Buying Off the Registry Ensures It's a Gift They Want. photo courtesy of ginnerobot

Heading to a wedding or baby shower this summer? You’re probably planning on bringing a gift along to mark the special occasion. But how do you know where the lovely couple or new mom is registered? Rather than buying them a gift card to a store they don’t care for or just picking up a generic gift they may not even want, use these tricks to find out exactly where they’re registered and what they need.

Read the Invite

Usually the invitation to the wedding or shower will have details about where the registries are. Sometimes rather than printing the details directly on the invite, they’ll include a small slip of paper with the store’s name. Throw the invite away? Then keep reading.

Check the Most Popular Choices

There are some stores that are extremely popular for gift registries. Make a quick visit to websites like Target.com, CrateandBarrel.com, and BedBathandBeyond.com if you’re searching for wedding registries. If you’re searching for a baby shower registry try BabiesRUs.com and Target.com.  The odds are good that you may find your registry here.

Use a Registry Finder

Since there are so many more places to register now than ever before, locating a gift registry may require a registry finder. For instance, at WeddingChannel.com they’ve got a registry finder that searches more than 15 different stores and retailers to try to locate the one you’re looking for. So rather than visit all of those stores hunting for your registry, look for it in one place.

Think Regional

Different parts of the country have different go-to department stores. Depending on where you live, the most popular department store may vary. Think about where the event is being held and what stores are popular in that community. That may give you a clue as to where the registry is held.

Ask the Host

Still can’t find the registry? Just bite the bullet and ask the bride, groom or mother-to-be. You’ll be glad you asked rather than winging it in the gift department.