purchase some items yourself, check out Target for LOTS of clearance stuff in the baby department.