What magic items are good for a bard?

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

I haven't taken any Use Magic Device yet, simply because the DCs are so high. 20 to active a wand and 20+spell level to activate a scroll. For a decent chance of it working, you need at least a +16 or +17 in the skill. I've been holding off on UMD until 10th level or so, when I can sink enough skill points into it for it to be relatively safe to use. The Circlet of Persuasion changes things, though. If I can get one of these beauties, it will definitely allow me to pick up UMD earlier.

Don´t forget there is little penalty for failure if you use magic device - if you roll a 1 and fail the roll, there is a chance for mishap, otherwise, you just wasted an action (and maybe can`t use it again the next 24 hours...).
Outside of combat, this means next to nothing, and during combat, you have to decide if there is something better to do than using the scroll/wand of "spell you really need now" .

A Good items is always Wands of Cure Light - I know, if you have a cleric, he will be better at doing it, but remember that, if he goes down, and you still have a wand of it, you can help him or others in need very fast (and you reduce the urge for him to buy several of them on his own)

Mustrum Ridcully

 

[John Q. Mayhem]

I think that there were some good magic items for bards on WotC's site a while back. You might also want to pick up a Horn of Valhalla. Screaming hordes of barbarians under your control are always nice. And it's ALMOST bard-specific (which I think you wanted), being as some functions require Bardic Music.