Let’s take a look at 3 new ways you can add items to your Giftster list.

1. Add items to your wish list from Chrome

Imagine this…you’re browsing your favorite store online and find an item you’d like to add to your Giftster list. Before the new update, you’d have to copy and paste the link into the Giftster app. Now, all you need to do is tap the share icon and select the Giftster app from the sharesheet. Choose your list and add it to Giftster without leaving Chrome.

Watch how fast it works when adding an item from Chrome while shopping on Walmart.com below.

Tip: See how to add Giftster to your share sheet

2. Add items from your favorite retailer’s app

Now, let’s say you do most of your shopping at Walmart or Amazon and use their app. You can add items to your Giftster wish list from many retailer’s apps too.

Find an item you’d like to add and look for the share icon. It may vary from site to site.

This will bring up your phone’s share sheet. Tap Giftster and you can edit the details and add the item to Giftster without ever leaving your favorite store’s app. If you’re not seeing Giftster in your list of apps follow these steps to add it.

3. Find & fetch items from the Giftster in-app browser

And finally, a third new way to add items to your Giftster lists. This method is right in the Giftster app. Search the web using Giftster’s in-app browser for anything you’d like to add in Find & Fetch mode.

Haven’t tried Giftster yet? Get the free Android app today. Giftster is also available for the iPhone on the App Store or at giftster.com.

Happy gifting!

The post New! The Giftster Android App: 3 Quick Ways to Add Items to Your Wish List appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

As you update your wish list on Giftster throughout the year, you might want to scribble in some experience gifts. Experience gifts allow you to go do something rather than focusing only on material objects. They are gifts of adventure, relaxation, outdoor time, or together time that will create memories instead of collecting dust like material gifts often do.

Why add experiences to your wish list

Not only do experience gifts create memories, but according to recent studies, gifts that create experiences enhance a person’s general happiness. An article from the NY Times states that materialism is bad for your emotional well-being. Research shows that while the media tries to convince us that material goods would provide us with happiness, the happiness from material possessions is temporary and can cause more stress in the long run. A Cornell study shows that happiness grows with the purchase of an experience and declines with the purchase of a material good.

Brainstorm experience gift ideas

When I try to sit down and create a wish list, my mind goes immediately blank. It then becomes almost challenging to create a list of things that I actually want or need. A better approach for me is to create a wish list as I think of things. For example, I go to make my breakfast and find that my toaster is no longer working the way it used to. So, I added a toaster to my Giftster wishlist in the moment. Adding experiences to my wishlist is slightly more challenging, and they don’t come to mind often in everyday life. 

One trick to figuring out the activities you’d like to add is filling in the blanks to these few sentences. Instead of focusing on your wishlist, you think about your answers to the blanks. You may have more than one answer for some of them. That’s ok! 

1. I’ve always wanted to try ________________.
2. I’ve always wanted to learn ________________.
3. I’ve always wanted to visit ________________ and do ________________.
4. I’ve been thinking about doing ________________ for a while but haven’t gotten around to it/haven’t had the money for it.
5. A goal I’ve always wanted to work on is ________________ but I need to do ________________ first.
6. I’ve always wanted to see ________________.
7. I’ve always wanted to meet/get an autograph from ________________ but don’t know how to make that happen.
8. I’ve always wanted to go on a ________________ retreat.
9. I need ______________ to take my hobby to the next level. 
10. I would like to do __________ again.

Consider new experiences

When I married my husband, I wanted to fully embrace his culture and family. That meant I needed to learn Spanish. So, one of the experiences I asked for was a Spanish course that would help me. This is just one example of a new experience that you could include on your wishlist.

Here are some quick ideas to help you brainstorm the experiences and activities you’d be most interested in:

• Rounds of golf 
• Cooking classes
• Flying lessons
• Skydiving
• Skiing (water or snow)
• Zip lining
• White water rafting
• Various tours (could be city or themed like a food tour, drink/spirit tour, walking architecture tour, boat tour, helicopter tour…you get the idea)
• Dining at a new or fancy restaurant
• Skills or hobby classes (woodworking, knitting, crocheting, pottery, glassblowing, etc.)
• Learn a new language.
• Become more physically fit (could be running, cycling, walking, swimming, etc.)
• Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
• Hiking tour
• Rock climbing
• Music Lessons
• Dancing lessons
• Yoga classes
• Hot air balloon ride

When I asked for Spanish language lessons, I wasn’t exactly sure what course I wanted. I simply asked for the lessons and let my new husband’s family decide what would be the best course for me to learn. Thankfully, Giftster is adaptable and makes adding as little or as much as you want easy. If you know exactly where or with what business you want to do your experience, you can include it on your wishlist. In contrast, you may be like me and only know that you want to do something. Giftster is truly a universal wish list registry. You can list absolutely anything you want on your list! Just even simply saying “I’ve always wanted to try this and don’t know how to make it happen,” could be enough for some gift-givers to go off of to give you a gift that you will never forget.

Add the actual activity

Your first option is to add the actual activity to your wishlist. This works well if there is a business that you want to do your chosen activity with. You could ask for a gift card or gift certificate for the cost of doing the activity. Then, you can use the gift to purchase your tickets or book your experience with your chosen business. This approach works well for experiences like crafting, tours, cooking classes, golfing, yoga classes, or skydiving. 

Add tools or equipment

Another option is to skip adding the actual activity and instead ask for tools or equipment that you would need to do the activity. This approach works well when you already participate in an activity and want to upgrade or enhance your experience. Perhaps you have had your eye on a new cooking utensil that would let you learn a new technique. Maybe you want to upgrade your golf equipment to take your game to the next level. Perhaps your yoga mat looks tired, and you would like a new one that suits your passion better. Asking for new equipment or tools is a perfect way to include friends and family in your passions. You can help them feel more connected by adding the exact item you want to your Giftster wishlist. That way, you don’t risk them buying the wrong item.  

Choose subscriptions or entertainment 

There may be some experiences that you are passionate about but cannot always participate in. In this situation, you could ask for gifts that allow you to enjoy the experience without actually participating in it. This could be a magazine, blog, email, video, or some other regular publication subscription. Or it could be a monthly subscription box that celebrates your interest. These gifts are still an experience, albeit a different type of experience. 

Experience gifts for kids

Some of my fondest childhood memories are not the presents I received but the experiences I had with my parents. You can create memorable moments for your children by creating a children’s experience wishlist for them. Similar to the fill-in-the-blank list for yourself, work through these questions while thinking about your children’s interests. 

1. My child is most interested in __________. 
2. _________ holds my child’s attention the longest. 
3. My child’s favorite activity with parents is ___________. 
4. My child expressed a desire to try ___________. 
5. I would like to introduce my child to ___________.

Spending time with loved ones

Share your Giftster list with your friends and family because one of the best things about experience gifts is that they are an excellent way for you to spend some time with a family member, friend, or significant other. Plus, there will be dozens of photo ops to create memories to be talked about at the Christmas celebrations to come or to be used on next year’s Christmas card. Add your favorite experiences to your Christmas wish list on Giftster this year, and let your family and loved ones gift you memories.

Take the leap! Log on to Giftster and add some of those experiences and activities to your wish list today.

The post Elevate your wish list: Add experiences & activities that spark joy appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Support from family & friends

Grandparents and family may want to join in and support kids going back to school. If relatives are looking to contribute, sharing the wish list with them can be a wonderful way for them to feel connected and involved in your child’s educational journey. They can pick out something special that your child will cherish throughout the school year.

Quickly add items from their school supplies list online

Major retailers such as Target and Walmart have made it super simple by providing easy access to school supplies lists online. Just plug in your school or zip code, and voila! You can use these to quickly add items to your Giftster wish list with direct links to the exact items your family needs.

School uniforms & clothing

Does your school require a specific uniform or dress code? You can also list what items of clothing your child may need for the start of school. This is a way for gift-givers in your life to help your children start the school year on the right foot.

Have some fun and personalize it

Now, here’s where the fun part comes in. While basics like pencils, notebooks, and backpacks are must-haves, why not add a personal touch? Encourage your child to think about items that reflect their unique interests and style. Maybe they’re into organizing, so colorful folders and a cool desk organizer could be on their list. Or perhaps they love tech gadgets, in which case a sleek USB drive or stylish headphones might be just the thing.

Think beyond the basics too. Consider adding a comfortable ergonomic chair for long study sessions, fun art supplies for creative breaks, or even a new water bottle to keep them hydrated throughout the day. The goal is to create a list that not only covers necessities but also enhances your child’s learning experience and makes them feel excited about going back to school.

With Giftster your child can even choose a fun wish list image to personalize their back to school wish list.

Start your back to school wish list

So, grab a cozy spot with your child, grab your phone or tablet, and start compiling that ultimate school supplies wish list together. With the convenience of online shopping and the support of family, you’ll have everything ready for a smooth start to the new school year. Here’s to a year filled with learning, growth, and lots of memorable moments!

Create your school supply list today

The post Make a School Supplies Wish List appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Set a budget

Before you start shopping, set a budget for yourself. The amount you decide to spend will depend on the occasion, your relationship with the recipient, and your budget. Don’t feel pressure to spend more than you can afford. Spending more does not automatically mean the gift is better or the recipient will appreciate it more. 

Ask the recipient what they want

For some, the stress of gift-giving occasions comes from not knowing what to get. The easiest way to say goodbye to the pressure is by asking the recipient what they want. This simple solution is direct and gets to the root of your anxiety. Then all you have to do is get what they want as a gift. Sometimes, the simplest solution is the right one. 

Skip the gifts 

Instead of feeling the pressure of gift-giving, you could agree to skip the gifts. Make arrangements to have an experience together. This can be less stressful and more meaningful for you and the other person. It can also give you some free time back into your schedule. This extra time can be invaluable for relieving pressure for gift-giving occasions like the holiday season. 

Shop online 

Driving all over town to different stores as you search for the perfect gift can be stressful. There is traffic to deal with. You could get to the store, but they don’t have what you want. The stress builds as you lose another day and still need to find a gift. 

Online takes all of this away by putting the world of retail at your fingertips. Quickly perform a search for the item you are looking for. You can quickly move on to the next website if you don’t find it. If one online store doesn’t have the item in the right color, you can quickly look it up on another website. 

It’s the thought that counts

All too often, people get fixated on buying the perfect gift. This leads to self-imposed pressure and causes you to lose sight of the purpose and meaning behind gift-giving. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed shopping, take a step back and remind yourself that it is the thought that counts.

Overcome the pressure of gift-giving occasions 

Don’t let the pressure of gift-giving occasions cast a dark cloud over you. With these tips, you can avoid feeling stress and anxiety. Instead, you can freely shop for the perfect gift and feel confident that the recipient will love and appreciate what you’ve chosen. One way to ensure you give a thoughtful gift is to ask the recipient for some ideas or even an online wish list. With a wish list on Giftster, you can both make lists and simplify shopping for gifts year round. This direct sharing of online wish lists keeps the surprise of opening a present while simplifying gift-buying. 

Happy gifting!

The post How do I deal with the pressure of gift-giving occasions? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Now, I’m sure you all know what my answer was.  I thought it was a brilliant idea!  And even better, Giftster is the perfect tool to help her achieve such a gift registry. I’m a bit biased, though.

But then her other friends began to respond, all saying that they, too, thought it was an excellent idea.  What better way to prepare the new high school graduate for college than to give them items they could certainly use when they leave home?

Approximately 69% of high school graduates go on to college. While many colleges require freshmen to stay in student housing their first year away from home, that’s not always the case. More and more incoming students are arriving with college credit allowing them to enter as at least a sophomore, while some schools allow all students to live off campus if they choose to do so. That means more things to pack which, really, means more things to purchase for this first taste of independence away from home.

So why not a high school graduation registry or wish list focused on those college living needs to help a student not stress about the small stuff? It really is ideal.

Essential college gifts

On top of the logical items like sheets, blankets, and various electronics that most college students need, there are other items that may be needed for living off-campus like a toaster, blender, or furniture if the apartment is not furnished. These things start to add up little by little.

While giving money as a gift is always a viable option for graduation, some still like the idea of giving an actual, tangible gift. That’s where having a registry to shop from is helpful for all your family’s aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

Gift cards for college students

If gift cards are more your speed, consider one from a home improvement or hardware store if the grad is crafty and likes to make their own furnishings. Or maybe a gift card to a grocery store or gas station if driving to and from campus is necessary. There are so many ways to support a new college student.

What to include on a college gift registry

I found great tips from Big Future by The College Board and Her Campus. Also, check out your future college’s website for tips they may have about what to bring for living both on and off campus.

Bedding & room decor

• Sheets
• Comforter
• Throw blanket
• Clock
• Mirror
• Desk chair
• Lounge chair
• Lamp
• Storage baskets
• Essential oil diffuser or candle heat lamp

Kitchen gifts

• Dishes (lightweight + microwaveable)
• Mini-fridge
• Air fryer
• Coffee maker
• Pots & pans
• Glasses
• Silverware
• Dish towels

Bath & laundry gifts

• Shower caddy
• Bath salts and soaps
• Laundry basket / bag
• Laundry soap
• Drying rack
• Iron
• Steamer

Organization & storage

• Water bottle
• Command hooks + hanging strips
• Shoe storage
• Clothing / storage tubs for under bed
• Desk organizer

Tech & entertainment

• Phone charger
• Laptop
• Tablet
• Laptop or tablet cover
• Portable speaker
• Ear bud headphones
• Digital subscriptions (Examples: Netflix, Spotify, Favorite app)
• Tickets to a nearby attraction (museums, movies, waterpark)

Consumable gift ideas

• Coffee & Tea
• Snacks: Chocolate, granola, candy, homemade canned items
• Candles
• Spices, salts, cooking oils
• Lotions, body scrubs, bath salts

It’s never too early to start building your college wish list. Even if graduation is still some time off, get a head start on building your registry and start a new wish list. Make the list private until you’re ready to share it with others. This way, as things come up and you get ideas, you have a dedicated place to keep ideas and suggestions of what you may need when you leave the nest. When the time is right, change the setting from private to shared so your family can start shopping.

Building your college registry on Giftster is free Giftster is your every occasion wish list maker, perfect not just for graduation but also for birthdays, Christmas, weddings, and more. Set it up once, use it for a lifetime with your whole family. Create your free Giftster wish list

Save

The post College Bound: Thoughtful Gifting with a College Registry appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

What does the recipient want? 

If the recipient directly asked for no gifts and for people to donate, your answer is easy! The recipient has made the decision to donate an easy one by telling you that this is what they want. Typically, in this situation, the recipient will request that you donate to their chosen charity. Simply donate and then give the recipient a card that shares that you donated. 

Recipient’s connection to the charity 

If you decide to donate on the recipient’s behalf without their direction, you will need to choose the right charity. For the donation to have meaning, you should choose a charity they actively support. Perhaps they regularly volunteer somewhere that you can donate to. Or there could be a cause that they are passionate about. Be careful when choosing, as supporting causes can be very personal. You don’t want to offend or insult the recipient by choosing the wrong charity.  In addition, many people think a charitable donation as a gift is the lazy way out because the giver doesn’t have to think about what gift to buy. Donating to a charity with which the recipient has a direct connection can help combat this. 

Consider still getting a token gift 

Try pairing your donation with the token gift. The majority of your gift-giving budget will go towards charitable donation. Then, use a small portion of your budget to buy a small token or symbolic gift. This approach alleviates the common disappointment felt when someone receives a “donated on your behalf” gift. 

Giving a small gift in addition to the donation can help overcome the common assumption that you are trying to be cheap. Many people assume that a donation gift means the giver didn’t want to spend any money on a gift, so they gave a few dollars to a charity. There is also the issue that the donation doesn’t directly benefit the recipient. A small gift can directly benefit the recipient in some way. 

Shop the charity 

Some charities understand that people want to support them but don’t want to just hand over money. To address this, they have online stores where you can buy items. Instead of donating as a gift, why not shop at the charity’s donation shop? This option benefits everyone: the charity receives support, and the recipient receives a present. 

Donate and give a gift 

Take the guesswork out of gift-giving when everyone has an online wish list. When your friends and family have online gift wish lists, you no longer struggle to choose the perfect gift. Anything can be added to the list, like items sold in a charity store. That way, you could support a recipient’s charity while giving them a present you know they’ll love. 

Make sharing your wish list easier with a virtual one by creating an account on giftster.com.

The post Is it okay to give a charitable donation as a gift on behalf of someone else? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Express your gratitude 

You should always show gratitude for the gifts you receive. Despite the disparity in gift values and the awkwardness you feel, it is important to say thank you. The gift giver obviously put considerable time, thought, and money into their gift. They will want to see that you appreciate the gift. Say thank you and try to acknowledge something about the gift that would have inspired the other person to buy it for you. 

Be direct about your discomfort 

If there is a large disparity between the gift values, then odds are the other person has also noticed it. Being direct about the issue can help address and alleviate the awkwardness. How you approach the topic will depend on what you feel comfortable with and your relationship with the other person. You could make a joke to bring some laughter to the issue. Or you can take a heartfelt approach. 

Avoid trying to one-up them

If you can’t afford to match the amount they spent on your gift, consider taking a different approach next time. Time spent and effort can be highly valued. Make them a custom gift if you have a crafty hobby. Prepare them a nice meal if you are a whizz in the kitchen. Because someone gives you an expensive gift doesn’t mean you need to match it in monetary value. And if it’s not in your budget it’s never a good idea to over-extend yourself to do so.

Consider returning the gift 

One option is to return the gift. If you don’t feel comfortable addressing the value issue or the gifter refuses to accept the gift back, returning it could be the best option. You might need to wait a bit for time to pass, and then you can quietly return the gift. If you don’t have a gift receipt, you may need to accept store credit. 

Suggest sharing wish lists for next time 

Sharing gift wishlists can take the guesswork out of gift-giving. By sharing with lists, you can set expectations about gift-giving before it’s time to make exchanges. This is also a good opportunity to open a conversation about expenditure expectations. Expensive doesn’t always mean better. Studies show that recipients appreciate gifts they requested more than thoughtful gifts that they never asked for. 

Happy gifting!

The post What do I do if someone gives me a more expensive gift than I gave them? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Hire a service to perform chores 

You can give the gift of time by having a professional take care of the chores that need to be done. That way, the recipient of your gift can have more free time to do the things they enjoy most. Most people won’t ask for this type of gift. So, you will need to pay attention to where they could use the most assistance. 

• Home cleaning 
• Car detailing 
• Lawn mowing 
• Home chef 
• Grocery delivery service 
• Laundry service 

With all of these services being home-based, you have the perfect opportunity to turn the gift-giving experience into an eventful one. Create a scavenger hunt that has the recipient looking for clues that will give them hints about their gift.

Classes to learn something new 

Some people value continued growth through new experiences. They appreciate learning new skills or developing their current ones. This type of gift is perfect for those who value experiences over stuff. 

• Art 
• Dancing 
• Cooking 

When giving a class experience as a present, you could keep the class itself a secret until it’s time to attend. Make plans with the recipient for the day and time of the class. Then, in the days leading up to it, you could send them videos or social media posts that would hint at what you two are going to be doing.

Tickets to an event 

If your intended recipient has a passion for the arts, music, or sports, then tickets to an event are the perfect gift. You could gift them a single ticket and buy yourself a paired ticket. That way, you and them can attend the event together. Another option is to give multiple tickets to the recipient. That way, they could choose who they attend the event with. 

• Concerts 
• Sporting events 
• Theater 

Even though the majority of event tickets are digital these days, you can still print them out or print the confirmation of purchase. Then, turn the gift into its own experience. Place the tickets in a box and wrap the box. Then, place the first box into a second and wrap the larger box. Continue this with as many boxes as you have or want to use. The recipient will have the fun of opening several presents all while building the anticipation.

Self-care/pampering services 

Give a gift that creates a relaxing and pampering experience for the recipient. A day of pampering lets them focus on themselves and their own mental and physical health. 

• Hair styling 
• Spa day and treatments 
• Manicure and pedicure 
• Day pass to a local resort or weekend away 

Because these experiences are all about self care, they are perfect for giving small token gifts that would complement the experience. That way, the recipient could continue the experience at home.

Unique experiences 

For the adventurous individual in your life, gift an experience that will take their breath away and get their heart racing. These unique gifts are the type of activities you would expect to see on someone’s bucket list. By purchasing a unique experience for them, you take away one of the barriers that may have prevented them from doing the activity. If you are brave, you can join them in the experience. 

• Sky diving 
• Zip lining 
• Hot air balloon ride 
• Race car driving 
• Boat day rental 

Gift an experience or time

We live busy lives and are constantly pulled in different directions. Instead of giving an item as a present, why not give the recipient the gift of time? These precious moments can help them relax, pursue passions, or make lasting memories. 

While you may want to give an experience or time, gift-giving isn’t about what you want. It is about what the recipient wants. Creating a Giftster wish list with friends and family is the easiest way to always give the perfect gift.

The post What are some creative ways to give the gift of time or experiences? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Timing is everything 

When you share your wish list with others, it will have a direct impact on how the other person receives it. There is an appropriate moment and an inappropriate time. For example, sharing a wish list before an upcoming birthday or holiday makes more sense than randomly doing it. One time feels relevant to current events, while the other feels like you are just asking for gifts. 

Another option is to wait for someone to ask you what you want or express frustration in knowing what to get. Waiting for the other person to bring up the topic avoids the suggestion of opportunitism. 

Express gratitude 

Before you share a wish list, express gratitude for any previous or future gifts the person gives. Try to explicitly mention a specific gift they gave you. Point out that they have given you wonderful gifts that you love. Your wish list isn’t because you have disliked previous gifts. Your wish list is merely a helpful guide to aid them. 

Include reciprocity

Talk about the idea of sharing wish lists. Discuss sharing or trading wish lists instead of just handing out your list. This focuses on everyone getting what they want, not just you. This is where Giftster can be useful. Everyone can make their own online wish list and share it. You can even set up a group for your family so when you log in you see everyone’s lists anytime you need an idea for them. 

Emphasize thoughtfulness  

When sharing your wishlist, point out the thoughtfulness or practicality of the items on your list. This will help highlight the fact that you are trying to be helpful by providing gift ideas that can bring value to your life. 

Share selectively

Consider who you should and should not share your wishlist with. Selectively sharing your wish list can help you avoid individuals who will not be receptive, no matter how it’s presented. Choose to share your wish list with people who will appreciate the guidance and understand the practicality of it. 

Respect boundaries 

It’s important to be respectful of others’ boundaries. Suggesting a wishlist could be helpful for some. For others, it could induce unnecessary social pressure and anxiety. For example, providing someone with a wishlist of expensive luxury goods would be unkind when you know they are experiencing financial constraints. 

Tactfully suggest a wish list 

Creating and sharing wishlists can be a helpful tool for ensuring everyone gets what they want. However, how you go about sharing your wishlist will significantly impact how it’s received. To avoid appearing greedy or opportunistic, express gratitude, highlight thoughtfulness, and respect others’ boundaries. Think about the other person before you share your wishlist. This will help you selectively share your list with those most likely to appreciate it and give you theirs. 

Make sharing your wish list easier with a virtual one by creating an account on giftster.com.

The post How can I tactfully suggest a wish list without sounding greedy? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Invite from contacts by email

Invite new group members from your phone’s Contacts. Invite multiple contacts at once – great for large families and gift exchange groups. Your Contacts do need to have email addresses to make use of this handy feature.

Group Notifications

Wondering who has updated a wish list recently? Check your notifications to see group list activity and requests.

Items I Suggested List

If you’ve suggested a few items on multiple members lists you can now see them all in one spot. Under My Lists tap the new Items I Suggested list to see them all. This new addition makes editing Suggested Items easier than hopping from list to list trying to find them.

The post New on the Giftster iPhone app for Spring 2024 appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.