What is a gift registry and how does it work?

Big occasions call for gifts. But how do you make sure the gifts you receive are ones you’ll actually want and use?

That’s where a gift registry comes in! Here, we’ll reveal what a gift registry is and show you how it works.

What is a gift registry?

A gift registry is a list of items that you’d like to receive as a gift.

Usually, it’s shared with guests ahead of a big event – like a wedding, baby shower or housewarming.

But in reality, it can be used for any occasion that typically comes with gifts – like Christmas and birthdays.

A gift registry is a bit like a wishlist. However, with a gift registry, items are crossed off as they’re bought so you don’t end up receiving duplicate gifts.

What is a gift registry for a wedding?

A gift registry for a wedding is also known as a wedding registry.

Traditionally, wedding registries are used to help set newlyweds up for their new life together. So, they often contain household items like crockery, glassware and bed linen.

However, more and more couples nowadays live together before they’re married. 

With that in mind, modern couples are increasingly filling their gift registry with items that are a bit more out of the box – such as experiences.

At Moonsift, you can also add a cash registry to your gift registry so that guests can contribute towards bigger-ticket items, like your honeymoon.

What is a gift registry for a baby shower?

A gift registry for a baby shower is also known as a baby registry.

A baby registry is a fantastic way for new parents to get help with all the items they need for a new baby’s arrival.

This might include smaller-ticket items like sleepsuits and sleeping bags, as well as bigger items like a pram or bassinet.

Preparing for a new baby’s arrival is expensive and requires a lot of gear. So, a baby registry is the perfect opportunity for new parents to lower their costs while getting treated by their loved ones.

How does a gift registry work?

Traditionally, gift registries were created in-store. 

However, nowadays, they’re nearly always created online.

Still, they tend to fall into two categories: store registries and universal registries.

Here’s how each of them works.

Store registries

Many of your favorite stores likely offer a gift registry option. A couple of popular examples are Pottery Barn or Target.

Here’s how creating a registry with a specific store typically works:

1. Choose a store you like

2. Register for a gift registry

3. Select items from the store to add to your registry

4. Publish your registry

5. Share it with friends and family

6. Let them cross items off your list

As you can see, the process is pretty easy.

However, when you create a registry with a specific store, you’ll only be able to add items to your gift registry from that store.

That might not be an issue if you love all their items.

But it does prevent you from shopping around and means you may end up with gifts that you don’t like quite as much as similar items from other stores – or that cost more.

Universal gift registry

A universal gift registry is one that allows you to add items from any store in the world.

This means you can source the exact items you want – wherever they may be.

And, when the same item is being sold by several stores, you can make sure to add the cheapest to your gift registry so that your guests aren’t spending more than they need to.

Here’s how a universal gift registry typically works:

1. Choose a gift registry provider

2. Browse your favorite stores online

3. Save any items you like to your gift registry

4. Hone your gift registry

5. Make it public

6. Share it with friends and family

7. Let them cross gifts off your list

In this way, you can mix and match items from several stores and even add gift ideas that are a bit more out of the box – like experiences, charity donations or even a cash fund for guests to contribute to bigger-ticket items.

The Moonsift universal gift registry is completely free.

Plus, our universal save button is available on both desktop browser and mobile – meaning you can add items wherever and whenever.

What is the purpose of having a gift registry?

If you enjoy receiving surprises as gifts, you might be wondering what the purpose of a gift registry really is.

Here are just some of the main benefits.

• Get gifts you actually want and use

• Avoid duplicate gifts

• Easily hone and compare items you like

• Reduce stress for your loved ones

• Get help towards bigger items

With Moonsift, you can also choose when to reveal who’s bought what – want to keep the magic of gifting alive? We’ll keep the secret until your gifts are safely in your hands.

Can’t stand the suspense? Be naughty and sneak a peek – we won’t tell!

Gift registry tips and advice

Ready and raring to get started?

Follow these simple tips and tricks to help you create the best gift registry possible.

1. Start early

It’s never too early to start your gift registry. 

Starting early will give you time to properly consider which items to add. Plus, your friends and family will have more time to get your gift sorted before the big occasion.

2. Cover a range of price points

Make sure you include items that are suitable for a range of budgets. 

That way, nobody will feel pressured into spending more than they want to.

3. Don’t just add items you need

Of course, a gift registry is a great opportunity to get your hands on some items that you really need. But make sure to add items that you want and wouldn’t buy for yourself too. 

This way, you can enjoy feeling truly spoiled. 

4. Narrow it down

The chances are you won’t receive all the items you add to your gift registry. 

So, narrow your choices down to the items you really want. This will also prevent your loved ones from being overwhelmed by choice.

5. Add a cash fund

Got your eye on bigger-ticket items?

Adding a cash fund is a great way to get help towards pricier products, without pressuring anyone into spending more than they want to.

How to create a gift registry on Moonsift

Moonsift has everything you could want from a gift registry and more.

It’s free, universal and easy to use. Plus, you can access it from any device to save items you like wherever you are and whenever you fancy!

Luckily, creating a gift registry on Moonsift is easy.

1. Download the app on your smartphone or add Moonsift to your browser on desktop

2. Browse and shop as normal

3. Save items you like with one click

4. Share your registry with friends and family

5. Enjoy receiving gifts you actually want!

Simply create your gift registry today.

Things people also ask about gift registries

What is the point of a gift registry?

The point of a gift registry is to share with friends and family what gifts you’d really like to receive ahead of a special occasion. 

In this way, it means you’ll get gifts you actually want and use, while avoiding duplicate gifts.

How does Amazon gift registry work?

To create an Amazon gift registry, you simply have to…

1. Navigate to the Amazon website

2. Click on ‘registry’ at the top of the homepage

3. Click ‘create a registry or gift list’

4. Follow the on-screen instructions

Creating an Amazon gift registry can be a good option as Amazon sells such a broad range of items. However, it still won’t give you as much choice as a universal wishlist.

With Moonsift, you can add items to your gift registry from any store in the world for free – including Amazon