Recently, I was invited to the house-warming party of a young couple, and I got myself stressed out wondering what would be the appropriate gift to get them, as I wanted to be sure it would be super-useful, and right up their alley. Of course, I did not take a good look at the invite, and a friend told me the couple had signed up at the SM Store Gift Registry, and there was a link in the invite I could opt to use.

Got intrigued by that and as I live by SM Makati, had the chance to visit the SM Store Gift Registry on the fifth floor, and was pleasantly surprised by the attention and quality of service the staff afforded me, and how they took me through the process of registering. That I was looking for a gift for someone who had registered posed no problem, and they proceeded to show me the array of selected gift items of the couple. The selection covered a diverse range of prices, and it was a sure-win proposition, as all the items had been pre-selected by the couple.

Located right beside the SM Home section, the SM Store Gift Registry is the perfect ‘accomplice’ for couples about to walk down the aisle, for house-warming parties; and if one is imaginative enough, for practically any upcoming occasion that involves gift-giving. As it’s strategically located by the SM Home, the process of selecting your ‘gifts’ is made easy-peasy, and a fun activity. There’s even an ongoing promotion of a 10 percent discount for new registrants - and that tempted me to throw a house-warming dinner, or even get married! Hahaha!

For the one who registers, a unique link to the registry is created. This can be included in one’s wedding invite or website, attached to the house-warming invitation, or even posted on social media. Your guests can then browse through the list you generated, pick a gift, have it gift-wrapped, and then either have it reserved for pick-up, or delivered directly to the one purchasing the gift, or to the registrant’s address. Its gifting made simple, convenient, and stress-free.

Now I know that the gift registry concept is a tried and tested one, and it’s been around for decades with certain retail establishments that want to elevate the ‘being of service’ aspect to their patrons. But when we talk of the SM store gift registry, one is talking of a network of SM Stores that cover the whole nation, and can be found in almost every SM Mall. That’s a degree of convenience, accessibility, and connectivity to the consumer public, of a certain magnitude that only SM can say they represent. Other retail establishments and brands may have a Gift Registry system, but they’ll have five to 10 locations at the most, and can’t say they’re in 70+ SM Stores nationwide.

With a gift registry, you eliminate a lot of the guesswork in gift-giving. Duplicate presents are done away with, as are those random gifts that unfortunately end up in some stock room or bodega. Every gift one receives is now practical, personal, and of purpose. And that means a lot for those couples just starting their journey together in their new homes, or even for those just moving into a new one.

If that’s a ‘win-win’ scenario for the one receiving a gift, think of the myriad of choices that are ready for pre-selection at SM Home at the SM Store, and how much fun the registrant can have while engaged in this activity.

From Akemi hypoallergenic bedsheets, pillowcases, and mattress protectors, go on to explore the exciting dining sets and tableware that will add luster to any meal you’ll be having at home. There are wonderful living room couches, coffee tables, and accessories; as well as the sturdy TEFAL pots and non-stick pans. Check out the Breville blenders and coffee machines, the ever-reliable KitchenAid food processors and cast iron casserole containers, and the Mr. big ergonomic pillows.

In short, from the living room and sala, to the kitchen, and on to your bedrooms and bathrooms, SM Home is more than ready to offer great price options, and a wide selection of quality brands. As we mentioned, for the one giving the gift, this wide array of choices will always be welcome. And the chances are high that there will be a SM Store near you - no matter where you are!