Why this is better
Thoughtful giving, sustainable living
Reduce waste and clutter
Less packaging, fewer unwanted items gathering dust
No awkward guessing
They know exactly what will make you happy
One meaningful gift
Instead of many things you'll never use
Feels more personal
Everyone contributes to something truly special
Why we created what I really really want
About us
The idea for What I Really Really Want started at home.
When my twins were born, our lives quickly filled with love from family and friends, and with that often came gifts. I am always incredibly grateful that people want to give something to my children. That generosity means a lot to me.
But over time I started to notice something. Many of the toys and little bits and bobs would be exciting for a moment, maybe a day, and then they would end up forgotten, broken, or tucked away in a cupboard. It began to feel like there were more things than the girls actually needed.
With three young children, I am already very aware of how much waste families create. We try to recycle, donate and pass things on whenever we can, but there are limits. Many toys are difficult to recycle and do not last very long. I did not want birthdays and celebrations to add even more unnecessary waste.
So one year I decided to try something different.
Instead of bringing gifts, I asked our friends and family if they would consider contributing whatever they felt comfortable with towards something the twins really, really wanted. It was something I could not quite justify buying myself, but I knew it would be something they would truly enjoy.
Everyone gave what they could, and together we were able to give them something special that they still use today.
That moment made me realise something. Why is there not a simple way to do this?
Why is there not a place where people can comfortably say what they really want, without feeling awkward about asking, and where friends and family can contribute instead of guessing what to buy?
Gift giving should feel joyful, not stressful. People should not have to worry about whether they have chosen the right thing, and celebrations should not result in piles of items that quickly go unused.
So we created What I Really Really Want.
A simple way to share the things that truly matter to you. Friends and family can contribute whatever they like, and together it turns into something you will genuinely use and appreciate.
Less guessing.
Less waste.
More meaningful gifts.
Happy Wishlisters
Real people. Real relief. Better gifting without the awkwardness.
“Setting up my birthday wishlist was so simple! I added everything I actually wanted, shared the link with friends and family, and for the first time ever, I got exactly what I asked for. No more pretending to love gifts I'll never use!”
“I used to dread Christmas because I'd end up with so many things I didn't need. This year I created a wishlist and only got things I genuinely wanted. No more waste, no more awkward returns, and my family's money went towards things I'll actually use and love!”
“As someone who always stressed about buying the 'perfect' gift, this platform is a lifesaver! My niece shared her wedding wishlist and I could see exactly what she wanted and how much to contribute. No more guessing, no more anxiety about budget or whether she'd like it. Gift giving has never been easier!”
“Setting up my birthday wishlist was so simple! I added everything I actually wanted, shared the link with friends and family, and for the first time ever, I got exactly what I asked for. No more pretending to love gifts I'll never use!”
“I used to dread Christmas because I'd end up with so many things I didn't need. This year I created a wishlist and only got things I genuinely wanted. No more waste, no more awkward returns, and my family's money went towards things I'll actually use and love!”
“As someone who always stressed about buying the 'perfect' gift, this platform is a lifesaver! My niece shared her wedding wishlist and I could see exactly what she wanted and how much to contribute. No more guessing, no more anxiety about budget or whether she'd like it. Gift giving has never been easier!”