Wouldn’t it be nice to have a list when you’re trying to buy gifts for your friends, family, and/or loved ones? There’s nothing sadder than a gift given from the heart that will never be used by the recipient. I know I prefer to give (and receive) gifts that I know will be appreciated and used! I want to show you an easy way to give (and receive) wanted gifts using the Amazon website.
First off, you need to have an Amazon account, and, be logged into the website. Hover your mouse (don’t click) over the area at the top of the page where it says “Hello <your name>/Account &Lists” and click on the “Your Lists” link.
In the upper right hand corner, click the “Create a List” link.
The list should default to “You” at the top of the pop up box. Make sure you select the “Wish List” option.
Give your list a name, like “Christmas Wish List.” Be sure to select “Public” so others can see it (more on this later). Recipient name will default to the person the account belongs to (which should be you). Click “Create List.”
The page will refresh and go back to the main Your Lists page. You should see your newly created list, with a Public designation next to it.
Next comes the fun part, adding gifts to the list! Browse Amazon like you normally would when you’re shopping, and when you see something you’d like to put on your list, just do the following. On the right, just below the option to add the item to your cart, there is a box that says “Add to list.” NOTE: If you only have one list created, simply click the box and your item will be added. If you have more than one list, click the little arrow to the right to select the correct list to add the item to.
I have several lists created, so I have to click on the arrow to the right to select my Christmas Wish List.
If you’ve successfully added the item to your list, the page will refresh and you’ll receive a confirmation message. From that page, you can either view your list (to confirm all items were added, or you can delete items if needed), or continue shopping to add more items to your list.
Once you’ve got your list created, and you’ve reviewed it to make sure it has the items you want on it, you can now let people know it exists. There are two ways to do that. First, you’ll have to go back to the Your Lists page (go back to the first screenshot if you forgot how to do that). NOTE: If you have more than one list, make sure the correct list is selected on the left. It may be hard to see in this screenshot but when a list is selected it will have a light gray box around it. Also, the list name will be bolded.
With the correct list selected, over to the right you will see a link to “Send the list to others.” Click it so see your options.
Click on the View Only option. This means the people you send it to can only view your list, not add or remove items.
When you select the View Only option, you will see two options for sharing your list. If you’re pretty tech savvy, you can click “Copy Link” and then paste it in a text message on your phone, or maybe Facebook Messenger, just to name two options. If you don’t care and want errrybody to see your list, you could paste it in a Facebook post on your Timeline. If you’re not very “tech savvy,” you can select Invite by email. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you use an internet email account, meaning you get your email to your through Gmail (Google), Comcast, Yahoo, or whatever application you use to send and receive email, open that application, open a new email, then click the copy link option and paste the link into the email. If you don’t have email set up directly on your pc, when you click on the “Invite by email” option, one of two things will happen. Either nothing will happen, or you’ll receive an error message.
How to find someone else’s Wish List
If you’re not new to wish lists, or maybe you were familiar with them in the past, there used to be an option to search for someone else’s wish list using their name or email address. It looks like that option no longer exists, probably for privacy reasons if I had to guess. If you would like someone else to send you their wish list, there is an option. Go back to Your Lists (go back to the first screenshot if you forgot how to get there), then click on the Your Friends tab. The same note applies for the two options for sending your list to others. Do not select “Email this message” unless you know you have email set up directly on your pc. If you access your email through Comcast, Gmail (Google), Yahoo, etc, use the Copy Message option and paste it into a new email.
Amazon Lists Help
If you want to know more about Amazon lists, simply click the List Help link. There’s so much more you can do with lists, like creating a personal shopping list. The List Help page also explains the “Surprise Spoiler” setting, how to purchase items from someone else’s list (it’s pretty easy), and, how to add items to Your Lists or registries from other websites! The Help page also explains Idea lists, which can be helpful too.
I know some people may not care for Amazon-based gift giving but it’s so convenient for me. I’m a Prime member, so I get free same day or two day shipping on many items. Also, I don’t live near my family, so being able to pop something in my shopping cart and have it shipped directly to them is so much easier than finding boxes and standing in line at the post office trying to send a bunch of gifts to different addresses in several other states.
Here are a few tips for your wish list:
Don’t be obnoxious. Only provide the link to people who are actually asking you “what do you want for Christmas.” Because I’m telling you right now, if you send me your wish list unsolicited, it will gather dust in my possession. Trust and believe.
Along those same lines, DO NOT put high dollar items on your wish list. If you can’t or won’t buy a $500 item for yourself, don’t put it out there hoping someone else will. That’s just tacky. Yes, I said it.
Consider naming your list Gift Wish List and keep it updated, that way people can continue to use it for other special occasions like your birthday or even ‘just because.’
I said it before and I’ll say it again. Keep the list updated. Otherwise it defeats the purpose of not getting gifts that you don’t want or need. If you use Amazon a lot, this shouldn’t be hard to do. Another option is to delete the list after Christmas and create a new one every year.
Consider creating several lists by price range. For example: Gift Wish List $10 and under, Gift Wish List $10-$20, etc. This gives people options based on their budget.
Consider putting things on the list that you use all the time, like lotion, batteries, makeup, essential oils, cleaning or pet supplies, etc. I know I for one am always happy to receive something that I already use on a regular basis.
Creating wish lists is a great option if you have children! It prevents duplicate gifts, guarantees that your child will receive something they actually want, and it allows people to purchase items within their price range. Also, depending on the age of the child, and with a little supervision, you can show the child how to add items to the list.
Now go forth and give, but don’t over extend yourself doing it!
Santa Angela