Frugal Registry Ideas Please!!

[nuisance26]

~We're planning a shower for my sis and she isn't going to register anywhere. She lives in 300sq. ft apartment and her hubby will be moving in when the're married so she doesn't really need anything. We're trying to make a list of useful gifts for when people ask, although we will encourage cash gifts. Any ideas for creating a 'registry' will be very appreciated!~

[frugalandsimple]

Handmade recipe book where someone could put together a collection of recipes in a book to be given to them.

Gift card to local supermarket

[Momto2Boyz]

One thing that was done for my wedding shower, was a recipe shower. It was incredibly thoughtful and useful and doesn't take up much space!

My mom organized it. She sent matching recipe cards out to all of my relatives, with instructions to write down your favorite recipes and "secret" family recipes we have that they would be willing to share. Then they were given directions to mail them out on such a date. Well, I got a package in the mail with a gorgeous recipe box, and an explination that I should start recieving recipes in the mail.

For weeks, I received recipes from relatives all over the country, who wouldn't have been able to make it to a traditional shower. I was literally running to the mailbox every day to see what I would get!

Plus, my grandma has 2 secret family recipes that she has shared with no one (not even my mom) and those were included in my recipe shower from her. Although, I have strict instruction that I NEVER share them with anyone until I am old and grey and wish to pass them down to a family member! That was the most special thing for me!

[savvymom]

Recipes are a wonderful idea!
My maid of honor planned my wedding shower and it was food themed. She also had everyone fill out a recipe card or two that went in a nice box, and those that actually attended were asked to bring the ingredients to make their recipe. I got so many wonderful staples doing that, and lots of grocery gift cards as well. Some even included baking dishes and things like that. I had a friend, who didn't cook, she bought the most beautiful basket and filled it with mixes, spatulas, etc. it was probably one of my favorite gifts because it was so tastefully done and was perfect coming from her.

I also love to shop at IKEA because they have wonderful organizational type things for small spaces, most of it is reasonably priced. If space is a problem, or could be, maybe an organizational party would be good. Everyone could provide tips on how to organize things without spending lots of money, etc. Same as a recipe box, but with organizational stuff instead or included for that matter.

Good luck!

[nuisance26]

~I asked her about recipes and cookbooks and she wasn't interested. I thought of the organizational stuff too. It's hard to buy that stuff for someone else though unless you've seen the space in which it will be used. She told me all her appliances are working fine and she doesn't need/want replacements for anything. She's making this so difficult! I really appreciate the ideas though. They may not go on my list but they are good ideas!~

[leezza]

Constance,

Other than already suggesting to folks cash......How about suggesting GC to a place that your sister likes to shop???? Maybe a favorite grocery store, gas station, Target, Wal-mart, ect.....that way anyone feeling strange about giving cash could get them a GC to a place that they would like to go.......With the prices on everything I think I would go with the grocery or gas GC but that's just me.

Good Luck,
leezza

[savvymom]

Great idea leezza!

I thought of something you might be able to add to that to make it more special. Since gift cards can be considered so impersonal. Have everyone write their "recipe for a good marriage". They also did this for me at my shower, and 9 years later I still look at them.

EXAMPLE:

1 cup of LOVE
1 cup of UNDERSTANDING
4 cups of PATIENCE
2 cups of COMMUNICATION

mix together with trust and honesty!

Anyways, I just made that up...but it was neat that everyone had different ones and even those that had been and/or were divorced still had good ones. Since she's not necessarily into the recipe idea you could change it up to just be good thoughts or lessons learned. Maybe put them all in a scrapbook with pictures of the shower or the couple (or both) or make a nice collage in a frame to hang on the wall.

[geckoace]

well since she is not that interested in gift how about an "autograph frame" everyone can sign or write a short wish then they can put their wedding photo in it. also if you quilt maybe have everyone paint/sign/create quilt square that could then be made into a quit and used.

or nice towels and sheets, i personally could always use new nice fluffy towels and i never buy really nice ones for myself

[Tamerama]

Oh boy! If I could talk to your sis I would tell her..."REGISTER somewhere..if you don't you'll get a bunch of crap you really don't want or need..for example 5 toasters. " If she doesnt' like the idea of putting it on the invitation that is ok but people are going to ask...and if they ask they want to buy you something you want/need.
I personally hate to be invited to a shower/wedding and there not be SOMEWHERE they have registered..AND you can register in all price ranges...so people can get you a $5 gift or a $20 gift..whatever they can afford but they know you (she) will like it.
Also, if she registers somewhere like Target..she can always return stuff that doesn't "fit" into her tiny space..and she can shop with the credit later when she does????
JMO

[Jenibelle]

One of my friends just had her wedding shower and after they get married they will be moving cross country so they had a "Greenback Shower" The invite explained how it would be hard for them to take "stuff" on the move so everyone was supposed to do something creative with cash/coin/gc. People made all sorts of stuff from Flags to pictures to Rosaries. It was a really fun way to give cash that didn't seem quite so weird

[nuisance26]

~Thanks for all the ideas! I've got a pretty nice list of gifts now to suggest to anyone who asks. I appreciate all the help!~

[Suzy]

How about gift cards to Wal-mart (gas, medicine, groceries, etc if they have a Super center nearby) or Target or any store like that. What about starting a stockpile for them. Buy extra toilet paper, can veggies, rice, ketchup, things can save. Have a stockpiling party in leau of a bridal shower. With her havng a small space I understand they may not have storage room but it was just a suggestion.

[IamBlessed]

Just for my 2 cents worth...the gift certificates are always a good idea. But, if she has most everything that is needed and not much space...How about certificates for movies, restaraunts (SP?), etc.. Those are indulgences that newly marrieds can't afford a lot of times.