How to Register for Gifts

Gift registries aren't just for weddings anymore. Department and housewares stores, Home Depot, Target, R.E.I. and many others are getting into the game, offering registries both in stores and online for weddings, showers and birthdays, too. By registering, you help yourself and your guests by asking for what you really want.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

General

1. Pore over magazines and catalogs and collect tear sheets, color swatches, and patterns. Note brands, design names, model names, patterns and numbers.
2. Phone for an appointment and allow plenty of time when you go in to register. Bring your binder of information, photos and ideas.
3. Be sensitive about prices when choosing items. Take into consideration how many people are attending and guests' financial status. Cover a wide price range so no one feels burdened.
4. Check computerized lists periodically to make sure they're being updated regularly. Keep mailing labels from gifts as proof of purchase in case you need to return anything. (See How to Make Returns.)

Baby

5. Review How to Gear Up for a New Baby, paying special attention to those items you can borrow.
6. Register for baby gear at BabiesRUs, Target or children's boutiques. Visit the store in person, or go to the online registry.

Wedding

7. Take inventory of what you both own and what you'd like to have in your new household. You don't need to limit yourselves to things for the house. For example, register at REI.com for a kayak for two. Or create a registry for your honeymoon (Honey- Luna.com) or home remodeling project (HomeDepot.com).
8. Register at department stores (such as Macy's), cookware specialty shops (Williams-Sonoma), bed and bath stores (Strouds, Bed, Bath and Beyond) and furnishings and housewares stores (Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel). RossSimons.com also has a discount bridal registry.
9. Enlist a registry consultant's assistance to help you hone your list, either in person or via their toll-free number.

What to Look For:

• Store(s) with a wide variety merchandise
• Online registry
• Registry available at all store branches
• Savvy advice

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your registry can be viewed and purchased from online. Also check how long after the event date you can make returns.
• There are tasteful ways to let people know where you're registered. It's fine to note where you are registered on shower invitations, but don't do it on wedding invitations. The person who arranges a baby shower will be able to tell guests where the mother-to-be is registered.
• All national retailers have an online store. Type in www plus the name and ".com" to get you there.
• If you register at too many different stores, you may not receive full sets of some items.