Here we are, day #2 of our week devoted to wedding registries! While love is in the air, so too is the whiff of retail savvy. There is a bit of an art to getting the most out of your registry list; you also want to make sure the products you choose are quality. Here are my top picks:
1. The Eureka Boss Vacuum is a top seller. I heard about this one by word of mouth, from Facebook friends to a guy standing in line with me at the supermarket. I got the Dyson a few years back and while it’s the only vacuum (of many) that I’ve owned that hasn’t busted after a short time – still standing after 5 years – it’s a disappointment as far as working on hard floors. It seems to gently flirt with pet hair as opposed to suck it up – and there’s a backspray of dirt when I’m cleaning up a spill. The attachment is mostly hard plastic, very stiff and hard to maneuver. All that for $400+? What gives?? For much less money, the Boss works great on hardwood floors and its attachments allow it to be very versatile. Definitely a good addition to your list.
2. Anything by Crate and Barrel. I suppose that sounds like hyperbole, but truthfully, I have not bought anything (and I’ve bought quite a lot from here) that hasn’t held up over time. Everything from their sturdy dishware to their furniture – their prices are right, and their products are built to last. (Our guest blogger, Allyson Thompson, will expound more on C+B tomorrow.)
3. Cuisinart Food Processor. My mom still has hers – it’s almost as old as me! The motor is strong, the blades stay sharp, and it will prove a huge time saver in the kitchen. Imitations just don’t hold up, though the Kitchenaid is a close contender.
4. Swiffer Sweeper. Okay, so when my Dyson proved an epic fail on my hardwood floors, I sought this product out as a compromise between buying a whole other large and un-store-able vacuum, and yet still manage the dog hair on my floor. I have to say, the Sweeper is completely awesome. Whatever the little vacuum motor doesn’t eliminate, the duster grabs. Genius. This is good to register for on Target.com, where you can pick up their store-brand duster cloths with all those gift cards you’re gonna get.
Now that you have a starting point for the top products to consider, think about what exactly, in general, you need around the house. For the most part, if you register for dinnerware, food prep appliances, cleaning appliances, linens, and serving bowls and utensils, you should be set. But, do a thorough inventory of what you have and what you need (for example, if you don’t have a guest room, an inflatable mattress can be a lifesaver; if you do have a guest room, an extra set of bedding is just the thing). Once those boxes start piling up, you’ll be glad you asked for *just* what you needed.
Tomorrow, we hear from the Broke Chick herself, Allyson Thompson, a top expert on saving money and registering wisely. Till then, happy scanning!