Gift registries are an early 20th-century invention that slowly replaced the hope chest as the preferred means of gifting to help happy newlyweds start their new homes. As societal norms have rapidly shifted over the last 40 years and many couples live together before tying the knot, it’s not uncommon for an engaged pair to already have plenty of household goods. If you and your partner are already well stocked with kitchen supplies and other home goods, you may wonder if it’s worth the time and effort to set up a gift registry. For those on the fence, there are a few good reasons to make the plunge.
1. Your Guests Will Insist on Giving Gifts
Bridal Musings writer Claire Eliza explains that some of your guests will want to shower you with gifts, regardless of your own intentions. Rather than leave it to chance, a registry offers them some guidance on what to gift you. You needn’t set one up with a humongous list of items, but you can include some essentials and extras that won’t be duplicates of what you already own. Wedding Wire’s Jenn Sinrich offers some unique suggestions:
- Espresso makers
- Updated cookware
- Replacement cutting boards
- Electric kettles
- High-tech luggage
Of course, you’re not limited to those ideas. A January 2018 Huffington Post article recommends several other possibilities. The bottom line? You can stray from the customary lists of home goods for your registry and include nonstandard appliances, tools, and upgrades of existing household items.
2. Department Stores Aren’t Your Only Options
Although department stores were the first to innovate the modern gift registry, more types of retail stores have caught on and begun offering their own versions of the service. Many retailers are ahead of the curve with both online and brick-and-mortar options. In an August 2017 Brides piece, contributor Kristi Kellogg lists a few examples such as Bed, Bath & Beyond, Pottery Barn, Best Buy, and IKEA.
Even better, you don’t even have to start multiple registries with different stores. HGTV’s Molly Miller mentions that several websites provide gift registry services that allow you to choose from many different vendors. A few examples include Zola, The Knot, and MyRegistry, which allow you to add goods from multiples stores and brands without creating separate registry accounts for each one.
3. You Can Register for Intangible Items
Innovative approaches to gift registries also now include options to fund a getaway, a down payment for a house, or even receive digital cash. In her HGTV piece, Miller discusses online travel registries like HonyFund and Wanderable that allow your guests to contribute toward an entire trip or pay for specific experiences. Real estate registries such as Hatch My House and Feather My Nest let your friends and family contribute toward your new home. Standalone digital cash registries like Tendr and alternative options on The Knot, MyRegistry, and others let you receive currency without the hassles of checks or gift cards. Finally, charity registries such as JustGive.org are a great way for your invitees to contribute to the cause or nonprofit of your choice.
Times have changed, and wedding gift registries offer many perks that weren’t available to couples even a decade ago. With online setup and purchasing, multistore websites, and the ability to let your guests give you cash and intangible items, you’ve more choices than ever before. Even if you’re up to your eyeballs in cookware and home goods, your gift registry is a chance to allow your friends and family to express their generosity and give them guidelines of what you’d love to receive. The benefits and multiplicity of available options make a strong case for creating a wedding gift registry tailored to your preferences and needs.
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