<p>Pizzagirl - I love that kind of chip-in idea. But sometimes it can be awkward not knowing the other budgets/intentions. That’s why I often do a gift card. If I were bolder and more organized I’d arrange chip-in big ticket items.</p>
<p>Re : registries being tacky or not.
I don’t think either is, but you could make the case that to decide to join households is a conscious decision and presumably you wouldn’t make that decision until you could afford it, which includes buying pots & pans.</p>
<p>Babies on the other hand can turn up rather unexpectedly, and need better accessories than folding chairs from Target.
:)</p>
<p>I like registries. I don’t know why anyone would register for more than one high chair, etc, but in general I like the idea. I can buy whatever I want, but at least the registry gives me some idea of what the want/need/like.</p>
<p>In my book:
registry= good.<br>
multiple registries (duplicate items) = defeats the purpose</p>
<p>Baby registries are quite common in NY, although not so much baby showers. Being Jewish you don’t generally bring anything into the house until the baby is born, but you can pre-order what you need including your infant car seat as you cannot leave hospital without approved car seat. The registry allows your family and friends to get what is needed quite quickly. It is also nice when sending gifts long-distance. It always depends on who the person is having the baby and how close you are. If I was invited to a baby shower that I couldn’t attend, I would send a gift… either a classic children’s book, a first year toy such as the popular Sophie Giraffe, a picture frame, or a gift card.</p>