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The good gift list guide
  • The good gift list guide

  • If you’re confused about what’s the best gift list provider for you, we’ve created the perfect guide to help you on your way!

Whatever you want from your gift list, whether it's home furnishings and traditional china or one-off works of art or some additions to your wine cellar, there's a gift list company out there that will set you on the right track for married life.

Department Stores

Argos
Contact:
0870 6002525 www.argos.co.uk
How to buy?
In store, online or by phone
Delivery? Normal delivery costs from £4.95 apply. paid for by the guest.
Your hit list?  Offers a wide range of classic products, including furniture and large electrical items. The price range is very flexible and guests will be able to find cheaper, practical goods easily. You can also ask for vouchers or unwanted presents can be exchanged for them.
And another thing... There's a fantastic selection of goods and one on every high street so older guests who might not have access to internet will be able to find a gift for you.

John Lewis
Contact: 0845 600 2202 www.johnlewis.com
How to buy? In store, online or by phone
Delivery? Free of charge in a 30 mile radius. But there may be a charge for timed delivery.
Your hit list? You can't beat wandering round a store scanning all the items that take your fancy, and John Lewis lets you do just that, selecting from a range of big names and own brands.
And another thing... they even offer free refreshments while you're compiling your list!

Marks & Spencer
Contact: 0845 302 1234 www.marksandspencer.com
How to register? You can register online or in store and then monitor the list from your computer.
How to buy? Online, in store or by phone
Delivery? You can nominate a delivery date and there is a one-off charge of £3.50.
Your hit list? With great own-brand designs offering everything from china to furniture, M&S is a popular choice for many and is accessible for any price range. You also have the option to exchange gifts after the wedding, just in case over-enthusiastic family members went off-piste from the list!
And another thing... the website is constantly updated, so it's brilliant for brides who can't resist constantly checking what's been bought.

Harrods
Contact:
020 7225 6500 www.harrods.com
How to buy? In store or by phone
Delivery? Free in the UK, items are delivered as they're bought or in one hit after the wedding.
Your hit list? Harrods gift list is as comprehensive as you might imagine. You can choose from a huge range of products and there's a choice of two types of wedding list service. You can either choose specific items for your list in store, or opt for a Bridal Account Card which stashes money for you spend yourselves after the wedding.
And another thing... You can swap gifts if you change your mind and Account cardholders who open a Bridal Account with a list worth more than £4,000 get 3% as a thank you.

Debenhams
Contact: 020 7408 4444 www.debenhams.com
How to register? Lists can be set up online or in store or online
How to buy? Online, in-store or by phone
Delivery? Costs £3.50 per order and is paid by the guest. It also offers a gift-wrapping service for £3 per order.
Your hit list? With a wide range of gifts to include - even your honeymoon - this store is great for everything from well-known brands to big designer treats. Unwanted gifts can be exchanged after the wedding and you can highlight favourite items on your list to help guests choose ones you want the most.
And another thing... you get a £50 gift card when you set up your list and if your list is worth more than £1000 you also receive a gift card/vouchers worth 5% of the total value of the wedding list.

Heal's
Contact:
020 7896 7590 www.heals.co.uk/giftlist
How to register?  Your gift list can be set up with a personal adviser or online.
How to buy? Online, in store with a personal adviser or by phone.
Delivery? Free on lists worth more than £300.
Your hit list? Offering a more high end choice of gifts, including homeware and furniture than the average department store,  it can then be managed in store, online or a combination of the two. Heal's will provide gift cards to send out to your guests to tell them about the list.
And another thing... The company has seasonal offers and at present is offering 5% of the total value of your gift list in vouchers.

Next
Contact: 0870 142 4141 www.nextweddings.co.uk
How to register? At any Next home department or online
How to buy? Online, in store or by phone.
Delivery? £3.50 on any order and is paid by the guest.
Your hit list? New to Next, their wedding service lets you choose gifts from a wide range of stylish homeware products from electrical items for the kitchen to furniture. You can register at any Next home department or online.
And another thing... a few days after registering you will receive a wedding list pack and a Home brochure to help you compile your list, which you can then monitor online.

Specialist companies

Wedding Shop
Contact:
020 7838 0171 www.weddingshop.com
How to register? Make an appointment in store
How to buy? Online, in store or by phone
Delivery? Two free deliveries in London
Your hit list? The Wedding Shop is a great option for couples who want a personal service with a dedicated wedding consultant. Products are a mix of classic and contemporary and you can choose from hundreds of suppliers.
And another thing... Couples who have their wedding gift list here will receive a 10% discount on all future purchases.

Wedding List Services
Contact:
020 7384 8484 www.wedding.co.uk
How to register? Online or by visiting the showrooms.
How to buy? Online or in person.
Delivery? Delivery is free in inner London.
Your hit list? Wedding List Services offers a customised service and a wide choice of products, including unusual items from specialist suppliers and designers from Alessi to Versace. Appointment times are flexible to suit busy couples and you can visit on Saturdays or in the evenings.
And another thing... Couples get a 10% discount if you buy extra items after the wedding. Family members who spend more than £500 get the 10% discount too.

Wrapit
Contact:
0845 075 1300 www.wrapit.co.uk
How to register? You can create and manage your lift online, or visit the showroom for a glass of wine and a chat with a consultant.
How to buy? Guests can buy online or on the phone.
Delivery? Free in the UK unless your list is worth less than £500 (then there's a £25 charge).
Your hit list? Wrapit has an easy-to-use website featuring more than 40,000 products. Recent gift list additions include brands such as Kenzo, Missoni Home and Mandarina Duck. The Thank You Card Manager makes it very easy to be efficient.
And another thing... You get a 10% discount for life on all orders over £100 plus a £50 voucher if you recommend a friend.

Also worth a look

Divertimenti (0870 1295 027, www.divertimenti.co.uk) is great for all kinds of kitchen stuff. You can also combine it with a list at The Wedding Garden Company (01342 823123, www.weddinggardencompany.co.uk). Use www.marriagegiftlist.com to create and manage your own list with products from your favourite online stores. Selfridges' (0870 837 7377, www.selfridges.com) Celebrations Account is perfect for the modern couple. Guests pledge money which you then spend instore. Designer Kelly Hoppen's Sod The Toaster (020 7351 1910) gift list service offers a stylish, contemporary alternative to the traditional gift list. The General Trading Company (0870 777 7000, www.theweddinglist.com) has joined forces with The Wedding List Company to offer couples a great choice of gifts and accessories for the home.

Photo Cath Kidson Roberts Radio www.johnlewis.com


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