Gift subscriptions allow one member (the giver) to purchase a paid subscription on behalf of another person (the recipient). Outpost handles the purchase, delivery, and redemption flows end-to-end.Documentation Index
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How it works
Giver purchases a gift
The giver visits your gift subscription page, enters the recipient’s email and an optional personal message, and pays via Stripe. Gift subscriptions are one-time purchases — they do not auto-renew. The purchaser can also choose to have this start in the future - e.g. for a birthday present.
Recipient receives an email
Outpost sends the recipient an email with a redemption link. The email includes the giver’s name and personal message (if provided). If the purchase was set for a future date, this email goes out on that date.
Recipient redeems the gift
The recipient clicks the link, creates an account (or logs into their existing one), and their gift subscription is activated immediately. No payment information is required from the recipient.
Subscription lifecycle
After the gift period ends, the recipient’s subscription expires. They can choose to continue by adding their own payment method and subscribing. The Autoresponder can send reminders to the giver before the gift sub expires to see if they want to re-give, and then to the recipient, if the buyer doesn’t give, to buy for themselves.
Gift subscriptions are one-time purchases and do not auto-renew. When a gift is about to expire, both the giver and recipient can receive reminder emails encouraging renewal or conversion to a self-paid subscription.
Scheduled gifts
Givers can schedule a gift to be delivered on a specific date — useful for birthdays, holidays, or other occasions. The gift is purchased immediately, but the recipient’s email and activation happen on the scheduled date.Gift subscription management
In Members, gift givers and gift recipients are labeled:| Label | Applied when… |
|---|---|
Bought_Gift_Subscription | Member purchased a gift subscription for someone else |
Received_Gift_Subscription | Member received a gift subscription |
Gift lifecycle statuses
Each gift subscription moves through these statuses:| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Pending | Gift purchased but not yet delivered (e.g., scheduled for a future date) |
| Issued | Gift email sent to the recipient, awaiting redemption |
| Active | Recipient has redeemed the gift and has an active subscription |
| Canceled | Gift was canceled by admin or refunded |
Autoresponder integration
The Autoresponder’s Gift Subscriptions tab includes 7 pre-built email actions:| Action | Recipient | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Gift received notification | Recipient | Tell them about the gift and who sent it |
| Purchase thank-you | Giver | Thank the giver for purchasing |
| Scheduled gift sent | Giver | Notify that a scheduled gift was delivered |
| Gift ending soon (3 weeks before) | Giver | First reminder — sent 3 weeks before expiry |
| Gift ending soon (2 weeks before) | Giver | Second reminder — sent 2 weeks before expiry |
| Gift ending soon (10 days before) | Giver | Final reminder — sent 10 days before expiry |
| Subscription ending soon | Recipient | Encourage the recipient to subscribe on their own |
Frequently asked questions
Can a gift recipient already be a paid subscriber?
Can a gift recipient already be a paid subscriber?
If the recipient already has an active paid subscription, the gift extends their access. The specifics depend on the tier — if it’s the same tier, the gift period is added to their existing subscription.
Can the giver get a refund?
Can the giver get a refund?
Refund handling depends on your Stripe settings and policies. Refunds need to be processed through your Stripe dashboard. If a gift is refunded, the recipient’s access is revoked.
What if the recipient never redeems the gift?
What if the recipient never redeems the gift?
The gift remains in a pending state until redeemed or until it expires.
Can I give a gift as an admin without paying?
Can I give a gift as an admin without paying?
For free access grants, use Complimentary Subscriptions instead. Gift subscriptions always involve a payment from the giver.
Do gift subscriptions auto-renew?
Do gift subscriptions auto-renew?
No. Gift subscriptions are one-time purchases. When the gift period ends, the recipient can choose to subscribe on their own. The Autoresponder sends reminders to both the giver and recipient before expiry.
Related features
Complimentary Subscriptions
Free access grants (different from paid gifts)
Autoresponder
Automated gift-related emails for givers and recipients
Tiers & Pricing
The subscription products available as gifts
Offers & Discounts
Attach discount offers to gift re-purchase reminder emails