Last year, while searching for an original Christmas present for my brother, I had the idea of giving him some Bitcoin. He had recently become interested in cryptocurrencies, and I wanted to make an impact by introducing him to this fascinating world. Before long, I realised it wasn’t just a matter of “buying BTC” and slipping it into an envelope: choosing the right medium (gift card, paper or hardware wallet), explaining the steps to follow and clarifying security considerations all required a bit of preparation. I would therefore like to give you an overview of the methods for gifting crypto, drawing on my own experience and on the solutions most frequently recommended by the community.
Why give cryptocurrency?
Giving crypto is much more than giving monetary value: it’s an opportunity to introduce someone to a rapidly evolving ecosystem, where blockchain, decentralisation and digital finance are already shaping new uses. When I gave Bitcoin to my brother, I noticed just how enthusiastic he was about being able to track the value of his gift, learning to secure his funds and understanding the workings of a technology that’s often seen as abstract. On the one hand, there’s talk of volatility and speculation; on the other, it’s about financial autonomy and innovation.
Of course, keep in mind that the value of this gift can fluctuate significantly.
As a trader friend likes to say:
« Crypto is like a lottery ticket with an added layer of technology. »
This can either scare people off or, on the contrary, increase the recipient’s interest, prompting them to follow the market more closely. In any case, giving cryptocurrencies is also about offering the opportunity to learn, stay informed and develop investment skills.
Also read: Our comparison of the best cryptocurrency platforms.
The major challenges: volatility, security and accessibility
Volatility is undoubtedly the trickiest aspect to manage.
It only takes a few days for the value of a cryptocurrency to surge or plummet, which may disappoint if someone was expecting a “risk-free” investment. My advice: always let the recipient know it’s a volatile market, where a longer time horizon and patience are key.
Security is also paramount.
In the crypto world, “if you lose your keys, you lose your funds.” You therefore need to inform the person about the importance of properly storing their recovery phrase (seed phrase), choosing strong passwords and possibly acquiring a reliable wallet. Without this short crash course, even the best gift can turn into frustration.
Finally, accessibility is a third key challenge.
Some platforms’ interfaces or wallet setups can put off beginners. By clearly explaining each step (installing an app, scanning a QR code, checking the balance, etc.), you make the process much more enjoyable and spark greater interest in getting involved.
Different ways to give crypto
#1 – Paper wallet
If you’re looking for a simple and inexpensive solution, a “paper wallet” remains a classic option. You generate a public address and a private key, which you print out (with a QR code) on a piece of paper. You then send the cryptocurrency to that address, and hand over the printed wallet to the intended recipient. The advantage is that there’s no additional hardware cost, and the recipient can see their access “physically.” The downside is that, ultimately, they’ll have to import these keys into a digital wallet to perform transactions. So it’s vital to explain how to do that.
#2 – Hardware wallet
If you want a bit more comfort and security, you could give a USB device or a pre-loaded NFC card, such as Tangem, Opendime or SatsCard. You purchase the device, transfer the crypto to it, and then hand over the wallet in person. Many brands provide very clear usage guides, which reassures beginners. That said, you should still take the time to test the interface and show the recipient how to check the balance, make transfers and protect their private keys.
#3 – Crypto gift cards
This is the most “ready to use” method and has grown significantly in recent times. Several platforms allow you to generate a link or a gift code pre-loaded with Bitcoin or Ether (for example, Coinbase Gift, Gemini Gift, River Link or Lightsats). In some cases, all it takes is entering an email address or phone number for the buyer to send the gift card to someone. That person then creates (or links) an account on the relevant platform and “claims” the crypto. The advantage is simplicity: a single click, and the recipient can see their total. The downside is that these services are often centralised, meaning you’ll eventually need to move the funds to a personal wallet for optimum security.
#4 – The approach “I have a wallet for you, when you are ready”
Lastly, if your friend or family member is very curious but not quite ready to dive in, you could simply buy cryptocurrencies in their name (keeping the keys for now) and give them a symbolic certificate. When they feel up to managing their own wallet, you can transfer the funds. It’s less immediate, but it avoids accidental losses for those who are complete beginners.
Also read: 5 reliable and profitable ways to invest in cryptocurrencies.
Practical advice and a concrete example
To better illustrate the crypto gift card approach, here’s a recent example. I helped a friend give £50 worth of Bitcoin to his cousin using one of these online services. He first loaded the amount, obtained a unique link, then included that link as a QR code on a personalised greetings card. The recipient simply had to scan the code, create an account in a few clicks on the platform, and instantly retrieve their precious satoshis. On the back of the card, we highlighted some essential rules: “Transfer these funds to a wallet where you hold the private keys” and “Never share your login details.” The result: the cousin felt supported, safe and didn’t have to dive straight into complex technicalities.
Similarly, you could opt for a hardware wallet. For example, place a pre-loaded NFC card (like Tangem) in a gift box with a short explanatory note: “Here’s a Tangem loaded with 0.01 BTC. Download the Tangem app, follow the steps to check your balance, and take the time to understand the concept of private keys, because that’s your exclusive access to these funds.” This way, the gift remains both tangible and fun, while reinforcing the importance of security.
Conclusion
Gifting cryptocurrency can be a meaningful gesture, combining originality and an introduction to a technology of the future. Whether it’s a paper wallet, a hardware wallet or a crypto gift card, each method has its pros and cons. The key is to prepare carefully: inform the recipient about volatility, about the importance of security and about the first steps to achieve real autonomy. With a minimum of guidance and a good dose of explanation, you can turn a simple present into an exciting journey, and perhaps even someone’s first step towards financial independence. As a blockchain trainer often says, “What you’re giving here isn’t just money: it’s an invitation to rethink how value is exchanged.” And if your friend or relative ends up finding all this fascinating, you’ll have more than succeeded in your goal.
