Alternative gift registry

scottielee · February 2012

My fiance and I are starting the gift registry process, but neither of us wants to register with a big corporate chain. I guess we just want to give people the option to buy wherever they want, preferably from a local store, or give them the option to make the gifts themselves. Does anyone have any good suggestions for us? We're seriously considering just making our own blog type of registry...

HobokensFury · February 2012

If you do this be prepared to get a lot of random stuff that you don't need/ want/ like.

katehar01 · February 2012

There's a "buy local" registry service called Registry 10 that allows you to register at independently owned stores rather than chains. That's literally all i know about it though, so you'd need to check into fees they charge and whatnot.

jessicabessica · February 2012

People always have the option to buy you whatever they want--homemade, locally-made, or mass-producted overseas. But really, if you want to register at a local store, and most of your guests are local, ask the store if they have a registry, or if they would be willing to set up a wishlist for you.

Hilraythebride · February 2012

You could register for stuff on a site like amaxzon and if people get something from it you could have them call your mom or something and have her take it off the registry so they can buy it from where they want if they want to save money

daniellelea1985 · February 2012

I think a blog type of registry is lovely, just make sure it is user friendly and that there is ease of access for everyone buying your gifts! Don't forget grandma whom loathes computers!!!

jessicabessica · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_alternative-gift-registry?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:34Discussion:afa523a4-06d7-43b7-a0a4-55d5e9d5db20Post:33f2eb99-fb8b-441d-b153-0374d05f35a7">Re: Alternative gift registry</a>:
[QUOTE]You could register for stuff on a site like amaxzon and if people get something from it you could have them call your mom or something and have her take it off the registry so they can buy it from where they want if they want to save money
Posted by Hilraythebride[/QUOTE]

<div>Amazon allows you to select "buy from another store" as an option to mark something as fulfilled. </div>

sweetredhead · February 2012

We registered at local stores. It passed through word of mouth ( mostly by asking my mom or sisters) They weren't the most high tech registries but I know several oot guests called them up and simple said I want to get them whatever.

mcskatcat · February 2012

I don't know that I'm sold on a blog, just because I see it as being a page called "Gifts we want." I know, it's a semantics issue on that level, but on another level, a blog isn't going to be able to keep track of gifts others have purchased - meaning you might end up with ten of an item that is really hard to return, since local stores often have tougher return policies.

I wouldn't be surprised if local stores would be willing to help you create some sort of wishlist that could be kept in-house. So it's worth at least calling and asking if they have some way to allow guests to go there and shop.

If I were in your shoes, I would just plan on spending wedding money on local gifts. If people bought me other things, I'd return or use what I could. You're in kind of a tough spot, so good luck!

SaraR715 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_alternative-gift-registry?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:34Discussion:afa523a4-06d7-43b7-a0a4-55d5e9d5db20Post:4a35c1b2-bad2-42b6-955b-deb0db9d9cbe">Re: Alternative gift registry</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't know that I'm sold on a blog, just because I see it as being a page called "Gifts we want." I know, it's a semantics issue on that level, but on another level, a blog isn't going to be able to keep track of gifts others have purchased - meaning you might end up with ten of an item that is really hard to return, since local stores often have tougher return policies. I wouldn't be surprised if local stores would be willing to help you create some sort of wishlist that could be kept in-house. So it's worth at least calling and asking if they have some way to allow guests to go there and shop. If I were in your shoes, I would just plan on spending wedding money on local gifts. If people bought me other things, I'd return or use what I could. You're in kind of a tough spot, so good luck!
Posted by mcskatcat[/QUOTE]

I kind of agree with this. Registering at a store is an "acceptable" way to let people know what you want, whereas starting a blog or typing up a list? That could definitely come across rude to some guests.

I highly recommend Amazon's universal registry button. You can register for anything online (use your local stores if they have websites! I did!) and as a PP said, there is a button for every item, including things on amazon itself, that allows guests to mark it as "purchased elsewhere", in effect claiming the item so no one else will buy the same thing. This gives them the option to both shop around for the best price or buy local, wherever local is for them.

My FSIL did not set up a registry when she got married, for some of the same reasons you mentioned. She was the first person in line to tell me to make sure I registered. They got some lovely gifts, but also things they didn't want or need and had no recourse for return. One of these gifts someone made...it was a very large cross...and they are not religious. It was thoughtful gesture, but I can hardly imagine they wouldn't have preferred something they would actually use or feel comfortable displaying in their home.

gananoque · February 2012

Lots of stores offer registry services - not just big box stores and chains.

You should give your business to a company you respect and a place that carries the items you desire.

The down side to this is that unfortunately, SOMETIMES these stores simply don't have the infrastructure and experience to run things as smoothly as say a Macy's or Bed Bath and Beyond. It's frustrating when the organization, customer service, etc. isn't up to par at the local artisan shop because I'm with you about wanting to support local vendors. It kind of sucks that the truth tends to be that the giant chains just have the resources to run like a well oiled machine...

That said, if you find a place you like and trust, with great stuff and they offer a registry service AND you think it would be convenient for your guests... go for it!

You might just want to check that they offer the option to purchase online (a preference for many people). Look into their storage policy. Small, local shops likely won't be able to store those appliances and sets of dishes that guests purchase by phone, for example, making it less convenient for everyone. A benefit of a big store registry is that guests can make the purchase and the B&G can do one big pick-up or get one big delivery after the honeymoon. Most local spots won't have the capacity for that type of storage.

You just don't want it to become a headache for you if an inexperienced store is not able to handle the logistics. Registry screwups can be really annoying and really awkward (gifts getting lost, or attributed to the incorrect purchaser, etc., etc.)

Just some things to think about.

You can also do a very limited registry if you think your guests are a) people with great taste whose non-registry gifts will be wonderful; or b) are artsy and likely to WANT to create hand-made gifts that you will welcome.

MandaK12 · February 2012

Amazon has this Universal Registry thing that allows you to add gifts from literally any online store. (Like Etsy, where everything is vintage or handmade!) Another option is a registry like Honeymoon Pixie, where you can register for just about anything and even split up larger ticket items into several smaller gifts that your guests can contribute towards.

jerseychic24 · February 2012

I'd suggest something like amazon...this way they can get it online or they can buy it else where and mark it on amazon that they have bought it else where best of both worlds

Alternative gift registry

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