My, how convenient!

Some people say that you should only register in a couple of stores, but frankly, I don't really understand the logic. I registered everywhere, and I do mean everywhere. My thinking is as such: not everyone buys online, and not every neighborhood has every store. Isn't it easier for everyone if I just give as many options as possible? And so I did.
Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I did not actually go to seven stores. In fact, I only went to two. That's where the beauty of online registering comes in. Now you may say "but I need to see what I'm registering for!" but frankly, some stuff is just safe. In fact, if you know it's going to be a while before you can register, or you simply want to cut down on your time in the store, here are some suggestions for things you don't really need to see:

1. A George Foreman grill
2. A Kitchenaid mixer
3. Oxo kitchen utensils (there's a reason everyone registers for them)
4. Baking pans (you may want to check in the description that they're non-stick or something, but whatever you're getting is probably fine)
5. Pyrex anything (just check out what comes with the set - you may realize the larger sets have things you'll never use)
6. Corningware anything (see Pyrex)
7. Brita pitchers and spare filters (you've seen 'em before, haven't you?)
8. Anything you've already seen in someone else's home and decided you liked

If you are narrowing down your locations, Bed Bath and Beyond is an obvious must - they have every category of everything you might need, plus they send out coupons for in-store purchases all the time. I've heard conflicting things as to whether or not you can still return for cash, so if anyone's got an update...
A lot of people like to register at Bloomingdale's, which is fine if you have expensive taste, but it's not always so easy for your friends to buy from there, and many of the things can be found at other stores. I personally feel like my Bloomingdale's registry was a waste of time. I find Macy's more worthwhile, plus they have some cash back thing I don't really understand but it can't hurt. Also, their home stuff goes on sale ALL the time, and often the prices go down and stay there.
For dishes and flatware, Fortunoff has a great selection and usually the lowest prices. (Note: once you pick patterns for your china, flatware, and/or crystal, do some comparison shopping, and make sure Fortunoff is included. Sometimes certain patters will just be flat out lower at one store than the others.) Crate and Barrel is great if you're tastes run from simple to Bohemian - lots of options for plain white dishes (something to consider since you can always switch up the look with varied tablecloths/placemats) and more natural, earthy designs. Lots of good options for tableware.
If you're of the culinarily-inclined persuasion, I suppose Williams-Sonoma is a must, although it's also rather expensive. But hey, we all have to prioritize. As for Tiffany, there are two ways to look at it. It is a fact that there are some people who only like to buy from Tiffany. As such, you can either choose to register there whether you want to or not, and ensure that if someone buys for you from there, at least it's something you like, or you can pass on registering there and hope they'll go elsewhere. I did the former, and I got four gifts from Tiffany, so I'm glad I did. However, since Tiffany gifts are lovely but weren't my top priority, I made sure the icon wasn't featured on WeddingChannel, so only those who were already going to Tiffany would shop there.
And then there's Amazon.com, which has thus far proven totally unsuccessful for us but is a nice way to register for some more unconventional (but not necessarily unnecessary!) gifts, such as cookbooks. Kosher Pallette, Kosher by Design...they're all there!
And a general tip when registering (besides not to bring the guy if you can help it)? Check out other people's registries online at www.bedbathandbeyond.com and www.weddingchannel.com. It's a good way to see what you might have missed, or to just copy someone else's choices who might have done the research if you're too lazy or unable to go yourself. Happy hunting!