I have to admit that my brother who I love to death is like this. Not the return bit, but registering at the highest price place they could think of just because for their wedding. Their baby shower registry had a Pierre Cardin (sp)crib and clothes. We gave them the “paranoid” stuff like plug covers, cabinet locks etc. that are more important. But, it burned my hide when I saw the list as they are both successful lawyers in their 30s.
As Polk said to Scarlett in Gone With The Wind, “Asking ain’t gettin!” People can register for all the high dollar goodies they like, but it doesn’t mean anyone is going to spring for them.
I hate to defend your relatives to you, but people who are rich tend to want nice things, and therefore may have registered for name-brand expensive items NOT because they need charity, but because they have no desire to be surrounded with items purchased at Target or Walmart.
I like people like this because they tend to give away good stuff to thrift stores where I can buy it really cheap.