College Registries Are a Thing in 2021

While creating my wedding registry, I came across something that I have never seen before.

Target.com allows couples to create wedding registries, which is awesome for someone like me who loves Target Tuesdays as much as the next girl. However, I noticed that below “Wedding Registry,” there are other types of registry categories available and one that I have never considered.

“College Registry” intrigued me, so I clicked on it to learn more. The site states that a college registry “helps you get started with popular items for college,” like furnishing a dorm room and getting that shower caddy we all remember so well. Mine was pink. And on top of that, Target offers a 15 percent discount on anything left behind on the registry after your graduation party guests have made their purchases off your list.

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The thing is, this is a new concept and I’m sure not every graduate will create a college registry in 2021. Relatives are probably going to give you cash or a check because they know that college is expensive and there are not enough scholarships in the world to balance out the student debt that you’ll likely take on afterward. Trust me, I paid mine off in a little over five years and I was one of the lucky ones.

I guess it wouldn’t hurt to create one and add it to the back of the graduation party invitation because it’s not like you’re forcing guests to purchase something off the list. If they were planning on providing a physical gift instead of cash, at least they have an idea of what you are interested in.

And even after all is said and done, you’ll have the discount to go and buy whatever is left over anyway.

Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if Venmo is the new gift-giving trend. No last-minute stops to CVS to buy a card and a gift bag, and you can literally handle it last minute.