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 computer-implemented method for enabling a user to select for review, a gift registry associated with a retailer, the method comprising:
 receiving a search request from the user;   searching, from among at least two unaffiliated retailers, for a gift registry that matches the search request;   communicating to the user information identifying the matching gift registry; and   in response to a user selection of the matching gift registry, automatically displaying the matching gift registry to enable the user to review information concerning items contained in the matching gift registry.   
     
     
         34 . A method implemented by a local computer system coupled to the Internet for enabling a user to review a gift registry associated with a retailer, the method comprising:
 enabling the user to enter a search request over the Internet;   searching for a gift registry that matches the search request, the searching including a search for a first gift registry in a first gift registry database on the local computer system and a search for a second gift registry in a second gift registry database on a remote computer system coupled to said local computer system by the Internet, said first and second gift registry databases each being associated with unaffiliated retailers;   communicating to the user information identifying a gift registry that matches the search request, wherein the matching gift registry is located on the remote computer system; and   in response to a user selection of the matching gift registry, automatically displaying the matching gift registry to enable the user to review information concerning items contained in the matching gift registry.