Gifting: Spicing up the Registry

While on the topic of bridal showers, my friend Katie complained to me about giving gifts off the dreaded registry. As she put it: It’s so boring and impersonal! Which is funny, because although it can definitely be impersonal for the giver, it is decidedly NOT for the recipients.

Registering is a deeply personal experience…that involves Pottery Barn, a gun-like scanner and limitless possibilities. But I agreed with Katie that as the giver, one may feel a little lack luster by purchasing the first item on the registry that we’re actually able to locate within the labyrinth of said store.

HOWEVER! I’ve got a few suggestions for turning what could be an impersonal purchase, into a present that has room for your gift giving flair and panache! The key is to purchase one item from the registry and pair it with related items that you love or that means something special. (Because that’s what we really want to do…share what MEANS something to us with this special person).

I decided to come up with a few examples to get you thinking:

Pair a Panini Grill:

with a Panini recipe book:

Pair this pitcher:

With ingredients for you and the bride’s fave cocktail from back in the day, such as the “Girl’s Vodka Soda”:

Vodka

and “soda”:

Or pair a few of their towels:

with a few custom ones:

Pair their flatware:

with your fave Etsy Napkins or Placemat:

Or with this lovely plate:

Hopefully you get my drift! Go therefore and be creative! (And use the registry for goodness sake!)