Best gifts from your registry

[Rachelle E.]

Obviously the best gifts are the things you don’t have yet!  In our case, we were still working with our college/just moved out stuff for the most part. So really we needed everything. Your situation may be different. But really just take stock of what you have and what you don’t. That’s a really good place to start. Also, don’t be afraid to register for some expensive items. We noticed we had a sense of guilt about registering for expensive stuff…we didn’t want to come across as greedy. But don’t worry about that…as long as you have a good variety of price points for people to choose from. I found that work people all tended to chip in on the bigger items…and we got some of our more spendy items from the people we least expected it from. So yeah, variety is a key word for sure.

 

Some of my fave gifts were:

Rice Cooker

 

Crock Pot

 

REALLY good knife set (I HIGHLY recommend this if you don’t already have kitchen knives that you’re in love with.)

 

Nice serving dishes – platters, bowls etc. Great for parties and get-togethers. We entertain a lot.

 

Good baking stuff – cookie sheets, cake pans etc. SO worth it!

 

Nice pots and pans

 

Barware – cool glasses (depending on how much space you have you can get a variety – but if you’re short on cabinet space find some glasses that work for multiple things. Like glasses that work for both red AND white wines, highballs that could double as beer glasses etc.) , shaker, nice corkscrew etc.

 

“upscale†home décor stuff – vases, candlesticks etc. For example, we got a really pretty Vera Wang vase. We adore it but it’s something that we would have hesitated on buying for ourselves…seems frivolous or something – but made a great gift to give/receive. And it’s cool that we didn’t just grab it at Macy’s one day…we know it’s from our good friends and we totally think of them when we use it.

 

We got tons of other stuff, linens, towels, “every day†dishes, misc kitchen tools/untensils etc. And we really do use all of it. But your need for that may be more or less based on what you already have.

 

The one “controversial†thing on our registry was our china and crystal. Not everyone does this anymore. I think it’s considered to be uber traditional or old fashioned now. But we really wanted to collect this stuff as a family heirloom and have our memories with it…first dinner in the new house, holidays, special occasions etc. We’re kinda cheesy like that and wanted our kids to grow up with those memories of Christmas dinner on the family china etc. If you don’t think you want this or would use it, then don’t worry about it! And don’t let people pressure you into it either. If you’re not going to use it, it’s a waste of their money.

 

Ok, that was a LOT of random info! Lol! Hope that helps a little though.

 

Oh yeah, and we registered at two stores; Linens N Things and Macy’s. I personally think two places was plenty. I definitely wouldn’t register at more than three. Then everything is just too spread out and people get to one store only to find that you have like 10 items on the whole list there. Frustrating!

 

Ooh! And one more thing…if you want to “abuse the system†so to speak, you can register for stuff that you totally want but don’t expect people to buy – then you’ll just be able to go back and get it later w/ gift cards (which you will get a TON of!) at a discount…since most places offer a discount of some kind on all remaining registry items after the wedding date. Our friends did that w/ the Dyson vacuum they really wanted.

[starchild]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mauraw Question for the marrieds: What were the best gifts you received from your registry? Anything you were iffy about registering for but in the end, glad you did? What do you use the most? What do you use the least? What do you wish you had registered for but didn't?

Some of the best gifts weren't on the registry, but the lenox martini glass/pitcher set we got is gorgeous and we would never buy it for ourselves just to drink out of Also we got a home theater system with surround speakers and a sub-woofer, it's crazy loud. I also love the le creuset cookware/casseroles...so great to cook with!

Use the most - A deLonghi espresso/coffee machine (it rocks!!) or a block set of Henckels kitchen knives, they make fantastic knives and we use them pretty much daily...um silverware and casual china too

Iffy about but glad we got - george forman next grilleration grill, the plates are removable for washing and the grill size is fairly large...also a cusinart blender...I never cared/knew about blender quality but now I can't go back to less!

Use the least - Vera Wang china...still in boxes, see my return the china thread...lol

Wish we registered for - more man-friendly stuff..maybe electronics?

[rodent]

I the most excited about getting a set of good knives and our fiesta wear. I also hope we get a new set of towels.

 

I registered at Bed bath & beyond because they have a great return policy. I also registered at Dillard's because they have good prices on fiesta ware.

[Spazz]

We have lived together for almost 5 years now and have lived in 2 apartments and 2 houses, so we didn't really need too many "typical" things. I mainly registered for "upgraded" versions of stuff we already have (new pots/pans, new plates, new towels) and for cool stuff like vases, candles, etc.

What I'm most excited to get is my bedding. We just got our new bedroom furniture delivered 2 days ago and I've never splurged and bought really nice sheets, pillows, etc, so I really hope I get that stuff.

We registered at Bed Bath & Beyond and Target (even though I'm a little worried about Target because I've heard some negative reviews).

[foxytv]

I just had my first shower, and got several gift cards (which is preferred by us b/c we have most everything).

 

We registered at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Macy's, and Home Depot in addition to a Honeymoon Registry.

 

I got mostly kitchen stuff at this most recent shower, and sicne I love to cook -- it's all perfect. :-)

 

Honestly though, the honeymoon registry is the most useful to us.

[LadyCheese]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mauraw At Crate & Barrel, they open the store early (between 9-11 am) and you have to RSVP in advance to the 800 number, but they have drinks and appetizers and sales people to help you figure out what's what and how to register and junk. And they give you a free heart shaped candy dish! You can DEF drag your FI, but I was at C&B yesterday and they told me lots of girls come alone or with their moms or best friends. I'm doing the one coming up this Sunday. Here's the info: A Wedding Party ℠ in your honor. If you’re about to be married, we’re throwing a party in your honor. Bring your partner, or your friends. Enjoy great food, drink, romantic music. Get advice, get a scanner, get your registry started. And when you create your registry at a Crate and Barrel Wedding Party℠ Event, you’ll receive a complimentary copy of our Gift Registry Guide, and your first gift in our signature black and white box—a brilliant handblown glass Heart Bowl. To find store dates and times for a Wedding Party℠ Event near you, go to crateandbarrel.com or call 800.996.9960. http://www.crateandbarrel.com/gr/reg...ientation.aspx

Ooooh, I'm def checking out Crate & Barrel now, lol. Thx

[LadyCheese]

Question for brides-to-be:

 

What items from your registry are you (and your FI) most looking forward to receiving?

 

Looking forward to all the kitchen stuff, I like to cook and FI loves to eat...!

 

Question for everybody:

How many places did you/will you register at?

 

We will probably just register in 2 places, Bed Bath & Beyond and Macys (or Crate & Barrel).

[Maura]

Quote:

Originally Posted by starchild also a cusinart blender...I never cared/knew about blender quality but now I can't go back to less!

jamy what kind of cuisinart blender do you have? ive been eyeing a couple different models and cant decide which one i like best.
here are the ones i like:
Macy*s - Kitchen - Cuisinart SmartPower Duet Chrome Food Processor/Blender because i have a mini cuisinart processor, but its sorta small for doing certain things like party dips, but a 7 cup one is too big for me to store.
or
Macy*s - Kitchen - Cuisinart Smartpower 7-Speed Chrome Finish Blender
Macy*s - Kitchen - Cuisinart PowerBlend Duet Blender/Food Processor

[foxytv]

The absolute BEST gift we've received so far is something you could never put on a registry or even imagine getting.

 

It's an old family photo that is preserved and framed for us of my Dad's side of the family from 1939. (My great-grandfather, who I never met, my great grandma (Mutzi) at 41, my grandfather (Pop-Pop) at 16, and great uncles/aunts at their various ages ... all in front of Mutzi's farmhouse.)

 

It's an awesome picture and it's from my great-aunt Barbara. She and her husband (my Pop-Pop's little brother) are coming to the wedding. They are in their 70's but travel a lot and Uncle Paul is going to read our Hand Ceremony.

 

I just love that gift and hope to be able to give something so precious to a family member of mine down the road sometime.

[starchild]

Maura I have this one:

Macy*s - Kitchen - Cuisinart Smartpower 7-Speed Chrome Finish Blender

 

I don't blend much so I've aways had the plastic $20 models. This one is glass and the blades really sharp