Do you like gift registries?

[Pembroke_Corgi]

I'm not a fan. It seems like it takes all the fun out of buying a gift...like, how fun is it to buy for someone who has a list of demands? I think it takes something out of the process and makes it less fun for everyone...

What do you think?

[Vela]

I think it's good and bad. In some ways its a good idea, so you aren't wasting your money on useless gifts, and on the downside it DOES seem almost greedy. When I get a wedding invitation and it says "registerd at wherever" I get a feeling of "greedy list of demands", even though that may not always be the case. I dunno I guess I'm kind of in a toss up about it. It is helpful, but I also would rather give a gift certificate rather than seeing the actual lists. It really only bothers me I guess when I see a list that has things for hudnreds of dollars on it and expensive items, that I think is unfair of anyone to actuall expect people to buy for them. When I see that it makes me want to not get them anything=x

[Karen]

I like gift registries - one needn't buy something "on the list," but often it can give you an idea of what color schemes, etc., the person is going with, and buy accordingly. I hated filling them out when we got married, but the mothers both insisted we do so. Now, years later, I see just how handy they are!

[Blue_Frog]

I've never been a huge fan of registries either, but i can totally see the need for them for things like weddings and showers. It helps since someone might think something is really nice but might be totally something you wouldn't like or that wouldn't fit into your decor. It also helps so that you dont end up with 3 blenders or something like that as well. But then again, thats what gift receipts are for

I never thought to use the registry for colour ideas tho - thanks Karen! I usually make people stuff (stained glass, quilts, etc.), so that would be totally helpful to match to their living space

[jazzcat]

I like them because it make it so much easier for me to get a gift, especially if it is for someone I don't know well.

On the other hand it has made me think differently about some people when I see how extensive their registry is. I remember buying a baby gift for my parents' neighbor and just about falling over when I saw the dozens of pages of items. This was for a baby on the way and she had clothing listed for ages newborn up till the baby would be 4-5 years old plus just about every toy in the store. I've never seen anyone have clothes that wouldn't be needed for years on a gift registry. Is that common?

[BitsyNaceyDog]

I like registries, but hate showers. I have a baby registry/wish list on amazon. I have spent hours upon hours looking at baby products and reading reviews. I also considered prices in the products I listed. I put things on the list that I need and will buy if I don't receive them as gifts. I don't expect gifts from my family and friends, but the registry is there to help them if they choose to give a gift.

I completely hate the whole idea of a shower (wedding, baby, or other). Even though someone else gives the shower I feel it's a greed party. The way I see it is if someone would like to give my baby a gift they are more than welcome to and every gift will be greatly appreciated. I don't however want a shower where people feel obligated to give a gift.