Amazon is simplifying the gift-giving process just in time for the holiday season.
The retailer recently launched a brand-new feature for Prime members that will make sending gifts to family members and friends easier than ever through the Amazon app. The best part? The function doesn’t require you to enter their mailing address—only a phone number or email—which reduces the risk of sending something to the wrong location.
Here’s how it works: If you want to send a present to an old friend but don’t know her new address, all you need to do is pick out an item to purchase on Amazon (like an Apple Watch or Oribe Collector's Set). During checkout, locate the field that says, “Add gift receipt for easy returns” above the checkout button. Once selected, you’ll see another option to “let the recipient provide their address.”
From there, the gift-giver will be able to provide an email or phone number for the recipient, who will receive a notification to claim their item. (If the person doesn’t have an Amazon account, they’ll be asked to create one. However, only the sender needs to be a Prime member.) Although the credit card won’t be charged until the gift is accepted, customers may see a small hold.
Of course, there are a few caveats. First, the feature is only available in the continental United States—at least for now. Second, the transaction must be done through the Amazon app on a mobile device.
Considering everything that goes into gifting, from creating a shopping list to finding a millennial present they’ll actually use to getting it there on time with the shipping delays that are predicted for this year, anything that makes sending gifts easier is a plus in our books. Excuse us while we go stock our carts with Amazon gifts…
