GiftList vs This Is What They Want
An honest, balanced 2026 comparison — what each app does well, where they differ, and which one fits your family.
Last reviewed: April 28, 2026
GiftList (also known as "My Gift List", from mygiftlistapp.com) is a mobile-first wishlist app with a polished native iOS and Android experience and an Apple Watch companion. If your household lives on a phone and rarely opens a browser, that focus is a real strength.
This page compares GiftList and This Is What They Want fairly so you can pick the right tool for your family.
Where GiftList wins
GiftList has been around long enough to earn loyal users for real reasons. Here's where it genuinely shines:
- Native iOS and Android apps with a fast, polished mobile UX.
- Apple Watch app — quick wishlist additions and notifications from the wrist.
- Lightweight setup focused on individual wishlists rather than family administration.
- Established App Store presence with steady updates.
Where This Is What They Want wins
This Is What They Want was designed family-first and shipped some features GiftList doesn't currently document. The biggest differences:
- Family-first design instead of single-user-first: child profiles, family groups, group/friend modes, and a parent admin dashboard are core features.
- COPPA compliance for kids under 13 with verifiable parental consent and a Parent Data Dashboard.
- Group gifting lets multiple relatives pool money for one bigger gift with a transparent progress bar.
- Family passcode model — relatives can view lists in any browser without installing an app or creating an account.
- AI item enrichment from barcode, photo, paste-any-URL, or a typed description (Gemini fills in name, photo, and price).
- Browser extension for desktop — add items from any retailer in one click without switching to your phone.
- Price-drop alerts on tracked URLs.
Best for…
GiftList is best for: GiftList is a strong fit if you primarily want a one-person wishlist on iOS or Android, you love the Apple Watch integration, and you don't need family-wide administration, kid profiles, or group gifting.
This Is What They Want is best for: This Is What They Want is a stronger fit if you're coordinating gifts across an entire family (especially with kids), you want documented COPPA controls, you want relatives to claim gifts in a browser with no app install, or you want to pool money for bigger gifts.
Feature-by-feature: GiftList vs This Is What They Want
A side-by-side look at the features families ask about most. "Not documented" means the feature isn't publicly described on mygiftlistapp.com or its app store listings — it may exist; we're just not making claims we can't verify.
| Feature | This Is What They Want | GiftList | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add items from any retailer | Yes (URL, barcode, photo, description) | Yes (URL) | Both work cross-store; we add barcode/photo/AI capture. |
| Surprise-safe claiming | Yes | Yes | Both hide claim status from the recipient. |
| Group gifting / pooled contributions | Yes (premium) | Not documented | Multiple givers can chip in on one item. |
| Shared family calendar with reminders | Yes (premium) | Event reminders | Both have date reminders; ours is a shared, exportable calendar. |
| Browser extension | Yes | Not documented | Useful when shopping on a desktop. |
| PWA install / native app | PWA | Native iOS/Android + Apple Watch | GiftList wins on native mobile depth. |
| Push notifications | Yes | Yes | Both support push. |
| Price-drop alerts | Yes | Not documented | We watch URLs for 5%+ drops. |
| Dark mode | Yes | Yes | Both support dark mode. |
| No-account viewing for relatives | Yes (passcode) | Account / app required | Useful for grandparents and casual relatives. |
| Dedicated child profiles (no kid logins) | Yes | Not documented as a kid-first model | Our model never gives a child their own login. |
| COPPA-compliant data controls | Yes (Parent Data Dashboard, consent, deletion) | Not documented | Important for US under-13 use. |
| Pricing | Free forever core, premium from $4.99/mo | Free with in-app upgrades | Check current pricing on the App Store / Play Store. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GiftList free?
GiftList has a free tier with optional in-app upgrades. This Is What They Want is also free to start, with premium plans from $4.99/month and a 7-day free trial that does not require a credit card.
What's the best alternative to GiftList?
For families coordinating across multiple people — especially with kids — This Is What They Want is the strongest alternative because it adds child profiles, group gifting, COPPA compliance, and no-account passcode viewing for relatives.
Do I need an iPhone or Android phone to use This Is What They Want?
No. This Is What They Want runs in any modern browser and installs as a PWA on any phone, tablet, or desktop. Relatives can view lists with just a family passcode — no app required.
Does This Is What They Want have an Apple Watch app?
Not today. If Apple Watch quick-add is a must-have for you, GiftList is the better fit. If you'd rather have AI item capture, group gifting, and family-wide coordination, This Is What They Want is the better fit.
Can I share my list with family who don't have the app?
Yes. Share a passcode and they can view lists and claim gifts in any browser — no account, no install.
Try This Is What They Want free
Set up your family or group in under two minutes. Free forever core. No credit card required.
Related
- Best family gift list app for 2026 — What to look for in a modern family gift list app.
- Amazon wish list alternative — A universal alternative that works with every store.
- COPPA-compliant gift list for kids — How we keep children's wish lists safe and parent-controlled.