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Group of friends holding gifts for each other in street
Group of friends holding gifts for each other in street

How to make a Target registry

Feb 25, 2025

Got a big occasion in the diary? Then you’re probably wondering where to create your registry.

Target can be a great option. Here, we’ll show you how to make a Target registry and explain how it all works. So, without further ado…


What is a Target registry?

A Target registry is a list of items you’d like to receive from Target as gifts – created on Target’s website.

Usually, you’ll create a registry ahead of a special occasion – like a wedding, baby shower, holiday or birthday.

The idea is to share your registry with loved ones so that they know what to get you. That way, you get gifts you actually want and need, while your guests can stress less knowing exactly what you’d like.

A registry can be helpful ahead of all kinds of events that might call for gifts. However, Target offers five main registry types.

1. Target wedding registry

Weddings always call for gifts.

If you’re getting married, a Target wedding registry can help to set you up for married life.

Often, it will include items for the home. That said, nowadays, many couples prefer to include fun gifts and experiences (although bear in mind you can only add physical products and Target gift cards to your Target registry).

2. Target baby registry

Babies are expensive.

Whether you’re hosting a baby shower or not, your loved ones are sure to want to pick out gifts for your new arrival.

A baby registry can be a great way to get help with the cost of having a baby, whether it’s contributions of diapers or bigger-ticket items.

3. Target holiday registry

Whatever holiday is on the horizon, a registry makes gifting much easier.

With a registry to guide them, your loved ones will know exactly how to put a smile on your face.

That means less stress for them and no more feigning delight for you!

4. Target community wishlist

Want to do good for a community?

A Target community wishlist can be a great way to contribute to a cause or help those in need – whether it’s a toy drive for a local hospital, a supply drive for a school, or disaster relief.

5. Custom Target gift list

Remember, any occasion can call for a registry if you want it to!

A custom Target gift list is a great option if your event doesn’t fit neatly into the other four categories.

For instance, you could set one up ahead of a birthday, housewarming, graduation… you name it!

How does the Target registry work?

Just like other registries, a Target registry is designed to direct loved ones to the gifts you actually want to receive – whatever the occasion.

Here’s how it works.

  1. You set your registry up

  2. You add products you like to your registry

  3. You share your registry with friends and family

  4. They tick items they’ve bought off your list

  5. You receive gifts to your chosen address

Simple!

How to make a Target registry: step-by-step guide

So, how do you actually create a Target registry?

Don’t worry, it’s quick and easy.

Simply follow this step-by-step guide to making a Target registry.

Step 1: Navigate to ‘registry & wish list’

First things first, head to the Target website and click on ‘registry & wish list’ in the navigation bar.

Step 2: Select your occasion

Next, select your registry type. Popular choices include baby, wedding, holiday and community. If you can’t see your event listed, you can select ‘custom’ instead.

Step 3: Sign in or create a Target account

If you already have an account with Target, now’s the time to sign in. If not, you’ll simply need to enter your email address and details to create a Target account.

Step 4: Target registry setup

Now, it’s time to go through the steps required to set up your registry. Depending on your occasion, Target will ask you to fill in details such as:

  • Your name

  • Your event date (or due date if you’re expecting a baby)

  • The address where you’d like items sent

  • Your phone number

  • Delivery instructions

  • Who can see your registry

Step 5: Customize your registry

Now that you’ve set up your Target registry, you can make it more personal. Upload a profile photo, add a welcome note for family and friends, or customize your URL.

Step 6: Adding items to a Target registry

To add items to your Target registry, simply browse the Target website as usual. 

If you like the look of an item, check the product page to see if it’s eligible for registries and wishlists – if it is, click ‘add item’ and select your registry.

Step 7. How to organize your Target registry

Once you’ve added items to your registry, don’t forget to organize and hone it to make sure you’re happy with everything that’s on there. 

Target will automatically organize your items by category. However, by pressing the three dots in the top right corner of each item, you can easily edit a product, mark it as ‘most wanted’ or even add a note.

Step 8. How to share a Target registry link

When it’s time to share your Target registry, make sure you’ve set up your custom URL if you want it to be more memorable for your loved ones.

Then, head to your dashboard and click the ‘share wish list’ button. This will give you your full Target registry link, which you can copy and share with family and friends – or post on your event website!

Step 9: Wait for your gifts to arrive!

Now all that remains is to wait for your gifts! Your guests can either get them sent directly to your chosen delivery address, or keep hold of them to give you in-person. 

Either way, you can keep track of who’s bought what using the ‘gift tracker’ tab.

Tips for creating an effective Target registry

So, now you know how to create a Target registry. But how do you make sure your registry is as good as it can be?

Here are a few top tips.

  1. Add items that span a range of price points

  2. Think about items you want as well as items you need

  3. Only include items you’d really like to receive

  4. Include a little more than two items per each guest invited (so there’s choice but not too much choice)

  5. Share your registry with plenty of time to spare

  6. Include your registry link on your event website and invitations

What are the benefits of a Target registry?

There are lots of benefits to creating a Target registry. Here are the main ones.

  • Free!

  • Large selection of gift items

  • Build up to 5 wishlists per household (great for holidays!)

  • Add items in-store or online

  • Mark items as most-wanted

  • Personalize with photos

  • Track who’s bought what

  • Create a custom URL

  • Return gifted items within 90 days of purchase (or within a year for baby and wedding registries)

  • View your registry as friends and family

  • 15% off registry completion for wedding and baby registries (Target Circle members)

  • Free welcome kit for baby registries (Target Circle members)

Are there any downsides to a Target registry?

As you can see, Target registries can be pretty great. But there are some downsides.

The main downside is that Target registries aren’t universal.

That means you can only add items that are sold on Target – unlike universal registries like Moonsift, where you can add items from any store in the world.

It’s true that Target has a huge selection of products, so this may not restrict you too much.

However, it will mean that you won’t always be able to add your favorite items to your registry.

Plus, you’ll only be able to add physical products and Target gift cards – rather than experiences and cash funds.

Depending on what you were hoping to use your registry for, this could be a problem. For instance, perhaps you’re tying the knot and you were hoping to get contributions towards your honeymoon or experiences to do as a couple.

What are the best Target registry alternatives?

The best Target registry alternatives are universal

A universal registry will allow you to add items from any store in the world – including Target, if that’s where your favorite products happen to be!

Here are some of the best.

  • Moonsift

  • Gift Whale

  • Giftster

  • Things to Get Me

  • MyRegistry.com

  • Listery

Add any item in the world to your registry with Moonsift

While there are several universal registries and wishlists that could be a great alternative to a Target registry, Moonsift is cut above the rest.

It’s 100% free, with no fees or product mark-ups ever. 

Plus, it’s easy to navigate, allows you to save items directly from the store’s website, is available on both mobile and desktop, and will even let you add cash funds so that loved ones can contribute towards bigger-ticket items.

So, what are you waiting for?

 

Create your registry on Moonsift today.

Things people also ask about Target registries

How to create a Target registry?

The first step if you want to create a Target registry is to head to the Target website and navigate to ‘registry & wish list’. You can then select your registry type, fill in your details and start adding items to your registry.

How do I open the registry on the Target app?

To open a registry on the Target app, you simply need to enter ‘wish list’ or ‘registry’ into the search bar on the home page. You can then use the ‘create your registry or wish list’ section to select what type of registry you’d like to create – or to see an existing registry.

Is a Target registry free to use?

Yes, a Target registry is free to use.

How do I add a Target registry to an invitation?

It’s easy to add a Target registry to an invitation. You simply need to copy and paste your registry link onto the invitation. 

That way, guests can click on the link if it’s a virtual invitation, or type it into their browser if it’s a physical one.

Can you go to Target and do a registry?

Yes, if you want to set up a Target registry in-store, you can visit Guest Services and they should be able to help. However, setting up your registry on the Target website or app is quicker and easier. 

If you set up your Target registry online, you can still add items in-store by scanning them with your mobile device or an in-store scanner – ask Guest Services to get you set up.

What are the benefits of a Target registry for weddings?

There are lots of benefits to creating a Target registry for weddings. However, one particular perk that isn’t available for all Target registry types is 15% off registry completion. 

Essentially, the week of your wedding, you’ll receive a 15% off coupon which you can use for your next in-store or online purchase. It’s designed to help you buy any remaining items on your registry that guests haven’t bought – but it’s actually available storewide.

However, bear in mind you have to be a Target Circle member.

Can I add non-Target items to my Target registry?

No, you can’t add non-Target items to your Target registry. You can only add products sold on Target’s website or in their stores – as well as Target gift vouchers.

Target registry return policy explained?

You can easily return gifts you’ve received from your Target registry. For baby and wedding registries, you can do so up to one year after your event date. Meanwhile, for other registry types, you’ll have up to 90 days after the item was purchased.

Simply go to your registry dashboard and click ‘start a return’. Once you’ve returned the item, you’ll then be issued with a Target GiftCard. 

What are the best items to add to a Target wedding registry?

That depends on what items you want and need. However, Target itself has a wedding registry checklist where it recommends lots of different items – mainly for the home.

These include:

  • Kitchen equipment (eg. pots, pans, utensils)

  • Kitchen appliances (eg. coffee maker, blender, kettle)

  • Products for dining and entertaining (eg. table cloths, serving bowls, dinnerware)

  • Items for the bedroom (eg. sheets, bedding sets, bedroom furniture)

  • Items for the bathroom (eg. bath accessories, bath towels, shower curtains)

  • Home essentials (eg. vacuums, fans, laundry hamper)

  • Home decor (eg. rugs, mirrors, wall art)

  • Outdoor living (eg. patio furniture, fire pit, grill)

  • Games and activities (eg. bikes, luggage, tent)

  • Electronics (eg. cameras, audio systems, video games)