Gift registries aren’t just for weddings anymore.
These days, people are using gift registries for all sorts of special occasions, including:
- birthdays
- anniversaries
- graduations (high school and college)
- baby showers
No matter what the occasion, a gift registry is a good idea because, after all, who hasn’t wound up with a gift they either couldn’t use, didn’t like, or didn’t want? (Sometimes a gift is so bad you can’t even regift it!)
Setting up a gift registry is one way to let your friends and family know what you would like as a gift for just about any special occasion.
Following are lots of fun and unique ways to create your own personalized gift registries…
#1 Put a gift registry on your Facebook page.
This makes it very easy for your closest friends and family to see the type of things that you find most interesting. This way, they have the option to purchase the gift wherever they would like — either at an online store, or offline.
#2 Create a wish list on Amazon.
There are fun tools that let you add items on the fly, any time you’re browsing Amazon. (Just search for “amazing wishlist” on Google to view them all.) Here’s one example of an Amazon wish list. The best part: you don’t need to have a blog or a website of your own in order for the Amazon wish list to work!
#3 Email your own personalized wish list to friends and family.
This one can be a little tricky — because some may think it’s in bad taste to send others a list of what you want. Still, if you send it to those who normally get you gifts, then it shouldn’t be a problem.
#4 Set up your own free gift registry that’s dedicated to the occasion.
Then, as you’re surfing the web, just add items to your list. This is good for a special occasion like a baby shower or wedding shower. It’s a great way to get the word out, and all you have to do is e-mail the website address to everyone.
#5 Instead of gifts for yourself, invite everyone to give to a charity that you support.
No matter what the occasion, you can create a registry and raise funds from your family and friends for charities you care about. You just set up the registry online and it’s a cinch for your friends and family to donate to your favorite charities. (This is typically done in lieu of gifts for a special event like a wedding or baby shower.)
#6 If you prefer money instead of gifts, sign up for a cash wedding registry.
This is a great idea if you’re trying to save money to put towards a house, a special trip, or some other big ticket item. With a cash wedding registry, friends and family members can contribute by donating an amount that they’re comfortable with to go toward that big-ticket item. Keep in mind, asking for money can seem rude to some, so know the proper way to ask for cash gifts.
#7 Combine the registries from all of your favorite stores into one ultimate online registry.
That’s right, instead of setting up gift registries at your favorite stores (ugh, multiple stores… multiple registries!), MyRegistry.com stores all of those registries for you — right in one place! This works for all stores anywhere in the world.
Now, for all the reasons that gift registries are a good idea…
- You won’t end up with gifts you don’t like or won’t use. Instead, you’ll get gifts that you actually want and will use.
- Your friends and family won’t have to play a guessing game when trying to decide what to get you for a gift.
- You can select gift ideas in different price ranges. That way, those who may not have a lot of money won’t feel as though they have to spend a lot of money on a gift.
- Your friends and family won’t be wasting money buying gifts that you don’t want.
- Your friends and family will be happy that they are giving you something you want.
Generally speaking, gift registries are a really good idea. They make it possible for your friends and family to know exactly the type of things you would appreciate — rather than making them guess (or ask you). Your personalized list of gift ideas will make it easier for them to choose something that you will like, want, or need.
Just remember to add items that everyone can afford. If all you have is high-priced items on your gift registry, then everyone won’t be able to benefit from your wish list.
More Ideas For Unique Gift Registries
- College Student Gift Registry
- Baby Gift Registry
- Walmart Wedding & Baby Gift Registries
- Military Gift Ideas (more fun ideas here)
My favorite things to write about are topics that have to do with pregnancy, weddings, saving money, living green, and life with dogs. When I’m not writing, I love to spend time with my husband, read, create 3D artwork and Native American beadwork.
