BRU is evil! Unfortunately, we don't have many options in lansing
We were lucky to have most of our friends and family purchase most of our big ticket/more expensive stuff. In fact, after a lot of the big stuff was off the registry, people would call to see if there were other items we needed besides the odds and ends $10-20 stuff. And you will get tons of coupons in the mail. It is common for pack n plays, swings, carseats, and travel systems to either be on sale. BRU also sends out coupons for % off an item or entire purchase a couple of times a year.
On another note, I have a baby product rave/must have: Gripe Water
This stuff us awesome! Emma has mild colic....only screams and cries for one hour sometimes two. We had been using gas drops (mylicon/simethicone) and it sometimes helps. I had heard about gripe water on the 0-6 month board and tried it. The first time I used it, Emma went from screaming and crying to almost asleep and cooing in under a minute. The second time I used it, she stopped crying and then just kind of wimpered for about5-10 minutes.