A gift registry for when you don't want "off the rack" items

Sure, flatware and place settings from Macy's are great (and useful!) but sometimes you may want to ask for gifts from a variety of stores, vintage and antique items, services, memberships, or donations.  Enter the Alternative Gift Registry, a free site created by the New American Dream.

You can add any pictures to illustrate your ideas, as well as links to purchase the items if they are available online.  It's a really simple and fun way to tailor your wish list, especially if you want to include price ranges of all levels, non-monetary gifts, or unique gifts that are not available online or in department stores.  

My favorite use of this, seen on a friends' registry: a dozen cupcakes for their reception.  Relatively easy but very worthwhile and fun!