REI Registry
For our registry, there are some things that we would like, such as China, nice silverware, a knife set, new sheets and comforter, etc. So for our guests convience and to get a few things we could use we are registering at Macy's and Target.
However, my FI and I are fortunate enough to have a lot of stuff that we don't need to register for. Our kitchen is fully stocked with an All-clad pot and pan set, a kitchen-aid, too many knick knacks, etc. Our bathroom is full of still fluffy towels and a new bathroom set from Bed, Bath,and Beyond. We have more furniture and junk than we need (a lot of it is still in Louisville in our old condos). While we are doing a typical registry for a few things, there isn't a ton to register for.
What we would really like to do is to register at REI as well. We LOVE to backpack and camp. It's who we are and it's something we do together to bring us closer. There are a lot of items that we could use to backpack such as a sleeping bag for me (I'm using his 10+ year old one), backpacking stove, etc. There are also things we just want (picnic basket, backpacking hammock).
My question is- does this look bad? Its not the typical registry and our guests would have to order online (most don't live near a store). I know most of our guests realize we would get more use out of the items at REI than items like China, but I don't want it to look rude either.
Re: REI Registry
I would caution you about Target registry though. I've heard a few bad experiences, all centered around their registry changing randomly- so one bride was registered for a breast pump and baby things (and guests were confused) and they have a strict 30 day return policy (unless it has recently been changed) so it is difficult to return duplicative items, etc.
I've also heard of people registering at Amazon, so that may be a possibility for you as well.
The only item I will not compromise on...my bouquet of all purple tulips wrapped in a swatch from my Mom's wedding dress.
Oh wow, thanks for the heads up on the Target registry. I love target so we thought we would get some low cost items there. We have some guests who are still in college or just starting out in their careers, as well as some who just won't buy something at Macy's as they just think department stores are expensive in general.
So we definitely needed to have Target or something comparable on there. I really don't know another inexpensive alternative except someplace like Ikea, which I would do heartbeat except there is no Ikea near any of our families and friends. And the people who would want to buy at Target aren't likely to order online at all. So I may have no option but to register there. I will check on the registry often to make sure things don't get added though. I'll also be careful about returns (I'll want stuff out of my place anyways if its a dupllicate).
I didn't register anywhere, because we don't need anything (I too have all the all-clad and kitchen stuff). I'm not going to create a list for the sake of creating one. Less is more for us. Am I risking getting all sorts of oddball stuff? Sure, but everything is returnable. :-)
For my bridal shower, my mom included a poem about bringing gift cards. She then told our guests that I'd like TJ Maxx and Lowes ones, specifically. There is always a house project to do--and we'd like to do more landscaping this year.
I think that you should NOT worry about being untraditional here. I appreciate any gift that we will receive and the thought that goes into it. Why should it matter if you store the "thing" in the garage with your camping gear or in the kitchen? Guests would like to know that you A.) will appreciate it and B.) will use it!
Go for it!
If you don't have a receipt and the item is over $70 and not from your registry, there are ways around the return policy.
I also think it's a great idea... mostly because we're going along the same lines as you, ha! We bought a house in 2009 and before that we both had our own townhouses, so we actually had to throw out stuff when we moved in together. We're going to register for a few "normal" things that we can update for something nicer, but other than that, we're registering for stuff we want (again, also along the lines of camping/hiking gear).
Just to throw it out there, my FSIL found three diaper genies on her wedding registry at Target, ha. Confused the hell out of people. I've had quite a few friends registered there for baby showers and everytime, I've ran into problems with buying off them- nothing major though.