Registry Questions

laurag524

I have an interesting situation.  I got engaged recently and it seems the whole registering thing has already become an issue.   I live in a small apartment in Boston and will hopefully be buying something in the next two years time, so I am hesitant to register because of space constraints.   My mother has been waiting since the day I was born to go register with me.  She did not take the news well, so I thought we could register for some "upgrades" - new towels/sheets, things we could use no matter where we live.    

Now here's something to complicate things a bit more:  my FMIL isn't from America & she finds registries to be a huge no-no (her own words: "it's rude to tell people what you want as gifts")  I'm ok getting whatever gifts from her as this isn't anything new.  (she has bought be 3 sets of dishes since we started dating a few years ago!)

So, any suggestions on what serious basics we should register for besides towels and sheets?  I'm a huge baker, my FI is a great cook, so we really don't need any kitchenware. And how can we do this tactfully so that both our mothers are happy?  

stantokm

I think that you should just try to tactfully explain to your FMIL that registering for gifts is not rude here and it's actually expected.  I don't see how you can make both women happy when they want/think such different things, so it's probably best to follow your own custom and not FMIL's.

I think that towels and sheets are a great idea.  Perhaps look into upgrading bathroom accessories/shower curtains/rugs, etc. too--definitely not a serious basic, but if you're upgrading towels, why not also upgrade the bathroom?

The kitchen is the biggest part of the registry and you guys apparently have everything that you need in that area--but I would still look at what you have.  Stirring spoons and utensils often wear out, so you could add those.

Also consider luggage, lamps, picture frames, and (since you're in a small apartment) attractive storage boxes/containers or whatever.

Sorry.  I'm not great with "serious basics" because I'm new to the registry bit myself.

BTCarolus

My FMIL is from another country as well (although she's been here for most of her life) and I've gotten some silent judging and some pointed comments about my registries. I've decided to ignore it, and register for what we need, without worrying about her. We're not in her country, so I'm going to do what's correct in my country.

I would just start doing your registry and see what you wind up putting on it. BBB is great for storage stuff!