Baby Gift Registries

Readers share their registry experiences--and tell us which companies have adoption-friendly options.

MYREGISTRY.COM
Reviewer: Anne, mom of Lea (3, China)

Making it personal: Since my daughter was 14 months old at the time of adoption, many baby-related registries did not apply to us. Myregistry.com allowed me to choose items from many different websites and create my own "centralized" registry. I set up an introduction page, with a photo from my daughter's referral. (I wasn't asked for the birthdate, which I was happy about.) Plus, it was a cinch to add links to any products I found online--and convenient to have it stored on one page. I was able to list several adoption-related books, as well as Asian toys and dolls. There was also an option to accept donations.

The practical stuff: When you look at the registry, you see a photo of the item, with a link to the retailer's website. But friends and family were not required to order from the website--if they found the product somewhere else for less, they could still mark it as "purchased."

TARGET
Reviewer: Amanda, mom of Joshua (1, U.S.)

Making it personal: We entered our birthmother's due date when we registered online (target.com). There was no way to specify that this was an adoption. Our son wasn't born on his due date, so I tried to change the date to his birthday after he was born, but I could not figure out how. Also, Target closed the registry a month after the due date passed. We held a second shower, three months later, for which I would have had to open a new registry.

The practical stuff: My experience with Target has always been that they have quality products at good prices, and their baby items were no exception. Everyone was pleased with the store's policies--when our crib went on sale, about a week after my sister-in-law purchased it, Target refunded the difference.

BUY BUY BABY
Reviewer: Susan, mom of Davis (10 mos., U.S.)

Making it personal: We registered at Buy Buy Baby (buybuybaby.com) before we were "matched" with our son. I had had rough experiences ordering gifts for friends from other registries, but Buy Buy Baby is owned by Bed, Bath and Beyond stores, where I'm a loyal customer. I had to enter a due date when I created the registry, but I could update it easily online.

The practical stuff: I was generally pleased with the selection. I got several messages from friends, who said they were surprised by the great service and ordering process. The company was very accommodating with returns--even with a baby monitor that we had obviously opened and tested. I'm on their mailing list and I receive tons of coupons now!

BABIES "R" US
Reviewer: Rachel, mom of Elizabeth (10 mos., Russia)

Making it personal: My child is a toddler, and I registered with Babies "R" Us (babiesrus.com) because of the variety of items they offer--I chose several items that would not be on a traditional newborn registry. The website uses the term "expected arrival date" instead of "due date," and it has a box to check to indicate that it is an adoption. I was able to change the arrival date easily online.

The practical stuff: The ordering process is a breeze, and the items were all high-quality. I know they have a good return policy, but I haven't had to use it--everything was perfect.

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