Last updated on September 24th, 2023 at 01:58 pm
Introduction
NFTs are now a big deal in the digital asset world, with many viewing them as valuable collectibles and an excellent new way to express digital art.
People are even giving NFTs as gifts because they’re unique and have the potential to be really valuable. But giving NFTs as gifts can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with how it all works. So, it’s important to understand NFTs and know the right way to give them if you want to do it successfully.
This article will walk you through the steps of gifting NFTs, including the challenges you might face and some great NFT gift ideas.
What is an NFT?
An NFT, short for “non-fungible token,” is a unique digital asset that exists on a blockchain. NFTs can come in various forms, such as original artwork, music, or other creative content. To better understand the concept of NFTs, we need to differentiate between the terms “fungible” and “non-fungible.”
When something is “fungible,” it means it can be replaced by an identical item. For example, currencies (such as US dollars) or commodities (such as raw sugar) are fungible because one unit is the same as any other unit of the same type. Fungible items can be used interchangeably.
On the other hand, non-fungible goods are one-of-a-kind. Take Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa painting as an example. There is only one genuine Mona Lisa painting; any other version is just a replica that can never match the original. NFTs work similarly. Each specific NFT is unique, and unlike cryptocurrencies, they can’t be used as a medium of exchange. While NFTs can be bought and sold on marketplaces, you can’t trade them like you would trade crypto or stocks.
What confuses people about NFTs is that they aren’t the actual digital asset themselves. Instead, they are a record of ownership. NFTs are data stored on the blockchain representing digital artwork, videos, audio, or other media. They serve as digital signatures proving you own a specific asset, which is why NFTs can’t be copied and pasted.
Who Can Receive an NFT Gift?
NFTs are highly sought after by Web3, cryptocurrencies, and technology enthusiasts. When choosing someone to receive an NFT, ensure they have a digital wallet compatible with receiving cryptocurrencies and NFTs. If they don’t have a digital wallet, you can direct them to a tutorial on how to use MetaMask to learn how to create and use one.
Also, the potential recipient must understand the responsibilities of owning NFTs, such as how to access and protect these digital assets. Malicious actors often target NFTs and cryptocurrency wallets, so it’s crucial to ensure that the recipient is aware of these security risks and knows how to safeguard their assets from such threats. Taking these precautions will help ensure the gift isn’t lost or stolen.
What You Need Before You Can Gift NFTs
Before you can give NFTs as gifts, there are a few things you’ll need:
- The NFT itself.
- Some cryptocurrency to cover transaction fees.
- The recipient’s public digital wallet address.
How to Obtain NFTs
To gift an NFT, you must first own it in your digital wallet. To do that, you’ll need to purchase the NFT using cryptocurrency. The most commonly used cryptocurrency for NFT transactions is Ethereum (ETH).
Once you have ETH in your wallet, you can buy the NFT by connecting to a marketplace like Rarible or OpenSea. You can also find NFTs from specific brands, such as the NBA.
NFTs can either have a fixed selling price or require a bid in an auction. In an auction, all bids are typically visible, and some platforms may require valid bids to be higher than previously placed ones. The owner of the NFT would then sell it to the highest bidder.
NFTs can have a fixed price or be sold through auctions. All bids are usually visible in an auction, and some platforms may require new bids to be higher than previous ones. The owner of the NFT will sell it to the highest bidder.
If you’re new to cryptocurrency and NFTs and simply want to send an NFT as a gift, a good starting point is to use a free digital wallet like MetaMask, which works as a browser plug-in or mobile app.
How to Gift NFTs
If you want to gift someone an NFT, here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Get the Recipient’s Public Wallet Address
First, you need to obtain the recipient’s public wallet address. Wallet addresses are usually a string of alphanumeric text; addresses can also be scanned as QR codes (where applicable). Make sure to double-check the address to avoid any mistakes that can lead to permanent losses.
Step 2: Launch the Cryptocurrency Wallet Containing the NFT
Open the cryptocurrency wallet holding the NFT you want to gift. Remember to keep your wallet information secure, as anyone with access to your private keys or password could withdraw your NFTs or funds.
Step 3: Prepare the Transaction
Find the NFT you want to gift inside your wallet and select the option to send or transfer it to another wallet. Enter the recipient’s wallet address in the provided box. Your wallet software should confirm if the recipient’s wallet is compatible with the NFT you’re sending. For example, if you have an Ethereum-based NFT, you can only send it to an Ethereum wallet. If there’s no confirmation of compatibility, don’t proceed with the transaction.
Step 4: Double-Check the Transaction Details and Send the NFT
Before finalizing the transaction, review all the details carefully. Once you’re certain that everything is correct, click the button to send the NFT. The transaction will be sent to the blockchain network for confirmation. Remember, blockchain transactions are irreversible, so accuracy is crucial.
Step 5: Check the Blockchain for a Receipt
Since blockchain transactions are public, you can track the transfer to ensure the NFT arrives in the recipient’s wallet. You can use a free blockchain explorer like Etherscan to monitor the transaction. Note that depending on the recipient’s wallet, they may or may not receive a notification when the NFT arrives. It might be a good idea to inform them that they have a new NFT gift.
NFT Gift Ideas
Looking for unique and exciting NFTs to gift someone? Well, you’re in luck because there are plenty of options to choose from! Here are some suggestions that might help you find the perfect NFT gift:
- Space Poggers: This NFT collection is perfect for space and fantasy enthusiasts. Space Poggers is a collection of “quirky spacefaring animals” from various tribes, with 1,000 different Poggers to choose from.
- Alphabetty Doodles: Combining cuteness with educational value, Alphabetty Doodles teaches children the alphabet through adorable NFT artwork.
- ZED RUN: This NFT collection is perfect for gaming enthusiasts; ZED RUN is a blockchain-based digital horse racing platform. It offers various horses at different price points, making them excellent gift options.
- Keiken: This might be your stop if you’re looking for unconventional NFT art. Keiken presents groundbreaking digital artworks depicting mesmerizing metaverse scenes.
- Doodles: Doodles is a collaborative project featuring 10,000 avatars, each with its own distinctive features. Doodle owners can contribute to the community treasury and participate in voting for new experiences, activations, and campaigns.
Challenges of Giving NFTs as Gifts
While NFTs can be wonderful gifts, there are a few challenges to consider:
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Tax Obligations
Giving a gift may have tax obligations, including transfer taxes, lifetime gift taxes, and estate taxes for testamentary gifts. The amount of these taxes is determined by the fair market value of the gift at the time it is given.
However, valuing an NFT can be challenging due to the multiple forms of ownership that may be associated with it (in the case of fractionalized NFTs) or the right to a portion of future sale proceeds. This makes it difficult to determine a straightforward way to figure out the fair market value of an NFT and handle the associated tax obligations.
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Asset Protection
When you give someone an NFT as a gift, you’re also giving them control over managing it, including deciding when to buy, hold, or sell it. However, the recipient may lack the knowledge, experience, or interest in digital assets to handle them effectively. This raises concerns about protecting the value of the NFT and managing it properly.
The complications of taxes and asset protection that come with gifting NFTs can be mitigated by the use of trusts. When it comes to holding property such as artwork, real estate, and cryptocurrency, trusts are extremely versatile. Trusts provide flexibility and can help postpone gift and income taxes. However, there are still unresolved questions regarding the application of securities laws, IRS regulations for gifting art, jurisdictional laws, and safeguarding digital assets in an unregulated market.
In Conclusion,
- NFTs make fantastic gifts because they have special qualities. They don’t require wrapping, so no need to worry about losing the wrapping paper or packaging. Plus, they are unique, just like the person you’re giving it to.
- Another great thing about NFTs is that they can introduce your friends and family to the amazing world of Web3. Even if they’re not familiar with it, NFT gifts provide a chance to discover its incredible features.
- It’s important to remember that when you give an NFT, you’re not just giving a virtual object or digital art. You’re also giving the person an opportunity to be part of a dynamic space that’s constantly evolving. They can find their own place within this community and contribute to shaping the future.
- So, consider giving an NFT as a gift. It’s a meaningful way to share something special and open doors to exciting possibilities.
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