There is local data stored on the creators computer that would be needed
This sounds like "cookie data". If that's the case: can you add all necessary data to one backup-URL that can be bookmarked? That should even make it possible to restore the data with a fresh installation from Github.
I think that bitcoin should be used by new people not stored on paper in hopes it'll be worth something.
I'd go for both options, but I get where you're coming from
could be worth 1,000 dollar+ in 4 years and a paper wallet should not be used to store that amount (in my opnion).
The encrypted paper wallet that's been in my (physical) wallet for years kindly disagrees
So I will keep the life of the wallet under 30 days. Use it or loose it type deal, but I see how people could want a longer life.
I like that as a slogan: "Use it or lose it!"
I also have a question since you seem to gift bitcoin alot. How do you manage your cards once you give them? Like if give 10 cards and track them for 4 years, do you just have a stack of paper wallets that you check up on periodically?
I've only given paper wallets to a few to people I care about, but tracking is easy: I keep a watch-only wallet with the addresses, and each address is labeled so I know who I gave it to.