Bitcoin Forum

My best friend is going to marry next month and I was thinking of gift her something different than usual. Then, the idea of giving BTC as a gift come to my mind which will have 2 goals at least-
1. Unique gift.
2. A tiny promotion for BTC in real life.

I know it can be very risky because BTC is illegal here in my country but I may not resist myself with doing that. I have planned to create a paper wallet and filled the wallet with my desired amount of BTC and gift it to her.

What do you think? Will it be a good idea, remember I have two goal to achieve here.

It completely depends on the person to be honest. I knew people that are kinda interested in Bitcoin, but don't have the extra capital to actually buy some. But at the same time, I know people that have the capital for speculative investments but don't give a single crap about Bitcoin. If your best friend is like my first example, then it'll probably be a decent gift. If it's the latter, there might be a good chance that your friend might just lose it sometime in the future.

tldr; it completely depends on your friend's interests. Only you know the right answer. :P

Have you ever spoken to her about bitcoin before? What were her views about it? Has she previously expressed any interest in bitcoin whatsoever?

A gift is supposed to be something the recipient would like to receive, not something that you would like to gift. Especially when it comes to a wedding. A gift should be something for the couple to use in their life together, usually something for their house. Gifting bitcoin for a wedding seems a bit tacky to me, unless the couple have expressed an explicit interest in it before.

As I've mentioned before, if I were gifting bitcoin, I think gifting pre-loaded paper wallets isn't a great idea for two reasons. Firstly, the person who receives the paper wallet needs to trust you completely. They need to trust that you generated and printed the paper wallet securely without leaving any traces, and they need to trust that you aren't holding a second copy of the paper wallet yourself. If it's their first experience of bitcoin, then it gives out the wrong message of not trusting any third parties right from the get go. Secondly, it teaches them nothing about bitcoin, how to safely store the paper wallet, how to back it up if they choose, what the numbers and QR codes on the paper wallet mean, how to import it to another wallet and spend the coins without losing the change, etc. If I wanted to give some bitcoin to a total newbie, then I would sit down with them for a few hours, help them to set up their own wallet, show them the basics, and then send some bitcoin to their address as a gift. I think that's far more valuable to the person than just handing them a piece of paper they don't understand and don't know what to do with.

Like was already stated above, the recipient should at list have little knowledge about btc before gifting because you never know what their reaction might be,
Someone with no knowledge of btc will find it odd when receiving such gift, they will wonder what kind of gift is that, they wouldn't know what to do with it, except they are willing to learn, the idea is great but it boils down to the recipient.

Interesting @OP. I would say a good to go move.

This is what I was thinking after reading first few comments:

There will be a manual/instructions link attached with the paper wallet. The link of the website or a forum post where the OP will explain how to create a wallet and ask him for his safety he (receiver) needs to move the funds. Also OP can give a certain number of days/weeks/months in the manual and also tells vocally to their friend that if the funds do not move in this period then he (OP) will take the coins back assuming they have no interest on it at all.

Everyone likes money and if OP can explain the value of the coins in his own currency then I am sure the receiver will be pleased. OP can state something like this that this coins (x amount) was once over $19k each and these has possibility to hit moon and for example he can say $100k too.

My point is that, the receiver needs to know the value of the coins also OP needs to ensure that the coins do not get lost by giving the time frame to move by himself if the receiver do not move the funds by themselves.

I think it depends. If that certain person knows about bitcoin very well, it would be a good idea then but if the reciever doesn't have any idea about bitcoin, it can still be a good idea yet there's no certainty that they would consider it as useful. It can also be used to introduce bitcoin to the newbies as they learn how valuable it is leading them to have more interest about it until they start investing on it. We should also take into consideration the price, if you are going to gift bitcoin, it would be better, in my opinion, that the value is low and tell them about holding so that they will get the idea of it as they continue their journey here in the crypto market.

Unless they're already interested then no. The chances are high it'll be forgotten or discarded or they'll probably think you're using the wedding as an excuse to brainwash them or something. They might interpret it as something along the lines of giving them Hare Krishna robes. Just go for something conventional.

Roger Ver gave a pal of his 500 BTC as a wedding present. Let's hope they paid attention.

For promoting purposes, there are other ways and much simpler.

As always, whenever I attend a wedding, I always give cash or something that the couple really needs because they are just starting their family life. As I said, there are other ways to introduce bitcoin to your friend like having a normal and usual conversation.

But since you want to make your gift "unique", then push for it. After all, they will seek your assistance with the stuff you gave to them and will ask you what's that all about. That's now the start of introducing them into bitcoin world although I doubt they will feel the benefits and advantage of using it since it's illegal in your country.

Yes, it can be an interesting gift. But you must ensure that she is not a BTC/crypto hater. I cannot imagine if you give it to a hater, even she is your close friend. Why do I suggest it? To make sure that the Bitcoin is sent to an appropriate person and you will make her happy with the gift (not be upset). FYI, I ever met someone who really hated to Bitcoin. He assumed Bitcoin is forbidden to use because the government labeled it as an illegal thing. This kind of person isn't an appropriate one to receive a Bitcoin gift.   

Since you're saying that Bitcoin is illegal in your country, it could be viewed as odd or even negative to gift it. Imagine gifting someone illegal drugs or guns - most people wouldn't be happy to receive a gift that can get them in a trouble. It also means that your friend will have harder time selling or using these coins, so that's another argument against such gift. In your situation I would only make such gift if you know that your friend is already a crypto enthusiast or at least shown interest in crypto before.

Bitcoin is one of the best gift you can give to someone you cherish especially as a wedding gift in this instance. At least you are sowing a good seed in their marriage which would germinate  in the very near future. To make things more interesting, the paper wallet is a safe wallet to protect the funds from online attacks.

I think you better resist, because giving someone an illegal gift might not go over well.  Not for you, not for the recipient.  I don't know what the laws are in your country or what the penalty is for owning bitcoin, but you don't want to get yourself or someone else in trouble just because you're passionate about bitcoin.

That's exactly what I thought after reading OP's post, and it's not clear to me whether the friend even knows about bitcoin or whether it's illegal or not.  It sounds like it could be a disaster in the making, so in this particular case I'd say it's a really bad idea.

But in countries where it isn't illegal, I think it would be a great idea.  It's basically a gift of money, but it's also an investment.  It would be like giving someone a combination of cash and stock or something like that.  You'd have to judge whether the recipient would appreciate it or not, because some people think bitcoin is just for criminals (ugh).

To be honest it's he is new, I'd refrain from telling anyone that I'm involved in cryptocurrency because who knows who might be listening. All those criminals or government out there waiting for their preys (not saying it's your friend, I'm referring to those who have eyes and ears that might hear or take notice of you) especially that Bitcoin is illegal in your country. Let's just say that your friend already know what cryptocurrency is then Bitcoin is a pretty cool gift especially it's cheap right now.

The above all comments have a strong point and I would agree to the point that you should only consider gifting BTC to that person if she already knows about it or at least has heard about it already. It would be a great gift if the person is tech savvy herself. But you wouldn't want to make her feel that you have landed her in trouble by gifting BTC to her if she doesn't know what it is all about.

I will welcome your gift decision. How it will be if you gift a Ledger device and send some btc when you setup the device instead of paper wallet? I am not sure if your friend is familiar with btc, but there is risk on paper wallet especially during spending time. On the other hand when you will create a paper wallet means private keys with you as well. If your friend do not have enough technical knowledge he/she might lose bitcoin during send a part from his/her wallet due to change address issue. I think gift a hardware wallet & btc together would more unique and attractive gift. You are going to gift real thing & virtual things together.

But problem is your country not support bitcoin, in that case you may gift safely and privately. Shouldn't expose yourself as a bitcoin user and throwing you on a risk. Police might take action against you if it's really against of your country's rules. So please be careful.

it depends on this. if it is actually illegal to own and use bitcoin in your country then i wouldn't gift it to anybody because if some day any problem were caused by that gift then it would not be able to sleep at night!
but usually people think it is illegal in some countries whereas it really isn't. for instance people thought it is illegal in India and China due to lots of FUD but the reality is that bitcoin was never illegal in those countries.

I'm surprised and actually felt excited to know that someone is giving a friend the gift of Bitcoin. In these days, people are always excited for unusual gifts especially coming from a trusted one. However, this is in my case since I actually know something about Bitcoin. If your friend isn't familiar with it, I wonder how will she manage or use it? But of course you are there to guide her. But if she doesn't want to affiliate herself especially now that she is married, then that would be bad. If her husband is working for a firm or company and wants to invest then maybe it has a chance? Simply put, consider everything first but if it's not too much for you, then the paper wallet would be really nice especially if you could mention to her the possible benefits and investments she can acquire if the coins were managed in the right way.

If Bitcoin is illegal in his country, how is his friend gonna use it?

Perhaps a nice gesture is to introduce Freebitcoin as a "Bitcoin with interests" wallet. That would be much better than a sole wallet since it's better to park and let it grow, and not let the amount stay stagnant.

Different question but anybody want bitcoin if there will be a gift. Bitcoin has lot of conversation going on. it is regulated in some countries some not.if you gave the gift to a legalised countrymen then he will use but on the other hand if you gift illegal contry then how he handle with that.
In last I like to say bitcoin is advanced technology and I suppose everybody should think about it and use the genuine way.

That would have been a nice gift if Bitcoin is not illegal in your country because instead of making her happy, you'll end up creating a problem for her and the worst part is, she can face the consequences of owning bitcoin in your country since it is illegal though. If you want to cheer her up, better look for something other than an illegal thing which will make her happy moment bad.

This can be a very interesting and unusual gift, but still, if your country does not have a very high level of digitalization and life in general, then in my opinion the best gift would be something that is useful to them in life (household appliances as an example) .

She will ask you to convert bitcoin to money fiat I am sure.  Ask her first before you made a wallet, in this case the creator of wallet is you then you will know everything and you can take the bitcoin that she has too, if you wanted. Giving bitcoin the person whe hasn't knew before it will be a mistke, you should give a learning first before you give. Without that you will be regretful and your gift will be worthless eventually. As you may know, according to the news that spread a few weeks ago that Justin Sun gift one bitcoin to Warren Buffet, but because Warren Buffet didn't know bitcoin so when there is someone who ask about his bitcoin he will answer that he has no bitcoin.

I believe that any cryptocurrency that is in demand on the cryptocurrency market and has a high rating can be a very good gift.  Any values, including valuable metals, stones or stocks, as well as today, even Bitcoin is a very good gift for anyone.  Of course, it will not be superfluous to conduct a brief and informative conversation about Bitcoin with the person to whom you are giving a gift. 

Using cash money is not good because have Corona virus effect and become faster way how some one can get this virus, but when you want give some better giving gift with bitcoin because most safety and could increase value or your gift reward when bitcoin going to the higher price, receiver get much benefit later.

I think many have pointed out the main issue here. When you say it's illegal, what do you mean exactly? I'm asking because the majority of countries are in limbo when it comes to Bitcoin regulations. It's not legal there but not officially banned either. Is your country one of these? Or is it the kind of country where a person could be fined or even imprisoned for having BTC? If it's the second one, then trying to ruin one's life on the marriage day isn't something nice, is it? I would not want an illegal gift, and I am pretty sure your friend would appreciate something legal as well.
If your country is in the grey area of regulations, so the friend will not have problems with the law for owning BTC, then another thing to consider is whether she'd be able to use it. Can she buy anything useful with it or sell it for fiat?

Today one of the fastest-growing transaction is with the use of cryptocurrency and the very own popular bitcoin today there are a lot of people making earning in it because they saw the potential of this coin to make a profit and also one of the best coins to make more money by just having investment, trading and more. The people will appreciate every gift you will give because they know you remember them and you have a special surprise. Bitcoin is one of the best gifts today for those people who know how to use it and how to earn more on it and this is very special because they can use this to make more by the help of your gift as a capital. Also, it is good for the people who do not really know about the bitcoin because in the future they will know the worth of this coin.

This is a very interesting idea, but it also depends on who you want to give this gift to. :)

Yeah, I have talked about bitcoin a lot of times with her. She didn't express much express to be honest but sometimes if she get some news on bitcoin, she always share with me and try to troll me as you know most of the news are kind of FUD and misleading.

You are right, I had this in my mind that BTC is illegal here but never thought as like you thought.

Yeah I have to resist myself because Khaos77 has pointed something important. I must not gift my best friend something illegal. Thank you. I have changed my mind and not going to give her BTC as a gift.

Why not instead, in addition to getting them a more "traditional" wedding gift, offer to give her an hour or two of your time to teach her about bitcoin? One of my friends in real life also started the same way - sending me messages on Signal whenever he read some story about bitcoin being "dead" or the price falling or whatever, trying to poke fun at me or provoke a reaction. Eventually I offered to sit down with him and explain the basics about bitcoin, helped him set up his own wallet, and sent him a few bucks to play around with. The most recent message I've had from him on Signal now was telling me how pleased he was with himself that he isn't panic selling and is instead buying the dip.

If she is really interested in bitcoin then your offer will be a welcome gift. If she isn't, then the worst she can say is no thanks, and you'll already have given another wedding gift anyway.

Yes you're right, but those who believe in technology will appreciate the gifting of Bitcoin as an assets. I will like to give it a try and gift some SATs to my girlfriend whom I have taught much about this technology called Bitcoin. This will be a paper wallet which will be handed to her as a gift. She has a small idea about this technology and probably will hive her more opportunity to go deeper into this technology and at last this might move her and the entire family into Bitcoin.

Before gifting it out have you at least educated her slightly about it? The reason why I am bringing this out is that, this amount of bitcoin is likely going to be lost if you have not done these. it's a great offer upon all standards but make sure we don't lose this amount of bitcoin in circulation together with the ones we have already lost.

I have tried her to understand that I don't care where it's going, rather I like bitcoin because of its nature. I have shared a lot of info with her and all the time I had to hear one sentence from her, "Troll was jokes apart.". I am looking for a good book to gift her, not as a wedding gift though. Looking for an easier book. There is no good book in Bengali on bitcoin and that's why I have to research further. Anyway, I will ask couple of hours from her and follow your strategy.

I was so happy and positive until I read this statement and I honestly suggest you not to gift bitcoins for the sake of legality because your friend might think that you are into some deep web thing or such. I guess the better idea would be to gift her something that you actually buy with bitcoins because really whenever I personally try and explain someone about bitcoins it ends up being bad and they think I am doing something wrong.

Although if your friend is close enough to you and trust you, then go for it, maybe a small gift that will make her remember you for lifetime as price may sometime touch sky high values.

You're right fellas, educating the one your about gifting the Bitcoin better for the safety of the Bitcoin(Gift). Without education of this technology to that person, will be a gift in futility which will not be remember by the one you gifted the coin. My intention is to teach or educate the person about the technology and his its been use, so, that she or he can make good use of the gifts when time comes. There will be no need to gift this to an uneducated fellow because they won't know the value and can lead to lost forever. Personally, I will not gift this to an illiterate who know nothing about this Bitcoin.

My personal rule when I give a gift is to always think of the other person and give them something they want or need, for a long time I have considered to give away some bitcoin to my friends but I never did it because they will not know how to store it or protect it and most likely they will sell it at the first opportunity they have, if your friend has never showed even a small interest on bitcoin it may be a good idea to not give her any and instead give to her something she can actually use right away now that she is marrying.

Gift giving will be effective if it is beneficial to the person concerned. Is your friend also involved with the crypto world? do not let your gift be in vain and can not be used properly. If your friend is also involved in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, then your plan will be a good surprise.
For effectiveness, instead of using a paper wallet, I prefer to give BTC a voucher that can be used entirely by your friends.

I think it's a great idea.But If your friend have some knowledge about bitcoin then it will be fun to gift him bitcoin.But if he don't have any idea then gifting bitcoin will be like giving money to a blind man and he can't see what is it, and don't know how to use it.So at first give him some idea about bitcoin and gift bitcoin.

Just stick to the basics and more convenient than using a complicated way to send gifts to someone. The person that you are trying to send gifts should have a knowledge of how cryptocurrency works. Why don't you just send them some real cash or directly send them some balance of your BTC? It may not be a bad idea but it's quite inconvenient to see such act of generosity IMO.

In my opinion it depends on your friend as a recipient of bitcoin, if he still does not understand about bitcoin you should not do that.
Because if you still force to give a gift to your friends who do not understand about bitcoin will fail the goals that you will achieve.
In my experience, people who are not familiar with bitcoin will consider bitcoin as a negative thing. Especially in your country bitcoin
still illegal, your friends are increasingly afraid of receiving bitcoin prizes from you. Not an effective way to promote bitcoin by making
a gift in laymen in my opinion.

Look, if your friend knew about Bitcoin, he/she will gonna appreciate your gift. With regards to the wedding gift, it is somehow be a unique gift if you give some paper wallets to him/her. But isn't the thought counts if we are giving gifts and also your presence is the best gift you can ever give to your friend? If it's about uniqueness, why not try giving him personalize item if he or she doesnt aware about bitcoin?
 
 But, if your friend knew something about bitcoin or same as you that he is a btc enthusiast, your btc gift will be well appreciated. Just consider all the risks, the market now is dumped and as you have said, it is illegal in your country so it cannot be use and patronize the way we are thinking it.

Marriage is not a simple thing and for sure they spent so much money on that kind of event, and bitcoin will really be good for them to recover from finances but, Actually it really depends on the person, there are some that will be really happy if they will have a gift of money like bitcoin,

Yes bitcoin is really valuable things in this virtual world because it has so high value compared to other crytocurrencies but for me, things are better gift than money because it can be keep for so long, it will reminds the person who gave that thing to him or her, that is why most of the gifts that we can see in the birthday celebration are like , bracelets, wallets, clothes, etc. or something that will remind the person.

depending on the circumstances, you might be able to give bitcoin if he can use it. however, if he does not know about this technology, it can create confusion. Besides that, bitcoin is also illegal in your country, especially if your country has special regulations on having crypto. this only puts him in a dangerous position. That's my opinion

You can give bitcoin as a gift to your friend, but I don't think that giving them a large amount of bitcoin will be a good idea ;D

Maybe you can give them, but don't forget to teach them how to use bitcoin or how to spend the bitcoin to buy something in a local store or online store. But maybe you can give them the wallet too with some amount of satoshi inside the wallet with the other coins, so they know that in the cryptocurrency will not just bitcoin, but there is an altcoin too.