My 1.5yr old really likes things that are magnetic -- those Leapster fridge farm things, trains he can stick together, magnatiles, plain old animal magnets with a board (or fridge) to stick them on.
Lego Duplos can also start to be fun around that age. I found when they were little, my kids were more interested in the people/animals that came with them etc than in building elaborate buildings so a kit that has lots of those might be good (zoo, etc).
If you have a baby on the way, maybe a doll with stroller and lots of other accessories so she can mimic you?
Playdoh is also a good activity for occupying the little one when you sit nearby with the baby.
A play tunnel? That gets lots of use in our house, and is good for burning off steam if you are stuck inside. My 1.5 can play for a long time throwing balls in, crawling after them, etc.
Good luck with the baby! My two are 21 months apart, and I love the age difference.