Baby Gift Registry

Registering Your Wish List

You and your partner are expecting a baby, and it is an exciting time in your life. Not only are you going to welcome a new member into your family, but you will also receive lots of wonderful gifts to celebrate his or her birth. Sometimes, family and friends need a little help choosing the perfect gift to give, and that's what makes baby gift registries so great! You can do a little pre-shopping for them. This eliminates all of the guesswork on their part, and it ensures that you will receive the items you really need and want. No more returning duplicates and unwanted items to the store either! Before you register, review the following points:

• Make a list of all the items your baby will need. Once you've decided what items you want, you can use this list to register.
• Be sure and mark how many of each item you want. While you'll only need one baby bed, you'll needs lots and lots of diapers!

• Choose expensive and inexpensive items. That way you'll have selected items in everyone's price range.
• Do your research ahead of time. Keep in mind that there can be a world of difference between one brand and another. Check out product reviews at places like Epinions, Consumer Search, and Consumer Review.
• Be specific. People might avoid buying a certain gift, such as a high chair or baby bouncer because there are so many choices. Be sure you mark which items you prefer.
• Choose items that aren't just for infants. Everyone is looking forward to the birth of your [[Infant Development|infant]. However, he or she won't be an infant for long. Choose items that you may not use for the first year or so, such as potty chair or booster seats.
• Set up an account online. Most stores now allow parents to set up their gift registry account online. This means you don't even have to visit the store to choose your wish list, and your friends and family can order online, too!

Using a Baby Gift Registry

Some people avoid using baby gift registries simply because they're afraid they won't know what to do. For those people who love to shop online, nothing could be easier. Follow these simple steps:

• If you're not sure how the guest of honor is registered, try her last name first. The computer will generally pull up everyone who has that same last name. You can choose the person you're interested in from there.
• Once you've pulled up the correct person's name, you'll be able to begin shopping online! The computer will automatically update her list once you've purchased something.

For those of you who prefer shopping in the store, there is usually a baby gift registry machine at the front of the store. Follow these steps for a simple shopping experience:

• Most screens are activated by tapping them with your finger. There should be simple instructions on the screen however.
• If you're not sure how the guest of honor is registered, try her last name first. The screen will generally pull up everyone who has that same last name. You can choose the person you're interested in from there.
• Once you've pulled up the correct person's name, you can print the wish list and use it as you walk through the store looking for that perfect gift. Be sure you let the cashier know who you are purchasing a gift for so the item can be marked off the wish list!

Popular Baby Gift Registries

Many specialty shops offer gift registries, so be sure and check those out in our city or town. For your convenience, there is also a large selection of department stores with online gift registries, too.

• Target
• Walmart
• Baby Center
• Babies R Us
• Amazon