Every gamer has a Steam account where they can officially buy games for solo play or cooperative adventures. If a player isn’t sure what to request, their wishlist can be a reliable gift guide. This guide explains how to use wishlists and covers common issues that can pop up during the gifting process.
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How to find a wishlist on Steam
To gift a title your friend really wants, start by checking their wishlist. Here is a straightforward way to do it:
- Right-click the Steam icon in the notification area and choose Friends.
- From the list, select the person you want, right-click their name, and pick Open profile.
- On the right side, open the Games section.
- There you will see all owned games and the Wishlist option in the upper right corner.
How to gift a game on Steam
Ensure the recipient’s account is active and belongs to the right person. If needed, create a new account so the gift sender can share the login details later. Pick a game from the wishlist or search the store, then click the green Add to cart button. A new window will confirm that the game is being purchased as a gift. After adding games, go to the shopping cart and select the blue Go to gift registration button.
For each gift, you can choose a recipient. The new window shows who has the item on their wishlist, helping to locate the right person quickly. Include a short message of congratulations and choose the delivery option ASAP. The second option allows scheduling a gift for a specific date. The recipient will receive a notification once the purchase is complete.
How to request gift cards and Steam Wallet codes
If the exact game isn’t known, a monetary gift in the form of a Steam gift card can be a practical choice. Ensure the recipient’s account has been active for at least three days and is on the sender’s friends list. Open Gift cards from the Steam store home and select a value, then pick a friend for delivery and complete the payment. When the recipient accepts it, the Steam Wallet is credited with the chosen amount.
Note: The funds cannot be exchanged back into real money, so it’s best to make sure the recipient will spend it on a game or app they want.
Can a gift be sent by email?
That option was available in the past, but today gifts are issued to created Steam accounts. The simplest method is to create a new profile and share the login details with a friend, which can be changed later.
Possible issues when gifting on Steam
Even with a simple process, a few pitfalls can arise.
- Region differences can affect availability and price. If necessary, create a new account in the same region (for example via a trusted friend) and complete the purchase at the local price.
- Games not available in one region can’t be gifted to that region. It helps to confirm regional availability before sending a gift.
- Gifts can be refunded if both parties agree and follow the standard return policy, though refunds go back to the donor.
- When purchasing gift cards or Wallet codes, consider the recipient’s currency. If a currency mismatch occurs, contact support for guidance.
All content in this guide reflects typical North American and global Steam gifting practices and may be updated to reflect policy changes.