The Silliest Controversy

I had NO idea how much controversy surrounded gift registries until I registered for my own. Now, while I do think it's kind of weird to basically give a list of items you want to your invited guests and say, "Here, buy me one of these..." I think it also serves an important purpose.

This is our first baby and there are very specific items that we need. What I've heard is that the people who refuse to shop off the registry will likely by clothes and things THEY think you need. I left clothes off the registry on purpose because I want to shop for clothes, because that's something I'm very particular about. I've already received a few non-registry items from people who cannot attend the shower, and while I don't know what the etiquette is there, so far it's hit or miss, which proves my point. Stick to the registry people!!! Now, yes one of the gifts (from a friend) were the exact kind of onesies, bibs and a pair of pajamas I would have picked out. However, the other gift (coworker) is a teddy bear pajama set and I HATE teddy bears for little boys!!!

Get my drift?

Another pro-registry point: Isn't it a good idea to take the stress out of the act of gift giving? I'm ALWAYS concerned that the recipient won't like and/or need what I have given them, which means I've just wasted money (something I absolutely hate)!! So why stray from the registry? I understand it's a relatively new concept and people don't adapt to change well, but come on...

So now I'm worried that Mike and I spent more than 4 HOURS in Target and Babies R Us only to have to go back and get all of the things ourselves. And we put a very wide range of price points on there so there should be no excuse. I understand it's a rough economy and I don't care if someone's price range is $15 or $20. There are plenty of items in that range that we NEED, and if you go to target.com or babiesrus.com... ok you get the picture.

Sorry if this is offensive, but I have no patience left, I need to vent, I'm super-sensitive lately, and I would never think of disobeying someone else's wishes, so why am I being dismissed? And maybe I'm overreacting, but out of the 2 gifts I've received, neither were registry gifts and I'm just not taking that as a good sign.

All I can say is if you must stray from the registry, include a gift receipt! What would Miss Manners say about that???