My favorite thing about gift registries is the ability to give your guests a list of things that you really want, so that they can feel satisfied that they’re not giving you something that you’re just going to return…or live with and hate. Sometimes when I think about registries, I honestly don’t know what I would do if I lived in a time before they existed, or when they did exist but they weren’t as simple and easy to use as they are now.
I mentioned in a previous post that we chose to register at both Macy’s and Crate & Barrel, two of my favorite stores. It wasn’t just about choosing my favorite stores, however; it was also about what they had to offer us, not necessarily only in gift selection, but also in perks and benefits that other stores didn’t have. It wasn’t just about the registry parties that I mentioned; it was also about the simplicity of their website and the discounts they offered our guests.
One thing that stood out about Macy’s is that they’re always offering coupons. I know many people believe that they jack their regular prices up and then discount them to what they cost at other stores. One thing I’ve noticed, however, is things are almost ALWAYS on sale. And when you get an additional 15–25% off the sale price, it’s still a pretty good deal (and why we shop there a lot, in general). One thing I wasn’t expecting was to get emails stating when something on our registry was being discontinued. A couple of weeks ago I got an email stating that some items on our registry would no longer be available and to go online to update it. Being the procrastinator I tend to be, I just now checked it today. And sure enough, my backup favorite wine glasses were the things being discontinued!
The flutes are already unavailable!
Screenshot personal, via Macys.com
As disappointing as it was to see something that I wanted (in case, you know, I didn’t get my dream wine glasses from C&B), I knew that registering six months ahead of the wedding would leave room for things to be discontinued. Receiving that email to let me know is just one more reason I love that we registered at Macy’s. The courtesy email to update it really took the thinking part out of it.
Both stores also offer a thank-you-manager option. This tells me who bought what so just in case I lose a card or something doesn’t get written down at the shower (or I get curious and peek) I can figure out who got us what! Talk about easy!
Where did you decide to register? Was there a reason other than you liked the selection the store had to offer?
:-/ I have been having similar issues with my Macy’s registry. I may use them for baby registry later because they cary my favorite brand CARTERS baby clothes but I think I’m going to merge over to Bed Bath and Beyond, they have a much wider selection of stuff and generally doesn’t phase their products out for seasonal trends like Macy’s tends to.
I got one email like that from Macy’s, but then I checked it a month or so later and there was a ton more stuff discontinued that they never told me about! I had to replace pretty much all the bake ware I wanted.
But I do agree with the sales!! they are awesome.
We registered at Pottery Barn online for splurgey-type stuff (silver picture frames, a bar, 1 million threadcount sheets) and also for some must haves (monogrammed linen napkins, decanters, etc).
We did Target (at the store) this past weekend, but found that once we checked the online list at home, a lot of the items said that they were only available in the store…which in many cases turned out not to be true, it just wasn’t translating to online for some reason. So I spent a lot of time re-finding the things via the web and adding them, then deleting the things we scanned at the store.
I’m doing Macy’s this weekend for the formal dining ware and some other things.
Those 3 stores have solid return policies, completion discounts and offer items at all the price points you really need to cover. Target being the low end (except the crazy coffee maker that FH wanted), Macy’s being more in the middle, and PB at the high end.
Such a shame that things get discontinued. It seems like a bit of a hassle to keep having to update your registry.
We’re registered at Amazon. They have the same thank you management and they send you an email when something is purchased. The nice thing about Amazon is you can register for anything on the internet. The Amazon list also includes Lowes and Ace since they don’t have their own registry and it would be a pain to register at every store individually. We’ve also registered at B3, Target (best sheets ever) and Sandals. Haven’t had any discontinued issues yet and we’ve been registered there for over a year.
It’s such a nice touch and convenience that you at least get emails when those types of things happen!
@Highness: we’re using Amazon too! such an awesome invention 
We had a Macy’s registry and were pleased overall but stuff was discontinued. The salesperson advised us to avoid scanning from the sale and clearance sections (obviously) and also told us the non-house brands are more likely to be discontinued.
@Lerissa: I didn’t know Macy’s did baby registries! That’s interesting. And I’ve had good experiences with BBB’s registry, I think my main draw to Macy’s was their rewards program!
@MaggieL: That’s so weird! I know I got more than one email, but I didn’t have a TON go discontinued (only the pretty glasses!)
@phillybride61513: I love C&B and their products, but I have recently fallen in love with PB! If I had thought about it before the summer, I would’ve registered there instead!
@Highness: If we had done a 3rd registry, it definitely would have been Amazon! I love their universal wish lists!
@ChicagoDreamer: It definitely made it easier, but it was sad to see stuff get discontinued!
@Mrs. Pain au Chocolat: Macy’s does definitely have some brands that they carry more than others!
Mrs. Buffalo, San Diego, CA Age and Occupation: 26, Treasury Services Representative Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Manufacturing Engineer Engagement Date: July 28, 2011 Wedding Date: September 2012 Venue: Bailey's Palomar Resort About Me: I’m a So Cal girl who doesn’t like the ocean (or sand) and would much rather be out in the country. I’m a Gleek and a Twi-hard, I enjoy baking, reading, watching old movies, and listening to country music. We both love football season, and thankfully our two favorite teams are in different conferences (and therefore rarely play each other). He’s a die-hard Indianapolis Colts fan, and I love the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (and YES, we’re both born and raised San Diegans). He’s my best friend, and I can’t wait to begin the journey of our lifetime together.
Latest Gallery Pics