Registries are great for gift-giving occassions where you either don't know the person very well or you know that there are going to be dozens of people buying gifts and you don't want to double-up. That said, I think that the whole thing has gotten a little out of hand...buying someone an engagement present, a shower present, AND a wedding present? No. Or someone who's on their fourth baby...what the heck could they possibly register for except diapers?

At my age (24) pretty much everyone I know is either having getting married or having a baby, so showers are a monthly occurance for me and registries are a big help. For people I know very well, I generally go off registry and get them something unique that I know they'll love.