Gift etiquette
How to reserve a gift without ruining the surprise
Prevent duplicate gifts with reservations that other guests can see while the wishlist owner cannot see who chose what.
Reserving a gift prevents two guests from buying the same thing. The best reservation is visible to other guests but does not tell the wishlist owner who chose it. That preserves practical coordination without giving away the surprise.
How does a gift reservation work?
A guest chooses an available gift and reserves it on the shared list. Other guests can then see that somebody is handling that wish, so they can choose something else. The buyer can later mark the reservation as purchased or release it.
| Status | What it means for guests |
|---|---|
| Available | Somebody can choose this gift |
| Reserved | Another guest is handling it |
| Purchased | The gift has been arranged |
The owner does not need to see these details. A wishlist is not only about receiving the right gift; it is also about the moment it is unwrapped.
When should you reserve a gift?
Reserve only when you genuinely plan to arrange the gift. A casual reservation can block a wish unnecessarily. Complete the order afterwards, or release the reservation if you change your mind.
At Wisploft, an unconfirmed reservation expires after a limited period. That means a gift does not stay blocked forever when somebody never returns.
Good etiquette for guests
- Check the size, colour and version before ordering.
- Mark the gift as purchased when the order is complete.
- Release it if you decide not to buy it.
- Do not share screenshots of reserved gifts where the owner can see them.
- Coordinate away from the list when several people want to contribute to one larger gift.
Frequently asked questions
Can the owner see who reserved a gift?
Wisploft's default setting protects the surprise: the owner cannot see who reserved which gift. Other guests can still see that the gift is no longer available.
What if I reserve the wrong gift?
Use the same browser to release the reservation. The gift will become available to other guests again.
Why does a reservation expire?
An expiry prevents a gift from being blocked indefinitely by somebody who did not order it. A guest who actually buys the gift can confirm its status.