Best WishList.com Alternatives

WishList.com is an established online wishlist with a button to save items from any site. It works well if you want a web list where you collect links with a browser extension. If you only need that basic setup, it may be all that you require.

Other people need features that WishList.com omits, such as lists without brand deals and a direct data export. This comparison looks at WishList.com and Things To Have across ten details that determine whether family and friends use a wishlist. It also presents the alternatives worth considering alongside them.

What WishList.com does well

• A browser extension adds wishes from any website.
• The service is web-based, so a list opens in any browser.
• It has an established domain and a simple model.

Why people look for an alternative to WishList.com

Bare-bones compared with modern alternatives. The service combines a basic list with brand deals and product suggestions.

No export documented, so a copy of your lists comes only on request. The website and the app listing do not describe an export tool.

Little public detail on privacy or reservation handling. WishList.com does not state whether a list owner can see which gifts are reserved.

WishList.com vs Things To Have

View without an account

People buying gifts should be able to open a list the moment they get the link. Each extra requirement means fewer people view the list.

Things To Have. Anyone with the link can open any shared list in a browser. Visitors view items without an account and without installing an app.

WishList.com. Its official Android app listing says gift shoppers do not need an app or an account. They open the list directly in a web browser.

Verdict: Even. Both services let people view lists in a browser without an account.

Reservations

Reserving an item prevents duplicate gifts when you share a list. People buying presents can see which items are already taken.

Things To Have. The list author can turn reservations on for any list. Visitors sign in to reserve an item, which then shows as taken to everyone else.

WishList.com. Gift buyers can mark items as reserved or purchased using a reserve and buy button. People viewing the list can see which items are taken.

Verdict: Even, as both services let buyers reserve items to prevent duplicate gifts.

Free, no paywall

A list you use only a few times a year should not require a paid subscription. Item limits that appear right before Christmas disrupt gift planning.

Things To Have. Everything is free, with no paywall on any feature. You can create as many lists and save as many items as you want.

WishList.com. WishList.com is free to use. The service does not advertise a paid subscription tier.

Verdict: Even.

No ads

A personal wishlist should only show the items you chose. Promoted products and brand deals clutter the page for family and friends. They also distract visitors who want to pick a gift.

Things To Have. The app has no ads and no sponsored products. Lists display only what the author saved. There are no product recommendations and no algorithmic feeds.

WishList.com. The platform includes brand deals and trending items alongside wishlists. Users can browse top products and special offers from brands. The app also displays product suggestions for gift ideas.

Verdict: Things To Have is ahead, as it contains no advertising or brand deals.

Any store

Good gift ideas come from small shops and independent websites as well as large retailers. A list should accept items from anywhere, so you can save whatever you find.

Things To Have. A list accepts a link from any online shop. You can paste links directly, or use a bookmarklet and an iOS Shortcut while browsing.

WishList.com. It provides a browser button that saves items from any website, such as Amazon, Target, Etsy and Sephora.

Verdict: Even, as both services let you add items from any online shop.

Autofill

Entering a title, price and photo by hand for every gift takes time. When saving items is slow, people often leave lists unfinished.

Things To Have. Pasting a link automatically fills in the title, photo and price without needing a browser extension. You can also save items using a bookmarklet, an iOS Shortcut or an embeddable button.

WishList.com. Its "+WishList.com" browser button saves items from online shops and fills in product details. Some reviews note that saving an item redirects you away from the shop.

Verdict: Even, as both tools fill in item details automatically.

Works on any device

Family members use different phones, tablets and computers. A list that opens anywhere reaches all of them.

Things To Have. It is a website and installable web app, so it runs on any device. There is nothing to install to view or manage lists.

WishList.com. Lists live on WishList.com and open in any web browser. There is also an Android app available.

Verdict: Even.

Sort & filter

Most gift buyers have a clear budget. Search and price sorting help them find an item they can afford. This prevents them from having to read through an entire list.

Things To Have. Any visitor can search a list and set a maximum price, even without an account. They can sort items by price in either direction. Prices in different currencies are converted so people can compare them directly.

WishList.com. WishList.com does not state whether visitors can search or sort a list.

Verdict: Unclear, because WishList.com does not document it.

Export your data

Even a long-running service can change or shut down. An export keeps years of saved ideas in your hands.

Things To Have. You can go to Settings → Data to export all your lists as a JSON file. The import tool also accepts pasted links or a .txt, .md or JSON file, with a preview before saving.

WishList.com. Its site and app listing do not describe a built-in export tool. A copy of your lists is available only on request.

Verdict: Things To Have is ahead, as you can download your lists directly.

MCP

The Model Context Protocol lets an AI assistant such as Claude or ChatGPT read and update your lists, so you can add items or plan gifts by talking to it.

Things To Have. You can connect Claude, ChatGPT or your own agent over MCP to add items, tidy lists and plan gifts for friends you follow. You control which permissions the assistant receives and can revoke the connection at any time.

WishList.com. WishList.com does not publish an MCP server, ChatGPT app or Claude connector. Its website and help pages do not mention one.

Verdict: Things To Have is ahead, because WishList.com publishes no MCP server.

Final verdict

• You want no ads and an export: Things To Have. The site has no adverts, and you can export your lists as a JSON file at any time.
• You want what WishList.com is best at (a plain web list with a save button): Stay with WishList.com. It provides a straightforward list that opens in any browser, along with a button to save items from any shop.

WishList.com, Things To Have and the runners-up

Frequently asked questions

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