Do guests need to sign up?

Viewing a list by its link needs no account. To reserve a gift a guest has to sign in or sign up.

When should I send the list?

For a birthday, three to four weeks before; for a wedding, with the invitation, one to two months before. That way guests have time to choose without hurry.

Doesn’t a wishlist look like a demand?

Not if you present it as a hint, not a condition. People are usually grateful not to have to guess, and a gift from outside the list is fine too.

What if someone gave me something that is not on the list?

Thank them just as warmly. A wishlist is a hint, not an obligation, and the attention matters more than the thing.

Wishlists

How to ask for a gift without feeling awkward

Many people feel uncomfortable saying what they want: it seems selfish. In fact people are much happier when they do not have to guess.

October 12, 2026 · 1 min read

In this article

Why we feel awkward
What to say when they ask what to give
How to keep it from feeling awkward
How Bazhanka helps

Why we feel awkward

We are afraid of seeming demanding or mercenary, so we answer “I don’t need anything”. As a result, those close to us guess, buy something random, and everyone is a little disappointed.

What to say when they ask what to give

“I have a wishlist, here is the link: choose what you like.”
“Anything from this list will make me happy, and your attention even more.”
“If you want to make me happy, look at the list: there are things for different budgets.”

How to keep it from feeling awkward

Add wishes at different prices: from small things to bigger ones.
Do not push the list first: send it when someone asks or before the event.
Make it clear that any gift is great, even one that is not on the list.
Thank people sincerely for a gift, whatever its price.

How Bazhanka helps

You send a link, and friends reserve gifts without your involvement. You only see that a wish is reserved, so the surprise stays and there will be no duplicates. More about lists: What is a wishlist.

Try it in Bazhanka

Create a wishlist

Answers about wishlists

Frequently asked questions

How do I create a wishlist?

In Bazhanka open “Lists” and press “create list”. Add a title, a description and an event date if you like, then fill the list with wishes from links or by hand. When the list is ready, share the link.

What should I put in a wishlist?

Things at different prices: small items under UAH 300, medium gifts and a few bigger wishes. Add experiences too, such as tickets or vouchers, and things you will really use.

How many wishes should I add?

Eight to twelve is enough: it gives a choice without overwhelming the giver. Mix prices, from small things to bigger purchases.

Can I have several lists?

Yes. Separate lists for a birthday, a housewarming, a wedding or a hobby keep the occasions apart.

Can I add a wish without a link?

Yes, an idea can be added by hand: a title, a note and an approximate price. A link only helps the giver find the product faster.

Do I see who reserved a gift?

No. You only see that a wish is reserved, not by whom. The list settings have a “Surprise” mode that hides even the marks.