
10 Best Universal Wishlist Apps in 2025 (Ranked & Reviewed)
10 Best Universal Wishlist Apps in 2025 (Ranked & Reviewed)
Key Features to Look For:
- Universal Store Integration: Add items from any online store.
- Price Tracking: Get notified when prices drop.
- Sharing Options: Easily share lists with friends and family.
- Privacy Controls: Manage who can view or edit your lists.
- Cross-Platform Access: Sync across mobile, desktop, and browser extensions.
Top Picks:
- GiftList: Best overall with AI gift suggestions and universal compatibility.
- Amazon Wishlist: Perfect for Amazon shoppers, but limited to Amazon products.
- MyRegistry: Ideal for weddings and events, with multi-store support.
- Elfster: Great for group gifting and Secret Santa exchanges.
- Things To Get Me: Free, privacy-focused, and simple to use.
- Wishupon: Offers price tracking and trending product suggestions.
- CheckedTwice: Family-focused with tools for managing group lists.
- Giftster: Built for families, with gift reservations and group sharing.
- Lyst: Best for fashion enthusiasts with personalized shopping features.
- Pinterest: Great for inspiration, but lacks advanced wishlist tools.
Quick Comparison:
App Name | Best For | Platforms | Key Features | Limitations |
---|---|---|---|---|
GiftList | All-purpose gifting | iOS, Web, Extensions | AI gift ideas, universal adding | None noted |
Amazon Wishlist | Amazon shoppers | iOS, Android, Web | Price tracking, Alexa integration | Amazon-only items |
MyRegistry | Weddings/events | iOS, Android, Web | Multi-store, cash funds | Focused on events |
Elfster | Group gifting | iOS, Android, Web | Secret Santa, group sharing | Limited individual use |
Things To Get Me | Privacy-focused | Web | No sign-up needed, private sharing | No auto-item adding |
Wishupon | Price tracking | iOS, Android | Price alerts, trending products | Premium features limited |
CheckedTwice | Families/groups | Web | Surprise gifts, family controls | Web-only |
Giftster | Families | iOS, Android, Web | Gift reservations, group sharing | Basic design |
Lyst | Fashion shopping | iOS, Android | Personalized recommendations | Focused on fashion |
Inspiration | iOS, Android, Web | Visual boards, curated gift guides | No gift tracking or reservations |
Start with GiftList if you want an all-in-one app for any occasion. For specialized needs like weddings or group gifting, apps like MyRegistry or Elfster are great options. Read on for detailed reviews of each app.
Meet the Family Wish List Maker - The Two-Way Gift Registry
What Makes a Good Wishlist App
When looking at universal wishlist apps in 2025, certain features set the best ones apart. Here's what to focus on when evaluating these apps:
Universal Store Compatibility: The app should work with any online retailer - not just big names. This means you can add items from boutique shops, niche stores, or mainstream retailers, all in one place.
Cross-Platform Accessibility: With mobile usage on the rise, your wishlist app should work effortlessly across devices. Whether you're on your phone, tablet, or computer, everything should sync without a hitch.
Smart Gift Management: A good app takes the stress out of gift-giving. Key features include:
Feature | Purpose |
---|---|
Gift Reservation | Avoids duplicate purchases by marking items as bought |
Privacy Controls | Lets you decide who can view your lists |
Price Tracking | Notifies you when saved items go on sale |
List Organization | Sorts items by occasion, priority, or category |
Sharing and Social Features: Sharing your wishlist should be simple. The best apps let you share through multiple channels, making it easy for friends and family to access your list.
User Experience and Ratings: Pay attention to user reviews on major platforms. High ratings often point to apps with smooth interfaces and satisfied users.
Gift Registry Capabilities: For events like weddings or baby showers, strong registry tools are a must. Look for features like multiple list creation, group gift coordination, and purchase tracking.
A great universal wishlist app combines all these features with an easy-to-navigate design, making gift-giving hassle-free without unnecessary complications.
1. GiftList
GiftList stands out as the top universal wishlist app of 2025, offering a streamlined way to manage gifts digitally. With a rich set of features, this platform has reshaped how users organize and share gift ideas.
Universal Store Integration: GiftList lets users add items from virtually any online retailer using Chrome and Safari browser extensions or by simply pasting a product link. It automatically pulls product details for convenience.
The app goes a step further with its AI-powered Genie feature, which suggests personalized gift ideas based on the recipient's preferences. These suggestions include direct links to highly-rated products, making gift shopping easier than ever.
Key Features and Benefits:
Feature | Benefit |
---|---|
Universal Adding | Add items from any online store with ease using browser extensions or links |
Gift Organization | Create multiple lists for occasions like birthdays, holidays, or registries |
Smart Tracking | Stay on top of important dates and special occasions automatically |
Social Features | Follow friends and explore their public gift lists |
Mobile Access | Manage your lists anytime with the iOS app |
Privacy and Sharing: GiftList provides strong privacy controls, allowing users to share lists through links without requiring recipients to create accounts. List owners can control when gifts are revealed, preserving the element of surprise.
The app also tracks important dates like birthdays and anniversaries, combining this with AI-driven gift suggestions to keep everything organized. With its compatibility across platforms and intelligent features, GiftList delivers a practical and user-friendly solution for all kinds of gifting needs, from wedding registries to holiday wishlists.
Next, we'll explore how Amazon Wishlist takes a different approach to organizing digital gift lists.
2. Amazon Wishlist
Amazon Wishlist remains a favorite among Amazon users, though it now exclusively supports Amazon products. Since March 2023, the discontinuation of the Amazon Assistant extension has confined the tool's functionality to Amazon's marketplace.
Key Features
Feature | Details |
---|---|
List Organization | Create unlimited lists for various occasions |
Privacy Controls | Set lists to private, shared, or public |
Purchase Tracking | Automatically removes purchased items to avoid duplicate gifts |
Smart Integration | Works with Alexa and the Amazon mobile app |
Deal Notifications | Alerts users about price drops on wishlist items |
Amazon Wishlist is perfect for managing Amazon-only shopping. You can add notes and prioritize items, making it easier for gift-givers to understand preferences. The "surprise" feature allows buyers to mark items as purchased while keeping them visible, adding a fun twist for recipients.
Drawbacks
- Limited to Amazon marketplace products
- No price tracking across other retailers
- Cannot include items from independent boutiques or specialty stores
For those who primarily shop on Amazon, this tool integrates seamlessly with the platform. It even provides personalized suggestions based on your browsing habits and sends sale notifications, particularly useful during events like Prime Day and Black Friday.
While it’s a great choice for Amazon-focused shoppers, those who need items from multiple retailers may want to consider alternatives. Up next, we’ll take a look at MyRegistry, a versatile option for special occasions.
3. MyRegistry
MyRegistry is a universal registry platform designed for weddings and other special events. It allows users to gather items from any retailer, whether online or in-store, making it a go-to choice for creating comprehensive wishlists.
Key Features
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Universal Integration | Add items from any store, online or physical |
Store Syncing | Link existing registries from Target, Amazon, Macy's |
Cash Funds | Set up funds for experiences like honeymoons |
Privacy Controls | Adjust sharing settings to your preference |
Mobile Access | Manage your registry via the app or website |
The platform includes a browser extension, making it easy to add items from any online store. It also supports syncing existing registries from major retailers like Target, Amazon, and Macy's.
Friends Circle™ Feature
Nancy Lee, President of MyRegistry.com, highlights their mobile-first approach, which lets users manage a Friends Circle™ directly from their phones. This feature simplifies the gift-giving process for users and their loved ones.
Registry Management
Users can share their registry through a custom URL, social media, or personalized eCards. MyRegistry's commitment to customer service has earned it the top spot in wedding and bridal registry support. One user shared their experience:
"Absolutely loved using myregistry for my wedding! It was so easy to use and allowed my options to be endless!"
Cash Gift Options
In addition to physical gifts, MyRegistry offers the option to create cash gift funds for experiences like honeymoons or travel. This feature makes it an appealing choice for modern couples and anyone planning special events.
4. Elfster
Elfster is a popular platform designed for group gift exchanges and collaborative wishlists, with over 17 million users. It's especially well-known for organizing Secret Santa events and simplifying group gifting. Let’s dive into some of Elfster's key features that make it stand out.
Gift Exchange Features
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Secret Santa | Automatically handles name drawing and pairing for gift exchanges. |
Gift Tracking | Lets users reserve or mark purchased items to avoid duplicate gifts. |
Wishlist Creation | Supports adding items from various retailers and sharing with groups. |
Family Management | Helps manage wishlists for kids and other family members. |
Technical Support | Offers live chat for quick assistance with any issues. |
Retail Integration
Elfster has strengthened its position by integrating with major retailers. In February 2025, it added 25 new merchants, making it easier for users to shop directly through the platform. Some of the top retailers now integrated include:
- Amazon
- Etsy
- Nordstrom
- Sephora
Peter Imburg, the founder, notes that Elfster has grown from being a family-oriented social network into a dynamic social commerce platform.
Merchant Integration Process
Before fully partnering with new retailers, Elfster carefully tests each one through a beta phase. This ensures a smooth experience for users while maintaining high standards of quality.
A Budget-Friendly Option for Retailers
Elfster also provides an affordable advertising channel for retailers. Joanna Leonard, publisher success manager at Awin, highlights this:
"It's not anywhere as high as social paid placements, but it's a good deal for advertisers because it's mutually beneficial".
The platform also offers personalized gift suggestions based on user preferences, past exchanges, and upcoming events. By combining these social gifting tools with strong retail partnerships, Elfster has become a go-to solution for organizing group gifts.
5. Things To Get Me
Things To Get Me is a free universal wishlist app that emphasizes privacy. It’s available on iOS, Android, and desktop via a browser plugin.
Key Features and Functionality
Feature | Description |
---|---|
List Creation | Make wishlists for events like birthdays, weddings, or baby showers. |
Privacy Control | Generates unique, unguessable links without a public search option. |
Sharing Options | Offers personalized URLs (e.g., thingstogetme.com/smith-wedding-2025). |
Collaboration | "Teamwork" feature allows group list management. |
Customization | Choose from nearly 80 themes to personalize your lists. |
Money Collection | Includes "Money funds" for group contributions. |
Privacy is a top priority, ensuring secure sharing and list management.
Privacy and Sharing
Things To Get Me uses unique, unguessable links for every list, keeping them secure. Personalized URLs add a memorable touch for special occasions. When sharing, recipients can only mark items as purchased - they can’t edit the list unless granted permission through the Teamwork feature.
Limitations to Consider
While the app offers many benefits, there are a few drawbacks:
- Items must be entered manually.
- No product search or URL-based item addition.
- Images can’t be automatically pulled from Amazon.
- Some shared links may be flagged for redirects.
User Experience
You don’t need to sign up to start creating wishlists, and the app is completely free. With a 4.5-star rating on the Google Play Store from 143 reviews, it’s well-received by users. Plus, you can earn up to €100 through their referral program by inviting others to join.
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6. Wishupon
Wishupon is a universal wishlist app with over 100,000 downloads on Google Play and an impressive 4.5/5 rating on the App Store. It simplifies wishlist management with a range of practical features.
Key Features and Functionality
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Store Integration | Save items from millions of online stores. |
Browser Extension | Quickly add items to your wishlist while browsing. |
Price Tracking | Receive alerts when prices drop. |
Gift Registry | Create and manage gift lists for special occasions. |
Social Sharing | Share your wishlists via WhatsApp, Messenger, and more. |
Popular Items | Explore trending products with the "Today's Top Store" feature. |
Premium Features
With Wishupon's Plus subscription, you gain extra tools to enhance your experience:
- Unlimited pins and wishlists.
- Manage purchase lists.
- Add personal notes to wishlist items.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Wishupon works smoothly across different platforms, ensuring your wishlist is always up to date:
- Available on iOS and Android devices.
- Includes a browser extension for easy item saving.
- Syncs in real time across all your devices.
User Feedback and Areas for Improvement
One Google Play reviewer praised the app for making it easy to view items from various websites. However, users have suggested a few improvements, such as:
- Adding options to create separate lists.
- Better sorting and organization tools.
- Faster loading times for shared lists.
Wishupon actively listens to user feedback, as reflected in its 3.8/5 rating on Google Play from 447 reviews. These features and updates make Wishupon a solid choice for anyone looking to manage gifts and wishlists effortlessly.
7. CheckedTwice
CheckedTwice is a free platform designed to simplify gift-giving for families during holidays and special occasions. Created by Rebecca and Andrew after dealing with duplicate gifts during family celebrations, this tool helps organize and streamline the process of giving and receiving presents.
Key Features
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Family Organization | Manage wishlists for the whole family, including accounts for kids |
Gift Claiming | Mark gifts as "claimed" to avoid duplicates while keeping the surprise element |
Surprise Gifts | Add gift ideas that only family members (not the recipient) can see |
Universal Adding | Save items from any website or add offline gift ideas |
Child Management | Parents can oversee and control their children’s wishlists |
Cross-Family Sharing | Connect with extended family groups to coordinate gift-giving |
Designed for Families
When someone claims a gift, it’s marked as taken for everyone except the recipient, ensuring surprises stay intact. This feature is especially helpful during busy holidays when multiple family members are shopping at the same time. CheckedTwice makes managing family wishlists easier and more organized.
"We searched and searched and could not find an online registry that was right for our family's holiday celebration: something that was easy to use and had all of our wish lists in the same place but still had the flexibility for surprises and allowed accounts for children. So we made our own..."
– Rebecca and Andrew, CheckedTwice Founders
Smart Gift Management Tools
CheckedTwice addresses common challenges in family gift-giving with features like:
- Parent Controls: Manage wishlists for young kids with ease.
- Secret Keeping: Ensure claimed gifts stay hidden from recipients.
- Extended Family Coordination: Link multiple family units for smoother planning.
- Flexible Adding Options: Add gifts from websites or jot down offline ideas.
Their tagline highlights the platform’s purpose: saving time and avoiding duplicate gifts by keeping claimed items hidden from recipients.
Easy and Accessible
CheckedTwice offers a simple, user-friendly interface tailored for families. It’s completely free, making it accessible to households of all sizes. By focusing on keeping gifts a surprise and avoiding duplicates, it’s an invaluable tool during the hectic holiday season.
8. Giftster
Giftster is a free gift registry used by over 2 million people. Launched in 2009 in Minnesota, it helps families simplify gift-giving while keeping surprises intact.
Key Features
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Cross-Platform Support | Works on desktop, tablets, and mobile (iOS/Android) |
Browser Extensions | Easily add items from any website while shopping online |
Gift Reservations | Reserve items, and once marked as purchased, others are notified to avoid duplicates |
Group Sharing | Share wishlists within private family groups |
Mobile Integration | Add items directly from retailer apps using your phone's share options |
Smart Gift Organization
Giftster's reservation system ensures no one ends up with duplicate gifts. When someone marks an item as purchased, it's flagged for others in the group, but the recipient stays in the dark, preserving the surprise.
User Experience
Giftster scores a 4.2/5 on Google Play and 3.7/5 on the App Store. Its interface smoothly transitions between desktop and mobile, making it easy to use on any device.
"You can see who has purchased different gifts, reserve and mark them as purchased without the recipient being able to see anything." - Tracy A.
This feedback highlights how practical and user-friendly the app is.
Reducing Waste
"Love this app! It's made our gift buying so simple and streamlined, and no more unwanted gifts which is also good for the planet! Less waste!" - Airini K.
By helping families avoid unwanted gifts, Giftster also contributes to reducing waste.
Built for Families
Giftster's group-sharing feature makes it easy for extended families to coordinate gifts. Its combination of privacy and functionality makes it a top choice for wishlist apps.
9. Lyst
Lyst uses advanced data analytics to create a personalized shopping experience for fashion enthusiasts. The platform brings together products from over 17,000 brands and retailers, analyzing 4.5 million data points every hour to deliver customized recommendations. This data-driven approach powers every feature on Lyst.
Key Features
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Product Coverage | Access to 3 million items from leading retailers |
Daily Updates | Adds 50,000–100,000 new items daily |
Universal Cart | Combine purchases from multiple retailers in one checkout |
Smart Recommendations | AI-driven product suggestions tailored to user preferences |
Trend Tracking | Monitors and ranks popular items in real-time |
Personalized Shopping Experience
Lyst's Chief Product Officer, Mateo Rando, explains the platform as "the digital version of walking into a boutique where everything on the rails is chosen just for you". The app curates a personalized feed, similar to Spotify's Discover Weekly, making browsing feel intuitive and tailored to individual tastes.
Data-Driven Success
"We have 3 million products on our site, 40 million annual shoppers, we generate hundreds of millions of dollars in sales but we don't ever touch any products. We are a data company – we crunch 4.5 million data points every hour. That gives us a huge amount of insight."
- Joanna Christie, head of brand and communications at Lyst
In 2020, Lyst attracted over 150 million users and achieved a gross merchandise value exceeding $500 million, demonstrating the effectiveness of its data-centric model.
Universal Shopping Integration
Lyst stands out by focusing on discovery for first-time users. CEO Chris Morton highlights this approach: "The fashion world is super fragmented, and many retailers will use an app as the VIP, loyal customer experience, and that's actually totally different from us. Most of our users on the app are experiencing Lyst for the first time on the app". The universal shopping cart simplifies the checkout process, boosting conversion rates by over 200% for some brands.
Wishlist Functionality
Unlike typical wishlist apps that emphasize collaborative gift planning, Lyst's wishlist focuses on individual shopping needs. It’s designed as a personal tool rather than a gift registry. Up next, we’ll look at how Pinterest handles wishlist features for broader uses.
10. Pinterest
Pinterest has grown far beyond its roots as a visual discovery platform. Today, it's a go-to tool for creating wishlists and shopping for gifts. With 537 million monthly active users as of 2025, Pinterest combines inspiration with practical shopping tools, making it a key player in the gift-shopping space.
Shopping Integration Features
Pinterest offers several features that make shopping easier and more engaging:
- Quick Save: Automatically adds items from gift guides to shoppable wishlists.
- Direct Links: Connects users to brand websites and retailer apps via mobile deep links.
- Visual Search: Uses photo recognition to find similar products.
- Shopping API: Syncs with major e-commerce platforms to provide real-time updates.
- Secret Boards: Allows private gift planning and wishlist creation.
Gift Discovery Experience
Pinterest's gift guides are a standout feature. With over 1,000 curated guides covering categories like beauty, travel, and gaming, users can easily find ideas tailored to their interests. Personalized content recommendations make the experience even more engaging.
"Our AI investments are driving results by powering better personalized experiences and greater performance for advertisers, with our lower-funnel ad tools being the fastest-growing part of our business. Advertisers are increasingly relying on Pinterest to engage our growing audience who see us as a great place to find inspiration, curate and shop."
– Bill Ready, CEO of Pinterest
Wishlist Functionality
While Pinterest excels at visual inspiration, it falls short in some areas of gift planning. It lacks features like gift reservation, group gifting, and detailed tracking. This gap explains why many people still turn to specialized apps for more comprehensive gift management.
Shopping Performance
Pinterest's commerce-focused strategy is paying off. In Q3 2025, the platform reported $898 million in revenue, an 18% increase. Its success comes from connecting inspiration directly to retailer checkouts. However, its approach is still quite different from that of dedicated wishlist apps.
Limitations as a Wishlist App
Pinterest is not a one-stop solution for wishlist management. It doesn't offer features like gift reservation tracking, multi-retailer purchase coordination, event reminders, or structured group gifting. Instead, it's best used as a source of inspiration that complements other gift-planning tools.
GiftList's Top Features
GiftList has become a go-to universal wishlist app, offering tools that make gift planning easier at every step. Here's a closer look at what sets GiftList apart.
AI-Powered Gift Ideas
GiftList's AI assistant, the GiftList Genie, provides personalized gift ideas. Users can describe the recipient in detail (up to 2,080 characters) and enjoy five free brainstorming sessions to spark inspiration.
Add Items From Any Store
With GiftList, you can add items from any online store using a URL or the browser extension. Plus, the GiftList Shop offers curated recommendations, so you don’t have to switch between multiple platforms to find the perfect gift.
Smart Features for List Management
GiftList simplifies organizing and sharing gift lists. Features like cross-device syncing, private list settings, guest viewing options, and occasion reminders ensure smooth coordination while avoiding duplicate gifts.
Easy Browser Integration
The "Add to GiftList" browser extension works with Chrome and Safari, making it quick and easy to add items to your lists as you browse online.
Curated Gift Guides
For those who need more inspiration, GiftList also provides gift guides crafted by humans. These guides, sorted by occasion and interests, complement the Genie’s AI suggestions, helping users pick the ideal gift for any event.
GiftList’s user-friendly tools and thoughtful features make gift planning a breeze.
App Features Side by Side
Here's a breakdown of the key features, pricing, and platform availability for the top universal wishlist apps. This will help you compare what each app offers and identify which one fits your needs best.
Core Features Comparison
App Name | Price | Platforms | Key Features | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
GiftList | Free | iOS, Web, Chrome/Safari Extensions | AI Gift Ideas, Universal Adding, Cross-device Sync | Not rated |
Amazon Wishlist | Free | iOS, Android, Web | Amazon-only Items, List Sharing, Price Tracking | Not rated |
MyRegistry | Free | iOS, Android, Web | Wedding Registry Focus, Multiple Store Support | 4.7/5 |
Elfster | Free | iOS, Android, Web | Secret Santa Generator, Group Gifting | Not rated |
Things To Get Me | Free | Web | Private US/UK Shipping, Occasion-based Lists | Not rated |
Wishupon | Free/Premium | iOS, Android | Price Drop Alerts, 1000 Items Free Limit | 4.5/5 |
CheckedTwice | Free | Web | Family-focused Lists | Not rated |
Giftster | Free | iOS, Android | Family Registry, Secret Santa Tools | 4.2/5 |
Lyst | Free | iOS, Android | Fashion Focus, Social Features | Not rated |
Free | iOS, Android, Web | Visual Boards, Social Sharing | Not rated |
Specialized Features
Each app stands out in different areas. Here are some of the highlights:
- Price Tracking: Wishupon is great for price drop alerts and deal tracking.
- Group Gifting: Elfster makes holiday gift exchanges and Secret Santa events simple.
- Privacy Options: Things To Get Me ensures private shipping without sharing addresses.
Integration Capabilities
Many wishlist apps make it easy to add items through browser extensions. Here's how some of them compare:
App | Browser Support | Store Integration |
---|---|---|
GiftList | Chrome, Safari | Universal |
Amazon Wishlist | All Major Browsers | Amazon Only |
MyRegistry | Chrome | Multiple Retailers |
Wishupon | Chrome | Multiple Retailers |
User Experience Ratings
User ratings offer a glimpse into how these apps perform across platforms:
- Highest Rated: MyRegistry (4.7/5 on Facebook)
- Most Consistent: Wishupon (4.5/5 on Apple App Store)
- Family Favorite: Giftster (4.2/5 on Google Play)
These ratings reveal user satisfaction and help highlight which app might be the right fit for your specific needs.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing the top universal wishlist apps available in 2025, GiftList stands out as the top choice in digital gifting. Here's why it takes the lead: its ability to add items from any online store, combined with the AI-powered Genie for personalized gift ideas, creates a user-friendly experience that solves common gifting challenges.
GiftList shines in three main areas:
- Easy Integration: Browser extensions for Chrome and Safari let you quickly add items from any site.
- Effortless Organization: Create multiple lists and track events to simplify gift planning.
- Social Features: Friend-finding tools and list sharing make group coordination a breeze.
While apps like MyRegistry specialize in wedding registries and Elfster excels at group gifting, GiftList offers a flexible solution for any occasion. Plus, its promise to stay free while including premium tools like AI recommendations adds even more appeal for users.