In this report, Mintel uses proprietary consumer research and in-depth analysis of advertising and promotional materials to provide a detailed picture of the gift registry market.

Mintel’s consumer research finds that consumers predominantly use three types of gift registries: weddings, bridal showers, and baby showers. All other types of gift registries have yet to make significant inroads with the American populace. Wedding registries dominate the market with a 95.3% share of all sales in 2006.

Consumer attitudes and behaviors towards gift registries are analyzed in detail. A few of the topics explored include why Americans select one registry over another, what is important in a registry, and who uses a registry. Gender differences (women are far more likely to create registries than men), the relationship between age and the use of a gift registry (25 to 34 is the sweet spot), and income (more money equals greater usage) are just a few of the critical findings of this report.

The usage of gift registries for other occasions by Blacks and Hispanics is a noteworthy trend, as is the development of non-traditional gift registries and gifts, such as gift registries for mortgage payments. Also closely examined are how demographic trends are driving the market, along with advertising strategies employed by national retailers.