How To Buy A Stranger A Gift From Their Amazon Wish List

Posted on by Bryn Donovan
Random Acts of Kindness Ideas: How to Buy a Stranger a Gift Off Their Amazon Wish List #good deeds

I love doing random acts of kindness for strangers, and one of my favorites is to buy strangers gifts off of their Amazon wish lists.

Now, some of my favorite random acts of kindness ideas are free—I have a list of them here.

Still, this is a good one. Who doesn’t like a surprise gift, especially if it’s something they already want? Some people have very cheap things on their wish lists, too!

It’s pretty easy. Here’s how it’s done, at least with the U.S. version of Amazon!

 

Random Acts of Kindness Ideas: How to Buy a Stranger a Gift Off Their Amazon Wish List #good deeds

 

1. On Amazon, click on “Accounts and Lists” near the top right of your page. Then click down on “Find or Create Registry.”

How to Buy a Stranger a Gift Off Their Amazon Wish List #random act of kindness

 

2. On the next page, search for a random first name. It could be yours, the name of someone you love… or just really random!

 

How to Buy a Stranger a Gift Off Their Amazon Wish List #random acts of kindness ideas

P.S. I don’t have a wish list on Amazon.

 

3. Now you start searching strangers’ wish lists for something you might like to buy for somebody. Here are just a few suggestions…

Make sure they added it recently!

For instance, does this lady still want the baby toy she put on her wish list in 2011? Maybe, but I doubt it.

How to Buy a Stranger a Gift Off Their Amazon Wish List #random acts of kindness ideas

Make sure it’s not too weird to give to a stranger.

I decided this item would be weird, for example. Actually, this is nowhere close to the most inappropriate-if-given-by-a-stranger thing I found on a wish list. There are things for sale that I never even dreamed of, you guys.

How to Buy a Stranger a Gift Off Their Amazon Wish List #random acts of kindness ideas

And this book is probably informative, but I was afraid that if it came from a stranger, it would sound ominous.

How to Buy a Stranger a Gift Off Their Amazon Wish List #random acts of kindness ideas

 

4. Click the Add to Cart button, and then hit Proceed to Checkout.

5. See if they show up as an option for the shipping address.

It’s never going to show you the actual address. Sometimes, a choice like “Moxie Jo’s Gift Registry” shows up as an option.

Sometimes it doesn’t. I think this probably has to do with user privacy settings. If you don’t get an option to ship to this person, you’ll have to give up on buying them a present and start over with someone else.

6. Choose them for the shipping address and buy it!

You can leave a note telling them it’s a random act of kindness, or just send it anonymously. It’s up to you. I never use my full name.

 

[AdSense-B]

 

Here’s an incomplete list of the things I’ve purchased for strangers so far…

These Day of the Dead socks.

 

This nail polish.

 

These emoji fridge magnets.

 

Two bottles of this blueberry syrup.

How to Buy a Stranger a Gift Off Their Amazon Wish List #random acts of kindness ideas

 

This book, which I also want to read myself.

 

So fun, right? You can probably do this with other wish lists (Target’s, for example), though I haven’t tried it.

Have you ever done this? Does it make you want to set up an Amazon wish list? Or do you want to suggest different random acts of kindness ideas? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

 

155 thoughts on “How To Buy A Stranger A Gift From Their Amazon Wish List”

    • Melanie says:

      I take care of a feral cat colony in my apartment complex. I have been feeding them 2x s a day and I just finished getting them all spayed N neutered. There is about 12..a couple come go. I moved into this apartment a few years ago and about 4 months after moving in I noticed the lady a few doors down was always feeding them, Well then one day she was gone..I would walk my dog past her door and there were those poor cats, waiting patiently for her to open that door and provide them with a feast. I just kept walking by…about day 8 , It FINALLY occurred to me..OMG ..these poor cats are starving!!! No one cares! I started crying, because of their loyalty, patience, innocence of thinking she is inside coming out any minute now. After 5 min of balling my eyes out…i was like a human ambulance now….quickly running to get cat food, bowls,chicken. And I started to become the center of their small world. These past few years of taking care of them has in a way, saved me, emotionally, mentally, and yes I think physically..they kept me here….I had a reason..I HAVE a reason to wake up. Cause 12 little bellies are waiting for me. It also has been difficult…difficult..but worth it. Because I get notices all the time, I get fined, I get yelled at by other neighbors ( well only 1 ever said ” stop feeding those filthy wild animals “. ( don’t get me started…but they are not wild..even feral is really wrong word..) The domestic cat is not wild..even if born in the wild..! Some people are so cruel, ignorant. I also give up things for myself because I can’t afford things( I’m talking like food, ..cause I don’t have much to begin with and really all I can afford at the moment is rent and food. So , yes …I only eat 1 or 2 a day so the cats can eat…I’m totally fine with it..not complaining at all..I would and have gone days without anything so they can eat. And I have found that the happiness when they see food coming and all the love I get back satisfies me. Ok this is too long..but I’m going to include my feral cat Amazon wish list. It woukd be amazing to just get a box of canned cat food or even a bag. I put a bunch of different kinds but they are not picky..it doesn’t need to be expensive!! They are simple…they really are just happy to be alive and have someone who cares about them. I’m going to start a YouTube channel on them soon. Thank you so much.just for reading all this at least!

      My list is called Feral cats wishes
      https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ITTED3T46TMI?ref_=wl_share

  4. Kira says:

    If only I had people in my life who I could send a wish list to, yet such a brilliant and thoughtful idea nonetheless. I have an eBay wish-list, Pinterest and Amazon one – all of which are taunting reminders of what I would like to ask strangers and have tried before yet never quite got me anywhere. Those with surplus incomes generally give freely or at all unless they want something in return I imagine?. If anyone reads my comment and thinks I am a decently deserving person of a free gift or two then please feel free to visit the link below – (quite a long one not sure how to shorten it).
    .https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AF5573NNERYC3THPYYY25KFD4AFQ?ie=UTF8&ref_=sv_ys_3

  5. Mia Williams says:

    I love, love, love, this idea, TFS – I have just taken some action and someone is getting a gift! Whoop Whoop and Praise the Lord!

  6. Justme says:

    1. Do not select a child’s list. You’ll freak the parents out. 2. SEND A NOTE with your intent (random act of kindness goal, etc.) because anonymous with no note is likely to creep them out. This happened to me and I’m returning it because it was off my kid’s list with no note.

  7. Anonymous says:

    So, my family is going through a real rough time for the holidays…and you hear that a lot round this time of year and sometimes its self inflicted…but let me explain. Try to place yourself in this scenario…we literally have had multiple family deaths in the past 2 months. We have had to pay out of pocket for a lot for due to limited resources…one of these deaths resulted in us now caring for an Autistic adult… in addition to autistic children that we already have. We were robbed of some cash when people came to pay respects. If anyone could help my kids have a blessed Christmas I would really really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. I have kids anticipating Christmas and I hate to see their faces when they think Santa skipped them. We have taken part in community resources but a lot of deadlines have passed…If you can help in any way please help us…thank you

    Their wish list http://a.co/7jgwbSS

  13. Rivi says:

    Hello everyone, I am trying to collect some stuff for my 2 year daughter? for her separate room so it will be very appreciated if you help me to get them i will definitely pay it forward on completion on each product. Here is the storage box for her toys
    I really want some items for her as her birthday last month passed in quarantine so hardle get stuff for her so i am planning to give her every happiness she deserves in life

    Thanku in advance ?

    https://www.amazon.com/baby-reg/FX4NINVSXD11

  21. Miro says:

    This is about gifting you guys, not begging. Stop begging on this persons blog, go find a forum where begging is welcome and comment there.

  22. Chandra Given says:

    Hi I’m Chandra. I am married and we have 6 kids, possibly 1 on the way. I am writing cause i Have nothing to lose. I’m sure many people ask you for stuff, and I’m no different. Little Background, my husbands on ssi because 2 men tried to off him. It was brutal. I have a few medical issues and have 1 to 3 surgeries yearly, I have a stent in my heart no gallbladder or appendix and suffer from endometriosis and cysts I have to have surgically removed. I also have DeGenerative disk disease and 2 herniated discs but I still work. Our 2 youngest boys have learning disabilities. Every Friday to Saturday we care for my quadriplegic brother. Due to covid we have also opened our door to a nephew and great neice. When I have a few extra dollars I buy meals for the homeless on the corner. I donate whenever I can to less fortunate. Also due to covid I had to switch jobs and now I’m a housekeeper for 7.25/hr from parts store manager at 12/hr. Long story short, I’m struggling just to pay bills this year. We live in Arco, idaho. Small community that doesn’t offer too much help when you fall behind. My washer/dryer broke so I go to work early and stay late to catch up personal laundry. I am up by 6am everyday cleaning and getting kids ready for school and I stay busy until about 8/9pm when all I can do is fall asleep from exhaustion. I could really use some help if at all possible. If you could help with anything on our Amazon list to shorten the wants/needs I would be forever in debt to you.
    Thank you for reading this and thank you so much for your consideration. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/KA5WM44HPFLQ?ref_=wl_share

  25. Rosemarie says:

    I would be incredibly grateful if someone might be willing to help me get a gift for my best friend this year who has done so much to support me through these difficult times. I was planning on purchasing it myself, but now I’m contributing everything I have to help pay my father’s medical bill (thank God he’s alright now). I’m planning to come back here in a year or two when my situation has hopefully improved and do the same for someone else as well. Thank you, everyone. <3
    https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/18Z9ILL7VGNR7?ref_=wl_share

  51. Lillian says:

    Its the birthday of some I care very very deeply about but unfortunately I don’t have the money to buy him anything. If anyone could get something I’d be forever grateful

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  63. mikohn says:

    I realized after sharing this website article that this is from 2007. I don’t know why but they don’t let you search for someone else’s lists. HOWEVER, if you logon onto reddit.com and go to the ActofRandomAmazon, I think, there people willingly share their wishlists and you can purchase something off their lists for them. What Amazon taketh, Reddit returns. LOL Have a nice day!!

  72. layken says:

    great idea!! will definetley be checking others wishlists out. ill be dropping mine here too. it is for a play my students are doing but the school will not provide money so it would really help out if you could check it out or share to others!! thanks!

  77. karma west says:

    hiii ive decided it might be a good idea to leave my wl here ive recently cane out to my parents and they have kinda of shunned me so ive decided ill just do everything that they would never allow me to do or would say they were “disgusted” or “not approving” of such acts but i dont have much so this is why i am doing this so thank you even if you dont give me anything thank you for at most reading this https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1R5L3QA6ZXPB?ref_=wl_share

    • Shaday Porteous says:

      TO ANYONE WHO NEEDS TO READ THIS I WANT YOU TO KNOW, I LOVE AND SUPPORT YOU NOMATTER WHAT YOU DO, WHERE YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU HAVE DONE, YOUR DOING GREAT, JUST KEEP GOING!

  85. DEANNA says:

    This makes me feel shameless putting this here, but hey why not? My mom recently died and I feel very depressed and have extremely bad panic attacks since the age of 5. I have been housebound for 3 years with agoraphobia and in those 3 years only left my house 4 times. I want to get better so badly.

    I am doing my best to get out of the house again so I decided I wanted to take up metal detecting. It is good exercise and will get my mind off of being nervous when out of the house. Never realized how expensive the equipment is until now. If Elon Musk see’s this and can afford to send me one of these on my list, lol: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1RRQN0XRF6J9F/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2?_encoding=UTF8&type=wishlist

  88. Vi says:

    Hey! I’m a college student struggling to make my ends meet as I have to pay for my dorm and education, I am in need of a new laptop as my old one broke down a week ago? and we all know having a laptop is crucial if you study, education is expensive honestly. My student job does not provide me enough money to buy a laptop unfortunately. the laptops I added are in sale right now so I hope someone can help me out and buy me one? If you have a better laptop model, please do recommend it to me! I just need a laptop that can edit videos for school, have Word documents on it, long battery life and hopefully it can live 4 years minimum. Thank you in advance for everything! Love you and have a nice day? I’ll update this post if someone bought something of my wish list

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  90. Chris Seckel says:

    I’d like more details on how to give completely anonymously. When I try to purchase, it doesn’t give any options to be anonymous. I don’t want them to know my name or address.

  93. Simone Fox says:

    My younger cousins parents are in a rough spot with money right now, she was very excited for Christmas to come and even set up an Amazon wishlist for strangers to see (obviously no on bought anything from it). I don’t have enough money right now to get her a gift that she wants, and knowing the situation that her parents are in she will most likely not get a gift for Christmas this year. If someone out their has a kind enough heart to buy a complete stranger a gift here is the link to her wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/registries/holiday/1B0I9CJ2EV4JM/guest-view

  96. Terry M says:

    Hi all, I was wondering if I could get some help with items on my wish list please, i am a full time carer, I look after my 28 year old son who has severe Cerebral Palsy, Scoliosis, can’t talk or feed himself, as a carer I don’t get a lot of money, so just asking for a bit of help, somethings are for me and some for him.
    Any help would be appreciated

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  99. Lakiesha Hicks says:

    I NEED YOUR HELP!
    I’m going into my first year as a 6th grade social studies teacher. I need completely new materials and supplies to help my students prosper. I’m working on gathering supplies to support that skill development and to create a welcoming environment for them. I can’t do it without your support. Please help out by making a purchase off of my Amazon.com wishlist #clearthelist?. Thanks in advance for supporting the education of our future.

    • Lakiesha Hicks says:

      I NEED YOUR HELP!
      I’m going into my first year as a 6th grade social studies teacher. I need completely new materials and supplies to help my students prosper. I’m working on gathering supplies to support that skill development and to create a welcoming environment for them. I can’t do it without your support. Please help out by making a purchase off of my Amazon.com wishlist #clearthelist?. Thanks in advance for supporting the education of our future.
      https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2DYSP2BR581FQ?ref_=wl_share

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  106. Pingback: How do I find a public Wish List on Amazon? – Jiuya Tech Blog
  109. Amanda says:

    Hi single mother of 2 needing help to fulfill my babies Christmas gift wishes. I know it’s no one’s responsibility to buy my kids anything but my own. I’ve busted my back trying to provide for my two children who’s father is no longer in the picture. I recently graduated and became a pharmacy tech but recently due to inflation I’ve had to reconsider career choices and have re enrolled back in school to better myself for my kids and to advance to a better career where I can support my family and not have to be away from them for so long. I hate having to be dropping them off at my neighbors so they can watch them while I’m at work. Now my hours are divided even more with school work and trying to raise them right. Unfortunately my funds are tied up in keeping a roof over our head I recently had to sell my car to pay our bills. I keep being optimistic and Christmas has always been my favorite holiday I want my kids to feel the same for once not have to carry mommas stress on there tiny shoulders. If you could help I will forever be grateful and appreciative.

    https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3IYMM9DCTZ51A?ref_=wl_share

    https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3R4VUHIFWK54G?ref_=wl_share

  121. Amanda Lopez says:

    https://gofund.me/26f28adf

    Hello my name is Amanda, 3year old daughter Isabella was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma on February 9th we have been in and out of the hospital so much. I’m currently not working and I’m on leave with no pay. With no income and my savings invested into paying our rent and my other 2 children’s needs aswell as Isabellas. I wondered if it was possible to recieve assistance. Isabella has had to have chemotherapy at Phoenix children’s hospital and soon will have Radiation therapy at Mayo Clinic hopefully she has been having delays in treatment due to her not meeting counts. She also had stents put in because her tumor was so big it stopped her kidney functions. Those will need to be replaced soon where she will have a surgical procedure once again. We really need help with Gas and Groceries and household items if possible.

  128. Tamara Barker says:

    I am a single mom of three boys and now I have custody of my niece and nephew who are three and five. My sister is now pregnant with her 13th child which is so sad. She was ordered to pay $250 a month last October and has yet to pay anything. She is addicted to heroin. I only have two of the kids bc she would abandon them. I hate asking for help but I have no family to help so I am hoping someone can help me out. I am unable to work due to an injury I got five and a half years ago. I am struggling but and trying my best to survive and just make these kids lives happy. I have a list on my Amazon site. It’s under the name Tamara Barker from Martin Tennessee. The lists I made for the kids was titled needs for babies. I hope someone can help me out. I appreciate any help for it will all go toward the babies. I also have a cash app
    $tamarashorty
    If anyone wants to text me privately please contact me at 731-819-4837

  135. Terry L Pepper says:

    I hàve been fighting for three years to get my kids back and I finally won my case. So now they are living in Alaska with my older son until I can get a us an affordable place to live just me and my youngest two boys. I don’t get child support so I’m asking anyone with a bit of kindness to help. Winter is hard In Nome and I don’t have much money to send up there for them. Here is the gift registry John and Xander Alaska needs list – Amazon Gift List – https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/YR8NEVKGE01A

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