Comments on: something to ponder

By: Julie

Julie — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:42:53 +0000

I have always had a private Amazon.com wishlist for my kids. I send the link only to family, and they often ignore it, but I feel like it gives them ideas. But then again, I come from a family that always tells others what you want for your birthday. This has perhaps impaired me, as I am a pretty bad gift-giver when I have to guess the right the gift. Just ask my husband.
Also, I like having the wishlist because I can put stuff on there that I’d like to buy the kids when it’s not the right time yet to buy it. I use my Amazon wish list the same way.

By: Mom

Mom — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:20:33 +0000

I have to agree with Cecil…and most of the other comments. A wish list maybe…especially for the grandparents. But registering is really creepy. What happened to cake, ice cream, balloons, and running in the sprinklers with with a bunch of playmates while the Moms and drink wine coolers. Now that’s a party!

By: Cecil

Cecil — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:17:42 +0000

To this old hippie, it goes beyond ‘creepy’ and proves that our consumerism knows no bounds! The definition of ‘gift’ suggests “somthing voluntarily given or endowed” and lists synonyms like ‘aptitude, talent and knack’. I believe that any gift-giving occasion gives one the golden opportunity to share ones talent, aptitude or knack in a creative way…perhaps with a hand-made card, a promisary note for a fun activity, or the ‘re-gifting’ of a prized possession. Of course this leaves one open to labels like tacky and/or cheap, which I choose to interpret as unique and thrifty!
p.s. the cake in the picture looks deliciously homemade, Cheris…it would make a wonderful gift!!

By: Leah

Leah — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:15:17 +0000

I have had a similar conversation with a friend. She has been single for many years and has thought about throwing herself a party and then registering. Why should she give countless shower/wedding gift and never receive anything? just ‘case she is single does not mean she should not get new towels, right?

Registering for a birthday party I believe is just encouraging materialism in our society. I think if you are not sure what to give someone’s kid call the parent or the kid. I personally like figuring out what to get a kid for their birthday. but if you don’t you can take make a quick call to the family. I have been to many kids birthday parties where they as for no gifts… just come and celebrate.

When we got married I DID NOT want to register, my mother MADE me. I reluctantly registered (for practical stuff) and felt badly about it the whole time. I felt that if people wanted to write me a card or just attend my wedding that was more than enough.

encouraging kids to register is creepy. What happens when they turn 16- do they register for a car? do they register when they go off to college? maybe we could all register for christmas then we won’t get the crap grandma gives.when does it end?

I guess I give kuodos to companys for marketing registries in the way that they have- it’s working.

a wish list on the other hand is nice and non-intrusive. it gives ideas and let’s you know what the kid might like and can be used year round.

I guess I had a lot more to say about this than I though!

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:34:01 +0000

I think its brilliant if done in a social networking kinda way like a “wish list” that people can get ideas from. If you don’t know what to get a 4 year old kid (like a math game) then look it up.

But yeah.. registering is a little creepy.

By: Kristen

Kristen — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:11:23 +0000

I will confess to making Christmas wish lists for the kids…but, as you suggested, it is a list I have created – including things I would like them to have. This year the list includes a valence for Drew’s room, a raincoat, 80 piece puzzles, Kids national geographic subscription, and a few toys that they might enjoy. I try to make it practical. AND – I ONLY give this list to the two grandmas! However, if someone asks them what to buy, I secretly hope they’ll make a suggestion from the list.

Please note: My kids are not registered anywhere…I do think that’s a bit much. And I always welcome gifts outside the list (even from the grandmas)!

By: Amber

Amber — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:35:14 +0000

I think it would be helpful. I never know what to get Davis’ friends for their birthday or what they already have. I would love to just be able to get it and be done with it. But that’s just me.

By: Shannou

Shannou — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:54:43 +0000

Since birthdays happen so often and weddings and baby showers are much more seldom, it seems appropriate to have registries only for those events that are more rare.

On the other hand, it’s all just a social construction that for some events, registries are the norm and for some (like a housewarming party which is also something that happens very rarely) they’d be considered awkward.

Perhaps the commercial engines behind stores that profit from registries are trying to make them the status quo for every event so they can cash in!