Skip to main content

Using Wishlists as Gift Registries

BookWish wishlists double as gift registries, making it easy for friends and family to give you the books you actually want. No more duplicate gifts or books you'll never read!

What is a Gift Registry?​

A gift registry wishlist is a public list of books you'd like to receive as gifts. It helps gift-givers by:

  • Showing exactly what you want
  • Preventing duplicate purchases
  • Offering options at different price points
  • Making gift-giving stress-free

Creating a Gift Registry Wishlist​

Setup Process​

  1. Create a New Wishlist:

    • Go to the Wish tab
    • Tap the "+" icon
    • Name it clearly (e.g., "Birthday 2024", "Holiday Wishlist", "Graduation Gifts")

  2. Set as Public:

    • Keep the "Private" toggle OFF
    • Public wishlists are shareable with gift-givers
    • They don't need a BookWish account to view

  3. Add Books:

    • Search for books you want
    • Add them to your gift registry
    • Include a variety of options

  4. Set Priorities:

    • Mark High Priority for most-wanted books
    • Normal Priority for nice-to-have options
    • Low Priority for "if nothing else appeals" choices

  5. Add Notes (Optional):

    • Use scribbles to add context
    • Example: "Hardcover edition preferred"
    • Example: "I have Book 1, need Book 2"
    • These help gift-givers make informed choices

Code Reference: Wishlist creation in /app/lib/ui/pages/wish/wish_page.dart (lines 42-117).

Naming Conventions​

Good registry names:

  • ✅ "Sarah's Birthday Wishlist 2024"
  • ✅ "Holiday Books - December 2024"
  • ✅ "College Graduation Gift Ideas"
  • ✅ "Anniversary Book Wishlist"

Avoid vague names:

  • ❌ "My List"
  • ❌ "Books"
  • ❌ "Wishlist 1"

Organizing Gift Registries​

Single Occasion​

For one-time events:

  • Create one wishlist per occasion
  • Name it with the event and date
  • Delete or archive after the occasion

Ongoing Registry​

For general gift-giving:

  • Create a "Gift Ideas for Me" wishlist
  • Update year-round
  • Remove books as you receive them

Price Tiers​

Organize by price to help budget-conscious gift-givers:

  1. Budget-Friendly ($10-$20)
    • Paperbacks
    • Used books
    • Shorter books
  2. Mid-Range ($20-$35)
    • New hardcovers
    • Special editions
    • Box sets
  3. Splurge ($35+)
    • Collector's editions
    • Large box sets
    • Art books

Use separate wishlists or priority levels to indicate price tiers.

Sharing Your Gift Registry​

  1. Get the Wishlist URL:

    • Public wishlists have shareable links
    • Format: bookwish.app/wishlist/{slug}
    • Copy and share via text, email, or social media

  2. Send to Gift-Givers:

    • Email the link with context
    • Include in event invitations
    • Post on social media (if comfortable)
    • Text directly to family members

  3. They Can View:

    • No BookWish account needed
    • See all books with covers and details
    • Click through to buy at stores

Share Your Profile​

Alternatively, share your entire profile:

  1. Give them your username: @yourusername
  2. They search for you on BookWish
  3. They view your public wishlists
  4. They find your gift registry

Code Reference: Profile viewing in /app/lib/ui/overlays/profile_overlay.dart.

For Gift-Givers: How It Works​

When someone views your gift registry:

What They See​

  • Wishlist name: "Sarah's Birthday 2024"
  • All books in the list:
    • Book covers
    • Titles and authors
    • Priority indicators (if you set them)
    • Number of items in the list
  • Book details (on tap):
    • Full description
    • ISBN for easy lookup
    • Available stores
    • Purchase options

What They Can Do​

  1. Browse the List:

    • Scroll through all options
    • Tap books for full details
    • Filter by priority (if you set it)

  2. Find the Book:

    • See local store availability
    • Click through to purchase
    • Buy at their preferred retailer
    • Order online for delivery

  3. Choose What to Buy:

    • Pick based on budget
    • Consider priority level
    • Read your notes for context

What They Cannot See​

  • ❌ Your private notes (scribbles are visible only to you on public lists)
  • ❌ Your other private wishlists
  • ❌ What others have already purchased
  • ❌ Your reading status for books
Purchase Coordination

BookWish doesn't currently track which books have been purchased to prevent duplicates. Consider coordinating with gift-givers outside the app or updating the list after receiving gifts.

Managing After Gifts​

Mark as Received​

After receiving a book as a gift:

  1. Remove from gift registry:

    • Swipe to delete the book
    • Prevents duplicate gifts in the future

  2. Add to reading list:

    • Create a "Currently Reading" wishlist
    • Add the book there
    • Track your progress

  3. Update status:

    • Mark as "Currently Reading" or "Finished"
    • Add notes about your thoughts

Thank-You Notes​

Use BookWish to enhance thank-you notes:

  1. Check the book details for accurate title
  2. Mention specific aspects you're excited about
  3. Share when you start/finish reading it
  4. Review the book and tag the gift-giver (if they're on BookWish)

Best Practices for Gift Registries​

Variety​

Include diverse options:

  • Different genres
  • Various price points
  • Mix of new releases and classics
  • Different formats (hardcover, paperback)

This ensures gift-givers can find something that fits their budget and preferences.

Quantity​

How many books to include:

  • Birthday/Holiday: 10-20 books
  • Major Event (graduation, wedding): 20-40 books
  • Ongoing Registry: 30-50 books

More options = better chance everyone finds something they can afford.

Updates​

Keep your registry current:

  • Add new books as you discover them
  • Remove books you've received or lost interest in
  • Update priorities as preferences change
  • Archive old registries after the event

Priority Guidance​

Use priority strategically:

  • High Priority: "I really want this specific book"
  • Normal Priority: "Any of these would be great"
  • Low Priority: "If nothing else appeals, these are options"

Clear priorities help indecisive gift-givers.

Context Notes​

While scribbles are private, mention important details in conversations:

  • Edition preferences (hardcover vs paperback)
  • Series order ("I have books 1-3, need 4")
  • Format needs ("Audio book preferred" - arrange separately)

Use Cases​

Birthday Gifts​

Create a birthday wishlist:

  1. Name it "Birthday 2024"
  2. Add 15-20 books at various prices
  3. Set high priority for top 3 choices
  4. Share link in birthday invitation
  5. Update after birthday to remove received books

Holiday Wishlists​

For seasonal gift-giving:

  1. Create in early November
  2. Include 20-30 options
  3. Organize by recipient if making family lists
  4. Share with family group chat
  5. Update as gifts arrive

Wedding/Graduation Registries​

For major life events:

  1. Create 3-6 months before event
  2. Include broader range of books
  3. Add books for new life phase
  4. Include coffee table books, reference books
  5. Update registry as RSVPS come in

Secret Santa / Gift Exchanges​

For group gift exchanges:

  1. Create a modest list (5-10 books)
  2. Keep prices within exchange limit
  3. Include variety so any pick works
  4. Share with organizer to distribute

Privacy Considerations​

What to Share Publicly​

Safe for public gift registries:

  • Book titles and authors
  • Priority levels
  • Number of items
  • General interests

What to Keep Private​

Consider privacy for:

  • Books on very personal topics
  • Expensive collector's editions (avoid pressure)
  • Large numbers (might seem greedy)

Managing Multiple Wishlists​

Strategy for balance:

  • Public: Gift registry with curated selections
  • Private: Complete to-read list with everything
  • Public: Genre-specific lists (if you want to share interests)

Troubleshooting​

Gift-Givers Can't See Wishlist​

If they report access issues:

  1. ✅ Verify wishlist is public (not private)
  2. ✅ Check you sent the correct link
  3. ✅ Ensure your profile isn't set to private
  4. ✅ Confirm wishlist wasn't accidentally deleted

Duplicate Gifts Received​

If you receive duplicates:

  1. BookWish doesn't track purchases currently
  2. Coordinate outside the app (family group chat)
  3. Consider returning duplicates for store credit
  4. Gift duplicates to friends who might enjoy them

Registry Seems Incomplete​

If books aren't showing:

  1. Ensure books were actually added
  2. Check they weren't accidentally removed
  3. Verify the correct wishlist was shared
  4. Refresh the page

Future Enhancements​

Potential future features for gift registries:

  • Purchase tracking to prevent duplicates
  • Gift-giver marking system ("I'm buying this")
  • Group gifting for expensive items
  • Thank-you note integration
  • Registry completion status

Etiquette Tips​

For Registry Creators​

  • Don't make it mandatory (offer as convenience)
  • Include options at multiple price points
  • Update promptly after receiving gifts
  • Send genuine thank-you notes
  • Don't pressure anyone to buy from your list

For Gift-Givers​

  • Viewing a registry doesn't obligate purchase
  • Consider registry items but don't feel limited
  • Coordinate with others to avoid duplicates
  • Keep purchases private until giving
  • Receipts are helpful for potential returns

Next Steps​