easytraveller, and people here set up registries all the time, although I've never heard of putting money into an account. However, that doesn't help the OP, who is not the person getting married and so cannot register. The answer is the gift certificate he/she wants to get. Personally, I'm with the Crate and Barrel. Williams Sonoma crowd. And I'll throw Target in. I know it's not as upscale, but there are a lot of good quality, useful everyday things there now.

Wow, starfish, I don't know how I missed your last post. After reading that, Gumps would be good, but C & B , Macy's and the others (not Target now, thought) would still be good. I've got everything I "need", but I never fail to find things I'd love to have at Crate & Barrel