NOOO! This is all too expensive
January 3, 2015 1:15 PM Subscribe
We are getting married and I am having all sorts of issues with this bridal registry thing. Please help? Is there a reasonable price guide?
I'm Mexican and am marrying an American. His family expects a bridal registry but it's not customary in my culture. I have been able to find loads of bridal registry checklists but as I'm working on putting it together I am just really embarrassed and hung up on how expensive everything is. Is there a guide that can tell me the acceptable price ranges are for items that go on a bridal registry? I refuse to put anything over a $100 on the registry but my fiance says its okay because it is expected to see items over $100 but even he admits he has no idea on these things.
For what its worth, his mom has passed and I really don't feel comfortable asking his sisters for help. Please help. I just wish I knew per item what price range to keep things in. Thanks to my frugal mother I just don't find it acceptable to buy such expensive things and how can I expect someone else to buy them for us? UUGHHH!!
I'm Mexican and am marrying an American. His family expects a bridal registry but it's not customary in my culture. I have been able to find loads of bridal registry checklists but as I'm working on putting it together I am just really embarrassed and hung up on how expensive everything is. Is there a guide that can tell me the acceptable price ranges are for items that go on a bridal registry? I refuse to put anything over a $100 on the registry but my fiance says its okay because it is expected to see items over $100 but even he admits he has no idea on these things.
For what its worth, his mom has passed and I really don't feel comfortable asking his sisters for help. Please help. I just wish I knew per item what price range to keep things in. Thanks to my frugal mother I just don't find it acceptable to buy such expensive things and how can I expect someone else to buy them for us? UUGHHH!!
Sometimes people pool together to purchase a big ticket item. It's just a list telling people what you need; it's not a "must buy" commandment.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 1:21 PM on January 3, 2015 [12 favorites]
posted by St. Peepsburg at 1:21 PM on January 3, 2015 [12 favorites]
My registry items were $20-$70 mostly, with a few high ticket ($80-$150) items. We went to Kohl's first and, like you, balked at most of the prices; then we went to Target, which was more reasonably priced. My husband and I figured that the high ticket items would likely be a nice option for some of our groups of friends or our extended families to go in together on, which did happen. Practically speaking, though, most people are going to give cash or gifts you didn't ask for (photo frames, albums, even a first-aid kit). Try not to over think the registry, but definitely try to have a nice range of prices on the registry. (My cousin and his wife's registry were items that were all over $80. I was put off by that.)
posted by coast99 at 1:23 PM on January 3, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by coast99 at 1:23 PM on January 3, 2015 [3 favorites]
In my circle, I routinely see things up to about $500 on registries. Just a couple of things that expensive -- a stand mixer, a knife set, an espresso machine, as examples. There isn't an expectation that one person is going to buy the $500 thing, but maybe the bridesmaids will go in on it, or someone's rich aunt will decide to get it.
Then lots of things in the $75 - $150 range, because that's the price range where wedding gifts usually fall. This doesn't need to be individual items, but things you want multiples of that add up to that work. Register for linens in the colours you want and people will buy you 4 or 8 bath towels, or a complete set of bed linens or whatever, depending on their budget. You can do the same with kitchen stuff -- if you register for a zillion large spoons/spatulas/etc from the same kitchenware line, someone can buy a whole bunch of them as their gift, or they can include a ladle with the soup terrine they buy off your dish list.
posted by jacquilynne at 1:32 PM on January 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
Then lots of things in the $75 - $150 range, because that's the price range where wedding gifts usually fall. This doesn't need to be individual items, but things you want multiples of that add up to that work. Register for linens in the colours you want and people will buy you 4 or 8 bath towels, or a complete set of bed linens or whatever, depending on their budget. You can do the same with kitchen stuff -- if you register for a zillion large spoons/spatulas/etc from the same kitchenware line, someone can buy a whole bunch of them as their gift, or they can include a ladle with the soup terrine they buy off your dish list.
posted by jacquilynne at 1:32 PM on January 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
People make up their own minds about how much they want to spend on your wedding gift. What many people want help with is knowing what you want or will use. That's what registering is - taking the guesswork out of it for your guests so you don't end up with a lot of things you either end up returning or that ends up unused and gathering dust because you kept it out of guilt. I recently had friends do an Amazon.com registry. There was everything from pricey cookware to toilet paper on there.
posted by cecic at 1:35 PM on January 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by cecic at 1:35 PM on January 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
I just don't find it acceptable to buy such expensive things and how can I expect someone else to buy them for us? UUGHHH!!
I understand this impulse. I skipped the registry too and everyone was disappointed. The thing is that if he's telling you they're expecting a registry, then people want to buy you this stuff and they want to know which particular stuff you want. If they don't want to buy anything off the list, they will feel free to pick out something else.
posted by bleep at 1:37 PM on January 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
I understand this impulse. I skipped the registry too and everyone was disappointed. The thing is that if he's telling you they're expecting a registry, then people want to buy you this stuff and they want to know which particular stuff you want. If they don't want to buy anything off the list, they will feel free to pick out something else.
posted by bleep at 1:37 PM on January 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Also good to know: stores will often give you a "completion" discount after the wedding on registry items that weren't purchased. I know people who have put big-ticket items on the registry figuring they'd purchase them with the expected discount.
Another option is honeymoon registries, where people basically just give you cash, but it's billed as buying a snorkeling trip or caving expedition or whatever. Some people think this is tacky, but I've been seeing it more commonly lately. I think they're fine - the goal of a gift is to please the recipient, not everyone needs a new set of china when they wed.
posted by momus_window at 1:48 PM on January 3, 2015
Another option is honeymoon registries, where people basically just give you cash, but it's billed as buying a snorkeling trip or caving expedition or whatever. Some people think this is tacky, but I've been seeing it more commonly lately. I think they're fine - the goal of a gift is to please the recipient, not everyone needs a new set of china when they wed.
posted by momus_window at 1:48 PM on January 3, 2015
I don't know how traditional you are, but historically things that go on a registry include dishes/china, crystal, and silverware/flatware. While at one time these were the "good dishes," today you could register for your everyday kitchen patterns and nobody would think twice. If you have patterns/sets picked out, it's a good idea to list those. That way if somebody wants to buy you a serving for one, or an odd piece (gravy boat or soup ladle) they can, or a group can go in and purchase you enough for four/six/eight people. Additionally, sometimes you just get a older relative who wants to buy the young couple "something nice for the home" and their preference usually falls into this category of gifts.
Registries are also used to give people an idea of your colours. So if your bathroom is in turquoise (for a wild example) people who want to give you towels probably won't buy red ones. Ditto for other rooms in the house including the bedroom (linens) and living room (pillows and throws).
As other posters have written, it's a good idea to have a wide range of prices, just to give people options.
The other thing you want to consider when putting together a registry is your lifestyle and how you want to live your life together. Are you planning on spending the next six months climbing the Andes? Then include some items from the local outdoor store or big national chain. Are you planning on creating the ultimate multimedia and rec room? Then add some products from places that sell A/V equipment or pool and ping pong tables. Are you both into do-it-yourself? List your preferred brands of powertools.
Yes, lists typically have a bit of an aspirational element to them, but it's up to you how heavy you want to go with these types of elements. If you truly love coffee, and would love some fancy, high-end espresso maker that you know you'd use everyday, it's okay to put it on the list. Of course, you can't expect you'll get it, but you never know.
Try to keep in mind that people want lists because they want to get you something that will make you happy, and they don't want to be embarrassed calling you (or your relatives up) and admitting they don't really know you that well and don't really understand your taste or your requirements. If they can look at a list, and get some sense of who you are as a couple, that gives them a starting point. And if they still can't figure out what to get you--or if their cultural customs dictate--they'll just give you money.
It should also work to make your life a little easier, and save you from figuring out where to display that six-foot glowing Elvis statue that your second cousin Egbert bought you that you can't return.
posted by sardonyx at 2:05 PM on January 3, 2015 [6 favorites]
Registries are also used to give people an idea of your colours. So if your bathroom is in turquoise (for a wild example) people who want to give you towels probably won't buy red ones. Ditto for other rooms in the house including the bedroom (linens) and living room (pillows and throws).
As other posters have written, it's a good idea to have a wide range of prices, just to give people options.
The other thing you want to consider when putting together a registry is your lifestyle and how you want to live your life together. Are you planning on spending the next six months climbing the Andes? Then include some items from the local outdoor store or big national chain. Are you planning on creating the ultimate multimedia and rec room? Then add some products from places that sell A/V equipment or pool and ping pong tables. Are you both into do-it-yourself? List your preferred brands of powertools.
Yes, lists typically have a bit of an aspirational element to them, but it's up to you how heavy you want to go with these types of elements. If you truly love coffee, and would love some fancy, high-end espresso maker that you know you'd use everyday, it's okay to put it on the list. Of course, you can't expect you'll get it, but you never know.
Try to keep in mind that people want lists because they want to get you something that will make you happy, and they don't want to be embarrassed calling you (or your relatives up) and admitting they don't really know you that well and don't really understand your taste or your requirements. If they can look at a list, and get some sense of who you are as a couple, that gives them a starting point. And if they still can't figure out what to get you--or if their cultural customs dictate--they'll just give you money.
It should also work to make your life a little easier, and save you from figuring out where to display that six-foot glowing Elvis statue that your second cousin Egbert bought you that you can't return.
posted by sardonyx at 2:05 PM on January 3, 2015 [6 favorites]
Traditional items for bridal registries:
- Sets of towels, from washcloths up to bath sheets (these tend to run ~$3-30 per piece, so people can buy you a few or a lot) - you generally put the pieces individually on your registry (unlike settings of china and silver below) but the point of this is to get new towels all in the same style and color. Some people just do one bathroom's worth (4-8 washcloths, 4-6 hand towels, 4-6 bath towels, 2-4 bath sheets), some do two.
- China, generally 8 to 12 place settings, and you'll see at that link that a setting can be $50-$200+, I'd say $60-80 is around average. Some people just don't register for china because they don't want to deal with it or they have their mother's/grandmother/etc, and some register for much more reasonable everyday dinnerware instead (if you do that, put two full sets of it on the registry so you won't have to worry about chasing down replacements 10 years from now). But it's a very very traditional American thing (when my mother got married, china and silver was her entire bridal registry).
- Silverware. Same deal as china.
Modern traditional items:
- Bedding - comforters, sheet sets, pillows
- Cookware: Pots and pans (you might select all the individual pieces in a set, and guests will buy small or large pieces as budget allows), bakeware like casserole dishes
- Kitchen appliances: blender, hand-mixer, food processor (and go ahead and put the really good one on there), toaster, panini press*, etc
- Bar glass and tools
- Kitchen linens
- Accessories: spatulas, can openers, etc. These are often sub-$10 items.
- Picnic items or outdoor/patio dinnerware
- Home decor items: photo frames (don't forget you're about to have a bunch of new photos taken), throw pillows and blankets, decorative wall hangings, etc.
- Luggage
*Everyone ends up with some popular stupid thing they never use again. Panini press seems to be the current fashion.
There will be family members and longtime family friends who will throw a fit (and buy up all your small-ticket items, leaving none for the normal people) if you don't have some big-ticket items there. Go ahead and do it, and I recommend choosing items that are expensive because they are high-quality long-lasting items - Cuisinart or Kitchenaid food processors or mixers, a Miele vacuum, very good luggage (if there is such a thing anymore).
Nobody is going to think badly of you for this stuff. Just make sure you have a selection of items in the $50/under and $30/under range, and keep an eye on the registry and add more lower-price items if they get snapped up too fast.
It's just part of the social contract that you're going to make a list of items available so people don't have to guess what you want (and anymore, it also means they don't have to physically bring the gift to the wedding - it gets shipped to you, and you can usually control shipping so things don't arrive during your honeymoon). If people don't like the registry or give cash, they'll still do that.
posted by Lyn Never at 2:09 PM on January 3, 2015 [10 favorites]
- Sets of towels, from washcloths up to bath sheets (these tend to run ~$3-30 per piece, so people can buy you a few or a lot) - you generally put the pieces individually on your registry (unlike settings of china and silver below) but the point of this is to get new towels all in the same style and color. Some people just do one bathroom's worth (4-8 washcloths, 4-6 hand towels, 4-6 bath towels, 2-4 bath sheets), some do two.
- China, generally 8 to 12 place settings, and you'll see at that link that a setting can be $50-$200+, I'd say $60-80 is around average. Some people just don't register for china because they don't want to deal with it or they have their mother's/grandmother/etc, and some register for much more reasonable everyday dinnerware instead (if you do that, put two full sets of it on the registry so you won't have to worry about chasing down replacements 10 years from now). But it's a very very traditional American thing (when my mother got married, china and silver was her entire bridal registry).
- Silverware. Same deal as china.
Modern traditional items:
- Bedding - comforters, sheet sets, pillows
- Cookware: Pots and pans (you might select all the individual pieces in a set, and guests will buy small or large pieces as budget allows), bakeware like casserole dishes
- Kitchen appliances: blender, hand-mixer, food processor (and go ahead and put the really good one on there), toaster, panini press*, etc
- Bar glass and tools
- Kitchen linens
- Accessories: spatulas, can openers, etc. These are often sub-$10 items.
- Picnic items or outdoor/patio dinnerware
- Home decor items: photo frames (don't forget you're about to have a bunch of new photos taken), throw pillows and blankets, decorative wall hangings, etc.
- Luggage
*Everyone ends up with some popular stupid thing they never use again. Panini press seems to be the current fashion.
There will be family members and longtime family friends who will throw a fit (and buy up all your small-ticket items, leaving none for the normal people) if you don't have some big-ticket items there. Go ahead and do it, and I recommend choosing items that are expensive because they are high-quality long-lasting items - Cuisinart or Kitchenaid food processors or mixers, a Miele vacuum, very good luggage (if there is such a thing anymore).
Nobody is going to think badly of you for this stuff. Just make sure you have a selection of items in the $50/under and $30/under range, and keep an eye on the registry and add more lower-price items if they get snapped up too fast.
It's just part of the social contract that you're going to make a list of items available so people don't have to guess what you want (and anymore, it also means they don't have to physically bring the gift to the wedding - it gets shipped to you, and you can usually control shipping so things don't arrive during your honeymoon). If people don't like the registry or give cash, they'll still do that.
posted by Lyn Never at 2:09 PM on January 3, 2015 [10 favorites]
The only thing that would be inappropriate would be to not have anything that's affordable. Nobody gets bothered if there's something expensive on there, only if everything on there is expensive.
With that said, this is your wedding, not your future husband's parents'. If this is important to you he should go to bat for you IMO.
posted by ftm at 2:25 PM on January 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
With that said, this is your wedding, not your future husband's parents'. If this is important to you he should go to bat for you IMO.
posted by ftm at 2:25 PM on January 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
We don't have too much over $100 on our registry (just a few bigger ticket items that might get purchased by groups, but might not). I'd say most gifts we included are in the $20-$50 range. This is partly because we know our guest list...almost everyone will be travelling to the wedding, and there are very few wealthy people on our guest list/circle of friends and family!
Also - I would forget those lists of what you "should" have on your wedding registry and register for things you actually want, have room for, and will use. We registered through Amazon rather than a traditional "wedding registry" type store, and I've also had friends who have chosen Target. Those tend to be lower cost options that might fit your style more...and, at least if you go the Amazon route, you can also register for non-houseware type items that you might want more (i.e. books, board games, etc.) And, keep in mind, if you prefer to register for less expensive items, people always have the choice to purchase you 2 or 3 gifts if they really want to spend more.
Another thing to think about in your case is that I would be sure NOT to put the registry information in your invitations. This is always proper ettiquette, but is, I think, particularly important given the context that for half your guest list a registry is not expected and may be interpreted in the wrong way. At most, a small notation on your website would be ok, or perhaps the registry could simply be passed around your fiance's family by word of mouth.
Finally - remember that the registry is in many ways a courtesy to your guests. I was initially against having a registry because I don't particularly care for them and I almost never purchase registry gifts for weddings (I prefer to get something more personal). But, I had enough friends tell me they HATE a lack of registry that I eventually came around to this view. It is NOT a requirement for guests (as I say, I almost never buy off them) but instead an option for those who would like to use it for convenience. We put a little notation on our wedding website to the effect of "The best gift you can give us is your blessing of our marriage, but by request we have also registered at Amazon.com."
posted by rainbowbrite at 2:40 PM on January 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
Also - I would forget those lists of what you "should" have on your wedding registry and register for things you actually want, have room for, and will use. We registered through Amazon rather than a traditional "wedding registry" type store, and I've also had friends who have chosen Target. Those tend to be lower cost options that might fit your style more...and, at least if you go the Amazon route, you can also register for non-houseware type items that you might want more (i.e. books, board games, etc.) And, keep in mind, if you prefer to register for less expensive items, people always have the choice to purchase you 2 or 3 gifts if they really want to spend more.
Another thing to think about in your case is that I would be sure NOT to put the registry information in your invitations. This is always proper ettiquette, but is, I think, particularly important given the context that for half your guest list a registry is not expected and may be interpreted in the wrong way. At most, a small notation on your website would be ok, or perhaps the registry could simply be passed around your fiance's family by word of mouth.
Finally - remember that the registry is in many ways a courtesy to your guests. I was initially against having a registry because I don't particularly care for them and I almost never purchase registry gifts for weddings (I prefer to get something more personal). But, I had enough friends tell me they HATE a lack of registry that I eventually came around to this view. It is NOT a requirement for guests (as I say, I almost never buy off them) but instead an option for those who would like to use it for convenience. We put a little notation on our wedding website to the effect of "The best gift you can give us is your blessing of our marriage, but by request we have also registered at Amazon.com."
posted by rainbowbrite at 2:40 PM on January 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
I'm not married so I haven't gone through this but I've given a number of bridal/wedding/baby gifts off registries. If it makes you feel any better, I've definitely pooled with friends to buy more expensive gifts. In fact my friend just texted me today asking if I wanted to go in on a baby shower gift.
You could look at some of the expensive items as an investment. For example, a Le Creuset pan is going to last forever, and be much less wasteful than buying multiple cheap pans over the years.
posted by radioamy at 4:03 PM on January 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
You could look at some of the expensive items as an investment. For example, a Le Creuset pan is going to last forever, and be much less wasteful than buying multiple cheap pans over the years.
posted by radioamy at 4:03 PM on January 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
I had two registries, one at Target that included things like DVDs, melamine plates, etc. I also registered at the Dansk store. Dishes and things that were arty, but pretty and reasonably priced.
I was 39 when I got married and I owned a house. I promise, I didn't need anything, but a friend warned me, "If you don't register all you'll get is crap."
Then my aunt, bless her heart, bought up EVERYTHING on the Dansk registry. Thanks.
So go to Target and register for things like towels and sheets and barbecues and fun things you'll enjoy. I have a full set of silverware, silver servings pieces and china service for 8, because my Mom made me take her wedding china when my parents moved to Japan. Yay. I've never used it.
Register only for things you want, need and like.
Also, get thank you notes now (as part of your invitation stationary) and write them the day you get the gift.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 4:06 PM on January 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
I was 39 when I got married and I owned a house. I promise, I didn't need anything, but a friend warned me, "If you don't register all you'll get is crap."
Then my aunt, bless her heart, bought up EVERYTHING on the Dansk registry. Thanks.
So go to Target and register for things like towels and sheets and barbecues and fun things you'll enjoy. I have a full set of silverware, silver servings pieces and china service for 8, because my Mom made me take her wedding china when my parents moved to Japan. Yay. I've never used it.
Register only for things you want, need and like.
Also, get thank you notes now (as part of your invitation stationary) and write them the day you get the gift.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 4:06 PM on January 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Thanks to my frugal mother I just don't find it acceptable to buy such expensive things
So only list things that you consider acceptable. That's the point of a registry, after all. I don't want to buy someone something that they would consider disgustingly decadent.
and how can I expect someone else to buy them for us?
You don't need to create any expectations that aren't already there. You can choose to confine any information concerning the registry to people who have explicitly requested that information. As in:
Invitee: I notice the invitation doesn't list a registry.
You: That's right. Could you pass the salt?
Invitee: Do you not have a registry?
You: We do, actually. A few people wanted one, so we set one up. Did you wind up having one at your wedding?
Invitee: Yes, of course. So could you please tell me how to find your registry?
You: Oh, on Amazon. I think you can find it under xicana63 or future-mr.-xicana63.
posted by feral_goldfish at 4:10 PM on January 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
So only list things that you consider acceptable. That's the point of a registry, after all. I don't want to buy someone something that they would consider disgustingly decadent.
and how can I expect someone else to buy them for us?
You don't need to create any expectations that aren't already there. You can choose to confine any information concerning the registry to people who have explicitly requested that information. As in:
Invitee: I notice the invitation doesn't list a registry.
You: That's right. Could you pass the salt?
Invitee: Do you not have a registry?
You: We do, actually. A few people wanted one, so we set one up. Did you wind up having one at your wedding?
Invitee: Yes, of course. So could you please tell me how to find your registry?
You: Oh, on Amazon. I think you can find it under xicana63 or future-mr.-xicana63.
posted by feral_goldfish at 4:10 PM on January 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Then my aunt, bless her heart, bought up EVERYTHING on the Dansk registry. Thanks.
Oh god, I hadn't thought of that. Maybe you'd better include a few expensive items after all, in case some of your husband's relatives attempt this kind of end-run around your frugality and wind up wiping out the registry for everyone else.
There must be SOME circumstances in which you consider it acceptable to buy something costing over $100 -- your past history mentions owning cars and real estate. So maybe the real problem is that you don't think someone should buy these things for someone else? But what if they're family -- which is what your in-laws are hoping to become?
If that still creeps you out too much, how about saying: "We have a registry at Amazon, but we're asking guests not to buy more than one present each -- or people can contribute any amount to XYZ charities in our name."
posted by feral_goldfish at 4:42 PM on January 3, 2015
Oh god, I hadn't thought of that. Maybe you'd better include a few expensive items after all, in case some of your husband's relatives attempt this kind of end-run around your frugality and wind up wiping out the registry for everyone else.
There must be SOME circumstances in which you consider it acceptable to buy something costing over $100 -- your past history mentions owning cars and real estate. So maybe the real problem is that you don't think someone should buy these things for someone else? But what if they're family -- which is what your in-laws are hoping to become?
If that still creeps you out too much, how about saying: "We have a registry at Amazon, but we're asking guests not to buy more than one present each -- or people can contribute any amount to XYZ charities in our name."
posted by feral_goldfish at 4:42 PM on January 3, 2015
Having variety on the list (or even a variety of stores) as well as a variety of prices is good. I'm an American and lately I've been wedding presents for people who are the children of my friends/extended family. I have enough trouble finding really good gifts for my own kids - I'm pretty likely to be off base trying to pick out a gift for someone else's kids without help. I like a registry - I would rather give a gift than cash so I look for something that I would enjoy giving but that would also be useful/enjoyed/appreciated by the couple getting married.
posted by metahawk at 5:44 PM on January 3, 2015
posted by metahawk at 5:44 PM on January 3, 2015
Having been a guest directed to a registry I assure you I felt no pressure to buy high ticket items, and please to know my item was not already purchased and would work for the couple.
Some guests won't know you as well, this will help them find something they can feel confident giving. I'd say a range from 10 to 500 will be fine
.. And also let people know a ten dollar gift is fine.
If you have family you think this might be weird for, perhaps from your family who feel like you, I think it us also fine to let them know it is not necessary to use it, and it is quite normal for those close to the family to *not* use the registry as they are doing something else (like helping with wedding costs, travelling a long distance to attend, or giving a gift that is culturally appropriate for that side of the family.)
posted by chapps at 5:44 PM on January 3, 2015
Some guests won't know you as well, this will help them find something they can feel confident giving. I'd say a range from 10 to 500 will be fine
.. And also let people know a ten dollar gift is fine.
If you have family you think this might be weird for, perhaps from your family who feel like you, I think it us also fine to let them know it is not necessary to use it, and it is quite normal for those close to the family to *not* use the registry as they are doing something else (like helping with wedding costs, travelling a long distance to attend, or giving a gift that is culturally appropriate for that side of the family.)
posted by chapps at 5:44 PM on January 3, 2015
We didn't have a registry and requested twice (in person and on the invitation) that we receive NO GIFTS. Guess what - people bought us stuff anyway or gave us cash.
A registry would have directed some of the enthusiasm and in hindsight, I should have had one. Just my two cents worth...
(The frog pond was re-gifted to someone with hoarding issues so now I get to feel guilty about it twice over!)
posted by ninazer0 at 5:53 PM on January 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
A registry would have directed some of the enthusiasm and in hindsight, I should have had one. Just my two cents worth...
(The frog pond was re-gifted to someone with hoarding issues so now I get to feel guilty about it twice over!)
posted by ninazer0 at 5:53 PM on January 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
What are you imagining might be on your registry? Ours was very traditional -- china and silverware and table linens and towels. Using the china as an example, we had people buy us a wide cost spread of items:
1) 1 cup and saucer
2) All 8 salad plates
3) The spectacularly expensive, stunningly beautiful teapot.
You get the same spread across all the things you might typically register for -- people can buy you a single hand towel, or every bathsheet on your list.
posted by DarlingBri at 6:08 PM on January 3, 2015
1) 1 cup and saucer
2) All 8 salad plates
3) The spectacularly expensive, stunningly beautiful teapot.
You get the same spread across all the things you might typically register for -- people can buy you a single hand towel, or every bathsheet on your list.
posted by DarlingBri at 6:08 PM on January 3, 2015
A registry would have directed some of the enthusiasm
This is right on. A registry is your chance to give a little direction to people who would love to buy you a present but don't know what you want/need, and it helps also to reduce duplication.
Nobody has to buy anything from the list. Those people who want to buy something not on your list will do so anyway. At least in the US, nobody will find it strange or awkward if you have a good range of prices on the list, as people have mentioned above.
posted by number9dream at 6:09 PM on January 3, 2015
This is right on. A registry is your chance to give a little direction to people who would love to buy you a present but don't know what you want/need, and it helps also to reduce duplication.
Nobody has to buy anything from the list. Those people who want to buy something not on your list will do so anyway. At least in the US, nobody will find it strange or awkward if you have a good range of prices on the list, as people have mentioned above.
posted by number9dream at 6:09 PM on January 3, 2015
Where is your registry? I'm in Mexico and have a couple of Mexican friends who had similar situations as yours and they both registered at Amazon, not sure if Target too, but Target is definetly a good idea as you can choose things that range from $10 kitchen or bathroom stuff, all the way over to TVs or vacums and such. I would probably register at Target and a department store like Macy's, if it were me.
posted by CrazyLemonade at 10:24 PM on January 3, 2015
posted by CrazyLemonade at 10:24 PM on January 3, 2015
Forgot to add why Amazon is a good idea if you have people in Mexico who will get you presents through there: it's one of the few online shopping sites I've used that lets you use a credit card with a Mexican billing address to send stuff to a US shipping address without hassles.
posted by CrazyLemonade at 10:28 PM on January 3, 2015
posted by CrazyLemonade at 10:28 PM on January 3, 2015
I wonder if part of your hesitance is that you are wondering how your family will view the registry. I have heard from several American friends who have a lot of family in other countries that they expressly tell their family that registries are an American tradition and that they are not required to buy a gift nor buy one off the registry.
posted by radioamy at 12:23 PM on January 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by radioamy at 12:23 PM on January 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
« Older How to prepare for a ~3 month stay in Sydney... | Are Michael's framing coupons really a good value? Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by bq at 1:18 PM on January 3, 2015 [25 favorites]