What do you think of this?

[Liberty Belle]

My mother in law asked that our son do this a few years ago. We didn't do one last year, but it really helped her decide what to get for him and he had fun doing it. We also did it for birthdays. We would NEVER offer up the information if someone didn't ask, though.

Prepare for a heated debate.

 

[Liberty Belle]

but the list is supposed to be for Santa, LOL, pen and paper, the old fashioned way, cuz santa is old fashioned,

I'm 42 years old and our wish lists were for mom, dad, and grandparents. We told Santa in person what we hoped for.

 

[ndelaware]

Our family uses giftiegiftie dot com. It is not linked to any one website but does make suggestions including amazon. It is especially helpful for the adult presents and birthdays.

 

[supercarrie]

Personally, I do not have a problem with an online "wish list" - to me, it is just like a gift registry for a wedding or baby shower.

What I do think is inappropriate is e-mailing it out unsolicited - that is in par with including registry info in the wedding invite, which is also not proper etiquette.

Having it to refer them to so when someone asks you for an idea is an entirely different thing - just like you would do by asking someone close to a bride/groom or new mother, for example!

 

[fayt19]

Our family uses giftiegiftie dot com. It is not linked to any one website but does make suggestions including amazon. It is especially helpful for the adult presents and birthdays.

That looks like a neat website! And how funny that the first thing you see is 'Susan's List' which asks for a book about Disneyland history.

 

[disykat]

I agree with others that it's fine to make the list, but sending it to people unsolicited - whether it's on a piece of paper or on the computer - is rude!

I love the wish lists on websites like amazon.com. I've never had anyone else look at it, but it helps me keep track of stuff.

 

[C.Ann]

I guess my only issue with it is the unsolicited mass emailing.. That's carrying things a little too far in my book..

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I just got an email from my 3 sisters today asking what the kids want for Christmas.
(We drew names last week).

So it doesn't seem that odd to me since I've basically got to type out what they want and send it out. I know I'll be getting the same question from another Aunt and both sets of grandparents too.

It actually sounds like a good idea to me. And if you weren't going to get them a gift from the list or any gift at all, no biggie - just hit the old delete button.

 

[Liberty Belle]

A year or two ago there was another thread on here about gift registries for kids. It got really ugly. I'm surprised, but thrilled everyone's views seem to have mellowed on this issue.

 

[disykat]

I just got an email from my 3 sisters today asking what the kids want for Christmas.
(We drew names last week).

So it doesn't seem that odd to me since I've basically got to type out what they want and send it out. I know I'll be getting the same question from another Aunt and both sets of grandparents too.

It actually sounds like a good idea to me. And if you weren't going to get them a gift from the list or any gift at all, no biggie - just hit the old delete button.

The issue people are having is why would you send a gift list to someone that hadn't asked for it? Just wait and whenever someone asks, tell them where the kids are registered.

 

[Ember]

My kids have had Amazon wish lists for years. If people ask me what they want, I refer them to the wish list.

I don't publicize it unless asked, though.

This is the line between polite and rude. When someone requests the recipients input for gift ideas, it's perfectly okay to say, "I have an on-line wish list here..." But to supply the information without the request of the giver is rude. It's no different than saying, "Well, I know you're going to get me a gift... Wait, you are getting me a gift, right?! Well then, THIS is what I want. Go buy it."

 

[mrsklamc]

I agree with the consensus- fine to do, not fine to send out unsolicited. Was anyone else here for the teen going off to college who had already had a graduation party, and her parents expected a 'shower' to help her start off her college life? I think that takes the cake for the gift tackiness I've read about around here.

 

[scrump]

I actually use kaboodle.com to keep a running list of things that I plan on getting DS as he needs/wants them (books, clothes, toys, etc). This list is for personal use, but I direct MIL to it whenever she wants gift suggestions for DS. I guess if it ever came up, I would also feel comfortable directing anybody else who also wanted gift ideas for him, but that has never come up. My MIL has found this list helpful and always asks for the link again. I would never impose this list on anybody through a mass email, though.