One worry about a registry, is it detracting from the spirit of giving.
PHOTO BY KELLY SNIDER
By Kelly Snider
The traditional Christmas list got an upgrade, as holiday shoppers can now create ‘Christmas gift registries.’
Paula Saracino, a Toronto mother of two boys, 10 and 12, told Humber News the registry would make shopping a little easier.
“We’ve always done it the old fashion way,” said Saracino. “We would write up the lists and I would have to call everybody and let them know.”
Saracino said if her kids were younger, she would entertain the idea.
Big chain stores like Toys R Us and Sears are offering the service of calling it a ‘wish list’.
Rachel Rock, mother of a four-year-old son, told CBC News when her family asked for shopping help, she created the registry and sent it to her relatives.
“It just makes it easier to pinpoint what they really want,” said Rock.
When it comes to creating a registry, family therapist and author Sara Dimerman said it could be perceived as a useful tool for people who may be out of town, or for relatives who are not as close and have no clue what the child’s interests are.
However, Saracino said one drawback could be the message the registry sends to kids.
“My problem is the ‘make me a list’ attitude – then they might expect everything off of it,” said Saracino. “For me, it’s more of the surprise element.”
Dimerman said, whether a registry or written list, wish lists are a ‘breeding ground for disappointment.’
“I think it’s much nicer if a parent can think of things that the child has wanted during the year, and be able to surprise them,” said Dimerman.
Dimerman said the registry doesn’t replace traditional wish lists, but just serves as a new way for family and friends to buy gifts.