Systems and methods for reviewing gift information

Abstract

A method of creating an aggregated Internet accessible registry includes the step of accepting a query from a registrant. The query contains an identifier and a search criteria, the identifier identifying one of a multitude of registry databases. Registries matching the search criteria in the selected registry database are retrieved. When the registrant selects one of the matching registries, a general user identifier that uniquely identifies the registrant is associated with the registry. Additional queries and registry selection completes the aggregation registry process. The aggregated registry is managed on-line by the registrants and accessed by guests. The aggregated registry provides a framework that allows automated updates by registry database provides without loss of the identity of an aggregated registry.

1 . A method of creating an aggregated registry, said method comprising the steps of
 Accepting a query from a registrant, said query including an identifier and a search criteria, said identifier designating a registry database in a plurality of registry databases;   retrieving a first set of registries from said registry database designated by said identifier, each registry in said first set of registries matching said search criteria;   receiving a selection of a registry in said first set of registries; and   associating a user identification with said registry, the user identification uniquely identifying said registrant;   wherein said aggregated registry comprises each registry in each registry database in said plurality of registry databases that is associated with said user identification.   
     
     
         2 - 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . A method for purchasing a gift for a registrant of an event, comprising:
 receiving a search request from a user;   communicating to the user over the Internet, in response to the search request, information that identifies a plurality of gift registries that match the search request, wherein the plurality of gift registries that match the search request includes at least a first gift registry and a second gift registry that are from unaffiliated registry providers;   receiving from the user a selection of a gift registry from among the plurality of gift registries; and   in response to the selection, accessing over the Internet a remote computer system that hosts the gift registry.   
     
     
         34 . A method, implemented on a computer system, for enabling a user to review a list of names and associated event dates over the Internet, the method comprising:
 receiving a search request from the user;   searching for gift registries that match the search request; and   communicating over the Internet to the user the list of names and associated event dates, wherein each name in said list of names and associated event dates is associated with a gift registry in a plurality of gift registries that match said search request and wherein at least a first gift registry and a second gift registry in said plurality of gift registries are associated with unaffiliated registry providers.