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How to Share Wishlists with Friends & Family

Quick Answer

Use a universal wishlist app to save items from any store, then share the link with your family. The best apps let people mark items as "purchased" so you don't get duplicates.

Best for families: Giftster (2M+ members). Best design: Moonsift. Best for fashion: Wontsy.

The Duplicate Gift Problem

You've probably experienced this: two relatives buy you the same thing because they didn't know the other one already got it.

It happens because most people share wishlists the old way – texting screenshots, emailing links, or just telling people "I want X from Y store." There's no coordination.

The solution is simple: a shared wishlist where people can mark items as purchased. Everyone sees what's still available, no duplicates.

How to Create and Share a Wishlist

Here's how to set up a shareable wishlist in a few minutes:

1Pick a wishlist app

Choose one that saves from any store (not just Amazon). See the comparison below.

2Add items from any store

Install the browser extension. When you see something you want, click the save button.

3Organize into collections

Create lists like "Birthday wishlist" or "Christmas ideas" to keep things organized.

4Share the link

Copy the shareable link and send via text, email, or drop it in your family group chat.

Pro tip: Most apps don't require your family to create an account to view your wishlist. They just click the link.

Best Apps for Sharing Wishlists

These apps are specifically built for sharing wishlists with family and friends. Each has different strengths.

Giftster – Best for Families

Giftster

Giftster

2M+ members · giftster.com

Family focused

Giftster is built specifically for families. Everyone in your group creates their own wishlist, and you can all see each other's lists. When someone buys an item, they mark it purchased – but only they can see who bought what.

Has been around for years and is trusted by over 2 million members. Works on any device. You can even create child accounts under your login to manage kids' wishlists.

2M+ members Family groups Purchase tracking Child accounts Free

Giftwhale – Best Free Option

Giftwhale

Giftwhale

4.9/5 rating · giftwhale.com

Giftwhale grew 30% in 2025 and has a 4.9/5 review score. Completely free and unlimited – no premium tier, no hidden fees. Works for any occasion: birthdays, baby showers, weddings, Christmas, Secret Santa.

Simple and clean interface. Families keep returning for every occasion because it just works.

4.9/5 rating 100% free Any occasion Simple interface

Moonsift – Best Gift List Mode

Moonsift

Moonsift

4.9/5 on Chrome · moonsift.com

Moonsift gift list interface

Moonsift has the cleanest design of any wishlist app. The "Gift list" mode is perfect for sharing – friends can mark items as purchased without you seeing who bought what, keeping the surprise.

When you share, recipients don't need to create an account. Just click the link and view. Great for one-time sharing with extended family or friends.

Gift list mode Clean design No account needed to view Free

Elfster – Best for Secret Santa

Elfster

Elfster

17M+ users · elfster.com

If you're organizing a Secret Santa or gift exchange, Elfster is purpose-built for this. Automated name drawing, wishlists for each person, and gift tracking. 17 million people have used it.

Less useful for everyday wishlists (it's really focused on gift exchanges), but perfect for the holiday season or office parties.

Secret Santa 17M+ users Name drawing Gift exchanges Free

Wontsy – Best for Fashion Sharing

Quick Comparison

Feature Giftster Giftwhale Moonsift Elfster Wontsy
Save from any store Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Purchase tracking Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Family groups Yes No No Yes No
Secret Santa No No No Yes No
Outfit sharing No No No No Yes
Price Free Free Free Free Free

Tips for Better Wishlist Sharing

  • Add different price ranges – Include cheap and expensive options so everyone can find something in their budget
  • Update regularly – Remove items you've already bought yourself or no longer want
  • Add notes – "Size M" or "Blue color" helps people get exactly what you want
  • Share one link for everything – Instead of separate lists for each store, use a universal wishlist
  • Pin your wishlist – Put the link in your Instagram bio or pin it in family group chats

Share fashion wishlists and outfit looks with friends.

Try Wontsy Free

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I share a wishlist with family?

Use a wishlist app like Giftster, Moonsift, or Wontsy. Add items from any store using the browser extension, organize into a collection, then share the link via text, email, or your family group chat. Most apps let people view without creating an account.

What's the best wishlist app for families?

Giftster is built specifically for families with 2 million+ members. Everyone in your family creates their own wishlist and can view each other's. Giftwhale is also great and completely free with a 4.9/5 rating.

Can I share a wishlist from multiple stores?

Yes. Universal wishlist apps save items from any online store into one list. Instead of sending separate Amazon, Zara, and H&M wishlists, you share one link with everything.

How do I avoid getting duplicate gifts?

Use a wishlist app with "purchase tracking" where people can mark items as bought. Everyone sees what's still available. Apps like Giftster and Moonsift hide who bought what to keep the surprise.

Do people need an account to see my wishlist?

Usually no. Most wishlist apps let you share a public link that anyone can view without signing up. They only need an account if they want to mark items as purchased or create their own list.