How to Give the Gift of Amazon Prime: A Comprehensive Guide
Giving gifts can be a challenging endeavor. You want to find something that’s not only appreciated but also genuinely useful. In a world dominated by online shopping and convenience, an Amazon Prime membership stands out as a practical and desirable gift. Whether it’s for a student, a busy parent, or someone who simply loves a good deal, an Amazon Prime gift offers a multitude of benefits, including free shipping, streaming services, exclusive deals, and much more. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the simple steps of giving Amazon Prime as a gift and explore the various gifting options available.
## Why Amazon Prime Makes a Great Gift
Before diving into the how-to, let’s consider why Amazon Prime is such a valuable and thoughtful present:
* **Free and Fast Shipping:** This is perhaps the most well-known benefit. Prime members enjoy free two-day shipping on eligible items, often with options for even faster delivery in select areas. This saves both time and money, especially during the holidays.
* **Access to Prime Video:** Prime Video offers a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content. From critically acclaimed series to family-friendly films, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
* **Prime Music:** With Prime Music, recipients can stream millions of songs ad-free. They can also create playlists and download music for offline listening.
* **Prime Reading:** Prime Reading allows members to borrow ebooks, magazines, and comics from a rotating selection of titles. It’s a great perk for avid readers.
* **Exclusive Deals and Discounts:** Prime members get access to exclusive deals and discounts, including early access to Lightning Deals and special offers during Prime Day and other promotional events. This can result in significant savings throughout the year.
* **Prime Photos:** Prime Photos provides unlimited photo storage in the cloud, allowing recipients to back up their precious memories and access them from any device.
* **Other Benefits:** Depending on location and specific promotions, Prime members may also enjoy benefits like grocery delivery, discounts at Whole Foods Market, and more.
## Understanding Your Options: Giving Amazon Prime as a Gift
There are two primary ways to give Amazon Prime as a gift:
1. **Amazon Prime Gift Membership:** This is the traditional method, where you purchase a 3-month or 12-month Prime membership that the recipient can redeem. Note that Amazon no longer directly offers a ‘gift’ subscription for a full year in the traditional sense. However, this method often returns and it is wise to check the Amazon website regularly for this option. When available, this is typically a one-time membership that doesn’t automatically renew.
2. **Amazon Gift Card:** This allows the recipient to use the gift card balance to purchase an Amazon Prime membership themselves. This option provides greater flexibility, as they can choose when to start their membership and can also use the gift card for other purchases if they prefer.
Let’s examine each option in detail.
### Option 1: Amazon Prime Gift Membership (When Available)
**Important Note:** As of the current date, Amazon may not directly offer the option to purchase a Prime *gift* membership. The following steps are for when this option is available. Always check Amazon’s website for the most up-to-date options.
**Steps to Purchase a Prime Gift Membership:**
1. **Visit the Amazon Prime Gifting Page:** Navigate to the Amazon website and search for “Amazon Prime gift membership.” Look for a page specifically designed for gifting Prime.
2. **Select the Membership Duration:** If available, you’ll typically see options for a 3-month or 12-month membership. Choose the duration you wish to gift.
3. **Add to Cart:** Click the “Add to Cart” button.
4. **Proceed to Checkout:** Go to your shopping cart and click “Proceed to Checkout.”
5. **Enter Shipping Information:** Even though it’s a digital gift, you’ll need to enter shipping information. This is usually your own address, as the gift notification will be sent to your email.
6. **Select Payment Method:** Choose your preferred payment method and enter your payment details.
7. **Review and Place Your Order:** Carefully review your order details, including the membership duration and payment information. Click “Place Your Order.”
8. **Gift Redemption Details:** After completing your purchase, you will receive an email with instructions on how to redeem the gift. This email will contain a unique gift code or link.
**How the Recipient Redeems the Gift:**
1. **Receive the Gift Notification:** You will need to forward the gift notification email to the recipient.
2. **Click the Redemption Link:** The recipient clicks the link in the email.
3. **Sign In or Create an Amazon Account:** If they don’t already have an Amazon account, they’ll need to create one. If they already have an account, they’ll need to sign in.
4. **Redeem the Prime Membership:** They follow the on-screen instructions to redeem the Prime membership. This will typically involve entering the gift code or confirming their account details.
5. **Start Enjoying Prime Benefits:** Once the membership is redeemed, they can immediately start enjoying all the benefits of Amazon Prime.
**Important Considerations for Prime Gift Memberships:**
* **Existing Prime Memberships:** If the recipient is already an Amazon Prime member, the gift membership will typically be applied to their account as an extension of their current membership. This is great because they still get the full value of the gift.
* **Family Sharing:** Keep in mind that Amazon Prime benefits can often be shared within a household. However, gifting a full Prime membership may not be necessary if the recipient is already covered under another family member’s account. Verify this beforehand.
* **Expiration:** Pay attention to the expiration date of the gift membership, especially if it’s a 3-month membership. The recipient should be aware of when their membership will expire so they can decide whether to renew it.
### Option 2: Giving an Amazon Gift Card
This is often the most practical and readily available method for gifting Prime. It gives the recipient the flexibility to use the gift card balance towards a Prime membership *or* any other products on Amazon.
**Steps to Purchase an Amazon Gift Card:**
1. **Visit the Amazon Gift Card Page:** Go to the Amazon website and search for “Amazon gift card.”
2. **Choose a Gift Card Type:** You have several options:
* **Digital Gift Card:** This is delivered electronically via email. It’s a convenient and instant option.
* **Physical Gift Card:** This is a physical card that is mailed to the recipient. It’s a more traditional option and can be a nice touch if you’re giving it in person.
* **Print at Home Gift Card:** This allows you to print a gift card at home. It’s a good option if you need a last-minute gift but still want something tangible.
3. **Select a Design and Amount:** Choose a design that suits the occasion. Then, select the gift card amount. To cover a full year of Amazon Prime, you’ll need to choose an amount that covers the current annual Prime membership fee plus any applicable taxes (check Amazon’s website for the current price). You can also choose a smaller amount if you prefer, knowing the recipient can supplement it if they choose to use it for Prime.
4. **Add Recipient Information (for Digital Gift Cards):** If you’re sending a digital gift card, enter the recipient’s email address and a personalized message.
5. **Add to Cart:** Click the “Add to Cart” button.
6. **Proceed to Checkout:** Go to your shopping cart and click “Proceed to Checkout.”
7. **Enter Shipping Information (for Physical Gift Cards):** If you’re sending a physical gift card, enter the recipient’s shipping address.
8. **Select Payment Method:** Choose your preferred payment method and enter your payment details.
9. **Review and Place Your Order:** Carefully review your order details, including the gift card type, amount, and recipient information. Click “Place Your Order.”
**How the Recipient Redeems the Gift Card for Prime:**
1. **Receive the Gift Card:** The recipient receives the digital or physical gift card.
2. **Redeem the Gift Card to Their Amazon Account:**
* **Digital Gift Card:** They click the link in the email to redeem the gift card to their Amazon account.
* **Physical Gift Card:** They scratch off the security code on the back of the card and enter it into their Amazon account under the “Gift Cards” section.
3. **Purchase an Amazon Prime Membership:** Once the gift card balance is added to their account, they can go to the Amazon Prime sign-up page and purchase a membership using their gift card balance.
**Important Considerations for Amazon Gift Cards:**
* **Flexibility:** The recipient has the flexibility to use the gift card for anything on Amazon, not just Prime. This is a great option if you’re not sure whether they want a Prime membership.
* **Prime Price Fluctuations:** The price of Amazon Prime can change, so make sure the gift card amount is sufficient to cover the cost of a membership. It is better to overestimate than to underestimate the value.
* **Combining Gift Cards:** If the gift card amount isn’t enough to cover the full cost of Prime, the recipient can combine it with another gift card or payment method.
## Tips for Gifting Amazon Prime
Here are some additional tips to make your Amazon Prime gift even more special:
* **Personalize the Gift:** If you’re sending a digital gift card, write a heartfelt message to the recipient. If you’re giving a physical gift card, consider including it in a nice card or gift box.
* **Consider Their Needs:** Think about the recipient’s lifestyle and needs. Would they benefit from the free shipping, streaming services, or other Prime benefits? If they’re already covered under another family member’s account, a gift card might be a better option.
* **Explain the Benefits:** If the recipient isn’t familiar with Amazon Prime, take the time to explain the benefits and how they can take advantage of them. This will help them appreciate the gift even more.
* **Check for Promotions:** Amazon often runs promotions on Prime memberships and gift cards, especially during the holidays. Keep an eye out for these deals to save money.
* **Follow Up:** After giving the gift, follow up with the recipient to make sure they received it and were able to redeem it successfully. Offer to help them set up their Prime account or explore the various benefits.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common issues that may arise when gifting Amazon Prime and how to troubleshoot them:
* **Recipient Already Has Prime:** If the recipient already has an Amazon Prime membership, the gift membership (if it was possible to directly gift one) will typically be added to their account as an extension. If you gave a gift card, they can use it for other purchases.
* **Gift Card Code Not Working:** Double-check that the recipient has entered the gift card code correctly. Make sure they haven’t accidentally included any extra spaces or characters. If the code still doesn’t work, contact Amazon customer support.
* **Redemption Link Not Working:** If the redemption link in the gift notification email isn’t working, try copying and pasting it into a web browser. If that doesn’t work, contact Amazon customer support.
* **Payment Issues:** If you’re having trouble with payment, make sure your payment information is up-to-date and that you have sufficient funds in your account. You can also try using a different payment method.
## Conclusion
Gifting Amazon Prime is a thoughtful and practical way to show someone you care. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily give the gift of convenience, entertainment, and savings. Whether you choose to give an Amazon Prime gift membership (when available) or an Amazon gift card, you’re sure to brighten someone’s day with this valuable present. Remember to personalize the gift, consider the recipient’s needs, and follow up to ensure they’re enjoying all the benefits of Amazon Prime. Happy gifting!