April 2018 Moms

FTM Registry Logistics Questions for STM+

Disclaimer: this is NOT a thread for asking/discussing what to put on a registry. We already have threads for big items like strollers and car seats. This is for me (and hopefully other FTMs) to ask about some registry "logistics." Here are the questions I have so far:

1. Where have you registered before and had a good/bad experience? (I've heard some places give you a swag bag just for registering there.)
2. Should I register at more than one store?
3. If so, is it wise to put the same items on both registries?
4. Which places have the best/easiest return and exchange policy?

TIA for your help, ladies! Hopefully this is helpful for others and I am not the only clueless one when it comes to this process :)

Re: FTM Registry Logistics Questions for STM+

  • 1. Where have you registered before and had a good/bad experience? (I've heard some places give you a swag bag just for registering there.)  We registered at Babies R Us and at Target.  I had one on Amazon, but that was mostly just for us, so I didn't share that one.
    2. Should I register at more than one store?  I did two stores because it was easier.  I figured everyone would have access to at least one of the two.
    3. If so, is it wise to put the same items on both registries?  I generally put different items on each one to avoid repeats.
    4. Which places have the best/easiest return and exchange policy?  I found both Target and Babies R Us to be super easy to return things.
  • We did Amazon and Babies R Us as our main registries last time. However I secretly registered at Target as well but didn’t share it (I wanted to be able to get the completion discount.) I think I’ll do that with Kohls this time around too. 

    Babies R Us isn’t my favorite store but the rewards dollars you get when people buy stuff on your registry is really handy.

    I likes Amazon just because it’s easy for folks who have Prime and you can add things to the registry from outside sites too. 

    I would register at more than one store but only give 1 or 2 places out to people who ask for it. I think more than that is overwhelming and annoying. Don’t put the same thing on both registries though. You’ll definitely end up with doubles and that’s annoying.

    Babies R Us was fairly easy to return to. 


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  • As someone currently shopping for a friend’s baby shower off a registry, it’s a little confusing to have the same items on more than one registry. I can see that some items are purchased off one registry , so I’m assuming that they don’t need/want the duplicates. It’s some extra work to cross reference multiple registries. 

    I just did an Amazon registry with my first. We have a lot of family/friends that live out of state, and Amazon is super easy. 

    I also want to add, keep checking your registry often. I’m finding that almost half the items on my friend’s Target registry are out of stock now. 
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  • When I made my registry for my wedding I used a website called myregistry.com which allows you to create one registry for numerous stores. You can either add specific items from a store to the registry or you can link a registry you have already created from a store. I absolutely love it because you can have as many items from as many stores as you want, even from places like Etsy.
  • I only did amazon because the registry never went beyond my own eyes and at the time they allowed you to add anything on the internet, not just on amazon.  I’m not sure if they still do it that way or not.  I’m not anti-shower by any means. I love attending others’. I just hate that attention focused on me. Made me horribly uncomfortable and while i was forced to do it for my wedding I managed to avoid it for the most party with the exception of a tiny shower with dhs aunts where everyone just contributed gender neutral clothing. 
  • Absolutely register at more than one store.  Here's a little secret: most places give you "completion discounts", so even if you create a fake registry in a store, and don't share it, you get a discount on the items after your baby is born.  However, if you duplicate items, don't share the registry with the duplicates.  The last thing you need with a newborn is unnecessary errands to do avoidable returns.

    Toys R Us was by far our best experience.  They have an absolutely breezy policy about diaper size exchanges, and the shopping experience for your family/friends is really easy.  We did have family members use that registry to do shopping online for a better price, but luckily there weren't any duplicates.

    I also marked on my registries that I would be happy to take gift cards, and that was really sweet when combined with the registry discounts.
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  • I actually might have a UO here where I only registered at one store (BRU) and almost everything was purchased from our registry. I didn't have any duplicates of any items, all my big ticket items were purchased, and it was a relatively easy process do register in store. I do think they have a swag bag.

    Because we only registered at BRU, I can say their return policy was wonderful. As long as they sell it, they will take something back. I feel like we ended up returning things without a gift receipt months later that were misplaced in our move and we never used in the early days.

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  • Thanks for this @mcg920

    @JJMNO1616 I started a registry on babylist.com which I think is similar to myregistry. How were reactions from older family members? Love that you can add items from anywhere but I'm concerned about non-tech savvy family having a hard time navigating an online registry. Wondering if I should keep it and then also do a separate one from a "regular" store as well (with different items of course). Wondering what yours and others experiences were with these online type registries. TIA!

    Me: 31  DH: 32
    Married: 10/3/15 
    TTC: May 2017
    BFP: 7/20/17
    EDD: 3/29/18
  • 1. Where have you registered before and had a good/bad experience? (I've heard some places give you a swag bag just for registering there.)
    I registered at BRU and Walmart.  Good experience at both places.  BRU does give you a goodie bag when you register.  This time, we are just doing Amazon for ourselves.  Although, it would've been a good place to register the first time.  I always buy baby gifts from Amazon for people.

    2. Should I register at more than one store?
    I would do 2 to give people options.

    3. If so, is it wise to put the same items on both registries?
    I wouldn't because I wouldn't want to deal with duplicates.  If the same item is at both stores, I would put it on the registry that has the cheaper price.

    4. Which places have the best/easiest return and exchange policy?
    I can't answer this part because we never returned anything (didn't have to).
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  • 1. Where have you registered before and had a good/bad experience? (I've heard some places give you a swag bag just for registering there.)

    We registered at target, babiesrus, and buy buy baby. They all had very nice and similar swag bags. 

    2. Should I register at more than one store?
    I think it is up to you. We did but mostly to register for the stuff we wanted to buy. We didn't plan on sharing the registry unless asked. It was our second baby and definately did not want a shower even though it had been more than 10 yrs between kids. 

    3. If so, is it wise to put the same items on both registries?
    no I think that's confusing. 

    4. Which places have the best/easiest return and exchange policy? 

    i didn't return anything. 


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  • @frenchiekinplusone I don't really have anyone in my family old enough to have to worry about something like that with but in addition to the Myregisty account I also had a second main registry for an actual store people could go into. For my wedding I had a separate registry for Crate and Barrel and for the baby I will probably do Buy Buy Baby. Even though you can technically link those registeies to the Myregistry account I just kept it separate. 
  • 1. Where have you registered before and had a good/bad experience? (I've heard some places give you a swag bag just for registering there.)

    With DD1, we registered at BRU & Target. BRU has a bag with a few little things in it like a tiny sample of diaper rash cream, a handful of breast pads, and some coupons (If I'm remembering correctly from over 5 years ago!)

    We didn't register anywhere for DD2, and I could have kicked myself for it. With this kiddo, we will for sure register at least 1 or 2 places, so we can get the completion coupons. We won't share it with anyone, but I want those coupons!

    2. Should I register at more than one store? Up to you. You know where people live, what's close by, and whether or not they'd be okay with online.

    3. If so, is it wise to put the same items on both registries? NOOOOO. Don't do this to people and make them wonder if someone else has already purchased it. If you do duplicates, do not share the second registry with people. 

    4. Which places have the best/easiest return and exchange policy? Target is fairly easy about most things - not so much diapers though, I've found. BRU was easy about the few things we returned, but I think the only things we returned were bottles because none of my kiddos will take them, so I don't have extensive knowledge. 
  • 1. I registered at Babies R Us,Target, and Amazon. We didn't share the Amazon registry though, but wanted the list for ourself and the completion coupon. We will be registering again at target and Amazon for the coupons, but not having a shower or sharing the registry unless someone really close asks for ideas. 

    2. I think it's nice to give people choices. 

    3. Nope! You don't want duplicates!

    4. I think I only made one return at BRU, and it was easy. 
  • 1. Where have you registered before and had a good/bad experience? (I've heard some places give you a swag bag just for registering there.)
    Babiesrus,  Amazon, Target
    2. Should I register at more than one store?
    I would even just for the little gift bag and coupons. I liked the samples to compare different items (diapers, wipes, lotions, ect)
    3. If so, is it wise to put the same items on both registries?
    I only gAve out 2 and put different items on each.
    4. Which places have the best/easiest return and exchange policy?
    I really only got gifts from Target. I never had any problem returning. The Customer Service gal told me if I had any gifts that weren't on my registry  (they use your registry as a receipt kind of) to just add them to it then return whatever the product was.
    DH(27) + Me (27) = 1/14
    Baby #1: Aug. 2016
    Baby #2: April 1st, 2018
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  • We registered at BRU and Target.  We only had one duplicate on both and that was bottles.  We just wanted to make sure we got enough.  Which some advice even if you plan yo exclusive BF still maybe get a few bottles.  My best friend planned to BF and when she couldn't she had to go out and buy bottles, so even if you don't use them, still good to have a backup just in case.  
    I think it's good to register at two with ours we had more on the BRU one but we still got a lot from both.  And both stores were easy to return if needed.  Also it's good even before you register to just go to the stores you are considering and get an idea of what they have and familiarize yourself with the store layout.  

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  • We registered at BRU and Target.  We only had one duplicate on both and that was bottles.  We just wanted to make sure we got enough.  Which some advice even if you plan yo exclusive BF still maybe get a few bottles.  My best friend planned to BF and when she couldn't she had to go out and buy bottles, so even if you don't use them, still good to have a backup just in case.  
    I think it's good to register at two with ours we had more on the BRU one but we still got a lot from both.  And both stores were easy to return if needed.  Also it's good even before you register to just go to the stores you are considering and get an idea of what they have and familiarize yourself with the store layout.  
    My only caveat here if you’re planning to BF, don’t get too many bottles. DS had breast milk in bottles when I went back to work but HATED the bottles I registered for. I bought a different brand and he took to without a problem but still refused to take the other brand so they were basically wasted and since they were opened and sterilized, i obviously couldn’t take them back.
  • That's true @julzy some bottles we registered for and got DD hated as an infant but then when she got older she liked better.  

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  • @Dumbgurl04 @julzy
    I registered for the Kiinde twist system of pouches that go in a bottle adapter for pumping breastmilk into, but would you recommend also registering for some more traditional bottles in case I need to supplement or end up FF'ing? I'm trying to imagine mixing formula in a pouch...
  • 1. Where have you registered before and had a good/bad experience? Which places have the best/easiest return and exchange policy? We just registered at Babies R Us the first time and it was nice! They're really helpful, returns are easy, and you get a really great bonus off of what people buy from your registry. I mean I think we got at least an extra $200-300. 

    2. Should I register at more than one store? If so, is it wise to put the same items on both registries? I would register at more than one but only share one, like other ladies said. I wouldn't put duplicates but I would put a lot on your registry and things that span the price range to give everyone options.
  • @ngolimento Saw this on Lucie's List the other day! Although they are out of stock right now: https://www.amazon.com/First-Foods-Starter-Variety-Comotomo/dp/B00RR2DT1G/?tag=lucslis-20
    TW
    Me: 33 DH: 32
    Started Dating: 2003 Married: 2013
    Started TTC August 2016
    BFP: 2/1/17 MC: 2/8/17
    BFP: 3/8/17 MMC: 5/1/17
    BFP: 7/23/17 EDD: 4/5/18
    BFP: 2/27/20





  • @allowachick yes I would get some regular bottles as a back up.  Those bags won't be good if you have to formula feed (unless you get the premixed stuff).  

    totally agree @ngolimento about having a sample back of bottles with different nipples. You never know what your kid like like and won't like or what will give your kid more gas.  Out of all the variety of bottles we got DD in the first couple months did the best with the cheap-o Gerber ones.  

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  • Another note on bottles, we used Dr Brown's bottles with DS, and while they work great, they have a lot of pieces to clean. I'm tempted to try different bottles this time around, but not sure I want to spend the money. Anyways, another thing to think about when you're picking bottles.
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  • hedgepig said:
    @ngolimento Saw this on Lucie's List the other day! Although they are out of stock right now: https://www.amazon.com/First-Foods-Starter-Variety-Comotomo/dp/B00RR2DT1G/?tag=lucslis-20
    I needed this in my life!  My kid reluctantly took Avent bottles after I spent a small fortune  on various bottles.  Eventually when I weaned her, I tried a sippy cup with a straw, and she was all "Girl, I have been waiting for you to get a clue and give me this".  The cup was like 2 dollars.  I didn't know if I should cry or celebrate :p.
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  • I completely agree with @ngolimento says! I registered at both Amazon and Target with DS. The completion coupons were my jam! I even added a bunch of items to my registry a few weeks after my shower that I personally wanted. Getting that extra 15% off a new rug for my living room never felt so good, no shame in my game.   B)
  • @JJMNO1616 thanks!! That is really helpful as I was thinking about doing the same thing and having a separate Target or BBB registry. Gracias!
    Me: 31  DH: 32
    Married: 10/3/15 
    TTC: May 2017
    BFP: 7/20/17
    EDD: 3/29/18
  • This is so awesome and helpful! Keep the suggestions coming, ladies! 
  • You know, someone could make a lot of dang money by selling a sample pack of bottles with various nipples.  That way you can try different kinds with your baby without doing endless runs to the store/Amazon orders.  I think we went through 5 types until my kid grudgingly took one.
    Omg this!   Dd was pretty unpicky. As long as it was mama milk in the bottle she would down it. Ds gagged and sputtered on the avent bottles, wouldn’t touch the medela or lanisoh bottles but loved doc Browns. So I would register for one or two of a few different brands then stock up once you know what baby likes. 

    I apply the same philosophy to diapers!   Dd leaked through everything so we ended up in cloth.  Ds broke out from luvs and leaked through huggies but was fine in parents choice, and pampers
  • ladythriceladythrice member
    edited October 2017
    I think people have pretty much covered my thoughts, but I did want to add that I had planned on only doing one registry, Amazon, but my family explicitly asked me to do multiple so they could shop for me at brick and mortar stores. I ended up with Amazon, BRU, BBB, and Target registries. I tried not to duplicate things across the registries. I'm glad I had four because I used all those completion discounts!

    DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014!
    DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
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  • I haven't seen anyone suggest this yet, but I used babylist.com and loved it. You can add things from different stores, amazon, etsy, whatever. I made a registry at BRU for the completion discount once I figured out what we still needed. I also liked that babylist lets you add intangible gifts like meals, donations to charity in lieu of gift, used clothes, etc. 
  • How do you get the welcome boxes? How do you know you have "completed" your registry? I have made a bunch but idk how to to get free schwag!
  • How do you get the welcome boxes? How do you know you have "completed" your registry? I have made a bunch but idk how to to get free schwag!
    @sweetpeammm13 - I think you need to physically go to the brick and mortar store (like BRU) to get he swag bag. At least, that's been my experience. "Completing" your registry refers to purchases, not the creation of it. So, a registry is complete when everything you've listed is purchased. A completion coupon is sent (usually 10-15% off) just before your due date to encourage you to purchase everything that is still remaining on your list. Does that make sense? 
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