I think a gift certificate is a lovely idea, and I don't necessarily think its impersonal.
We LOVED getting gift certificates, because there is only so much that you can do with: 15 crystal picture frames, 3 crystal clocks, 4 picnic baskets and 6 crystal vases and bowls. BTW, I'm not joking--that is an actual list of some of the gifts we got. My husband and I picked out one favorite in each category and returned the rest.
Of course, this is also coming from someone who purposely registered for the bare minimum--china, crystal, linens, and small kitchen appliances--so that the registry would be completed and people would give small envelopes instead. I know that such a practice is looked on as crass and frowned upon in lots of places in the US, but its a Greek tradition. I dragged my husband kicking and screaming into doing that. However, he is no longer kicking and screaming--our sizable house-down-payment is collecting interest as I type.
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