How to Give Bitcoin, Wrapped Bitcoin, and Other Crypto Gifts This Christmas

Giving Bitcoin as a Christmas gift might sound complicated, but it’s far more accessible than many people think. You don’t need to buy a full coin, and you don’t need deep technical knowledge either. Whether your recipient is crypto-curious or already active in decentralised finance, there are simple ways to gift Bitcoin safely and meaningfully this holiday season.

Before choosing how to give it, the key decision is whether to gift regular Bitcoin or wrapped Bitcoin.

Bitcoin vs Wrapped Bitcoin: What’s the Difference?

Bitcoin (BTC) is the original coin and it lives on the Bitcoin network. That means it’s designed mainly for holding, transferring, and storing value. For most people, Bitcoin is easier to understand because it’s the one they’ve heard about.

Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) is “Bitcoin wearing an Ethereum outfit.” It is a token that represents Bitcoin but lives on the Ethereum network, so it can be used inside Ethereum apps.

Here’s the simple rule:

• If the person is a beginner or just wants to hold crypto, gift BTC.
• If the person already uses DeFi (decentralised finance apps), has an Ethereum wallet, and understands swapping or lending, then WBTC may be useful.

DeFi apps are the crypto versions of financial tools like borrowing, lending, and earning yield without a bank. If your recipient is already doing that on Ethereum, WBTC saves them a step because they can use “Bitcoin value” directly in those Ethereum apps.

Please note that WBTC requires Ethereum (ETH) for gas fees. A recipient gifted WBTC might be unable to move or “un-wrap” it if they don’t also have ETH in their wallet.

How to Send Bitcoin From an Exchange Safely

Sending Bitcoin from an exchange is one of the easiest ways to gift or transfer BTC, but it requires accuracy. Bitcoin transactions cannot be reversed, so one mistake can permanently lock funds.

Before starting, make sure the recipient already has a Bitcoin wallet and can share a valid BTC address.

How to Send Bitcoin From an Exchange

1. Get the recipient’s Bitcoin address
Ask the recipient for their Bitcoin (BTC) wallet address or a QR code linked to that address. A QR code reduces typing errors and is usually safer than manual entry.

2. Log in to your exchange account
Sign in to your crypto exchange account and navigate to your Bitcoin wallet.

3. Open the withdrawal or send section
Select the option labeled “Withdraw,” “Send,” or “Transfer,” depending on the exchange.

4. Paste the Bitcoin address carefully
Paste the recipient’s address into the destination field. Avoid typing the address manually. Always compare the first and last few characters with the original address.

5. Select the Bitcoin (BTC) network: Do not use Ethereum (ERC-20), BNB Smart Chain (BEP-20), or Lightning unless the recipient specifically asks for it. Using the wrong network can permanently lock your Bitcoin.

6. Enter the amount
Specify the amount of Bitcoin you want to send. Remember, Bitcoin can be sent in small fractions, so you do not need to buy a whole coin.

7. Send a small test transaction first
This is one of the most important safety steps. Send a small test amount to confirm the address is correct before transferring a larger sum.

8. Confirm and complete the transaction
Approve the transaction using two-factor authentication or email confirmation. The transfer will complete once the network confirms it.

Is Sending Bitcoin From an Exchange Safe for Beginners?

Yes, sending Bitcoin from an exchange is safe for beginners if the steps above are followed carefully. Most mistakes happen due to incorrect addresses or network selection, not technical complexity.

For gift-giving, this method works best when the recipient already understands basic wallet use. If they are completely new to crypto, a guided setup or a crypto gift card may be easier.

Crypto Gift Cards and Vouchers: The Easiest Way to Gift Bitcoin to Beginners

Crypto gift cards and vouchers are prepaid digital codes that let someone receive Bitcoin without setting up a wallet or exchange account upfront. They work much like traditional gift cards, but instead of shopping credit, the recipient redeems the code for cryptocurrency.

The Two Types of Crypto Gift Cards

1. Crypto-loading gift cards (buy crypto)
These are purchased using traditional money such as cash or card. When redeemed, they credit a fixed amount of cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or Ethereum to the recipient’s wallet.
Best for first-time users who want to receive and hold crypto.

2. Crypto-spending gift cards (bought with crypto)
These are purchased using an existing crypto balance and function like retail gift cards for brands such as Amazon, Apple, or Walmart.
Best for experienced users who want to spend crypto rather than store it.

How Do Crypto Gift Cards Work?

The process is designed to be simple and guided:

1. Purchase
   You buy a crypto gift card or voucher from an online provider, choosing a fixed amount in your local currency such as USD, GBP, or EUR. Payment is usually made via debit card, credit card, bank transfer, or sometimes crypto.
2. Delivery
   The voucher code is delivered instantly by email or can be sent directly to the recipient if you are gifting it.
3. Redemption
   The recipient visits the provider’s official redemption website, enters the voucher code, and follows step-by-step instructions.
4. Receive Crypto
   The user selects Bitcoin (or another supported cryptocurrency), enters a wallet address, and the funds are sent to their wallet, often within minutes.

Most platforms guide users through wallet creation if they do not already have one, making this method far less intimidating for beginners.

Please note that while gift cards are the “easiest” way for beginners, they may result in the recipient receiving slightly less Bitcoin for the same dollar amount due to processing fees.

Is a Crypto Gift Card Better Than Sending Bitcoin Directly?

For beginners, yes.

Crypto gift cards are one of the safest and simplest ways to introduce someone to Bitcoin. For experienced users, direct wallet transfers are cheaper and faster. The right choice depends on the recipient’s comfort level, not just the technology.

How to Gift Bitcoin Using a Hardware Wallet or ETF

If you want a gift someone can physically unwrap, a hardware wallet is the most direct option. You can preload it with Bitcoin and hand it over ready to use. (Note that the devices costs between ($50–$250) in addition to the Bitcoin itself.) Hardware wallets store crypto offline, making them far more secure than exchanges, but you must provide clear setup instructions and keep the recovery phrase stored separately.

A simpler alternative is gifting Bitcoin exposure through ETFs. Spot Bitcoin ETFs from providers like BlackRock and Fidelity allow you to give Bitcoin-linked shares through a regular brokerage account, with no wallets, private keys, or technical setup required. This option suits recipients who want price exposure without managing crypto themselves.

The recipient must already have, or open, a brokerage account to receive the shares. This option provides Bitcoin price exposure without wallets, private keys, or blockchain transactions, making it simpler for beginners who want familiarity over self-custody.

Final Thoughts

There is no single “best” way to give Bitcoin as a gift. The right method depends on the recipient’s comfort with technology, security, and investing. Direct Bitcoin transfers and hardware wallets suit those ready to manage crypto themselves, while gift cards and Bitcoin ETFs offer simpler alternatives for beginners. Choosing a method that matches the recipient’s experience level helps ensure the gift is both meaningful and easy to use.

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