Just because she provided a registry doesn't mean you have to buy the items on it nor does it mean you have to buy them online. I would consider her list as a suggestion and go from there. I think unexpected gifts are the most fun to receive.

Personally I would never create a registry for myself for anyone to see with the exception of DH, who seems to never get or catch my hints- lol.

However, I have a wish list for my youngest that I set up when he was turning 2. I had some books on there I thought he would enjoy, and received different ones. Really no big deal, I was delighted to receive books and not oodles upon oodles of the same plastic toy that would lose its grandeur after the box was opened. If you enjoy looking for books and have hand selected some for your grandson, they should be appreciated by your daughter.
I would think it is just a guide to help people choose, not to be followed explicitly.

On the flip side of this- I have not created a wish list for my daughters, and my family has hounded me with emails, and phone calls regarding what to get them. It really grinds on my nerves when I respond with a suggestion, only to be told- I couldn't find that, can you suggest something else? Just got a message today from my stepmother. Just get them anything you'd like to get them, is never an acceptable answer- ugh!

My daughter-in-law created wish lists for herself, my son and granddaughter this year. Clicking on a link doesn't have the same sentimental feel of trolling through stores, but I'm not taking each suggestion literally (except for son - all his stuff is related to amping up his muscle car and I wouldn't know an alternative if it ran over me). I completely agree about suggested books - if you're a bibliophile, you'll know what to buy that the grandchilden will enjoy. DIL asked that I create a wishlist, too, and that was great. I could limit what they give me because after all, I don't need much that isn't consumable or disposable -- books were on my list!

I see what you mean about it basically seeming a little strange but wish lists don't bother me. I'll add though, that I'm not a big fan of store shopping this time of year so I find them to be really helpful at times. We have a friend that has a DVD hobby and literally has over 4,000. That's something we know he loves but the odds of us buying him ones he already has is pretty high. We could give him a gift card but I find them limiting and would rather just give cash. I have another friend who loves cook books but there's the same scenario of she has so many..... I know you could include a gift receipt but I personally find it no fun after Christmas to be returning something.

Maybe isn't common but every year I have people ask me, and I ask other people, what they'd like for Christmas. That doesn't mean I don't have any ideas for them but I really like to buy things I know they're going to like and isn't going to end up in the closet or regifted.

Thinking about this, considering some of the things I'm against, I'm surprised I don't mind the list thing. I'd use it as a guideline.

I think they are great! I am never sure what toys the kids have, what ones their parents are buying for them, etc. Amazon is a great way to have 1 wish list for multiple sites. we use it to shop for our families and update ours so family knows what DS is interested in.

We usually buy a few things that are not on the list too. I really think it saves on waste and returns. the kids are still surprised.

I also use it all year for myself to track items I am interested in to check periodically for sales.

I took the advise I got here and used her list as a guide. Went out today and I found some good things at local stores, and a very nice item that is actually made in the good ole USA that she had listed (not the make and model on her list.)

Shee, your comment about not wanting to spend time returning stuff after the holiday really made sense to me. In addition to being a new mom, DD also works full time, and I'm sure she feels the same as you do.

I'm feeling better about the whole thing. Thanks for the comments everyone.

I love the idea. It is not a 'gift registry' in the sense of a bridal registry. That is just the label.

My guys are 25 and almost 21, and I love that they give me lists with links to places like Amazon. They both mostly want books, Kindle books, TV series/movies and iTunes cards for music, so they make shopping easy for me. I know that I can get a good price on Amazon, free shipping, and quick delivery.

That is not to say that I don't buy them things like clothing or something that I think they would like, and they both always get a Christmas ornament, that they will take with them when they start having their own Christmas trees.

With DH and I both working full time, I appreciate them simplifying things for us. Plus, in the end, I want them to have things THEY want for Christmas, so if those lists help me accomplish that, I am happy!