How To Give Amazon Prime as a Gift: The Ultimate Guide

So, you want to bestow the gift of unlimited free shipping, streaming entertainment, and a whole host of other perks upon a lucky recipient? Excellent choice! Gifting Amazon Prime is a fantastic idea, offering year-round value and convenience. Here’s the straightforward answer:

You can give Amazon Prime as a gift in the form of a prepaid membership. Essentially, you’re buying a code that the recipient can redeem for either a 3-month or 12-month Amazon Prime membership. It functions like a gift card specifically for Prime. Now, let’s delve into the specifics and address all your burning questions.

The Gift of Prime: A Deep Dive

Gifting Amazon Prime isn’t just about sending a present; it’s about offering a key to a world of convenience and entertainment. From free two-day (or even same-day) shipping on eligible items to access to Prime Video’s expansive library and Prime Music’s millions of songs, the benefits are substantial. However, the process isn’t quite as straightforward as gifting a simple Amazon gift card. Let’s unpack it.

Buying the Prime Gift

1. Navigate to the Amazon Prime Gift Page: Go to Amazon and search for “Give Amazon Prime as a gift” or directly access it through the Amazon website’s gift section. The specific URL might change, but the search term will always lead you to the correct page.
2. Choose the Membership Duration: You’ll typically have two options: a 3-month Prime membership or a 12-month Prime membership. Select the option that best suits your budget and the recipient’s needs.
3. Select the Delivery Method: You can choose to have the gift delivered electronically via email or you can print out a gift certificate to give in person.
4. Enter Recipient Information (for Email Delivery): If opting for email delivery, you’ll need the recipient’s email address. Be sure to double-check its accuracy! You can also specify a delivery date to coordinate with a special occasion.
5. Add a Personal Message: A thoughtful message adds a personal touch. Express your well wishes and explain why you thought they’d enjoy Prime.
6. Review and Purchase: Double-check all the details before proceeding to checkout. Once you’re satisfied, complete the purchase.

Redeeming the Prime Gift

The recipient receives an email (or the printed certificate) with instructions on how to redeem their Amazon Prime membership. The process is simple:

1. Click the Redemption Link: The email will contain a unique link that directs the recipient to the Amazon redemption page.
2. Sign In to Amazon: The recipient needs to sign in to their Amazon account (or create one if they don’t already have one).
3. Redeem the Gift: They follow the on-screen instructions to redeem the Prime membership. The value of the gift is then applied to their account, activating their Prime benefits.

Important Considerations:

• Existing Prime Memberships: If the recipient is already an Amazon Prime member, the gift membership is automatically applied to their account, extending their current membership by the specified duration (3 months or 12 months). This is a great way to ensure they continue to enjoy the benefits of Prime.
• Amazon Household: The recipient will be able to share some of the Prime benefits with other members of their Amazon Household, such as free shipping and Prime Video access.
• No Refunds or Returns: Gifted Amazon Prime memberships are generally non-refundable and non-returnable. So, be sure you’re confident the recipient will appreciate the gift.
• Regional Availability: Amazon Prime gift memberships are generally only redeemable in the country where they were purchased. Always verify this before making a purchase for someone living in another country.

Amazon Prime Gift FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about gifting Amazon Prime, designed to address any lingering uncertainties you might have:

1. Can I gift a Prime Student membership?

No, unfortunately, you can’t directly gift a Prime Student membership. Prime Student requires verification of student status, so it’s tied to an individual’s enrollment. You can, however, gift the student a regular Amazon Prime membership or an Amazon gift card that they can use towards their own Prime Student subscription.

2. What happens if the recipient already has Prime?

As mentioned earlier, the gifted membership is simply added to their existing Prime membership, extending its duration. They won’t lose any existing benefits or be charged twice.

3. Can I gift Prime to someone in another country?

Generally, no. Amazon Prime gift memberships are typically region-locked. A gift purchased on Amazon.com (US) is unlikely to be redeemable on Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de, for example. Always confirm the regional restrictions before buying. Consider gifting an Amazon gift card instead, which they can use to purchase a local Prime membership.

4. Is there a way to gift only specific Prime benefits, like just Prime Video?

No, you can’t gift individual Prime benefits. Amazon Prime is a bundled service, and the gift membership provides access to the entire suite of perks.

5. How long is the gift membership valid for redemption?

The redemption period for Amazon Prime gift memberships can vary, but it’s generally valid for at least a year from the date of purchase. The specific expiration date should be clearly stated in the email or on the printed certificate.

6. Can I use an Amazon gift card to purchase a Prime gift membership?

Yes, you can typically use your existing Amazon gift card balance to purchase a Prime gift membership.

7. What payment methods are accepted for buying a Prime gift?

Amazon accepts a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and Amazon gift card balances.

8. Can I schedule the email delivery of the Prime gift for a specific date and time?

Yes, when purchasing an Amazon Prime membership as a gift, you can specify a delivery date for the email. This allows you to coordinate the delivery with a birthday, holiday, or other special occasion. The exact time of day can’t usually be specified, but it will be delivered on the chosen date.

9. If I gift Prime, will the recipient’s payment information be shared with me?

No, gifting Amazon Prime does not share any of the recipient’s payment information with you. The gift is redeemed independently, and their payment details remain private.

10. What if the recipient doesn’t want the Prime membership?

While Amazon Prime memberships are non-refundable, the recipient can choose not to redeem the gift. In this case, the gift simply remains unused. They aren’t obligated to activate the membership.

11. Can I give Prime as a recurring gift?

Currently, Amazon doesn’t offer a way to gift Amazon Prime on a recurring basis. You’ll need to manually purchase a new gift membership each time you want to extend the recipient’s Prime benefits.

12. Is there a way to track if the recipient has redeemed the Prime gift I sent?

Unfortunately, Amazon doesn’t provide a direct tracking feature to confirm whether the recipient has redeemed the Prime gift. However, if you know the recipient well, you can simply ask them if they received and activated it.

Gifting Amazon Prime is a surefire way to bring joy and convenience to someone’s life. By understanding the nuances of the gifting process and addressing common questions, you can ensure a smooth and successful gifting experience. Go ahead, spread the Prime love!