Registering at multiple locations question

PrincessXan

So, it seems that most of our family and friends expect us to register at Babies R Us, which is fine because we do intend to do that. However, I have fallen in love with Buy Buy Baby more (in part because the store is just cleaner and nicer in our neck of the woods, and in part because most of the stuff is less expensive and you can use the 20% off bed bath and beyond coupons). Here is where the problem is. BRU are much more plentiful in our area and the areas where most of our guests live. So is it bad/wrong/rude to register for the same items at both stores? I want to give people the option of going to either BBB or BRU so it makes sense to me that if the stroller I want is at both stores to put it on both registries. That way if one store has it cheaper or guests want to use a coupon at one store or the other they have that choice, i'm just worried its rude or there is the possibility of having duplicates which may embarrass the purchaser (although we would try to pull the item down off of the other registry if we knew someone had bought it at the other store).

MamaMcCleary

I would say the same as pp. Doubling up might cause doubles and that is always a disappointment for the guests who thought they would be the ones giving you said items. Wherever you want to buy the most items from make that list more detailed. People tend to always look at all the registries listed on an invite and they may become confused by your doubling. People already tend to know what they want to give already they just look at your registry for the specific type.

1026pumpkin

I agree with PPs about not doubling up at different stores.  This is one of my pet peeves- I usually check out the registries on line at home to figure out what I want to get, and then head to the store that has it.  If I see the same items on different stores, or similar items at different stores (i.e. 2 different diaper bags), I'm never sure if it's a mistake or if the parents actually want multiple items, so I just avoid the items altogether to make sure I don't get duplicates.

Unless it's something you really want and need several of (blankets, towels, diapers, etc.) don't put them on registries at 2 different stores. 

somebuddiesgettingmarried

I registered with Amazon.com and BBB. I had a TERRIBLE experience with BRU and wasn't going to encourage people to give them a dime. Having said that, there are no BBBs near most of my family/friends so I did get alot from BRU. 

I kept an eye on the registries and as things were purchased, I would remove them from the other list. I only got 1 duplicated item- the crib set and I was very blessed to have 3 separate showers (lots of family spread out over 2 states!) 

I did include a note on both registries that people were welcome to purchase the product elsewhere if they could find it for less. I asked that they let my mom know if the registry needed to be updated. 

ellewoodsSC

Registering for duplicates is a bad idea.  You'll find that BBB actually carries a wider selection of nicer and higher end items and brands that BRU doesn't carry in the store.  People can decide where they want to shop themselves, so just pick a range of pricepoints from both stores.

ETA:  Unfortunately many people that are not used to BBB don't realize that you can use the Bed Bath & Beyond coupons and the BBB coupons are hard to come by.

PrincessXan

Thanks for all of the input. I really appreciate the suggestions. I would hate to make anyone feel less than good at a baby shower. My first and only baby shower experience was at a friend's shower where I bought bottles off of her registry, whereas everyone else just bought baby clothes not on the registry. Mid-way through opening gifts (and before MTB got to my gift) MTB made some comment about how she planned to breast feed and not use bottles. Then she opened my gift and I felt like an idiot (but she shouldn't have put it on her registry if she didn't intend to use it). Even so, I'd hate to make someone feel like their gift wasnt appreciated so I'll register at both places but not double up on the items. Thanks!

BriDaily

You could make an online registry at MyRegistry.com and link the others up to it, plus add any other odds and ends from other sites. I think this is a super great tool, especially if a lot of the people being invited are a bit younger and online all the time anyways! It is super easy to look up a registry - just enter the friend's first and last name and bam!

rhubarb123

PrincessXan:

Thanks for all of the input. I really appreciate the suggestions. I would hate to make anyone feel less than good at a baby shower. My first and only baby shower experience was at a friend's shower where I bought bottles off of her registry, whereas everyone else just bought baby clothes not on the registry. Mid-way through opening gifts (and before MTB got to my gift) MTB made some comment about how she planned to breast feed and not use bottles. Then she opened my gift and I felt like an idiot (but she shouldn't have put it on her registry if she didn't intend to use it). Even so, I'd hate to make someone feel like their gift wasnt appreciated so I'll register at both places but not double up on the items. Thanks!

That MTB should not have registered for something she really didn't want (especially if she had not opened all her gifts yet).  I'm sure she is using the bottles (I BF'ed all 3 kids and used bottles all the time - to put BM in).

As for your original question:  I would not double the items.  Most people will look at both registries and prices.  I think they can figure it out if there is something less $$ at one store they will get it there.  FWIW our BRU is actually less expensive then our BBB and the store is twice the size!  BRU has their own coupons. 

I think it would be nice for a guest who has gotten a gift that the MTB has already opened to say - it was still on your registry for some reason...but I've included the receipt so you can take it back and get something else you need.  I have actually done that once or twice - it makes the MTB not feel so awkward.  Now if the MTB sticks her foot in her mouth (like the one did at the shower you went to) then she's on her own.  lol

nikip6454

When I registered for DD, I did double up on things that I would be okay with multiples of.  I registered for onesis, bottles, diapers, teething toys, shampoo, diaper pail refills and things like that at both places.