Why Gift Registries and Online Shopping Have Become So Popular

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Creating gift registries for all occasions has become increasingly popular. Some say that we have become a more greedy society, that we are trying to dictate our gifts, and that gift registries are just bad manners; but I don’t agree.

I propose that gift registries have grown in popularity because everything in our world has become more technology driven. Let me explain. A side effect of technology is that we have come to expect our lives to continually grow more and more efficient. There is also pressure on all of us to do things in the newest and most timely way possible. Have you ever had the feeling that you’re just not cool because you’re not using the latest technology? Have you experienced the eye-roll of a co-worker, or worse, your child, because you weren’t using the latest app or didn’t know there was a better or faster way to accomplish a task? We love our technology and have been conditioned to accept that it improves all facets of our lives, and this naturally includes gift giving.

Past inefficiencies in the gift arena, such as duplicate gifts and having to return the sheets that Aunt Gladys gave you because they don’t even fit the size bed you own — we now can’t imagine because we live in a world where technology helps us avoid these time consuming inconveniences. Creating a gift registry allows your gift givers to purchase online in a few minutes, have it shipped directly to you, avoid duplicate purchases, and know it’s something you want and can use. What is more efficient than that? It just makes sense for all parties involved. It may seem impersonal to some, but to most of us, it’s just plain sensible.

So, now that we’ve established that creating a gift registry is not greedy, but a product of trying to be more efficient, I would also propose that it’s actually thoughtful. I find letting others know what you want to be considerate. Some people have the time to peruse many stores and ship a gift, but I don’t. Some people don’t care if the gift has to be returned, but I do. In a world where most people are pressed for time, being able to go online and quickly make a confident gift purchase makes me feel – what’s that word? – efficient.

To make your life even more efficient, you can use RegistryFinder.com to find the gift registries of your friends and family.

Give a Gift You Know They’ll Love… Quickly and Easily Find any Gift Registry with RegistryFinder.com

Wedding Guest Etiquette – What you Should (and Shouldn’t) Do As a Wedding Guest

So you’ve been invited to a wedding. Whether its your first wedding or you’re an old pro, sometimes we forget the do’s and don’ts of being a good wedding guest. Here’s a list of what you should and shouldn’t do if you’re invited to a wedding. Some of these breaches in etiquette seem obvious or ridiculous, but unfortunately, they do happen.

Please remember this one thing, (we’ll call it rule #1) — IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU. It’s truly about the couple getting married. If you stick to this simple guideline, almost everything else will fall into place.

Before the Wedding:

  1. RSVP ASAP. Respond as soon as you possibly can. What does RSVP mean anyway? It’s short for the French words “répondez, s’il vous plait,” which simply means please respond. Most invitations today include response cards, but if they don’t, you can simply write a nice note to the bride or her family at the return address on the invitation envelope. Write a note? That sounds positively last century! Well its not. Who doesn’t like to get a hand-written note in the mail? If you must, it would also be fine to email a response. But whatever method you use, be timely. The number one complaint of couples getting married is the invitees that don’t respond.
  2. Don’t ask the couple if you can bring additional guests. Everyone invited to the wedding will be listed on either the outside or inner envelope of the invitation. If your children are not listed, they are not invited. If you’re single, the invitation will state whether you can bring a guest, usually in the form of “and guest.” The couple has their reasons for inviting whom they invite. It could be budget, or limited space, or preference. Remember the number one rule above.
  3. Make your own travel and accommodation arrangements. Don’t expect the couple or their families to take care of you or pay for your accommodations.
  4. Send a gift. It’s proper etiquette to send the gift before the wedding or as soon after as possible. There is a myth that you have up to one year after the wedding to send a gift. But experts tell us this is not true. Think about it. Is that really logical?
  5. Buy something from their wedding registry. Now this one is a bit controversial.  Miss Manners does not approve of gift registries; and as much as I love her, on this point I believe she’s behind the times. She doesn’t think its appropriate for couples to dictate what guests will purchase. But wedding expert Sharon Naylor, who is the author of over 35 wedding books, says that if you don’t select your wedding gift from their registry “It comes off as ‘I knew what you wanted but I didn’t care.’” After all, isn’t the motive for giving a wedding gift to show your support of their union? What better way is there to show support than by giving them something they really want from their wedding registry?

At the Wedding and Reception:

  1. Aspen Outdoor WeddingDon’t be a no-show. This is beyond rude. If something comes up, such as an illness or something equally as serious, do your best to contact the family and let them know you won’t be able to attend.
  2. Don’t show up if you have declined. Don’t decide you can come at the last minute and show up.
  3. Don’t wear white, unless the couple specifically asks you to. Off-white, eggshell, and cream are also off-limits. Black is fine for an evening wedding, but should be avoided for a spring or summer daytime wedding.
  4. Dress appropriately. Don’t wear anything too over-the-top, revealing, or provocative. All eyes should be on the bride.
  5. Don’t be late. Give yourself enough time to get to the wedding and be seated. I know what you’re thinking – weddings always start late.  But this is not true. Once I arrived at a wedding thinking I was right on time, but I was actually late. The bride’s limo pulled up as I was getting out of my car. I had to race (in my heals) to beat the bride into the church. It was embarrassing.
  6. Turn off your phone. This is a no-brainer. Also, don’t use your phone during the wedding or reception. Don’t text or upload pictures to Facebook. New Etiquette bulletin: Don’t post pictures of the wedding before the bride and groom have the opportunity. It’s their day; don’t steal the spotlight.
  7. Stay out of the photographer’s way. And, try to resist taking photos during the ceremony. Leave it to the professionals to capture the moment.
  8. Congratulate the couple. Do tell the bride she looks beautiful. If you don’t know the couple’s families, seek them out and introduce yourself. Thank them for inviting you and tell them what a lovely event it is or what a nice time you are having. Don’t complain about anything. Everything will not be prefect, but you are there to celebrate the marriage. If you don’t like something, keep it to yourself.
  9. Sit at your assigned table. Again, remember rule number one – it’s not about you. Respect the choices of your host. There’s a lot of thought that goes into it and it’s impossible for your host to come up with a seating arrangement that will please everyone. So grin and bear it.
  10. Have a good time. Couples worry about their guests having a good time. Try to be a good sport, dance, mingle, etc.
  11. Don’t drink too much. Don’t be obnoxious and make a scene at the reception. Enjoy yourself, but know your limits.
  12. Don’t leave until the cake is cut. It’s an old rule, but Anna Post says there’s a good reason for it. “It’s considered a quiet sign to elderly guests that it’s okay to leave,” she explains. “That’s when it’s acceptable for you to depart as well.” The cake is typically cut after dinner is over and before the party gets into full swing.

Quotes from Anna Post and Sharon Naylor are from a Huff Post Women blog — Bindley, Katherine. “Wedding Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts of Being a Guest.” The Huffington Post.

Need a gift? Give a gift you know they’ll love…Quickly and easily find anyone’s gift registry at RegistryFinder.com

Baby Shower Etiquette

from Storkie.com

Love them or hate them, baby showers are a fact of life. If you’re a woman, you will most likely be invited to several during your lifetime.

Does What to Expect While You’re Expecting have a Baby Shower Section? I don’t think so. Here are some Baby Shower guidelines to help the hostess, guest, and guest of honor.

Baby Shower Etiquette:

  1. Baby showers should be arranged and hosted by a close friend, not an immediate family member. Never give yourself a baby shower.
  2. Invitations should be sent three weeks prior to the baby shower.
  3. Gift or registry information should not be included on the invitation, but can be enclosed separately.
  4. If you are attending, you should bring a gift. If you can’t attend, you do not need to send a gift.
  5. RSVP as soon as possible.
  6. Guests should be polite and good-natured.
    1. Baby shower games may be silly, but be a good sport and participate.
    2. Say positive things to the expectant mother such as, “you look great,” not “you’re so big” or “having twins?” Women in the last months of pregnancy already feel huge; you don’t need to remind them.
    3. Don’t tell labor and delivery horror stories. It’s not the time or place.
  7. While it is convenient and thoughtful to buy something from their baby gift registry, it’s not required.
  8. Thank-you notes should be sent right after the baby shower, if possible, and before the baby comes, as you won’t have as much time after the baby arrives. A thank-you note should be sent even if you have thanked the gift giver in person at the shower.

If you have any baby shower questions or funny baby shower stories, please comment. We’d love to hear from you!

–The RegistryFinder.com Team

Give a Gift you know they’ll love… Quickly and easily find any Baby Gift Registry

In Gift Giving It’s the Thought That Counts – Well, Maybe Not

From the Wall Street Journal

When it comes to the giving and receiving of gifts, we’ve all heard the old adage, it’s the thought that counts. In my case, I heard it often from my mother or my friend’s mothers. It was usually said after someone received a gift that they weren’t particularly excited about.

I imagine good manners and good hearts brought about this saying. After all, gratitude is a virtue. We should be grateful when someone gives of their time and hard-earned money to give a gift. Unfortunately, studies indicate that our level of gratitude is more influenced by how much we like or need the gift.

Some gift givers spend time and energy trying to find just the right gift. But thoughtful gifts don’t necessarily lead to greater appreciation, according to a study published in November in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. The benefit of a thoughtful gift actually accrues mainly to the giver, who derives a feeling of closeness to the other person, the study found.

People are more appreciative when they receive a gift they have explicitly requested, according to a similar study published last year in a separate publication called the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. From Sumathi Reddy “The Science Behind Gifting.” The Wall Street Journal 3 Dec. 2012

How much thought you put into the gift apparently only serves to make you excited about the gift and make you feel closer to the gift recipient, not the other way around.

 “It turns out it’s not the thought that counts, it’s the gift that counts,” says Nicholas Epley, a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago who co-authored the study.

What we can learn from these studies is that when we get anxious about buying a gift and invest a lot of time into thinking about it, we may be misdirecting our energies. Being a good gift giver starts with being a good listener and knowing what the gift recipient wants.

However, its not always possible to know exactly what gift your gift-tee will appreciate. That may be one of the reasons that gift registries are more popular than ever. They definitely reduce the stress of gift giving.

The website RegistryFinder.com further simplifies the process of gift giving by allowing you to search online for any gift registry. You can enter your gift recipient’s name, and it will link you directly to their corresponding gift registries.

So, if you want your gift recipient to truly love the gift you give, know what they really want, or buy from their gift registry.

Give a gift you know they’ll love… quickly and easily find any gift registry @ RegistryFinder.com 

Best Wedding Gifts

These are the wedding gifts that every household wants or needs. Picked based upon quality and popularity in wedding gift registries, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices.

  1. All-Clad Stainless Cookware

    The choice of professional chefs at home, Good Housekeeping says, “always tops in our cooking tests and so beautiful to look at!” You don’t have to buy the whole set. Every household should at least have the 8″ non-stick omelet pan.

  2. KitchenAid Stand Mixer

    May seem expensive, but worth every penny. This is one of the most popular items for which couple’s register. It comes in so many gorgeous Artisan colors, along with the popular classic white.

  3.  Cuisinart Food Processor

    Another tool that every cook needs. If fact, its difficult to make modern recipes without one. This seven-cup capacity is a great starter, but for serious cooks, spend a little more and go for the 11-cup version.

  4. Quality Knives

    What a difference a good knife makes. They will thank you every time they chop a carrot or cut a lemon. I recommend Wusthof knives.  You don’t have to buy the entire set. One or two great knives is all they really need.

  5. Nespresso Espresso Maker

    This is a great product that they probably wouldn’t buy for themselves; but they will love it. There are several different models. Pictured is the compact and versatile Pixie.

  6.  Bodum Air Double Wall Cups and Glasses

    From espresso cups to oversized mugs, these cups go with any décor. Double walled to keep coffee hot and cold drinks cold, they are practical and beautiful.

  7.  Stemless Wine Glasess

    Used in Napa wine tasting rooms, these are gaining in popularity due to ease of use and the fact that they can go in the dishwasher without fear of breakage.

  8. Le Creuset French Round Oven

    This enamel coated heavy cast iron cookware is so versatile and cleans so easily. It goes from stovetop to oven to table and makes a beautiful presentation. It may seem expensive, but they will cherish it for years, as it will last forever. They come in all sizes and colors, but a good all-purpose size is the 4 ½-quart casserole.

  9. Waring Blender

    This gift may seem boring, but every couple needs a blender for smoothies, soups, and of-course, margaritas. This is a favorite because it works so well and has no parts to remove for cleaning. Just put in the dishwasher.

  10. Tableware

    Almost all couples register for dishes and flatware in their wedding gift registry. And they will need these to serve and eat the great food they create with the tools above. Whether you purchase formal or casual tableware, they will appreciate your gift.

Whatever gift you chose, you can make sure it’s what the couple wants by selecting a wedding gift from their gift registry.

How do you find a gift registry? It’s easy; all you have to do is go to registryfinder.com. Enter the name of the bride or groom and this website will show you where they are registered.

RegistryFinder.com simplifies finding a gift registry. It allows you to search for any wedding gift registry, baby gift registry, or any other type of gift registry.

 

 

Wedding Gift Etiquette-Top FAQ’s

  1. The most commonly asked question is… If I’m invited to a wedding and can’t attend, should I still send a gift?  The answer is yes. If at all possible, you should absolutely send a gift.
  2. If I’m invited to the shower, do I need to get a shower gift and a wedding gift?  This is another question I hear a lot. The answer is yes. It is considered an honor to be invited to the bridal shower, as it is a smaller and more intimate event. If you are lucky enough to be invited to the shower and the wedding, you will need to buy two gifts.
  3. How much should I spend on a wedding gift?  The average amount spent on a wedding gift is around $75, but you should spend what you can afford.
  4. Am I supposed to buy a gift that costs as much as the host spends on each person at the reception?  “No. This modern myth causes considerable anxiety for guests, but it is simply untrue. The amount you spend is strictly a matter of your budget, how close you are to the bride and groom, and what you think is an appropriate gift.” from emilypost.com/weddings
  5. Do I have up to a year after the wedding to send a gift?  No, this is also a myth. Gifts should be sent before the wedding or as soon after the wedding date as possible. But, “better late than never,” so send your gift as soon as you can.
  6. How do I find out where the couple is registered?  In the past, you would have to try to call someone you thought might know, but now there’s a better way. All you have to do is go to www.registryfinder.com, enter the name of the bride or groom and find out where they are registered. It really makes the process much quicker and easier.

RegistryFinder.com simplifies finding a gift registry. This website allows you to search for any wedding gift registry, baby gift registry, or any other type of gift registry.

 

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– The RegistryFinder.com Team

RegistryFinder.com simplifies finding a gift registry. This website allows you to search for any wedding gift registry, baby gift registry, or any other type of gift registry.

 

 

RegistryFinder.com is Giving Back through Toys For Tots

RegistryFinder.com is all about giving – gift giving and giving to charity.

Gift Giving — Our mission is to help you find and give the best gift for any occasion. What is the best gift? A gift that you know someone wants or needs. We help you find out what they want by finding their gift registry. Whether it’s a wedding gift, baby gift or any other event, RegistryFinder.com can connect you directly to anyone’s gift registry.

Giving Back — RegistryFinder.com is also committed to giving back to the community and helping those in need. We are giving 10% of all company proceeds to charities that benefit poor or orphaned children. It is actually part of our corporate mission statement.

You may be wondering how our company makes money. If you search for a gift registry on RegistryFinder.com, and then purchase a gift from the registry you found, we receive a small commission. So every time you use RegistryFinder.com, you are helping a child in need.

With the holidays quickly approaching, the first charity we have selected is Toys For Tots. Throughout the 2012 Holiday Season, RegistryFinder.com will contribute 10% of our commissions to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

Stay tuned to find out about the charities selected for 2013.

And remember… Give a gift you know they’ll love… Quickly and easily find any gift registry with RegistryFinder.com

Wedding Gift Etiquette — For the Gift Giver

by RegistryFinder.com

Yes, you do need to send a gift if you are invited to a wedding — even if you don’t plan to attend. What should you buy? Of-course this depends on how much you want to spend and how close you are to the couple. Obviously, you want to get them something they will enjoy and/or find useful. EmilyPost.com states:

Most guests find registries a very efficient way to select a gift that the couple would like, would need, and that wouldn’t be duplicated by other guests. From EmilyPost.com/The Etiquette of Wedding Gifts

What makes it difficult is that it is considered in bad taste to mention where the couple is registered on the wedding invitation.

It’s never okay to include registry information on or with any invitation to the wedding or reception, or with any announcement. Why? Because the emphasis shifts from “we want you to be with us on our special day” to “you need to buy us a gift and here’s what we want.” From EmilyPost.com/Taming the Wedding Registry/Step away from the invitation!

In the past, almost everyone invited to a wedding was from the same town and everyone registered at the same place or two, so this was not a problem.  The bride and groom relied on close friends and family to spread the word about where they were registered. As our society has become more mobile and the age of marriage has increased, invited guests include friends and relatives from all over the country.

Many of us invitees have no idea what the couple wants or needs. That is why shopping from the couple’s registry is the most convenient solution. Almost all wedding registries are now online and the gift is shipped directly to the recipient. This makes shopping for a wedding gift quick and painless, while at the same time thoughtful.

How do you find these online gift registries? Use RegistryFinder.com. It is a simple registry finding service. Just enter the name of your gift recipient and RegistryFinder.com will show you where they are registered. Even better, it will link you directly with their gift registries.

In the end, giving a gift is always a personal choice. With that said, a gift giver’s intent should be to give something that will be useful and valued by the recipient. Although you may think what they registered for is unnecessary, silly, or even ridiculous, it is something the couple feels will enhance their lifestyle. Don’t judge what they register for, just support them and everyone will be happy.

Tips for Finding a Gift Registry

Searching for a gift registry on RegistryFinder.com is easy. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Select the type of Registry. Your choices are Wedding, Baby or Other.
  2. Enter the first and last name of the person for which you want to buy a gift.
  3. If you’re not sure of the exact spelling, enter at least two letters for the first name and two letters for the last name.
  4. If you can’t find the gift registry with the registrant’s name, try the co-registrant’s name.
  5. Try proper names instead of nicknames (Michael vs. Mike).
  6. Once you have found the registry of your gift recipient, click on a store logo and you will be taken directly to your recipient’s gift registry at that store.

We hope you find our registry finder service as useful and we think you will.

–The RegistryFinder Team