Look, I get it. You're scrolling through Amazon, spot that perfect coffee maker or birthday gift, and think "I need to remember this!" That's exactly why I started using Amazon Wish Lists years ago. Honestly? Best decision ever. No more frantic last-minute shopping or forgetting cool finds. But figuring out how to add items to Amazon Wish List can feel clunky at first. I remember fumbling around the app myself. Let me break it down for you step-by-step, just like I'd show a friend.
Wait, What Even IS an Amazon Wish List & Why Bother?
Think of it like a digital bookmarking tool, but way more powerful. Instead of emailing yourself links or taking screenshots (we've all been there!), you save items directly to organized lists on Amazon. Here's why it's a game-changer:
- Birthdays/Holidays Made Simple: Stop dropping hints. Just share your list URL.
- Price Tracking: See when that laptop bag drops below $50? Magic.
- Organization: Separate "Home Office Gear" from "Gifts for Mom".
- Universal Registry (Sort of): More on this tricky bit later.
I started using mine during the pandemic for holiday shopping. Game. Changer. No crowded malls, and everyone got what they actually wanted. BUT – setting it up right matters. Let's dive into the actual adding to Amazon Wish List process.
Adding Items to Wish List: Website vs. Mobile App (The Core Methods)
Whether you're glued to your laptop or always on your phone, here's exactly how to add to Amazon wish list.
On the Amazon Website (Desktop/Laptop)
- Find Your Item: Search or browse like normal.
- Spot the Button: On the product page, look under the price. See "Add to List"? Bingo.
(Sometimes it hides! If you only see "Add to Cart", click the tiny dropdown arrow next to it. "Add to List" should be there.) - Choose Your List: A pop-up appears showing your existing lists (like "Default" or "Baby Shower"). Pick one! Need a new list? Click "Create a List".
- Added!: You'll see a quick confirmation.
Pro Tip I Learned the Hard Way: Rename "Default" IMMEDIATELY! Click "Accounts & Lists" > "Your Lists" > find "Default" > Click "More" > "Manage List" > "Edit name". "Cool Tech Gadgets" beats "Default" any day.
Using the Amazon Mobile App (iOS/Android)
Honestly, I use the app 90% of the time. It's faster once you know the quirks.
- Open the App & Find Item: Same as website. <2>Look for the Heart Icon: On the product page, it's usually near the top right corner, next to the cart icon. TAP IT.
(If you see a ribbon icon instead, tap that! Amazon changes things sometimes, but it's always one of those two near the top.) <3>Select Your List: A menu pops up from the bottom. Choose your list or create a new one. <4>Confirmation: You'll see a quick popup saying it was added.
Annoying Glitch Alert! Sometimes on the app, especially after updates, the heart/ribbon disappears for a second. If you don't see it immediately, try scrolling down slightly on the product page or closing/reopening the app. Happened to me last Tuesday – super frustrating but usually fixes itself fast.
| Method | Where's the Button? | Speed | Best For | My Personal Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | Under price / "Add to Cart" dropdown | Medium | Big shopping sessions, managing multiple lists | ⭐⭐⭐ (Good for organizing) |
| Mobile App | Top right (Heart/Ribbon icon) | Fastest | Quick adds on the go, price alerts | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (My everyday go-to) |
Beyond the Basics: Tricky Scenarios Solved
Okay, those are the basics. But what about...?
Adding Items NOT Sold by Amazon (Third-Party Sellers)
Here's the deal: You can ONLY add items to Amazon wish list if they are fulfilled by Amazon or sold directly by Amazon on their marketplace. If it's a purely third-party item shipped from elsewhere? No dice. The button won't even appear. Learned this trying to add a cool Etsy-style handmade mug. Bummer.
Saving Items From OTHER Websites (The Workaround)
Wish you could add that killer sweater from Nordstrom to your Amazon list? Technically, no. BUT here's my clever hack:
- Install the Amazon Assistant browser extension (Chrome, Firefox). Free.
- Browse ANY site (Target, Best Buy, etc.). Click the extension icon. <3>Choose "Add Product from this Page". <4>Fill in details (Name, Price, Image URL paste – yes, it's manual). <5>Select your Amazon Wish List. Done!
It adds it as a custom item with a link back to the original site. Not perfect (no price tracking), but better than nothing!
Adding Multiple Items at Once ("Add to Cart" First)
Need to add 20 books from a search list? Annoyingly, Amazon lacks a bulk "Add to List" feature. Here's my tedious but effective workaround:
- Add all desired items to your Cart.
- Go to your Cart. <3>Check the boxes NEXT to the items you want on your list. <4>Click the "Add to List" dropdown above the items > Choose your list.
Pain? Yes. But faster than clicking each product page.
Mastering Your Wish List: Settings You MUST Change
Just tossing stuff in isn't enough. These settings make lists actually useful:
Privacy Settings (Crucial!)
- Public: Anyone with the link sees it. Great for gift sharing.
- Shared: Only people you explicitly invite via email see it.
- Private: Just for you. (My "Maybe Someday" splurge list is always private!).
How to Change: Go to "Your Lists" > Click a list name > "More" > "Manage List" > "Privacy".
Shipping Address: The #1 Gift List Mistake
Picture this: Grandma buys from your list, but it ships to YOU instead of her house! Awkward. Prevent this:
- Go to "Your Lists". <2>Click the list name > "More" > "Manage List". <3>Under "Shipping Address", check "Yes, let Amazon share my shipping address...".
VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure the address shown below is YOUR CORRECT ADDRESS!
This lets Amazon give buyers YOUR address without revealing it directly. Essential for birthday lists.
Priorities & Comments
See little flags or comment bubbles next to list items? You can:
- Set Priority (High/Medium/Low): Signal urgency (e.g., "High" for anniversary gifts).
- Add Comments: "Size Medium, Color Blue", "For backyard BBQ", "Low priority, just dreaming".
How: On your list view, mouse over (website) or tap the 3 dots (app) next to an item.
Wish List FAQ: Your Questions, Answered (No Fluff)
Why can't I find the "Add to List" button?
- Item Sold by Third-Party Only (Not shipped by Amazon).
- Digital Items (eBooks, MP3s usually can't be added).
- Glitch: Refresh page or restart app. Annoying but common.
- Using Amazon Business Account: Lists sometimes work differently. Check account settings.
Can I create multiple Wish Lists?
Absolutely! I have 7. "Baby Shower", "Home Reno", "Books to Read", etc. Click "Create a List" when adding an item or from "Your Lists".
How does someone buy from my list?
Share the list URL (found in "Send list to others" under list options). They click items > "Add to Cart". Purchased items automatically hide (unless you disable this in list settings).
Do items stay listed forever?
Mostly yes, unless:
- The seller removes the item from Amazon.
- The price changes drastically (sometimes triggers removal).
- You manually delete it (Click item > "Delete Item").
I've had items vanish after 2 years. Keep backups!
Can I add Prime Video shows or Kindle books?
Usually no. Video/Music subscriptions and most digital purchases aren't list-friendly. Physical DVDs/Blu-rays can be added.
Watch Out for Price Changes! That $100 Lego set you saved? Amazon lists DON'T lock in prices. If a buyer waits, the price could jump. No way to guarantee the listed price later. Happened with a board game on my nephew's list – price doubled before his birthday!
Pro User Tricks & When Things Go Wrong
You've got the basics down. Level up:
Browser Extensions Are Lifesavers
Besides the Amazon Assistant (for non-Amazon items), try:
- Keepa: Tracks price history RIGHT on the product page. See if that "deal" is real.
- CamelCamelCamel: Set price drop alerts for items ON your list. Get email notifications.
Organizing Chaos: Sorting & Filtering
Big list? Use these tools:
- Sort By: Price (Low>High), Newest, Priority.
- Filter By: Purchased/Unpurchased, Availability.
- Search Your List: Top of the list page.
Essential when your "Gift Ideas" list hits 50+ items.
Common Problems & Fixes
| Problem | Why It Happens | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "Add to List" button missing | Item not sold by Amazon, digital item, temporary glitch | 1. Check seller info. 2. Refresh page/app. 3. Use browser extension workaround |
| Item vanished from list | Purchased by someone else, seller discontinued it, price change | Check "Purchased" filter. Search Amazon for similar item. |
| Can't change privacy settings | Amazon account restriction, browser cache issue | 1. Log out/in. 2. Clear browser cache. 3. Try different browser/app. |
| Shared list recipient can't see items | Privacy set wrong, recipient not logged in, items out of stock | 1. Double-check list privacy = Public/Shared. 2. Ensure items are in stock. 3. Send link again. |
Seriously, the disappearing item thing drives me nuts. Always screenshot super important finds!
Beyond Adding: Wish List Power Moves
You're adding items like a pro. Now unlock its full potential:
Collaborative Lists (Group Gifts FTW!)
Planning a group gift for a colleague? Create a list and add contributors:
- Create your list. <2>Go to "Manage List" > "Add Contributors". <3>Enter their email addresses.
They can add items, see what others added, and chip in. Perfect for office collections.
Price Tracking & Deal Alerts
Never pay full price:
- Use CamelCamelCamel (free): Paste Amazon item URLs into their site, set desired price.
- Check "Price Alert" on Amazon's list view: Click the down arrow next to an item > "Price Alert" (may not be available for all items).
- Browse your list filtered by "Price Drop" (Website view under "More" > "Filter").
Snagged a robot vacuum 40% off this way. Felt like a victory.
Avoid Wish List Regrets
- Review Regularly: Purge outdated items monthly. My "Tech Gadgets" list from 2020 was cringe-worthy.
- Mind the Stock: Popular items sell out fast. If it's critical, buy it yourself ASAP.
- Be Specific with Comments: "Size 12, NOT 10" prevents returns.
- Backup Important Items: Save links elsewhere. Amazon isn't perfect.
Look, mastering how to add items to Amazon wish list is simple once you know the tricks and traps. Start with one list today. Save that thing you almost scrolled past. Trust me, future-you (and your gift-giving friends) will thank you. Happy listing!