New Alternative Gift Registry Offers Gifts Money Can't Buy

Talk about an idea whose time has come! This gem was mined from trends that have been growing for a number of years. An alternative gift registry is just the thing for those of us who see the world as it is, not as it was, and want to give and get more meaningful gifts at those most memorable times of our lives.

Taking Note of the Trends

People are waiting longer to get married, with the median age for first-time marriage for men at 27, and it's 25 for women. By that time, both individuals have outfitted their own homes and should have almost everything they want and need. When they move in together, they have twice as much stuff-and wedding gifts just give them more of the same. For parents-to-be, the alternative registry lets them ask for help in adjusting to the rigors of parenthood after the baby is born. Last, but in no way least, is the continuing shift toward eco-friendly living. AlternativeGiftRegistry.org is an online gift to the present and the future.

How It Works

The registry encourages and legitimizes "asking for help from friends, sharing time together, reusing second-hand items and giving environmentally sound presents as tasteful, thoughtful options." You simply go online, sign up, and create your registry. You'll have the freedom to add personalized requests, links to desired products and photos, and the Web site also gives "Green Celebration Tips" with ideas and resources for going green.

Alternative Wedding Gift Ideas

Sample wedding registries on the site offer some great ideas to go along with your own:

• Recipe cards-your favorite crock-pot and easy-to-make recipes
  
• Cleaning 911-two or three experts "we can email during the first year for tips on little emergencies (like when I spill red wine all over our brand-new tablecloth.")
  
• A weekend in the city at a "green" hotel
  
• A homemade wedding cake

Alternative Baby Gift Ideas

What new parents wouldn't love to ask for:

• Dinners-choose an evening in the weeks after the baby is born to "bring dinner to our house and/or provide meal-size food portions we can keep in the freezer and pull out as needed."
  
• Babysitting-people with baby-friendly homes who would be willing to take their newborn for a few hours one evening so the parents can straighten the house, relax or take in a movie
  
• Cleaning service-three months of a weekly cleaning service
  
• Used clothes-lightly used baby clothes in all sizes
  
• Eco-friendly toys

What's in it for the Gift-Giver?

How about giving something the recipients really want and need? Even if it doesn't cost a penny, you know it's valued as much, if not more, than any other gift. There's also the satisfaction that goes with knowing you've done some good for the planet. What more could anyone ask?

Susan Hawkins is the Senior Writer for Favor Affair located at http://www.favoraffair.com. Favor Affair offers hundreds of party favors for all life events including birthday party favors, wedding favors, baby shower favors,party favors for graduation, quinceaneras, and many more.