If you love us, you'll buy us pretty things.

The following is based on about twelve identical conversations that we had:

Cherished Friend/Relative> Where are you registered?
Us> We're not.
CF/R> What do you mean? When will you register? The BIG DAY is fast approaching!
Us> We aren't going to. If you want to get us something, then pick out something you think we'll like and get it...but don't feel obligated, and don't stress about it. It's not a big deal.
CF/R> That's crazy. You're going to end up with 5 toasters and 50 gift certificates to JCPenney's that way. You HAVE to register, that's the way weddings are traditionally done.
Us> We're getting married on a pirate ship. Do you think we care how things are traditionally done?
CF/R> We want to get you a gift. We want to get you something that you want and can use. A registry will help us do this. If you don't make one, we'll buy you things that you'll just end up taking back anyway...probably to a mall. Think about that for a second. THE MALL...crappy parking...door dings...the food court with pizza that has been sitting for who knows how long...
Us> FINE. We'll register...but we don't have to like it.

Truth is...this registry thing was harder for us than planning the wedding and reception combined. Really.

So here it is:
1. Presents are optional. We didn't invite you for the presents.
2. If you want to get us something, but are short on ideas...here it is.
3. If you have an idea in mind, but you don't see anything on the list that comes close to your idea...go with your idea. The list is stuff we'd like to have; it can't really compare with things that are given from the heart. So either pick out something that you saw that just screams 'Jake & Rae', or check out the registry for some ideas...but either way, don't feel obligated.

So here they are:
Amazon.com, REI.com, and Greenfeet.com
Greenfeet to expand our collection of Earth-friendly stuff, REI because we're outdoorsy hiker types, and Amazon because they have everything else under the Sun and offer free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/wedding/homepage/
http://www.rei.com/giftregistry
http://store.greenfeet.com/wishlistsearch.asp

We'd love to hear some feedback on this, since it's something that we really struggled with...so send us some email or something.

EDITED NOTE of CLARIFICATION:
Amazon.com offers free shipping on most items.
With REI.com, you can have purchases shipped to our local REI store for pickup and you won't be charged shipping. Our local shop is in Conshohoken, PA.
Greenfeet gets you with shipping...sorry, we tried. (and yes, the colors and quantities on things are correct. We want one of every color. We already have some. Our plan is to mix and match...it's festive and fun, like Rae on Cinco de Mayo. Thanks for humoring us.)
We are also going to register at Bed, Bath & Beyond because people have specifically asked us to pick another store where they could go and see items in person. We'll keep you updated on that.