Have I got a gift registry for you! How many times have you wanted or needed something to prepare for a new baby or your new marriage, but it simply doesn't exist on a registry? I'm talking about things like recipe cards for the newlyweds, a fair-trade product (produced by fairly paid workers) like an imported rug, a homemade wedding cake, homemade dinners from friends when you're home recovering from your special delivery, babysitting services after the baby's born or maybe even a tree planted in your backyard so you can hang a tire swing from it someday. How do you ask for gifts of time, expertise or eco-friendly items? These are gifts registries don't offer--until now!

Gifts to Match Your Values

If you want gifts that focus on the bond you share with loved ones, rather than something that costs a bundle and may not be what you really want, the Alternative Gift Registry (alternativegiftregistry.org) is for you. Here's what they believe: "By encouraging non-material, second-hand, homemade, and environmentally friendly gifts, we seek to continue the proud tradition of gift-giving while helping celebrants focus on what matters most: a joyous commemoration with loved ones that honors the important moments in their lives." So often, non-material gifts are the most precious and helpful to young couples starting out and first-time parents. Who couldn't use a stack of recipe cards for delicious, easy-to-make meals or a cleaning service for a couple of months?

You can list other unusual or eco-friendly gifts, and you can link to the Web pages that offer what you prefer. The registry allows you to add text for the items you desire, so you can be very specific about what you need and even explain why you want it and how you'll use it. The Web site also provides suggestions for "green" celebrations and gift ideas. In fact, one of the wedding favor ideas they recommend is seed packets.

Eco-Friendly Seed Packets and Plantables

Not only are there eco-friendly seed packets and plantable favors available for your events, you can easily match your color scheme and decor. The "Our Love Grows!" Flower Seed Packets (left) let you choose the ribbon color for your vellum seed packets. When you choose the "Love Grows!" Plantable Hearts(right,) you have several colors to match your wedding decorations or baby shower decorations.

I think the Alternative Gift Registry is an idea whose time as definitely come, and I also believe it will change the nature of gift-giving in the future!

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