Can we all just say "hallelujah" for MyRegistry? It's an online gift registry which lets members add items to their gift registry from any store in the world, PLUS comparison shop using MySmartSearch, a search engine integrated into the service. Gone are the days of registering at numerous stores to get everything you want for your wedding or baby shower.

Along with the usual features -- eCard announcement system, a reminder program and photo gallery -- MyRegistry is adding the ability to register for cash with their "patent pending Cash Gift Service." Say you're saving for a house, you can name a fund and friends and family can contribute, using their credit cards.

I gave it a whirl (research only, of course) and after a couple of hours had a unique, centralized registry, plus I was able to add plane tickets to Aruba and other non-traditional gifts as well. (With over 92,000 stores participating, it's hard to find something that isn't available on the service.)

My only complaint? That this wasn't around when I got married.