As ironic as it may be, print is so passé. These days, everything gets done digitally. Not just e-wedding cards, e-birthday cards, but e-gifts on Facebook and other social networking Web sites are something that most of us have tried out at one point or another.

But, have you received an Web which contains a “Wish List” of the newly weds or the birthday boy? This westernised concept of sharing wish lists is now gaining popularity in India as well.

That perfect gift

Online gift registries are Web sites which allow people to build a gift-list and share it with their invitees so that they can get the desired gifts. This is done with an intention to avoid random gifts given by people that end up in a dark cupboard corner or passed on to the next couple who gets married!

Ahaana Singh recalls how her sister created an online wish-list for her baby shower. “Instead of keeping people guessing, it’s best to create a list and share it. My sister created a list for her baby shower. She had mentioned everything from a cradle to a spoon and a pram,” Singh said. “When her baby was born she had all the essentials and did not even have to go and shop for a single thing,” she added.

Some e-commerce Web sites even sell the gifts that the host requires, so guests can simply buy the gift online and get it delivered to the host. A website called www.shareurjoy.com allows hosts to make full-fledged wish lists for various occasions. These range from occasions such as a house warming party to a new office, engagement and wedding. There are a number of steps that one has to follow to create a gift register. Gifts can be picked from a gamut of options available on the site – ranging from clothes and apparels, flower combos and gadgets. Once the gift list is set, the host can share this list with his/her friends on a social networking Web site or through e-mail. People can also log on to the Web site and find the wish-list online. The list can also be found by entering the host’s name/surname on the website. On the other hand, the host can manage the list – add and subtract items. One interesting category that can be added onto the wish list is the ‘Investment’ option. This category lists a number of mutual funds and saving schemes. If this is on a wish list, a guest can buy this for the host. Some Web sites also give you an option of delivering the gift to the host’s residence before or on the day of the party.

Indiagiftregistry.com is also another Web site that lets you make and share lists. They can even create a mini Web site where they can – create, view and manage themes. One can even take gift ideas from other members and view some sample registries.

Vows and vouchers

Gift vouchers is also one other interesting category. Guests can purchase online gift vouchers from select retail outlines and present them to the host. Cash gifts can also be given online. In many gift registers, people put an item along with its value. An invitee can give a cash gift to the host instead of the gift itself.

Many of these gift registries also have an online social presence. Awareness is spread through social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

These gift registries are especially useful for those travelling from abroad for a wedding, for instance. They don’t need to scratch their heads looking for gifts. An online registry makes the gift giving process a lot more convenient.

priya.s@thehindu.co.in

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