Choosing A Baby Registry

Below you’ll find my review of the top four registry options in the USA. Please post your comments if you know of other great places to register – or if you’d like to add a “pro” or “con”. I’d love to hear from other metropolitan mamas.

babycenter store (http://store.babycenter.com)
PROS:

• Online: Visitors can log in, buy, and ship gifts without leaving their home.
• Incredible selection: From strollers and slings to breast pads and bottles, this mega store has an impressive collection of big-name and specialty items.

CONS:

• Online only: Family & friends who are technology-illerate may find the online registry a bit overwhelming.

Target (www.target.com)
PROS:

• Location: 1500 stores in 47 states
• Convenience: Target is a recognizeable brand to people across the age/class continuum.
• Not-Just-For-Baby: Add vacuums, toasters, breadmakers, blenders, bathroom towels, maternity clothes, massagers, and more.

CONS:

• Return Policy: Target will take back items if you have gift receipts without any qualms. They are sticklers, however, if you don’t have a receipt. You can only return two items at a time – even if all of the items have the Target emblem.
• Limited selection: Target’s selection has grown steadily over the past few years, but they don’t offer many specialty items. [NOTE: Target’s in-store selection of children’s books is pitiful and you can’t add books online!]
• Disorganized: As a shopper, it can be a bit trying to locate the items on the list.

Babies-R-Us (www.babiesrus.com)
PROS:

• Mother’s Room: A clean, quiet, comfortable, private place for mom and baby – this room has a changing table with complimentary diapers and wipes, a sofa, and a glider.
• Organized: Neatly stocked shelves and clearly labeled aisles.
• Free Gift Wrap: Gift-givers have the option to wrap their own gifts with complimentary gift wrap on their way out.
• Special Events: Pick up their store calendar and you’ll most likely find a baby bonanza, fair, or class of interest.
• Other Amenities: There’s a free gift when you register, free drinks if you buy an item off of a registry, and other great perks!

CONS:

• Location: 232 locations nationwide – scant compared to the giant that is Target.

Sears, JCPenney, Dillards
PROS:

• Cute baby clothes: Tons of clothes for the Fashionista Mama to choose from.

CONS:

• Less selection: These stores haven’t positioned themselves to be competitive with Target and Babies-R-Us. They offer clothes and furniture – a few other items here and there – but it’s still rather “slim pickings”.
• No Amenities: Surprisingly, these stores don’t offer free gifts, free coffee, free anything.