For the happy couple, a belt sander for two

The gift registry forever revolutionized gift-giving. While, unfortunately, it took out the surprise factor, it also meant not having to deliver insincere thank-yous, not receiving four toaster ovens and not having to make multiple returns to stores.

New to the gift registry business is the Home Depot. The home improvement retailer launched its online gift registry in time for the summer wedding season.

The registry offers more than 9,000 items, including barbecue grills, ceiling fans, miter saws and pressure washers. The registry can also be used for baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and housewarmings.

As each registered gift is purchased, registrants receive e-mail notifications, allowing them to monitor, change and update their entries. Buyers can search gifts by price, occasion and category, and can easily purchase and plan for delivery of items.

Visit www.homedepot.com to access the registry.

A bagful of chores

Yard maintenance is a full-time job. The mowing. The trimming. The raking. The pruning. The planting. It's a thankless, exhausting task, season after season. Luckily for homeowners, new lawn products are being developed that ease the burden and lessen the legwork.

One smart, new product on the market is the Handy Dandy Lawn Caddy ($16.95). The Lawn Caddy assists in bagging grass clippings, leaves, yard waste and trash. Lightweight, durable and simple to use, the product holds large bags (up to 42 gallons) open on its metal frame, allowing users to easily gather, bag and dispose of yard waste.

The Lawn Caddy is available by calling (800) 378-7744.