Last year, as I was looking for something original to gift my brother for Christmas, the idea of giving him some Bitcoin popped into my head. Cryptocurrencies had recently piqued his interest 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 more preparation. So, drawing on my own experience and on the solutions most frequently recommended by the community, here's an overview of how you too can gift crypto.
Why give cryptocurrency?
Giving crypto represents far more than giving a simple 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 my brother some Bitcoin, I noticed just how enthusiastic he was about being able to track the value of his gift, about 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 interest, prompting the recipient 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 3 major challenges: volatility, security and accessibility
Volatility is undoubtedly the trickiest aspect to manage.
The value of a cryptocurrency can surge or plummet in a matter of days, which may disappoint the recipient if they were expecting a “risk-free” investment. My advice: always let the recipient know that the cryptocurrency market is a volatile one, where having a longer timeframe 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 recipient about the importance of properly storing their recovery phrase (seed phrase), choosing strong passwords and setting themselves up with a reliable wallet. Without this short crash course, even the best gift can turn into frustration.
Accessibility is the third key challenge.
Some platforms’ interfaces or wallet setups can completely 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 for the recipient and make them keener to get 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 then print out (with a QR code) on a piece of paper. You 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 “physically” see their access. The downside is that, ultimately, they’ll have to import these keys into a digital wallet if they want to perform transactions. It’s therefore 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 can be very reassuring for beginners. That said, you should still take the time to test the interface and show the recipient how to check their 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 the buyer needs to do is enter an email address or phone number and off the gift card goes to the recipient. That person then creates (or links) an account on the relevant platform and “claims” their crypto. The advantage here is simplicity: in a single click the recipient can see their balance. 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 “You've got a cryptowallet: it's ready when you are! ”approach
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 of ownership. When they feel up to managing their own wallet, you can transfer the funds. It’s less immediate but it prevents complete beginners from making accidental losses.
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. All his cousin needed to do was scan the code, create an account in a few clicks on the platform to instantly retrieve his precious satoshis. On the back of the card, we highlighted some essential rules: “Transfer these funds to a wallet you hold the private keys for” 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 make sure you 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 minimum guidance and some good explanations, you can turn a simple gift 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.
