Nothing 4 Nothing

101 degrees....I am going to sound off. R called today and told me what to buy for A's wedding. Not hinting, she told me, the gift, where to find it on the web, the price etc. Why do I have to purchase something from the registry? Is that the law? Why can't I buy what I like and what I think the bride and groom will like? Why can't I spend the amount of money that I can afford and not put the gift on my credit card? I told her "I'll check it out" but I do not intend to follow her orders. I am on a limited budget, I can not even buy what I like for myself. So will my ordinary gift not coming from the registry be of less value, less liked? Will it be tossed in the closet or sold on ebay? I already feel it would not be appreciated. Would a check be better? But I can not afford a big fat check, so would my small amount be laughed at? Why is it suddenly this wedding isn't as much fun as I thought it will be?