quadro2000

I guess this is the right section for this, not sure...

I'm getting married in about a year and we've started to talk about where we want to register for the wedding. I'm cool with registering in places like Bed Bath and Beyond and Macy's and Pottery Barn, etc, but I'm not all about registering just for kitchen and bathroom crap. I'm not into sports, but I like electronics, music and other things like that. I was wondering if anybody else knew any cool, not-as-well-known places to register for gifts.

Oh, and I know about Amazon's registry....it's a possibility but I'm curious if there are any other places. Any advice is great appreciated!

telekinetic2

I don't know if you can actually register, but my dad asked for tools from Home Depot when he got married. We've still got an awesome tool set...mostly power tools, you name it, we've got it.

quadro2000

Yeah, my dad would probably do that too...I'm in a small apartment so no real need for power tools (other than an industrial strength mousetrap). But thanks for the suggestion.

I thought of an example, actually - friends of mine registered at REI (camping equipment) which I thought was kinda cool.

BonesCPA

Sears! We registered there and I could add tools onto the registry. It also worked out great for birthdays, xmas, etc. You only put down what you want/need and everyone buys it for you. And I do believe that Home Depot does have registries.

As far as electronics, I am sure you can register, but I don't think it will be too popular with the purchasers - cd players aren't romantic. At least with the tools it will be considered the grooms gift, and you may get some activity there out of sympathy since everything else is for the bride (or at least it felt that way...)

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Back into hibernation.

Cynthetiq

another thing... register all over the place... even if you don't tell anyone about it. Why? because most places give the newlywed a discount on anything on their list. Places like Target have registries also.... try them all. It's free... just takes some time and usually you get to run through the store with a laser gun

from WeddingChannel.com

Most newly engaged men hear the word registry and think the process will be as much fun as watching "Oprah." Bakeware, barware, cookware, flatware, stemware -- it all can wear a guy out. We visited a well-known department store to discover what usually happens when engaged couples register. A veteran clerk filled us in. "There is a definite pattern. The woman points at things she wants, and the man follows close behind, nodding his head, agreeing to everything. The man might pick out one item, like a chrome blender." Do yourself a favor and take an active role in the registry process. Friends might drop hundreds of dollars on you because of tradition.

This tradition will provide you with myriad gifts if you take advantage of online registering. (See Registry on this site). It is less time consuming than ever to get involved in the process. Friends and family can now go online to see what you have listed, and their purchasing power is easily activated with a point and click of the mouse. Gifts from multiple sources can all be found on your unique registry page.

Below is a list of more than 40 items that any couple should have... or any guy should have... OK, so this list is full of items I want. But, hey, I'm a guy. I should know what other guys want. One hint -- don't include any items that require detailed purchasing decisions unless you provide exact specifications to alleviate any post purchase headaches.

Barware
Drinker or abstainer, every guy needs a serviceable bar. A chrome blender is especially hot item.


Blender
Brandy glasses
Highball glasses
Ice bucket and tongs
Martini shakers
Pilsner glasses
Wine opener
Wine rack and holder
Stemware
Get creative and find stemware with style. Beer mugs from your alma mater are oh-so-bachelor.


Champagne flutes
Iced beverage glasses
Martini glasses
Water goblets
Wine glasses (red and white)
Cookware
If you are already handy in the kitchen, you'll know the pots, pans, and accessories you want. If your best skill in the kitchen is warming things in the micro, it is not too late to add a few meals to your repertoire. A romantic breakfast in bed always puts her in a good mood. George Foreman's Lean Mean Fat Grilling Machines are flying off the shelves.


Coffee and tea maker (espresso and cappuccino maker)
Cookie sheets
Grill/griddle
Juicer
Microwave
Omelet pan
Pizza pan
Rice cooker/veggie steamer
Skillet
Toaster/toaster oven
Waffle iron
Luggage
Traveling with substandard luggage can cause more headaches than an obese, under showered snorer in the airplane seat next to you. Be sure, especially, to be equipped with a durable carry-on bag and garment bag. They will save you time at check-in and baggage claim. More importantly, you won't have to worry about the airline losing the small stuffed animal your fiancée gave you.


Carry-on bag
Duffel bag
Garment bag
Suitcase
For more on the subject, read our article, All About Luggage.

Kitchenware
Nothing beats a sharp knife except a set of sharp knives. And always have a chip and dip set ready for when the guys are over for the big game.


Bread knife
Can opener
Carving knife
Chef knife
Chip and Dip Set
Cleaver knife
Electric knife (especially for the Thanksgiving turkey)
Slicing knife
Set of Steak knives
The "He's Gotta Have It" Bonus Section
Creating a registry at a store like Macy's will bring you all the great gifts I've just mentioned. But here are some ideas you may not have thought of; items not necessarily carried in a department store.

How about a home computer? It is the single most important item on the list to keep you connected to the outside world. Why not pamper yourself with a massager? Today's effective models are available as both cordless, handheld units and full-body mats. Music and movies are a must -- gift certificates for both will come in handy. If you're thinking of high-end electronics, you could put a DVD player, speakers, or a VCR on the list. Season tickets to your favorite sports team, theater, or museum will give you a full year of enjoyment. If you don't have a full set of tools, request one, including a Swiss Army knife. You'll be fixing and assembling things for years to come (make sure you have a nice set of fireplace tools also). Even if you are fortunate enough to have a gardener, yard work can be fun and a much-needed escape, especially if you have the right basic tools. After digging in the garden, you'll want to stand with a beer in your hand as fish sizzles on the grill. That is the life, but you need the grill and the necessary accessories. A wedding is no excuse to put on a quick ten pounds. Ask for some basic home fitness equipment such as dumb bells, a treadmill, ab roller, etc. Then all you need is the proper motivation to work out. Unfortunately, you can't put that on this list. If your fiancée does a similar work out, or plays golf or mountain bikes, request one for each of you. Working out together is a great way to spend down time and discuss the day's events. Though some friends and relatives might take a year to send you the gift, if you include some items from the above list, it'll be well worth the wait. Happy Registering!

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juanvaldes

wait, the guys allowed to get stuff too? I thought it was just a big sham for the women to get all sorts of shit for free.

quadro2000

Thanks Cyn, this is a great list. I think I might have seen it before since I seem to be perusing ALL of these freakin' websites. I'll give it a better look. We're registering at Macy's tomorrow just because family people seem to want to get us engagement gifts. I have time to check the rest.

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Cynthetiq

i'm more the cook and decorator... so i put stuff on the list for me knives, pans...

she like the bedding stuff... so she put some sheets and such.

but for the most part, yeah it's more for the ladies...

BTW... quad... CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not.

steveincolumbus

I'm sure that some place like bestbuy would have a registry, or if not makle a web page with links to the items you want from there.....

JadziaDax

The one great thing about WeddingChannel.com is that if you register at the listed places, you can link your registries.

Also consider "registering" your location for your honeymoon. People can donate gifts of money towards that instead of physical gifts.

And juanvaldes, the process of "registering" isn't for women to get free stuff, it's for a newlywed couple to be able to start a home without going broke. All their friends and family chip in a little by purchasing the things that the bride and groom wish to have in their home. It's better to have a "shopping list" of the gifts you want than to get 20 pale green toasters.

redravin and I have discussed some of the things we will be registering for and some of the places we will visit.

The first step to registering, though, is consolidating what you already have and taking inventory. If you already have it, don't need it, don't want it, etc. don't register for it.

Also remember if you register for too many things, you may not get the items you need/want or get stuck with buying things on your own. For example, you register for your china pattern, 8 place settings. Only 3 get bought for you because other people had so many other things to choose from. You are stuck purchasing the remaining 5 place settings so you have full service for 8.

Cynthetiq

to elaborate on those points...

there also should be a good range of prices to pick from... some people especially in today's employment climate just don't have the disposable income that they once had...

20 pale green toasters... ICK!

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quadro2000

I thought I had responded to this yesterday and I guess I didn't, my apologies. (Maybe I'm going crazy? Was it deleted for some reason?)

We went to Macy's on Sunday and had about 2 hours to do what we needed to do before we had other errands to tend to. I HATED Macy's. The Macy's in NYC is huge, loud, crowded, and just overall overwhelming. And they are very bride-centric, meaning that they pretty much give no consideration to the fact that there's a groom there too who, oh, I don't know, MIGHT be interested in picking out stuff too? It was just a very annoying day.

Last night, however, we did a quick Bed Bath and Beyond run for some items for about an hour and a half, and that was a lot more fun. That's one of those stores where I always have to force myself to leave without buying any of the cool things they have. So I picked out some nice stuff there, as did my fiance, and now I feel a bit better about the whole thing.

__________________
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Cedar

Mr. Cedar and I never registered because we already had all the stuff you normally register for and the wedding was so small we figured it was pointless to register for gifts. However, if you're interested in guy stuff, there's always Target. I would say just ask at the larger stores if they have any kind of registry services (like at Best Buy, etc.).

Ew, Macy's Herald Square. It's under construction, too. Not fun to shop there, is it?

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Very well then I contradict myself,
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quadro2000

No, it's NOT fun to shop there! The escalators and elevators look like they haven't been updated since the 60s. Good luck walking through the perfume section without coming out smelling like a French whore. It's just not my kinda place.

Target is a good idea, I'm going to check that one out, definitely...I'm tempted to ditch Macy's altogether for Sears...my fancy shmancy relatives will be so dismayed!

Cynthetiq

maybe you can even get a Kmart registry Blue Light Special!!!

__________________
I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not.

quadro2000

Kmart? Are you kidding me? How low-class do you think I am??

I'm WalMart all the way, baby!

mrquackers

How about Amazon? They've got damned near everything!

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MacGnG

sears definitely. every house needs a good set off tools!

quadro2000

I'm looking at both Amazon and Sears. Thanks so much.

How many registries can one have, anyway??

__________________
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Cynthetiq

make as many as possible but do not duplicate items unless you want to spend time returning duplicates. Reason for the having as many as possible is that most places will give you a % off for registering after your wedding date hoping that you will spend some of the cash received on items that didn't get picked up on your registry.

__________________
I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not.

quadro2000

Great suggestion, Cyn. I noticed the % off thing at a few places. Another cool thing is that Bed Bath and Beyond will give you CASH BACK if you return stuff. VERY cool.

Right now my mother and my fiance are out at BBB looking for more stuff. I'm all registried out for now.

__________________
You have to laugh at yourself...because you'd cry your eyes out if you didn't. - Emily Saliers