Frequently Asked Questions for Registrants and Gift Givers
Registrants - Setting up your registry
Is there any cost to use the Alternative Gift Registry?
No, the Registry is a free service provided by the Center for a New American Dream.
How will users know where to buy a gift?
You should include instructions with that gift item, usually a link to an online seller where the gift may be purchased.
How do I ask for non-material gifts?
You can add a link to your favorite charity, ask for givers to sign up for babysitting time, or request favorite recipes.
Why does my registry text extend to the right so that users have to scroll all the way over to see the gifts?
If you pasted in a very long URL, or web address, it will cause the layout to stretch too far to the right. We recommend making hyperlinks out of all URLs. Highlight some text (for example, "Buy the gift here"), click the link tool (which looks like the link in a chain) and paste in the URL where the gift may be purchased.
Why doesn't the link button work?
The Alternative Gift Registry site uses a WYSIWYG editor for gift descriptions. The link dialog has some issues in Safari. If you are using Safari, try Firefox.
Why haven't I received notifications when givers sign up for gifts?
You can see who's given you gifts by logging into your account and selecting the add/edit gifts link. There is in the gift management screen you will find a link that says: "See/Thank your Gift Givers" - click on it to see a list of gift givers. If they've provided an email address you can send them a thank you email or e-card through the site or contact them directly by click on the email link.
I can't access my registry. What do I do?
Make sure that you're logging in with the email address you used to set up the registry. If you're still having trouble, contact to get help with your username and password.
Giving gifts
Where do I buy gifts?
The person who set up the registry should have included instructions, usually a link to an online seller where the gift can be purchased. You can buy the gift anywhere--you've merely signed up to give that item. New Dream is not involved in the listing or redemption of gifts.
I have questions/problems about an order I placed for a gift. What do I do?
Contact the retailer through which you placed the order.
I want to sign up for a nonmaterial gift that asks for volunteer hours. How do I indicate that I'll be available for 3 to 4 hours?
The forms are designed for whole numbers only. Please use a whole number for the amount.
I signed up for a gift and the amount changed to the wrong number. What do I do?
You probably signed up using a dash or something else other than a whole number. Contact to get the amount corrected.
How do I have a gift removed if I changed my mind?