Registry Questions

andie1021

My fiance and I have been living together for almost a year and a half now and combined 2 households into one, so we are pretty set on "stuff". However we will be buying the house we currently live in and it needs MANY renovations (such as new roof, basement work etc...) to update it. Is it rude to ask for gift cards to help assist with home renovations? I figure we can register for some inexpensive items such as new bed sheets, new decor for the bathroom, those sorts of little things, but we would prefer stuff to help with the house. Is there an appropriate way to ask for cash or gift cards to Home Depot/Lowe's for Bridal Shower and/or Wedding Gifts?

SKPM

No. Your best bet is to make a small registry like you mentioned, and guests will get the hint that you'd prefer cash. However, the whole point of a shower is to shower the bride or couple with gifts, and watching someone open a bunch of gift cards isn't very appealing, so I would recommend either declining any showers or beefing up your registry of physical gifts if someone does offer to throw a shower.

RebeccaB88

Nope, no appropriate way at all.  If someone asks, you can tell them what you're saving up for.  They'll take it from there.

APDSS22

A friend of mine had a registry at Home Depot, you might look into setting something like that up so that you can register, but still get the things you want for the house.

SKPM

I've heard that Sears has a more useful registry operation than Home Depot and they have some tools and remodeling supplies; maybe try there if you want a home projects registry?

[Deleted User]

We desperately need a new kitchen remodel. We've been together for 6 years and in the house for 3. We made a smaller registry and when people ask, we say we are saving for a kitchen remodel, and we made a small registry.

I ditto the other people's comments about Home Depot. I think it's fine if your guest list is all in one town. But it's not universal, like they mentioned. I don't believe Lowe's has a registry, which is what we would have wanted. 

hoffse

Yeah Home Depot and Lowes registries are in-store only still.  I keep thinking that someday they'll at least make a wishlist function (if not registry function) but so much of their business is through contractors that they really dont need to.  For tools, I would suggest Amazon - free shipping on many items over $25, and it's an online store many people are comfortable with.  Sears' registry is glitchy, and I've read a number of complaints about their customer service for their registry option.  Avoid Target as well.

OP, just make a very small list and when people ask tell them what you are saving for.  Odds are you will get primarily cash, and it's the only polite way to hint.

EDIT: Forgot to add - amazon has a "universal registry" option that lets you add items from anywhere on the internet.  If some of your remodelling is aesthetic, and not just structural, you could probably add some items from home depot/lowes on that way (ie: light fixtures, drawer pulls, etc).  In short, I would probably do a small list of more traditional items at a place like Macy's or BBB (guests do need a place to shop in-store if they want), and then a small list on Amazon of home improvement items.  That will get the hint across to anybody who doesn't ask.

Jen4948

If you want to register for home repair items, you can do that.

But there is no gracious way to ask for cash or gift cards.