Facebook yesterday launched Facebook Gifts, a new feature on the social network that allows users to purchase and share gifts with friends and family.
“Every day, millions of people share special moments with their friends on Facebook by saying ‘Happy Birthday,’ ‘Congratulations,’ or simply, ‘I’m thinking of you,’” according to a Facebook announcement. “Now there is another way to celebrate those moments. Starting today, you can give real gifts to your friends on Facebook using Gifts.”
Facebook Gifts provides a variety of products from merchants including Magnolia Bakery, Starbucks and Warby Parker. Users can select, purchase and share gifts with friends and family either by clicking on a birthday reminder on the Facebook home page, or by clicking a “Gifts” tab on a user’s wall. Payment information can be entered before or after a gift is received.
Friends are notified instantly when they receive a gift, and can view product photos and descriptions directly on the Facebook platform. To have the gift delivered, recipients enter their address, as well as the product color, size and/or flavor they desire.
Currently, Facebook Gifts is available only for a select number of U.S. members, however, the company is gradually rolling out the new offering to all members.
