How to Give Amazon Prime as a Gift: A Comprehensive Guide
Giving the gift of Amazon Prime is like giving a whole year of convenience, entertainment, and savings. With benefits ranging from free and fast shipping to access to a vast streaming library and exclusive deals, it’s a gift that keeps on giving. If you’re looking for a practical and appreciated present, gifting Amazon Prime is an excellent choice. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different ways to gift Amazon Prime and ensure your recipient enjoys all the perks.
## Understanding the Options: Gifting Amazon Prime
Before diving into the how-to, it’s crucial to understand that you can’t directly gift an existing Amazon Prime membership to someone who doesn’t have one. Amazon’s system doesn’t allow transferring memberships or adding someone directly to your existing Prime account (beyond household sharing options, which are different). Instead, you have two primary options:
1. **Amazon Prime Gift Membership:** This is the most straightforward method. You purchase a Prime membership (usually for 3 or 12 months) that the recipient can redeem to activate their own Prime account. *Note:* this option might not always be readily available on Amazon’s website. Availability can fluctuate depending on various factors.
2. **Amazon Gift Card:** A gift card allows the recipient to use the funds to purchase a Prime membership themselves, or use it towards any other purchase on Amazon. While it doesn’t *directly* gift Prime, it gives them the flexibility to choose. This is the most reliable option as Amazon gift cards are always available.
Let’s explore each option in detail.
## Option 1: Amazon Prime Gift Membership (If Available)
If Amazon offers the Prime Gift Membership option, here’s how to proceed:
### Step-by-Step Guide:
1. **Navigate to the Amazon Prime Gift Page:** Start by visiting Amazon’s website and searching for “Amazon Prime Gift.” Or, look for a direct link on the Amazon Prime page itself (it’s often located in the “Gift Prime” section if available). If you can’t find it via search, this indicates that the gift membership is currently unavailable.
2. **Select the Membership Duration:** You’ll usually have the choice between a 3-month or a 12-month Prime membership. Choose the option that best fits your budget and the recipient’s needs. Consider their shopping habits – if they’re frequent Amazon users, the 12-month membership offers the best value.
3. **Add the Gift to Your Cart:** Once you’ve selected the duration, click the “Add to Cart” or “Buy Now” button. This will add the gift membership to your Amazon shopping cart.
4. **Proceed to Checkout:** Go to your shopping cart and click on the “Proceed to Checkout” button.
5. **Enter Shipping Information (Recipient’s Email):** This is a crucial step. Instead of a physical address, you’ll typically need to enter the recipient’s email address. The gift notification and redemption instructions will be sent to this email. Double-check the email address for accuracy to avoid any delivery issues.
6. **Add a Gift Message (Optional):** Personalize your gift by adding a heartfelt message. This message will be included in the email sent to the recipient. Take this opportunity to explain why you chose to gift them Amazon Prime and how you think they’ll benefit from it.
7. **Select a Delivery Date:** Choose the date you want the gift notification to be sent to the recipient. This is especially useful if you’re planning a surprise for a birthday or holiday. You can schedule the email to arrive on the special day.
8. **Review Your Order:** Before finalizing your purchase, carefully review all the details, including the membership duration, recipient’s email address, gift message, and delivery date. Ensure everything is correct.
9. **Complete the Purchase:** Select your payment method and click on the “Place Your Order” button to complete the purchase. You’ll receive an order confirmation email.
### What Happens After Purchase:
* **Recipient Receives an Email:** On the scheduled delivery date, the recipient will receive an email from Amazon with instructions on how to redeem their Prime gift membership.
* **Redemption Process:** The recipient will need to click on the link in the email and follow the prompts to redeem the gift. They’ll need an Amazon account (or they can create one). If they already have a Prime membership, the gift membership will typically be added to their existing membership, extending its expiration date. (Check Amazon’s specific terms as this can vary).
* **Enjoying Prime Benefits:** Once redeemed, the recipient can immediately start enjoying all the benefits of Amazon Prime, including free shipping, streaming services, and exclusive deals.
### Important Considerations for Prime Gift Membership:
* **Availability:** As mentioned earlier, the direct Prime Gift Membership option isn’t always available. Check Amazon’s website to see if it’s currently offered.
* **Recipient’s Existing Prime Membership:** If the recipient already has a Prime membership, gifting a Prime membership will usually extend their existing membership. However, it’s always best to confirm Amazon’s current policy on this.
* **Country Restrictions:** Prime memberships are typically country-specific. Ensure the recipient lives in a country where Amazon Prime is available and that the gift membership you’re purchasing is valid for that country.
* **Check Terms and Conditions:** Always review Amazon’s terms and conditions for gifting Prime memberships, as policies can change.
## Option 2: Amazon Gift Card – The Reliable Alternative
Since the direct Prime Gift Membership option isn’t always available, an Amazon Gift Card is the most reliable and versatile way to gift Prime (indirectly). Here’s how to do it:
### Step-by-Step Guide:
1. **Go to the Amazon Gift Card Page:** Navigate to the Amazon Gift Card page on Amazon’s website. You can easily find it by searching for “Amazon Gift Card.”
2. **Choose a Gift Card Design:** Amazon offers a wide variety of gift card designs to suit any occasion. Select a design that reflects the recipient’s personality or the reason for the gift. You can choose from themed designs for birthdays, holidays, thank yous, and more.
3. **Select the Gift Card Amount:** This is a crucial step. To cover the cost of an Amazon Prime membership, you’ll need to choose a gift card amount that is equal to or greater than the current price of a Prime membership in your region. Check the current price of Amazon Prime before selecting the gift card amount. You can also add a little extra to allow the recipient to purchase something else they might want.
*As of October 26, 2023, an Amazon Prime annual membership in the US costs $139. Therefore, an Amazon gift card worth $139 or more will allow the recipient to purchase an annual Prime membership.* Always check current pricing on Amazon before purchasing the gift card.
4. **Choose a Delivery Method:** Amazon offers several delivery methods for gift cards:
* **Email:** The gift card will be sent to the recipient’s email address. This is the fastest and most convenient option, especially for last-minute gifts. You can schedule the email to be delivered on a specific date.
* **Print at Home:** You can print the gift card at home and give it to the recipient in person. This allows you to personalize the presentation of the gift.
* **Physical Gift Card:** Amazon can ship a physical gift card to the recipient’s address. This option is suitable for those who prefer a tangible gift. You can choose from various packaging options.
5. **Add a Gift Message (Optional):** Personalize your gift by adding a message. This message will be included with the gift card, regardless of the delivery method. Explain why you’re giving the gift card and suggest that they might consider using it for a Prime membership.
6. **Enter Recipient Information:** Depending on the delivery method, you’ll need to enter the recipient’s email address or shipping address. Double-check the information for accuracy.
7. **Add to Cart and Proceed to Checkout:** Add the gift card to your shopping cart and proceed to checkout.
8. **Review Your Order:** Carefully review all the details, including the gift card design, amount, delivery method, recipient information, and gift message.
9. **Complete the Purchase:** Select your payment method and complete the purchase.
### What Happens After Purchase:
* **Recipient Receives the Gift Card:** The recipient will receive the gift card according to the delivery method you selected (email, print at home, or physical card).
* **Redeeming the Gift Card:** The recipient can redeem the gift card by going to Amazon’s website, logging into their account, and entering the gift card code during checkout. The gift card balance will be applied to their Amazon account.
* **Purchasing Prime Membership (Optional):** The recipient can then use the gift card balance to purchase an Amazon Prime membership by going to the Prime sign-up page and selecting the membership option. If they don’t want a Prime membership, they can use the gift card towards any other purchase on Amazon.
### Important Considerations for Amazon Gift Cards:
* **Gift Card Amount:** Ensure the gift card amount is sufficient to cover the cost of an Amazon Prime membership. Check current prices on Amazon before purchasing.
* **Delivery Method:** Choose a delivery method that is convenient for both you and the recipient.
* **Recipient’s Existing Prime Membership:** If the recipient already has a Prime membership, they can still use the gift card towards other purchases on Amazon.
* **Expiration Date:** Amazon Gift Cards typically do not have an expiration date, but it’s always a good idea to confirm this on the Amazon website.
* **Lost or Stolen Gift Cards:** Treat Amazon Gift Cards like cash. If lost or stolen, they cannot be replaced.
## Benefits of Gifting Amazon Prime
No matter which method you choose, gifting Amazon Prime offers numerous benefits to the recipient:
* **Free and Fast Shipping:** This is one of the most popular benefits of Prime. Members enjoy free two-day shipping on millions of eligible items, as well as options for same-day and one-day delivery in select areas. This saves time and money on shipping costs.
* **Prime Video:** Access to a vast library of streaming movies and TV shows, including Amazon Originals. This provides endless entertainment options.
* **Prime Music:** Ad-free access to millions of songs and podcasts.
* **Prime Reading:** Access to a rotating selection of eBooks, magazines, and comics.
* **Amazon Photos:** Unlimited photo storage in the cloud.
* **Exclusive Deals and Discounts:** Prime members get access to exclusive deals and discounts, including early access to Lightning Deals during major shopping events like Prime Day.
* **Prime Day:** Exclusive access to Amazon’s biggest shopping event of the year, with deep discounts on a wide range of products.
* **Twitch Prime:** Benefits for gamers, including free games and in-game content.
* **Other Benefits:** Depending on the location, Prime members may also have access to other benefits, such as discounts on prescriptions, grocery delivery, and more.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
* **Recipient Didn’t Receive the Email:** If the recipient didn’t receive the email with the gift notification or gift card, check the following:
* **Spam Folder:** Ask the recipient to check their spam or junk mail folder.
* **Incorrect Email Address:** Double-check the email address you entered during the purchase process. If it was incorrect, contact Amazon customer service for assistance.
* **Delivery Delay:** There may be a slight delay in the delivery of the email. Wait a few hours and check again.
* **Recipient Can’t Redeem the Gift:** If the recipient is having trouble redeeming the gift, try the following:
* **Correct Code:** Ensure they are entering the correct gift card code or redemption code.
* **Amazon Account:** Make sure they are logged into their Amazon account.
* **Contact Amazon Support:** If the issue persists, contact Amazon customer service for assistance.
* **Gift Membership Not Available:** If the direct Prime Gift Membership option isn’t available, use an Amazon Gift Card instead.
## Alternatives to Gifting Amazon Prime Directly
While gifting Prime itself is great, consider these alternatives if you’re looking for other options:
* **Amazon Family Membership Sharing:** If you’re already a Prime member, you can share some of your Prime benefits (like free shipping and Prime Video) with other adult members of your household. However, this requires adding them to your Amazon Household and sharing payment methods, so consider privacy implications.
* **Gifting Specific Prime Benefits:** If you know the recipient is particularly interested in a specific Prime benefit, like Prime Video, you could gift them an Amazon Fire TV Stick or other device that enhances their access to that benefit.
* **Curated Amazon Gift Baskets:** Create a personalized gift basket filled with items available on Amazon that you think the recipient will enjoy. This adds a personal touch to your gift.
## Conclusion
Gifting Amazon Prime, whether directly (when available) or through an Amazon Gift Card, is a thoughtful and practical way to show someone you care. The benefits of Prime extend far beyond free shipping, offering entertainment, convenience, and exclusive deals that can improve their daily lives. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and successful gifting experience. Remember to check Amazon’s current policies and pricing before making your purchase, and personalize your gift with a heartfelt message to make it even more special. Giving the gift of Amazon Prime is truly a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.