Pixel count is overrated - if all you want to do is print your
standard-sized photos, 2 megapixels is enough resolution. On
the other hand, high resolution can make up for a lack of zoom.
For starters, I'd recommend something with manual functions
alongside full-auto - if you do decide to get more into
photography, you can learn to manually adjust shutter speed and
aperture. Image stabilisation is fairly common these days,
and it's handy. Something with a fair amount of optical zoom
(at least 6X) will also be handy - forget digital zoom because it
only creates crap pictures. If it takes AA batteries, all the
better - you don't want to run out of juice halfway with nothing to
replace some gollywog rechargeable.
Have a look at Canon's Powershot A-series (e.g. A650, A720) -
they're good beginners' cameras.