When buying from a registry...

[E B]

...do you usually purchase one big thing, like a blender, or a bunch of fun little things (measuring cups, towels, etc.)? Something clearly useful, or something clearly indulgent/fun?

One of my best friends is getting married in June, and looking at her two registries, I can't decide what to buy. Right now, I'm thinking either a Kitchenaid 9-Speed Hand Mixer, a Waffle Maker, a Duvet Cover, or a bathroom set (matching soap dish, toothbrush holder, wastebasket, etc.). What do you think?

Can you tell I tend to overthink things?

 

[Shoopy]

I like to get a big gift rather than a bunch of smaller gifts and I like to complete the set. So for example, if I went with the duvet cover I''d like to also get the pillow covers, sheets, shams, etc (which is why from your list I''d probably go with the kitchenmaid

)

 

[geckodani]

It depends on the couple or person. For instance, recently I bought a meat cleaver off of the registry - because the groom is crazy steak man and I knew he really wanted it.

Prior to that, I bought all the bathroom towels and whatnot for another couple, because I knew how much the bride really wanted them. *shrug* I''ve gone both ways.

I do try to stick to things that I think they''ll actually use, and often go for one large gift as opposed to a bunch of small. I think it leaves more options for other gift givers and various budgets.

From the list you posted, the duvet cover jumped out at me as the thing I''d probably want most. People with lower budgets can always pick up the bathroom accessories a la carte, but they might not get the duvet, you know?

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I like to get one, nicer item.

 

[tigian]

I try to get one bigger, practical item and preferably one that will last a long time. I would go with the kichenaid.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

I generally end up buying one nice, larger item that will be long lasting and of good quality. I''d go for the kitchenaid.

 

[musey]

I think it depends, but most of the time I try to max out my budget on one bigger thing than spread it into many smaller things. I suppose my reasoning is that it''s easier for them to pick up each smaller thing at a later date (if those items are unfulfilled) than the bigger things. In theory.

Come to think of it, that''s how I shop, too! If I have $500 burning a hole in my pocket, I''d rather get one fab $500 item than a few cheaper items. Depending upon what I''m in need of, of course.


ETA: I have to admit though, that I was equally excited for all our wedding gifts, regardless of the price or the number in the package. I was touched by the generosity of the people who bought us our Le Creuset braiser, but also really excited by the package that contained a pancake spatula, pie plate, strainer, cake tester, etc...

 

[E B]

Thanks, everyone! So the mixer looks good? I'm not a cook (but I aspire to be one) so I'm kind of clueless when it comes to truly useful cooking utensils.

 

[Burk]

Looks like I'm in the minority. I usually buy a bunch of smaller priced items and max out my budget with many items. It also depends on what's on the registry by the time I go to purchase the gift because I tend to procrastinate.

ETA~The mixer does look good. I love ours!

 

[tlh]

mixer

 

[Haven]

I get a lot of smaller things for showers, and one big thing for the wedding. (Although, we usually just give money for the wedding gift, anyway.)

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Normally, I go for the bigger single item, but based on the list you have provided us, I would do the soap dish and all those complimenting items. *Mostly* because I think waffle makers and mixers are novelty items. Not always, but often, they get used a few times and then shoved in the back of the cupboard. I''d want to be sure the money I spent went to items that would be enjoyed over the long-term!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 5/14/2009 4:38:16 PM
Author: Haven
I get a lot of smaller things for showers, and one big thing for the wedding. (Although, we usually just give money for the wedding gift, anyway.)

Is it okay to give money or a gift card at a shower? Or do brides-to-be prefer actual gifts? I''m still not sure what to get someone for her shower! A $25 gift card seems so much easier. I guess I''m lazy.

 

[sammyj]

Date: 5/14/2009 4:38:16 PM
Author: Haven
I get a lot of smaller things for showers, and one big thing for the wedding. (Although, we usually just give money for the wedding gift, anyway.)

This is what I do too, and mainly because I read somewhere that the most important part of the shower is the bride-to-be unwrapping her gifts (don''t slam me if I read wrong!). I''m with fiery in that I like to complete sets or have all of the gifts to be related...the last shower I bought a gift for I purchased their entire bathroom accessory set, and for another shower I bought a stock pot and some cooking utensils (to max the budget).

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 5/14/2009 4:49:52 PM
Author: sammyj

This is what I do too, and mainly because I read somewhere that the most important part of the shower is the bride-to-be unwrapping her gifts (don't slam me if I read wrong!). I'm with fiery in that I like to complete sets or have all of the gifts to be related...the last shower I bought a gift for I purchased their entire bathroom accessory set, and for another shower I bought a stock pot and some cooking utensils (to max the budget).

What happens when a person registers at a place that everything is overpriced. . .such as a wisk is $10? A pototo masher is $12? It'd be impossibly to create lots of "little gifts" with my budget of $25.

I use to be very generous with gifts, but financially after all the gifts we've paid for (over 20 occasions -yes, that many birthdays this year), my wallet is empty. What then?

 

[April20]

For me, it depends on how I know the person and/or where they are in their life. My break down is kind of like this:

Younger, more casual acquaintence or friendship, still "starting out": I''ll buy them a bunch of practical stuff.

More established, more casual acquaintence or friendship: I''ll buy them something a bit more "fun"- waffle makes, blender, etc since they probably don''t need the basics.

My go-to gift for GOOD friends or close family (like my sisters) is a kitchen aid stand mixer. Definitely a more elaborate gift; practical, yes, but more of a "luxury" version of practical. I get them off Ebay for a steal!

 

[ladypirate]

I use our mixer alot (I have that same one, actually). so I say go for that.

 

[pennquaker09]

I like to give nice gifts. And I like to buy things in complete sets. Like, what''s the point of buying two towels?

 

[Elmorton]

Depends on the couple and what they need. If the couple already has everything, I might get 1 gift that I know isn''t really a necessity. If the couple is starting from scratch, I might get smaller things that are more useable.

 

[misskitty]

I''m also one to do a set of small, complementary items for showers and money for the actual wedding gift. Showers are usually thrown early enough that the registry isn''t picked over completely, so I select fun combos of items (for example, I''d pick a cupcake tin, mixing bowls, and cooling racks, and tuck in a few favorite cupcake recipes just to make things a little more personal).

 

[E B]

Thank you all so much for your input! I think I''ll go with the mixer.

 

[geckodani]

Date: 5/14/2009 5:03:35 PM
Author: MC

Date: 5/14/2009 4:49:52 PM
Author: sammyj

This is what I do too, and mainly because I read somewhere that the most important part of the shower is the bride-to-be unwrapping her gifts (don''t slam me if I read wrong!). I''m with fiery in that I like to complete sets or have all of the gifts to be related...the last shower I bought a gift for I purchased their entire bathroom accessory set, and for another shower I bought a stock pot and some cooking utensils (to max the budget).

What happens when a person registers at a place that everything is overpriced. . .such as a wisk is $10? A pototo masher is $12? It''d be impossibly to create lots of ''little gifts'' with my budget of $25.

I use to be very generous with gifts, but financially after all the gifts we''ve paid for (over 20 occasions -yes, that many birthdays this year), my wallet is empty. What then?

In this situation I would go with a gift card.

 

[sammyj]

Date: 5/15/2009 11:52:23 AM
Author: geckodani

Date: 5/14/2009 5:03:35 PM
Author: MC

Date: 5/14/2009 4:49:52 PM
Author: sammyj

This is what I do too, and mainly because I read somewhere that the most important part of the shower is the bride-to-be unwrapping her gifts (don''t slam me if I read wrong!). I''m with fiery in that I like to complete sets or have all of the gifts to be related...the last shower I bought a gift for I purchased their entire bathroom accessory set, and for another shower I bought a stock pot and some cooking utensils (to max the budget).

What happens when a person registers at a place that everything is overpriced. . .such as a wisk is $10? A pototo masher is $12? It''d be impossibly to create lots of ''little gifts'' with my budget of $25.

I use to be very generous with gifts, but financially after all the gifts we''ve paid for (over 20 occasions -yes, that many birthdays this year), my wallet is empty. What then?

In this situation I would go with a gift card.

Same here...but if I had a more limited budget and I knew of others attending the shower, then I''d initiate a group gift (one substantial item) or a gift card.