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How to Gift Bitcoin, Ethereum & NFTs to Friends & Family

Want to gift crypto? Discover step-by-step tips, wallet setup guidance, and trusted platforms for sending digital assets securely.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

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Table Of Content

Why Gifting Crypto Is Popular?

Gifting cryptocurrency has become popular as a modern, meaningful alternative to traditional gifts. It offers financial value, introduces recipients to digital assets, and reflects a forward-thinking mindset.

Whether for birthdays, holidays, or graduation, crypto gifts spark curiosity and encourage investment habits. Also, with platforms offering seamless transfers and attractive gift cards, it’s easier than ever to send digital assets.

This trend is especially appealing to younger, tech-savvy generations who seek personalized gifts and may appreciate them.

How to Buy & Send Crypto as a Gift

Gifting crypto is a modern way to share value, spark curiosity, and introduce others to digital assets with real potential.

1. Choose a Crypto and a Platform

Before sending crypto as a gift, decide which coin to send and where to buy it. Beginner-friendly Platforms like Coinbase, Binance, or Cash App offer tools for purchasing and gifting.

  • Pick a coin: Bitcoin and Ethereum are popular choices, but stablecoins like USDC are also gift-worthy.

  • Use a trusted exchange: Coinbase and Binance have gift features built-in for easy transfers.

  • Consider fees and limits: Each platform has its own network fees and sending restrictions.

Choosing a reliable exchange ensures that the purchase and delivery process go smoothly. Make sure the recipient can access the crypto or is comfortable learning it.

2. Set Up a Wallet or Use a Gift Card Feature

You can either send the crypto directly to a recipient’s wallet or use a gift card-like interface. Some platforms allow generating a gift link or a printable card.

  • Wallet transfers: If the recipient has a wallet (like MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet), you can transfer it directly.

  • Email or gift links: Platforms like Coinbase offer email delivery or custom links.

  • Physical gift cards: Sites like Coindrop or BitCard let you print or mail crypto gift cards.

If the recipient doesn’t yet use crypto, gifting via link or card is a great way to get them started. These options simplify onboarding and reduce the intimidation factor.

identity verification, Coinbase wallet
Identity verification, Coinbase wallet (Screenshot taken by our team)

3. Personalize the Gift

Adding a personal message or occasion-specific design makes the crypto gift more memorable. Many platforms let you customize your message or choose holiday themes.

  • Custom notes: Add a birthday, graduation, or holiday greeting.

  • Branded designs: Some services let you style your crypto gift with images and themes.

  • Video messages: A few platforms even allow video greetings with the crypto link.

A personal touch transforms a digital transaction into a thoughtful gesture. It also helps explain the value and significance of the gift to a first-time recipient.

4. Educate the Recipient

Crypto can be confusing, especially for newcomers. Include a few tips or resources to help your recipient understand what they received and how to manage it.

  • Basic instructions: Let them know how to claim and store the crypto.

  • Security tips: Remind them to store their seed phrase and avoid phishing scams.

By making it easy to learn and get started, you boost the chances your gift will have long-term value and impact. This can also turn your gift into a learning experience.

QR code to receive BTC, Gemini exchange
QR code to receive BTC, Gemini exchange (Screenshot taken by our team)

5. Follow Up After the Gift

After sending the crypto gift, follow up to ensure the recipient was able to access it and answer any questions they might have.

  • Verify receipt: Confirm they opened the link or received the wallet transfer.

  • Offer help: Be available to walk them through setting up a wallet or trading.

  • Stay updated: Help them follow the coin’s performance or explore more assets.

Your continued support makes the gift more than just a transaction—it becomes an introduction to a new financial world. As a result, it builds trust and enthusiasm around crypto.

How to Gift an NFT

Gifting an NFT combines digital art, collectibles, or utility tokens with a personal touch. First, choose a platform like OpenSea or Magic Eden, then purchase the NFT and transfer it to the recipient’s wallet address.

Feature
Crypto Gift
NFT Gift
Value Transfer
Fungible, liquid, used as money
Non-fungible, unique digital collectible
Recipient Requirements
Wallet address or email
Wallet + NFT-compatible platform (e.g., OpenSea)
Customization
Message or theme in some apps
Art, game items, utility-based NFTs
Best For
Beginners, practical gift
Enthusiasts, collectors, special occasions

Many NFT marketplaces allow you to include a message or gift card-style presentation. This method is popular for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or special moments in Web3 culture.

Because NFTs are unique, they offer a sense of exclusivity and personalization that traditional gifts often lack.

Using Crypto Gift Cards: Best Services & How They Work

Crypto gift cards make it easy to send digital assets without needing the recipient’s wallet address.

Services like BitCard, Coindrop, and Binance Gift Cards allow users to select a crypto amount, add a message, and send it via email, link, or printable card.

Platform
Supported Coins
Delivery Method
Key Features
BitCard
BTC, ETH, USDT
Physical & digital cards
US-based, customizable card design, reloadable
Binance Gift Card
Wide range (BSC tokens)
Email or QR code
Easy for Binance users, theme-based templates
Coindrop
BTC, ETH, more via Stripe
Link or embedded widgets
Can attach video or message, good for creators
CryptoVoucher.io
BTC, ETH, LTC, USDT
Email or voucher code
Can be bought with fiat, works well for global gifting

The recipient can redeem the gift into their own wallet once they're ready. These services are ideal for beginners and gift occasions because they simplify onboarding and allow flexibility in claiming.

How to Set Up a Crypto Wallet for Someone Receiving Crypto

Setting up a wallet for someone new to crypto ensures they can securely access and manage their gift.

Start with beginner-friendly wallets like Coinbase Wallet or MetaMask. These options are available on mobile and desktop, making setup simple and accessible.

Walk them through downloading the app, creating a strong password, and safely storing their seed phrase.

  • Download a trusted wallet: Use Coinbase Wallet or MetaMask.

  • Secure the seed phrase: This is the only recovery method—encourage them to store it offline.

  • Personalize the wallet: They can name it and explore DApps or NFT galleries later.

Because security is essential in crypto, guiding the recipient through this step will help them feel confident. It will also reduce the risk of mistakes when claiming their gift.

FAQ

Some platforms allow sending crypto with minimal info, but most require at least an email. Full anonymity is rare due to compliance rules.

Minimum amounts vary by platform and coin. For example, Bitcoin has network fee thresholds, so small gifts may not be practical on-chain.

Yes, platforms like Coinbase and Binance Gift Card let you include messages or occasion-themed visuals for a personal touch.

Unclaimed gifts often stay in the sender’s account or are held by the platform. You can typically cancel or resend if needed.

In the U.S., gifts over the annual exclusion limit may require a gift tax filing. Recipients may owe taxes if they sell at a gain later.

Yes, you can send from a self-custodial wallet, but you’ll need the recipient’s address and ensure they know how to receive it.

They can be. Most Ethereum wallets support both NFTs and tokens, but the recipient should use a wallet compatible with the specific blockchain.

Yes, if you guide them through wallet setup and include beginner resources. Avoid complex DeFi tokens for total newbies.

Unfortunately, crypto transactions are irreversible. Always double-check wallet addresses before sending any funds.

Few platforms support scheduled gifting. You’d typically have to buy and then manually send it on the date of your choice.

Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.

This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).

This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.