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Amazon System May Keep Crappy Gifts from Mom's Cart, Save You From Reindeer Sweaters

by Terrence O'Brien on November 11, 2010 at 08:30 AM

gift Amazon may make getting gifts around the holidays a lot more enjoyable -- and perhaps a lot more awkward. The company was just granted a patent on a "system and method for converting gifts" which, in other words, is a way to exchange gifts before they've even been shipped (or ordered). The proposed system will allow users to set up rules that catch crappy gifts in the carts of clueless (but totally well-intentioned) friends and relatives. That six pack of white Hanes briefs or the latest Now! CD installment can be replaced with a gift certificate or an item from your Wish List of roughly the same value. The system can also block particular items from being purchased altogether, and suggest the proper size for clothing purchases.

It's not clear if Amazon has started building this tool, or when it even intends to roll out the system across the site. It might hurt just a little bit when your uncle goes to check out the gift he's been thinking long and hard about, only to have it rejected at the last minute. But at least you won't have to hold back your grimace and seem sincere when you tell him about how much you've always wanted a necktie with a functioning light switch.

Tags: amazon, commerce, gift, gift exchange, GiftExchange, presents, top, web

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