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Getting a Great Gift

All the stress of planning a wedding or preparing for a new baby does have one perk: presents! People take to gift registries in a few different ways. Some people go nuts and make selections without really thinking about them. Others really work about making the right choices. Here are a few useful tips for making sure that you get exactly what you want and need.

Shop around before you commit yourself to anything
When you have a wedding or birth on the horizon there is no doubt that you have ten million things to do and not enough time to do them all, but gift registration is not a one step process. Commit time to shopping around and evaluating all of your options before you bind yourself to any selections. Once you have a good idea of what you are going to select, the actual registration process is quick and painless, and you wont end up with any impulse gifts!

Make selections in a variety of price ranges
When choosing gifts, make selections in a variety of price ranges. While many of your guests may be older and well established, it is unlikely that everyone will be able to afford an expensive gift. Also, many of your guests may enjoy making your gift out of a few smaller selections. This allows them to make their gift you more personal. So go ahead, register for a few of those smaller, less expensive items.

Remember, these gifts aren’t just for you!
It is important that you and your fiancé are both involved in gift selection. You will both be using the gifts, and so it is important to make selections together. Although it is acceptable to make a few his or hers selections the majority of your choices should be for your life together.

Know Return and exchange policies early
While no store will give you cash back for returned gifts, many do have exchange policies. It is important to know policies regarding damaged gifts, or multiple gifts. Ask before you register to avoid headaches.

Consider planning your honeymoon as your gift
If you are both established and have plenty of “stuff” then there is no reason to ask for more. No longer are you required to pick out sheets and china for your wedding gifts. You can ask your guests to pay for part of your honeymoon or purchase special outings for your trip. If the usual selection of house wares is not appealing to you and your fiancé, do not worry there are more options out there that may suit you better!

If you don’t drink coffee, don’t register for an espresso machine.
Although it can be tempting, do not register for gifts because they are typical or because you think your tastes may radically change after your wedding day. Sit down and think about what gifts you will really be able to make use of. Your guests will be happy to know that the gift they bought you is not just collecting dust.