Which gift registry is best?
Apr 15, 2023
Finding the best gift registry for your needs can be overwhelming. From weddings and baby showers to holidays and birthdays, gift registries can make your life, and your shoppers’ lives, easier.
To help you decide, we’ve tested gift registries of all kinds so you can find the one that suits you best. Below, we’ll look at some of the most popular types of registries, including Moonsift, so you can weigh the pros and cons of each allowing you to make the best decision possible.
Why create a gift registry
Gift registries allow you to streamline the gift-giving process.
No matter the occasion, registries help you:
Keep track of all requested gifts and if they have been purchased
Inform loved ones and guests which items they should buy
Avoid duplicate gifting by showing guests which items have already been purchased.
Types of gift registries
Gift registries are a helpful tool for planning different events. While some registry options give more freedom, many of the most popular options cater to specific occasions like weddings & honeymoons (Zola, The Knot, Honeyfund) or baby showers (babylist.com). Other more traditional registries only work for specific retailers (Anthropologie, Amazon) and make adding third-party gifts impossible.
Where can I make a gift registry for free?
The Wedding Shop
Only for wedding registries
Pros:
Free to use
Group gifting
Honeymoon and cash fund options
Keeps track of who buys what
Cons:
Limited number of retailers and brands
Items are ofter more expensive than comparative items on other stores
Babylist
Only for baby registries
Pros:
Add any gift from any baby store
15% discount on items in the Babylist's own Store
iOS and Android app offerings
Cons
Can’t integrate third-party wish lists
9-month return policy
Shipping costs
Zola
Pros
You can choose from a large selection of recommended gifts
Combines third-party wish lists
Group gifting
Cons
Handling fees
Difficult to make third-party purchases
Amazon’s Registry
Pros
You can choose from a large selection of items on Amazon
Tracks who purchases each gift
Easy shipping
Cons
No cash gift function
Only allows items from Amazon.com
Can’t integrate third-party wish lists
180-day return policy
An alternative to these limited registry options is a universal registry. A universal registry allows you to add gifts from any third-party site in one place. Some of the most popular universal options are Moonsift.com, MyRegistry.com, and GiftWhale.com.
Moonsift Registry & Gift list
Pros:
Free & unlimited
Add items from any retailer in the world
Aesthetically designed with a clean layout
Add items via desktop and iOS
Add a cash fund with no fees
Clear to visitors which gifts have already been purchased
Tracks who has bought which items
Easy to use and navigate
Cons:
Cannot currently save items on Android devices
Cannot choose to have everything delivered on a specific date
Pros & Cons of MyRegistry.com
Pros:
Guests are not charged fees for purchasing gifts
Barcode scanner allows you to add items in-person
Syncs existing gift lists from major retailers
Cons:
Clunky design that’s difficult to navigate
Cash gifts incur a 2.9% fee
Unclear return policy for third-party purchases
Pros & Cons of Gift Whale
Pros
Registries for any occasion
Add items from any retailer of your choice
Free & unlimited
Send thank you notes directly from GiftWhale site
Cons
Clunky user interface that can be hard to use
No cash fund or cash gifts
Unclear return policy for third-party purchases
Cannot choose to have everything delivered on a specific date
Making a registry on Moonsift
Highlights of the Moonsift registry offering:
100% free!
No fees or product mark-ups ever
Adaptable program lets you curate your registry to your specific needs
Flexibility to add products from any store in the world directly from the retailer’s website
Desktop plug-in and iOS app allow you to access Moonsift at home and on the go
One shareable link for sending your registry anywhere it needs to go
The ability to add your payment and delivery info
Sleek design that is easy to navigate and nice to look at!
Visitors to your registry can:
View the requested gifts and details like price, images, and retailer in one place
See which gifts have already been purchased
Send money instead of a gift
Purchase gifts from any retailer they choose, they are not limited to the retailer listed on the registry
Conclusion
Registries are a great tool for getting you the gifts you want or need. They are also much more convenient for gift buyers who can access your wish list in one place. All registries have their own strengths and limitations and it is important that you consider your individual needs when selecting a registry service. While some only operate for individual retailers and others focus on specific events, universal registry services like Moonsift allow you to create a comprehensive list for any occasion.