Sometimes you may want to surprise someone with a gift but keep your identity a secret. Whether it‘s just for fun, to avoid potential awkwardness, or to play a lighthearted prank, sending an anonymous gift can add an element of mystery and excitement. And with Amazon‘s massive selection, it‘s easier than ever to find the perfect stealth present for anyone.
However, Amazon doesn‘t make it obvious how to send a gift anonymously, since by default, a gift receipt is included that reveals the giver‘s name and address. Many shoppers believe it‘s simply not possible to hide your identity when sending an Amazon gift.
But fear not, secret gift-givers! After doing some research and testing, I‘ve uncovered a couple workarounds that will let you send Amazon gifts completely anonymously. Whether you‘re a Prime member or not, here is everything you need to know to become a gift-giving ninja.
The Default Amazon Gift Process (And Why It‘s Not Anonymous)
Normally, when you find an item on Amazon that you want to give as a gift, you can check the "This is a gift" checkbox during checkout. You‘re then able to enter a custom gift message and specify the recipient‘s address.
However, even though you can choose not to include a typical receipt, Amazon will still include a gift receipt by default that shows the giver‘s name and billing address. They do this to prevent confusion, as recipients of truly anonymous gifts often assume it‘s a mistake or unauthorized purchase.
So if you follow the default gifting process, your recipient will still be able to figure out the gift is from you. Not exactly stealthy! Luckily, there are a couple other options for sending gifts anonymously.
How to Send Anonymous Gifts on Amazon as a Prime Member
If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can contact customer service and request that the gift receipt be removed from your order. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Shop for your gift as normal and add it to your cart. Proceed to checkout.
- On the checkout page, check the "This is a gift" box and fill in the recipient‘s address. You‘ll see a blank for the gift sender name – you can enter a random fake name here.
- Complete the purchase and make a note of the order number.
- Contact Amazon customer service via phone, email or chat. Provide the order number and request that the gift receipt be removed from the package. Explain that you want the gift to be sent anonymously.
- The customer service rep will notate the order to remove any identifying receipt or paperwork. Your gift will then be sent with no way for the recipient to identify the sender!
Keep in mind this process requires manual intervention from Amazon staff. Be sure to allow extra processing time, especially during busy holiday periods. I recommend placing anonymous orders at least a week before you need the gift delivered.
Using Amazon Gift Cards to Send Gifts Anonymously
Another way to hide your identity when sending Amazon gifts is to use gift card credit to make the purchase. This works whether you have a Prime membership or not. The key is buying a gift card first and then using that to purchase the actual gift. Here‘s how:
- Buy an Amazon gift card for the amount of the gift you want to send plus tax and shipping. Send the gift card to your own email address.
- When you receive the gift card code, go back to Amazon and find the gift you want to purchase. Add it to your cart.
- Go to checkout and mark the item as a gift, filling in the recipient‘s address. You can enter a false name for the sender.
- On the payment step, apply the gift card code you emailed yourself. Make sure the gift card covers the full purchase amount.
- Complete the order using the gift card balance. Since you used a gift card, your billing address and payment info won‘t be shared with the recipient. Just a totally anonymous gift!
One caveat to this method is that you‘ll need to know the full amount of the purchase with tax and shipping to ensure you buy a big enough gift card. I recommend adding the gift to your cart first to check the total, then purchasing a gift card for that exact amount.
Is It a Good Idea to Send Anonymous Gifts?
Before you use these methods to send an anonymous gift on Amazon, it‘s worth considering the potential downsides. Even if your intentions are pure, receiving an unknown gift can be disconcerting for some people. They may feel anxious not knowing who sent it or why.
Anonymous gifts can also come across as creepy or stalkerish in some contexts. If you don‘t know the recipient extremely well, err on the side of caution and include a note explaining it‘s from a friend who wants to remain unnamed. Use your best judgment and don‘t send anything that could seem threatening or inappropriate.
Also keep in mind that some recipients may be annoyed they can‘t properly thank the gift giver. If you‘re hoping to get credit for your generosity, anonymous gifting might not be the best approach.
On the flip side, when done thoughtfully, an anonymous gift can be incredibly fun and meaningful. It can brighten someone‘s day and make them feel special. Knowing it was sent in complete secrecy can heighten the excitement and add a whimsical sense of mystery. As long as you‘re confident the recipient will appreciate the gesture, go for it!
What If You Receive an Anonymous Gift You Don‘t Want?
But what about the other side of the equation? If you‘ve received an anonymous gift from Amazon that you don‘t want to keep, you might be wondering how to return it.
Luckily, you can still make a return even if you don‘t know who ordered the gift. As long as you have the order number from the packing slip or gift receipt email, Amazon can process the return and refund the original payment method.
If you don‘t have the order number, you can contact customer service for help. They may be able to look up the order using the tracking number or even your delivery address in some cases.
In the rare case that you can‘t get an order number or tracking number, the gift likely can‘t be returned, at least by you. The original sender would have to initiate the return. Your best bet is to regift the item or donate it to charity instead of letting it go to waste.
Fun Anonymous Gift Ideas
Want to send an anonymous gift but not sure what to give? Here are some ideas to get you started:
- A mysterious book with a custom inscribed message on the flyleaf
- A wacky or funny t-shirt specific to the recipient‘s interests
- A box of their favorite snacks or candy
- A jigsaw puzzle that spells out a secret message when completed
- A gift card to their favorite restaurant or store
- Something personalized like a monogrammed mug or engraved keychain
- A framed photo of a memorable moment or inside joke
- Supplies for a new hobby they‘ve been wanting to try
- Comfy loungewear like slippers or a robe
- A care package of relaxing items like candles, bath bombs, herbal tea, etc.
With a little creativity, your anonymous gift will be a delightful surprise they‘ll never forget. Just make sure to choose something thoughtful that aligns with the recipient‘s taste and sense of humor.
Other Anonymous Gifting Options
Amazon isn‘t the only way to send an anonymous gift. Here are a few other ideas:
- Ship gifts yourself in an unmarked box with no return address
- Deliver gifts to their doorstep when you know they won‘t be home
- Use a gift-giving service that allows you to specify an anonymous sender
- Secretly drop off gifts on their desk at work
- Mail a gift card code in a blank greeting card with no signature
- Recruit a friend to deliver a gift on your behalf without revealing your identity
- Make a charitable donation in their name without specifying the donor
With so many options, you‘re sure to find the perfect anonymous gifting method for your situation. Just remember to consider the recipient‘s feelings and keep things fun and lighthearted.
The Bottom Line
Sending an anonymous gift on Amazon is possible with a little know-how. By contacting customer service to remove the gift receipt or using gift card credit to check out, your recipient will be left excitedly stumped about who their secret gifter could be.
Whether you want to surprise a friend, thank someone discreetly, or play a silly prank, anonymous gifting can be a memorable way to show you care. With these tips, you can become the ultimate undercover gift giver while still bringing joy to your loved ones. Just be sure to choose your gifts thoughtfully and respect the recipient‘s feelings.
Happy anonymous gifting, my stealthy friend! May your presents always inspire smiles and may your secret identity never be revealed.
