Gift Registry

When you think of a gift registry, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Most likely, you a place where you can register your wish list for bridal or wedding gifts. Are there occasions other than weddings for which you can use a gift registry? Absolutely.

Have you considered using a gift registry to register a wish list of baby shower gifts? How about for a bar or bat mitzvah? Did you know that you could use a gift registry for birthdays, graduations, holidays, retirements, anniversaries, and just about any other special occasion?

A traditional gift registry generally is created at a single store. When using a traditional gift registry, you were confined by the stock of the store in which you created your registry. With the online gift registry, however, you now can register at several stores, from the convenience of your home and even register simply for the cash needed to purchase the items you really want. An online cash gift registry is a great way to cut down on the time you spend planning your baby shower, anniversary or other special event.

With the advent of online gift registry sites, not only can you sign up for a registry online, but also you can now register for items to be purchased from several different stores with a single gift registry. A universal gift registry site even allows stores and the registry site to share information. This provides added convenience because those who want to purchase gifts from registered wish lists can see if someone already purchased those items elsewhere.

An online gift registry also can serve as a nontraditional gift registry site. For instance, you can register for "green" gifts or charities that are close to your heart.

Another popular type of nontraditional registry is a cash gift registry. People who are getting married may already have all the household goods they want. Couples in such situations often opt for the cash registry. It allows them to receive cash gifts that they can gift toward a large ticket item, a nice honeymoon, or gift toward a down payment on a house. A cash gift registry is an especially nice way to register for a honeymoon or an experience like golf lessons or other personal gifts he or she really wants. Expectant parents creating a baby registry could list gift items such as an education fund along with their nursery furnishings.

Whether you prefer traditional or nontraditional gifts, a gift registry can give your guests some direction and make your party planning easier. Try one at your next special event!