Patent ID: 8244598
Filing Date: 2012-08-14
Classification: G06F,G06Q

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method of assisting users in purchasing gifts associated with gift-giving events, the method comprising: maintaining an electronic wish list of a first user in computer storage, the electronic wish list including items selected from an electronic catalog by the first user and being accessible to other users; inferring information regarding a recurring gift-giving event associated with the first user based on gift transaction data that identifies at least one gift purchased from the electronic catalog for the first user by another user, wherein inferring the information regarding the recurring gift-giving event comprises analyzing the gift transaction data to assess whether the gift was purchased in connection with a recurring event; determining that an affiliation exists between the first user and a second user; and automatically sending to the second user, based at least partly on the inferred information and the determination than an affiliation exists, a message regarding the recurring gift-giving event associated with the first user together with a link to the electronic wish list of the first user, to thereby facilitate purchasing of a gift associated with the recurring gift-giving event; said method performed in its entirety by a computer system.