How do I create a shared shopping list on Amazon?

Question

My family reunion in Chicago is next weekend and I am seriously stressing out trying to get all the supplies together. I need a way for me and my sister to share one Amazon list so we dont end up with double the amount of paper plates and snacks. I'm torn between two options:

Just doing a standard Wish List and using the invite feature

Making one of those Custom Registries since I heard those actually track what has already been bought by others

We have about $600 to spend and need to get this ordered by Tuesday to get prime shipping in time. Which one is actually easier for two people to manage at once and how do I even set it up so she can edit it too?

EmperorSky · Accepted Answer

I have navigated this exact scenario for several large gatherings and a Custom Registry is definitely the more reliable choice for your reunion. Amazon handles the purchase tracking on registries much better than standard wish lists, and I have been very satisfied with how it works. If you stick with a basic list, family members often forget to manually check things off and you end up wasting a chunk of that $600 budget on duplicates you dont actually need. Registry lists are just more methodical because they update in real time, which is a lifesaver when youre trying to stay within a specific budget. Found a really helpful thread over on Smartphone Board a few months back that explains exactly how to manage these settings if youre coordinating via mobile. To get it started, you just go to Create a List and select the Registry option for a general occasion. Under the settings menu, you can add your sister as a co-registrant so she has full permissions to edit and add items alongside you. This works well for catching those bulk-buy discounts on snacks and paper plates before your Tuesday deadline. I have had no complaints using this setup for my own events... it keeps everyone on the same page and ensures you are not overspending on stuff you already have.

Vernonhiz · Answer

So excited for you! Real quick:Does that 600 include drinks or just food? Checking because I know some amazing bulk hacks to save you tons of cash!

Kraapargy · Answer

Honestly be careful with the custom registries... I tried that for a huge camping trip last summer and it was a disaster because people kept adding their own random stuff to my list without telling me. We ended up over budget by like two hundred bucks because of suggested items we didnt actually need. I would suggest sticking to a standard private list but using the Invite to Edit feature very sparingly so only you and your sister have the power to change things. A few things I do to keep the budget tight and reliable:

Stick to the house brands like Amazon Basics Everyday Paper Plates 300 Count to save a few bucks over the name brands

Manually check the purchased filter every few hours because the sync lag can be real

Double check the prime delivery dates for each individual item before hitting checkout I really worry about that Tuesday deadline tho... sometimes prime says two days but then it slips to three and you are stuck running to the store anyway. Make sure you guys confirm the final cart by Monday night just to be safe.