How to Add a Wishlist Feature to WooCommerce: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

Why Every WooCommerce Store Needs a Wishlist

Wishlists are no longer just nice-to-have features – they’re powerful conversion tools that:

• Increase engagement by 40% (users return 3x more often)
• Boost average order value by 15-30% through saved items
• Provide valuable customer data about product preferences
• Enable targeted remarketing through abandoned wishlist campaigns
• Improve holiday shopping experience (birthday/registry lists)

Method 1: Using Plugins (Recommended for Most Stores)

1. YITH WooCommerce Wishlist (Most Popular)

✅ Best for: Most stores wanting full functionality
🔥 Key Features:

• One-click add to wishlist
• Multiple wishlist creation
• Social sharing options
• “Back in stock” notifications
• GDPR compliant

Setup:

1. Install and activate plugin
2. Configure under WooCommerce → Settings → YITH Wishlist
3. Add [yith_wcwl_add_to_wishlist] shortcode to product pages. Our YouTube channel; https://www.youtube.com/@easythemestore

2. TI WooCommerce Wishlist (Premium Alternative)

✅ Best for: Stores needing advanced features
🔥 **Key Features:

• AI-powered product recommendations
• Wishlist analytics dashboard
• Automated price drop alerts
• Multi-vendor marketplace support
• Export wishlists to CSV

Method 2: Custom Code Solution (For Developers)

Add this to your child theme’s functions.php:

// Create wishlist table
function create_wishlist_table() {
    global $wpdb;
    $table_name = $wpdb->prefix . 'woo_wishlist';
    
    $sql = "CREATE TABLE $table_name (
        id mediumint(9) NOT NULL AUTO_INCREMENT,
        user_id mediumint(9) NOT NULL,
        product_id mediumint(9) NOT NULL,
        date_added datetime DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
        PRIMARY KEY (id)
    )";
    
    require_once(ABSPATH . 'wp-admin/includes/upgrade.php');
    dbDelta($sql);
}
register_activation_hook(__FILE__, 'create_wishlist_table');

// Add wishlist button
add_action('woocommerce_after_add_to_cart_button', 'add_wishlist_button');
function add_wishlist_button() {
    echo '<button class="wishlist-button" data-product-id="'.get_the_ID().'">♡ Save</button>';
}

Required CSS:

.wishlist-button {
    background: none;
    border: none;
    cursor: pointer;
    font-size: 16px;
    margin-left: 15px;
}
.wishlist-button.active {
    color: red;
}

Method 3: Using Page Builders

Elementor + Essential Addons

1. Install Essential Addons for Elementor
2. Use the “Wishlist” widget
3. Customize button style and position
4. Set up wishlist page template

Advanced Implementation Tips

1. Strategic Placement:

   • Product pages (next to Add to Cart)

   • Product archives (hover buttons)

   • Mobile sticky bar

   • Account dashboard section

2. Conversion Boosters:

   • “Almost gone!” alerts on wishlist items

   • “Complete your wishlist” email campaigns

   • Birthday reminder prompts

   • Social sharing incentives

3. Personalization:

   • Nameable wishlists (Wedding, Birthday, etc.)

   • Private/public list options

   • Collaborative wishlists (family groups)

Future Wishlist Trends for 2025

1. AI-Powered Suggestions:

   • “Customers who wanted this also liked…”

   • Price drop predictions

   • Restock probability indicators

2. Augmented Reality Integration:

   • Virtual “try before you wishlist”

   • 3D product previews in wishlist

3. Blockchain-Verified Authenticity:

   • NFT-backed luxury item wishlists

   • Ownership history for pre-owned goods

4. Voice Commerce Compatibility:

   • “Alexa, add to my wishlist”

   • Voice-controlled list management

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Button Not Appearing? Check for theme conflicts
• Logged-Out Users Can’t Save? Implement cookie-based temporary lists
• Mobile Display Issues? Use responsive CSS breakpoints
• Performance Problems? Optimize database queries for large lists

Final Recommendation

For most stores in 2025:

• Start with YITH Wishlist for quick implementation
• Add TI Wishlist if needing advanced features
• Consider custom solutions for unique requirements

Pro Tip: Combine wishlists with abandoned cart recovery for 2x conversion rates!

Have you implemented wishlists? What impact did you see on conversions? Share your experience below! 💝🛒