Do you like gift registries?

[K9soul]

We registered at Target when we were getting married. We had next to nothing mainly put down practical things like a crock pot, skillet, bath towels, dish towels, etc. We put a few small things like picture frames and such if people wanted only to get something small. Then we did not point out we were registered in the invitations. But if they asked, we told them where we were registered.

I think it's like a lot of things, they can be helpful or they can be "abused" and I've heard some stories of people registering for ridiculous things and almost seeming to make demands of it. At this point in my life, I probably wouldn't register. I have never even liked it when I was asked "what do you want for your birthday?" because I don't like to feel like I'm telling someone what they should get for me.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

I don't like those either. But when I got married I had one too . Why did I have one then? Well, I was living in a small village then. My dad was something like the "local police", and he and my mom were very much loved . When people heard from my dad that his youngest daughter was getting married, lots of them told my dad that they wanted to give something. He almost "begged" me to open a list somewhere. So I did. I got lots of great gifts then; some people even bought a present together! I've never regretted this

[JenBKR]

We registered at Target when we were getting married. We had next to nothing mainly put down practical things like a crock pot, skillet, bath towels, dish towels, etc. We put a few small things like picture frames and such if people wanted only to get something small. Then we did not point out we were registered in the invitations. But if they asked, we told them where we were registered.

That's basically what we did. There were some items that we wanted, but what we actually wanted was gift cards and money. However, there really is no classy or tactful way to request those IMO. But this way worked out really well.

I think gift registries are fine for showers, weddings, etc...but I knew a family once who registered their kids for Christmas and birthdays. That I didn't like. The kids should learn to be happy with what they get IMO.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

I guess I can see how they are practical, but all the same it still feels a bit selfish.

The reason I started thinking about it was because my cousin, who recently remarried, is expecting her first child. She opened a registry for baby things. I guess it bothers me because her new husband is RICH, and they both have very high-paying jobs. They could easily afford all this stuff themselves.

Our side of the family is NOT rich...in fact she is by far the wealthiest in the whole bunch, so why is she opening a registry and putting all this expensive stuff on it? It really rubbed me the wrong way. I was excited about finding a cute outfit, but I'm not now...I certainly can't afford anything she put on her registry except the really cheap stuff, and then I will just look cheap.

[Kfamr]

I have never used a registry, don't think I will either. I don't expect people to tell me what they want. If I'm getting a gift for someone I should know the person well enough to know what they want and how to make it special for that specific person.

I have never even liked it when I was asked "what do you want for your birthday?" because I don't like to feel like I'm telling someone what they should get for me.

Seeing as my birthday is 2 days away I have gotten the question over the last month or so. My only answer has been "A PUPPY!" The people asking to get gifts for me should know me well enough to know what I want, what things I like, etc. It ruins the surprise of the gift if you tell someone specifically what you want, in my opinion. I'm the type of person that any gift is liked by, so there is no reason for anyone to ask me what I want. Just the thought that someone took the time to make, purchase, etc something for me makes me happy.

[Vela]

It ruins the surprise of the gift if you tell someone specifically what you want, in my opinion. I'm the type of person that any gift is liked by, so there is no reason for anyone to ask me what I want. Just the thought that someone took the time to make, purchase, etc something for me makes me happy.

That's so true! I feel the same way about it. I don't care how much it was, and I never expect gifts, so just the person thinking enough of me to think about it and get me something is great. I am a true beleiver in "it's the thouht that counts". Mu husband bought me a watering can for my plants, because I didn't have one. While most people would think, how stupid is that? I thought wow, that was really nice that he noticed I watered my plants with a glass, and thought about me enough that the convenience of having a watering can for my houseplants would be appreciated. The thoughtfulness someone shows for simple things like that is what matters to me the most.

[finn's mom]

I think they're great. I love Christmas lists, birthday lists, etc (handwritten ideas, not a registry for Christmas and birthdays). I think it's a nice way to let people know what you want and need. It's not like people are obligated to purchase from the lists, though. If I know the couple well enough to get them something really personal or to put something together, I will...but, if I'm not sure, it's nice to have a guide.

[Rachel]

I think they're great. I love Christmas lists, birthday lists, etc (handwritten ideas, not a registry for Christmas and birthdays). I think it's a nice way to let people know what you want and need. It's not like people are obligated to purchase from the lists, though. If I know the couple well enough to get them something really personal or to put something together, I will...but, if I'm not sure, it's nice to have a guide.

IMO, I think the intent is for the convenience of the gifter and as one who has a very difficult time figuring out *what to buy*, I appreciate having that kind of help. All the registries from which I've selected gifts had a variety of price ranges. I don't consider a lengthy registery to be an indication of the recipient being greedy, just that they offering the opportunity for a wide selection from which to choose. That said, I don't doubt there are those whose registries suggest they are entitled to only the best. Fortunately I have not had that experience.

I would love to see my relatives who live at a distance have a *wish list* at Amazon. When you don't have the opportunity to see people in their own homes, it is really a huge challenge to select a gift for them. That is why I generally give cash, which some people think is tacky.

[Zippy]

I'm the type of person that any gift is liked by, so there is no reason for anyone to ask me what I want. Just the thought that someone took the time to make, purchase, etc something for me makes me happy.

Me too.It is the thought that counts.But anyone who knows me knows what I like the best,ect...When I buy a gift I take great care in picking it out.