Do you buy gifts from bridal registries?
I've just gotten my third bridal shower inviation and I expect another one any day now. They all indicate where the happy couple is registered. I really don't want to spend top dollar for something at a high end store.
I was thinking of looking for a deal on something like linens or towels or something it doesn't hurt to have several of. Then I'll just get that for everybody? Do you think that's okay?
What do you do for bridal showers?
If it makes any difference, three showers are for children of friends or former co-workers. One is for a relative. I've met one bride and I'm related to one groom. Otherwise, the newlyweds-to-be are pretty much strangers.

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~Jeweled

I actually like to shop off of registries and can usually find something in my price range. I know a lot of people think they're tacky, but I prefer to know that I'm purchasing something that the couple will actually use and that is less likely to be duplicated.

That being said, I don't necessarily think it's a bad idea to look for a deal on towels or linens (especially for a bridal shower). When I got married I got a number of towels I hadn't registered for and I kept (and enjoyed) them all. I suppose that some people might be particular about the type of towels or linens they receive though. But if you do go that route, you might want to check to see if each couple has any color preferences as a lot of people do like to color coordinate their towels and linens.

You might want to do something a little extra special for the couple that you're related to, but I wouldn't worry so much about the others since you don't really know them.

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Stephanie
Mom to: Caleb (8-27-2003), Ian (9-28-2005), & Baby Boy #3 (EDD 11-9-2008)

I think the fact that you are considering getting gifts for people you don't even know means you are a very thoughtful person!!! And since you don't know them well, it's hard to get them a personal gift. so your ideas sound really great. Everyone can use extra towels. If you find a good deal on white ones, those would work on almost everyone's bathroom.

I also wanted to say that you should not feel badly for not wanting to buy them something expensive that they registered for. When we registered, all of the bridal magazines and websites said that it is rude to only register for reasonably-priced gifts. I thought that was weird, but they all agreed that some people might want to buy a big gift.

You have great ideas!!! Best of luck to you.

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If you need to get in touch with me, my email is teach1107910@yahoo.com.

I understand registries and such, but I'm like you: I can get the exact same items for less elsewhere. For example, china and bed linens. Yet, they often register at the very expensive stores, so you don't have a way of getting the item off the registry. Oh well. I guess if they want to return the duplicate, if any, they would return it to the more expensive store.

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The Really Needy, Special, Networking and Talking Mod

I usually shop off a registry.

If I know the bride well and can come up with something more personal I'll go that route. As for towels - they often register for those as well, but that doesn't mean you can't look for a deal. I had many ppl tell me they saw X on my registry but got it cheaper at Y - that was *fine* w/me!

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Stephanie (27) & Virgil (31)
Caden 3 y.o. 11/28/04 29w preemie
Wyatt 17 mos. 9/25/06
#3 due 8/24/08

When my husband and I got married we registered at both JCPenney and Target. I don't have expensive taste anyway, but I felt very strongly about registering at a reasonably priced store.

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Stephanie
Mom to: Caleb (8-27-2003), Ian (9-28-2005), & Baby Boy #3 (EDD 11-9-2008)

We registered at JCP and Wal-Mart. LOL No Target's near the majority of my family.

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Stephanie (27) & Virgil (31)
Caden 3 y.o. 11/28/04 29w preemie
Wyatt 17 mos. 9/25/06
#3 due 8/24/08

I almost always buy something off the registry unless there isn't anything on it in my price range and then I buy a gift card from the store they registered at. I do it because I know how much I appreciated it when we got married. It was nice not to have a lot of doubles and to get things we really needed when we were starting out.

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I go both ways. If I'm not buying off the registry, I will look at the registry items & try to discern color choices. So if I want to buy a tablecloth, I can see from other ones they registered for what size table they have, and what color their dishes are. If I want to buy something like a throw for the bed, I can get one to match the comforter they've registered for. When all else fails, find some clearance crystal vase.

I like to try and shop off the registry.... IF they have something in my price range. If the onlything in my range is a plate, well then they are getting my old stand-by...A very pretty Mikasa frame purchased at an outlet center near my home...no need for them to know I didn't pay full price!

I should also mention this is how I shop for a couple weather I know them both or not....my Uncle is getting married this summer and sparing you the details I KNOW I won't be able to afford a thing on their registry, so a pretty crystal frame it will be.....

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