No matter how many times you hear the words ‘what do you want for your birthday?’, it’s hard to have the right answers ready. So, next time someone asks, why not point them to your birthday wishlist?

A birthday wishlist is a great place to curate all the items that catch your eye, so that your friends and family can get you things you actually want this year! Just remember to add items that span a range of price points, so nobody feels pressured to spend more than they want to.

Why having a birthday wishlist is important

You want to be sure that everyone is on the same page when your birthday rolls around this year, so a birthday wishlist is a must.

Receiving mountains of unwanted gifts is hugely wasteful. Not only is it a waste of your loved ones’ hard-earned cash, but it’s also bad for the planet.

Just think: you’re receiving brand-new items that are likely to get thrown away after barely any use!

Instead, a birthday wishlist can help to ensure you only receive things for your birthday that you actually want. This means you’ll put all the gifts you receive to good use. And it also means your friends and family can avoid the stress of trying to second guess what you want for your birthday.

Ultimately, it’s good for your loved ones and good for you. They’ll know exactly what to buy to put a smile on your face. And you can enjoy opening gifts that are right up your street when your big day arrives!

What is the meaning of a birthday wishlist?

A birthday wishlist is essentially a list of items that you’d like to receive for your birthday.

To make a birthday wishlist, technically all you need is a pen and paper. But then you’ll have to worry about spelling mistakes and crossings out. Plus, you’ll struggle to share it with more than one person – and that’s assuming you haven’t lost it yet!

This is why nowadays, most birthday wishlists are completed online. With Moonsift, creating a birthday wishlist is quick, easy and (most importantly!) free.  Which brings us onto…

How to make a birthday gift wishlist

The best way to make a birthday gift wishlist is to sign up with Moonsift.

Our universal ‘save’ button allows you to add items from any store in the world. Then, just share it with your friends and family with one simple link so they can see exactly what you’re hoping to unwrap this year.

With ‘registry’ mode, your loved ones can mark items off and easily leave a gift message – all without you seeing what’s been bought and by who. Until you choose to reveal all on the big day, of course!

But things don’t have to stop there once your birthday’s out of the way – Moonsift is also a great place to create a Christmas wishlist or even a baby registry if you’re expecting.

What should I put on my birthday wishlist?

If you haven’t put together a birthday wishlist before, you might be wondering what kind of thing should go on there. Here are some tips to help.

1. Add things you wouldn’t buy yourself. Instead of just adding items that you need, be sure to consider items that you want. That way, you can enjoy feeling truly spoilt on your big day.

2. Don’t include anything inappropriate. Think about who you’re going to be sending your wishlist to, and make sure you don’t add anything that will embarrass them. In other words, avoid the sexy underwear if you’re going to be sending your list over to your parents!

3. Include items at a range of price points. Be sure to add items that span a range of price points. That way, people can choose how much to spend on you, and nobody’s pressured into spending more than they’re comfortable with.

4. Pick 10 to 20 items. Adding around 10 to 20 items is generally a good shout. That way, your loved ones will have some choice but not so much choice that they feel overwhelmed. Equally, it’s important that you actually want everything on there.

5. Add things you’ve come across throughout the year. Start your birthday wishlist as early as possible and every time you see something you like online, add it to your list. That way, you won’t be left racking your brains a month before your birthday – plus, you won’t end up spending money on things your loved ones could get you for your birthday instead.

Top 10 items to include in your birthday wishlist

The best items for you to include on your birthday wishlist will depend on your likes, dislikes, hobbies and interests. However, if you add each of these 10 ideas to your wishlist, you’ll be sure to receive a variety of gifts that you’ll love.

1. Something to wear

2. Something to read

3. Something to eat or drink

4. Something for your home

5. Something for your favourite hobby (eg. sports gear or a new musical instrument)

6. An experience

7. A voucher (eg. for a meal out, beauty treatment or massage)

8. A donation to a charity of your choice

9. A subscription (eg. newspaper, magazine, flowers or coffee)

10. Financial contributions

If you create your birthday wishlist on Moonsift, you’ll be able to add details of a cash fund for your friends and family to contribute money towards instead of physical gifts. It’s a great way to collect contributions towards a bigger purchase, like a car or a big trip!

Birthday wishlist ideas

Need a bit of inspiration when it comes to filling up your birthday wishlist? Here are some ideas.

• Experiences. Consider memorable experiences you’ll be able to look back on fondly – ever fancied a hot air balloon ride, for example? Or a quad biking session?

• Charity donations. Is there a charity close to your heart? You might like to ask your loved ones to give a donation instead of a gift.

• Replacements for your old or outdated belongings. Take a look through your belongings and make a note of anything old or outdated that could do with replacing.

• Gear for your hobbies. Do you have any hobbies or interests that you need gear for? For instance, if you play tennis, a new racket, tubes of tennis balls or tennis clothing could all be added to your wishlist.

• Subscriptions. You can get subscriptions for pretty much anything these days. A few ideas include a flower, magazine, coffee or book subscription.

• Vouchers. Do you have a favourite restaurant or coffee shop? Consider asking your loved ones for a voucher so they can treat you to a meal.

• Financial contributions. If you’re saving up for something big, like a holiday or a car, you could ask your loved ones to chip in to help you towards the cost. With Moonsift, you can now add details of a cash fund for people to contribute money to instead of physical gifts.

What Are the Most Popular Birthday Gifts?

Looking for inspiration to add to your wish list, or to find the perfect gift for someone else? These tried-and-true birthday gifts are popular for a reason. They’re thoughtful, versatile, and easy to personalise:

➜ Flowers A classic choice that always brightens someone’s day
➜ Houseplants Perfect for plant lovers or those starting a collection
➜ Candles Great for creating a cosy, relaxing atmosphere
➜ Alcohol Think craft spirits, wine, or a cocktail-making kit
➜ Chocolate A sweet and simple indulgence
➜ Blankets Soft throws and weighted blankets are always a hit
➜ Socks A cosy, quirky, or luxury pair never goes unnoticed
➜ Books From bestsellers to coffee table favourites
➜ Diffusers For a home that smells as good as it looks
➜ Jewellery A timeless and personal gift
➜ Stationery Perfect for writers, planners, and list-makers
➜ Mugs Cute, funny, or stylish, they’re a daily essential

What is the 5 gift birthday rule?

The five-gift rule is a way of buying gifts that’s designed to curb overspending, reduce stress and boost contentment when it comes to occasions like birthdays. And it can be a useful trick when you’re thinking of items to add to your list.

The five-gift birthday rule is centred around the idea that you should receive:

1. Something you want

2. Something you need

3. Something to wear

4. Something to read

5. A special gift (often interpreted as something to do, like an experience)

Although you won’t be able to control exactly what you get bought for your birthday, it’s a good idea to include a variety of items on your wishlist that span each of these five categories.

By setting your wishlist to ‘registry’ mode on Moonsift, your friends and family will be able to see what gifts you’ve been bought (although you can choose not to find out yourself until the big day rolls around!). So, if you tell them about the five-gift rule, they can choose their gifts wisely to make sure you receive presents that span all the categories.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Birthday Wish List

Putting together your birthday wish list? Here are a few simple tips to make it fun, thoughtful, and easy for others to buy you something you’ll truly love:

☑️ Include a range of price points
Make your list accessible by mixing high and low-cost items. That way, everyone can find something they’re comfortable gifting.

☑️ Add things you want, not just things you need
Birthdays are for treats, after all. Don’t be afraid to include indulgent or fun items you wouldn’t normally buy for yourself.

☑️ Be specific
Skip vague ideas like “a new bag” and link to the exact product you want. With Moonsift, you can save any item from any store in the world, so your loved ones know exactly what to get.

☑️ Consider your audience
Think about who’ll see your list before you hit share. If you’re sharing with colleagues or extended family, maybe skip the cheeky or ultra-personal gifts.

☑️ Stick to 10–20 items
This strikes the right balance: you’ll only include things you really want, while still giving friends and family enough choice.

☑️ Start early
Begin your list a few months in advance and add items as you spot them online. Moonsift’s universal ‘save’ button makes it quick and seamless to update your list on the go.

How to Start a Birthday Wish List on Moonsift

Getting started with your birthday wish list couldn’t be easier:

1. Sign up for a free Moonsift account
   It only takes a minute, and there’s no cost involved.

2. Use the universal ‘save’ button
   As you browse online, simply click the Moonsift button to add items to your list. You can save products from any store, anywhere.

3. Share your list with a single link
   Once your wish list is ready, send the link to your friends and family. They’ll see exactly what you’re hoping to receive, all in one place.

4. Avoid duplicate gifts
   Moonsift’s gift registry mode allows people to mark off what they’ve bought, so no doubles, and no awkward returns.

5. Let them leave a personal touch
   Gift-givers can even add a message when they tick off an item, making the experience extra thoughtful.

6. Stay surprised (if you want to!)
   Choose whether or not to see what’s been purchased, so you can keep the surprise for your birthday, or sneak a peek in advance.

How to Share Your Birthday Wish List Without Feeling Awkward

We get it. Asking for gifts can feel a little uncomfortable. But truthfully, most people appreciate the guidance (and love getting you something you’ll actually use!). Here are a few simple tips to help you share your birthday wish list with confidence:

☑️ Send it to people who usually buy you gifts
If someone gives you a present every year, it’s totally fine to send them your list without waiting for a prompt. Think close friends, family members, or your partner.

☑️ Wait to be asked if you’re unsure
Not sure whether someone is planning to get you a gift? Just wait until they ask, “What do you want for your birthday?” That’s your perfect cue to share your list.

☑️ Send it early
Avoid last-minute stress by sending your list out a month or two in advance. That way, even the super-organised people in your life have time to choose something from it.

How to Share Your Wish List from a Birthday Wish List Website

Using a birthday wish list website like Moonsift makes sharing your list quick, easy, and stress-free.

Instead of messaging each person individually with gift ideas, you can simply send one link to your Moonsift wish list. That’s it, no typing out the same message over and over.

Your loved ones will be able to view everything you’re hoping for with a single click, making it easier for them to choose a gift you’ll actually love.

Why Use a Birthday Wish List Website?

There are plenty of good reasons to create a birthday wish list, and even more reasons to use a dedicated wish list platform like Moonsift. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

☑️ Keep everything in one place
No more scattered screenshots or forgotten links, your entire list stays organised and easy to manage.

☑️ Clean, beautiful design
Moonsift is known for its sleek, user-friendly interface, co-created with stylists and interior designers.

☑️ Avoid duplicate gifts
Set your list to ‘registry’ mode so friends and family can tick off what they’ve bought, no doubles, no awkward returns.

☑️ Direct links to the exact items you want
No guesswork. Your loved ones will know exactly what to buy.

☑️ Save as you browse
Use Moonsift’s universal ‘save’ button to add items the moment you spot them, from any store, anywhere.

☑️ Share with a single link
Send one easy link to friends and family, no need to explain or repeat yourself.

☑️ Use on mobile and desktop
Save items wherever you’re browsing, whether you’re on your phone or computer.

☑️ Add a cash fund
Want something big? Include details of a fund for group gifting, like a holiday, house item, or experience.

☑️ And the best part? It’s free.
All of these features are available at no cost. No subscriptions, no hidden fees, just smarter gifting.

The top birthday wishlist websites available

There are lots of birthday wishlist websites to choose from. However, the best gift registries for creating a birthday wishlist include:

Amazon’s Registry

Pros

• A large selection of items on Amazon

• Keep track of who buys each gift

• Easy shipping!

Cons

• No cash gift function

• Only allows Amazon.com items

• Does not allow third-party wishlist integration

• 180-day return policy

  
  

MyRegistry.com

Pros

• No purchasing fees

• Barcode scanner for adding items in-person

• Allows third-party wishlist integration

Cons

• Clunky, difficult-to-navigate design

• 2.9% fee for all cash gifts

• Return policy for third-party purchasing is unclear

  
  

Gift Whale

Pros

• Allows items from any retailer

• Free & unlimited

• Send thank you notes directly from GiftWhale site

Cons

• Clunky, hard-to-use interface

• No cash gifts or fund

• Return policy for third-party purchasing is unclear

• No flexibility for gift delivery date

  
  

Moonsift

• 100% free!

• No fees or product mark-ups ever

• Adaptable program lets you curate your registry to your specific needs

• Flexibility to add products from any store in the world directly from the retailer’s website

• Desktop plug-in and iOS app allow you to access Moonsift at home and on the go

• One shareable link for sending your registry anywhere it needs to go

• The ability to add your payment and delivery info

• Sleek design that is easy to navigate and nice to look at!

Visitors to your Moonsift wishlist can:

• View the requested gifts and details like price, images, and retailer in one place

• See which gifts have already been purchased

• Send money instead of a gift

• Purchase gifts from any retailer they choose, they are not limited to the retailer listed on the registryThese websites all allow you to add items from anywhere on the web (although Amazon is focused largely on its own items). And you can also use them to create wishlists for any occasion. So, once your birthday is out of the way, you can go on to create a Christmas wishlist or, if you have occasion to, even a baby registry or wedding registry.

However, Moonsift is a cut above the rest. It’s free, it lets you add details of a cash fund, it’s easy to navigate and it has both a desktop plug-in and iOS app available. Oh, and it was even designed together with stylists and interior designers, so it looks great too!

Step-by-step guide to creating a birthday wish list on Moonsift

If you’re ready to create a birthday wishlist, what are you waiting for? Follow these simple steps and your birthday wishlist will be ready to share before you know it.

1. Sign up

2. Pin our browser extension/plugin to your toolbar on desktop

3. Download our app on your phone

4. Give your Christmas wishlist a name

5. Start saving items to your list

And that’s it! You’re ready to start sharing your wishlist with your family and friends with one simple link.

Remember, Moonsift lets you add items from any store in the world. By downloading our app and getting our browser extension, you’ll be able to save items you like straight to your list wherever you’re browsing – whether that’s on your phone or laptop. Just get started to see what everyone’s banging on about.