Gift cards vs. Gift registry

[Jmarie]

I think this may be tacky, but here goes..

So I am thinking that it may be better for us to list gift cards on our gift registry instead of just listing gifts on the registry. This way, we are able to purchase things that we really need, like newer furniture. But neither of us are exactly sure if this is way out of left field or not..Would you be offended if someone asked for a gift card instead of actual gift (china) if you decided to give the gift?

Thanks guys

[perSue]

LOL why haven't "I" thought of this?!

i think it depends on the occassion and the gift giver.
if it's for a wedding or something big like that, more ppl are comfortable purchasing from a registry... YOU usually go to a store, set up a registry & use the price gun to scan in what YOU want.

however, if we're talking regular holidays & such, GC is perfect!

now, since you mentioned furniture... I'd do the same thing as the registry & set it up - if possible - what YOU want & then allow others to purchase what's on YOUR list.

[Jmarie]

LOL why haven't "I" thought of this?!

i think it depends on the occassion and the gift giver.
if it's for a wedding or something big like that, more ppl are comfortable purchasing from a registry... YOU usually go to a store, set up a registry & use the price gun to scan in what YOU want.

however, if we're talking regular holidays & such, GC is perfect!

now, since you mentioned furniture... I'd do the same thing as the registry & set it up - if possible - what YOU want & then allow others to purchase what's on YOUR list.

Yep, Its for our wedding.. thinking instead of doing a "typical" wedding registry, just doing a registry with gift cards listed on it..

[Lady_V]

hmmm...

Technically, YOU can't ask for anything. Your bridal party/parents/neighbor/anyone-but-you, can spread the word on your behalf.

There have been more than a few times when I go to someones registry and all that is left is the 'you have got to be kidding me, HOW MUCH' items and gave them a gift card in an amount I was more comfortable with.

Some registries ask if gift cards would be welcomed.

I personally like MyRegistry because I keep track of the things we would like for the house (I keep it private so only I can access it).

[perSue]

well it is YOUR wedding, your life.
I think you may be starting a new trend here!

I'd go half & half honestly... for those who are more traditional (ie, toaster) choose things you want, but aren't high priorities.
and then go for the GC as well.

I'm curious tho... are you just making a "wish list" of sorts to share with ppl (ie, a GC from this store, that one, etc.)... or can you actually make a registry at a store & only list GC's?

Btw, congrats on your getting married!

[Jmarie]

well it is YOUR wedding, your life.
I think you may be starting a new trend here!

I'd go half & half honestly... for those who are more traditional (ie, toaster) choose things you want, but aren't high priorities.
and then go for the GC as well.

I'm curious tho... are you just making a "wish list" of sorts to share with ppl (ie, a GC from this store, that one, etc.)... or can you actually make a registry at a store & only list GC's?

Btw, congrats on your getting married!

Thank you.. perSue..

See we were thinking of just listing VISA gift card, American Express Gift card, so that we can use them at our disgression, instead of listing a toaster, china, silver, waffle iron, etc..

Soon to be hubby thinks its a new trend.. but tread light.. since we are wedding out of the country and its an ALL white event..lol..

Lady_V
Yeah, thats where we were getting hung up. We know we can't ask for something.. but were thinking that it may be better to list the gift card instead of big ticket items that would make one say.. WTF are you thinking.. where are the pot holders..lol..

IDK.. so here I am.. sorry for the rant

[craftypam]

Sorry but it is tacky; Please no more new tacky trends Its your wedding, but do you want to offend your guests?

[phoeny_moonstar]

Here I am having the same dilemma. I have my own place my own stuff, I don't need another toaster seriously... But I don't know how to help ya. Maybe the 1/2 and 1/2 idea???

[2ndGenGranola]

It is considered tacky to insert your choices in any invitation. It is the responsibility of the family, attendants and shower hosts to make your actual wishes known.

A way to get around it is to sent out invitations. Then, have your host/attendants call to check on their RSVP. At that time they can address the issue. Keep in mind though anything you request is only a request. People are not even required to go by a registry and you may be donating to the thrift store anyway.

[Michelle]

Are you going to set up registries at specific stores? If so, there's usually an option to put that you'd like gift cards.

I like when couples set up registries and include many different priced items so anyone wanting to use it can find something in their price range.

And definitely do not mention the registry in your wedding invitations. Typically whomever is throwing your bridal shower (if you're having one) will include that information.

Registries help both the recipients and the givers. The recipients get what they would like, and the givers know that what they are giving will be well-received.

However, not everyone will use the registry, and receiving gifts you cannot use/do not want will be inevitable. HTH.

Oh, and also you could mention to anyone close to you that you're really interested in purchasing xyz and that gift cards would be most welcomed. Parents/siblings/good friends are often happy to pass that information along.

When is the big day? Wishing you all the best.

[Spirit Deer]

I'll go against the trend here and say, first, I hate gift cards in general. It's a marketing gimmick which is very successful for the businesses who offer them. I'd prefer to give and receive cash because I think it's rude to force people to spend money where the giver wants the recipient to spend it, rather than allowing them to make their own decisions where to buy, and allowing them to purchase things where they could get the best deal or get items they really want. Cash gifts also don't have any fees attached to them and never expire, unlike many gift cards. Cash gifts also don't leave the recipient holding the bag if, as has happened recently with some businesses, they decide to go out of business and then won't allow the gift cards to be spent on the sale merchandise at the going out of business sales, in effect stealing the money from the people who bought the cards in the first place. Thanks to slick marketing, cash gifts are now considered to be in bad taste. I don't get it, myself. A gift that is totally without limits as to where and how it can be used, or a gift that limits the giftee to just one store where they may or may not be interested in shopping. It makes no sense to me that the first option is considered tacky and thoughtless, while the second one is special and thoughtful. Huh?

If I looked at a registry and saw people wanting a VISA gift card or something that could be spent anywhere, I'd be happy. I would much rather give money to someone than to buy a gift they don't want that ends up being donated. By giving money, I would know my gift is being used and appreciated, rather than having me spend my money for nothing.

However, since you asked and since I realize I'm in the minority, my suggestion to you would be to mix it up on the registry and ask for gifts along with the VISA cards. That still allows people to give you what you want without them having to spend more than they're comfortable with, whereas if they are shopping closer to the wedding they may be left with a selection of gifts that are too expensive for them. Or they still have the option to buy an actual gift and know it's something you will want.

Congrats, BTW.

[Jmarie]

However, since you asked and since I realize I'm in the minority, my suggestion to you would be to mix it up on the registry and ask for gifts along with the VISA cards. That still allows people to give you what you want without them having to spend more than they're comfortable with, whereas if they are shopping closer to the wedding they may be left with a selection of gifts that are too expensive for them. Or they still have the option to buy an actual gift and know it's something you will want.

Congrats, BTW.

~Deer, thanks fo the response. I think that we are going to a very simple one, and have both of our parents spread the word that we woudl prefer VISA gift cards to spend at our discression.

~Michelle, nope we wouldn't mention anything about a gift registry in the invitation... only on our website, which was included on our save the date. BTW the big date is June 26, 2010. I know it seem early.. but people have already been asking as well as booking

~phoeny, yeah we too may do the 1/2 and 1/2..

Thanks guys for your feedback!

[monkeywrangler71]

In my experience, the majority of people will skip the registry and give you cash anyway. The registry is for people who want to actually buy you a present. I would just put actual things that you need or want on the registry and leave it at that. Those who are not inclined to shop are going to give you gift cards or cash regardless of what your registry says, and those who are going to shop for a gift will just buy you something you don't want if there is nothing on your registry except gift cards.

[Momto2Boyz]

We normally give cash for weddings. It was the thing that we were happiest with when we got married, so I always figure the couple will be happy with cash.

My brother is getting married in September, and they just registered. Gift cards seem to be the trend here. Whenever I shop off of a registry there are always gift cards on there. I was surprised when my SIL hadn't put any on there. I called her and asked her about it, and she said they weren't sure if it would be tacky. I told her I didn't think so. It just gives people another option. To me, it's no different than giving a gift or cash!

[kristytish]

I actually made a bridal registry on myregistry.com a few weeks ago and we still have a few more months till the date in july, but i love the gift card idea so much that i just put some on there!
great idea!