Multi-merchant gift registry

Abstract

The present invention provides a system for registering items selected by a registrant from a plurality of participating merchants for subsequent communication to a prospective purchaser. The system has a computer system that contains identifying information about the registrant. A portable input and storage device is provided that can be carried by the registrant into a plurality of participating merchants. The portable input and storage device is capable of receiving and storing information regarding gifts that the registrant desires to receive as presents. The input and storage device stores a unique identifier for the particular merchant each desired gift is from. A transfer device is provided connected to the computer system that receives the information regarding the registrant's desired gifts from the portable input and storage device and transfers the information to the computer system. Finally, a prospective purchaser interface device is provided that allows the prospective purchaser to view, sort or print a list of the gifts desired by the registrant and which particular merchant those gifts are from.

1 . A multi-merchant gift registry system comprising: 
 a portable scanning device including a central processing unit, a memory, a communication module, and a data input module wherein registry information is entered into the memory and items are entered through the data input module and stored in a database within the memory; and    a docking station for securing the portable scanning device when the portable scanning device is not in use.