Sydney Maco

It all seems like a perfectly logical thing to do when you think about it, rather than receive multiple items, and things you don’t particularly like, you get to hand pick exactly what you will “receive”. Seems very convenient for the recipient, without so much of a burden to the “giver”. I won’t beat around the bush on this topic, and you’ve probably already worked out from the heading, I’m totally opposed to the “gift” registry concept.
You may know someone who is contemplating or already imposed the “gift” registry on their family and friends for a wedding, kitchen tea party, etc.

To me it’s almost as offensive as someone inviting you out to lunch or dinner, then expecting you to pay for both. Maybe it’s just me but I can’t understand how people can justify this, it’s not even a gift, think of what a real gift is, and you’ll probably see what I mean.
A real gift is when someone takes the time and makes the effort to find something they would like to give to you, not when you select exactly what you would like to be given, then expect to get all these on the day.

A real gift has an element of surprise, it’s also a personal reflection of the giver, some gifts will eventually form some sentimental value over time. On the other hand an item from the “gift” registry has a surprise factor of nil on a scale of 1 to 10. There is no opportunity for the gift giver to give you what they themselves truly believe you need. And if you’re expected to buy an item from a “gift” registry but are one of the last to pick one of the remaining items, you may not feel comfortable buying a $200 kitchen knife. Come on people, it’s absurd, can’t you see. I will eventually come up with a more appropriate name for the “gift” registry, maybe something like the wedding contribution registry, since it’s no longer a gift, but a prescribed contribution.

So next time you are expected to choose from a “gift” registry, maybe consider handing it over with a really cheesy smile and a heartfelt “Here is my contribution”. One suggestion I could make to the department stores would be to offer the “Platinum” package. This is only for those wanting ultimate convenience, guests browse the list of items online, select an item and pay via credit card, all the items are then shipped directly as a single delivery at the convenience of the recipient, who can also specify if they’d like to receive them wrapped or unwrapped. A list can then be emailed to the recipient with who paid for which gift, if required. Don’t laugh, this is where we’re heading.