7 Christmas gift ideas for Cryptocurrency lovers and Bitcoin geeks

Bitcoin and cryptocurrency continue to excite the imagination of true geeks with the continued advent of blockchain technology and monetization. Whole new online ecosystems and websites have appeared in 2019 promising better opportunities and ways of sharing value and content online. At the same time, new payment cards, more trading activity, staking features, plus larger institutions and entrepreneur numbers are all expanding or looking at how the technology can be harnessed or bring longer-term returns. And there are some big things coming for crypto in 2020 in the form of the Bitcoin price ‘halving’ and Bakkt (and Starbucks) bringing more legitimacy to Bitcoin. 

Probably the most important thing to watch is development with the Bitcoin network itself. This is the real factor: until Bitcoin can achieve greater scalability then its widespread use will remain limited. But the network is alive and well, with solutions slowly coming, and it could be a better store of value than anything yet conceived in human history. (At Prizes Drop, we offer free Bitcoin for those collecting enough of our points by completing mini-tasks, surveys etc.)

 

Meanwhile, a more balanced, longer-term sentiment has entered the market now that hype has died down, but even if 'Bitcoin Claus' never shows up (like in December 2017) to fill up digital stockings across the globe, there are lots of surrounding treats to acquire or gift to those locked-in to continual developments, global reactions and the potential to disrupt - and inspire.

 

1. Bitcoin Offline Wallet

 

At least you know most people won’t be disappointed with the gift of actual Bitcoin, especially when offered in a secure and interesting way - the Paper Wallet way. One of these is really easy to create and print out, following the excellent instructions on this site. There are also a nice choice of designs to select. You can order pre-loaded wallets from the homepage directly using Paypal.

 

 

2. Altcoins / Other Cryptos

 

Jump into Coinbase, Bitpanda (Europe) etc. and spread the crypto-love, by selecting one of the major, alternative cryptocurrencies and just sending it by email to any friend and family email. 

 

Choose wisely, as large investments could prove to be careless, unless you believe in the long-term potential. However, small amounts can inspire research and interest. You could also choose a more trendy and safer option such as stablecoin Dai, as this is likely to remain… stable. 

 

There are coins of big interest that may incite research or experimentation, such as a ecosystem network like Ethereum, where development continues significantly. Plus, you can buy and collect some extraordinary artwork and digital assets with a nice chunk of Ether.

 

 

3. Crypto Art and Crypto-Collectibles

 

Art as digital assets registered on the blockchain is a trend worth highlighting again. Never before, have internet users been able to browse, purchase, own or collect rare digital items and re-sell them on an online marketplaces. Perhaps you’ve got big kids who love trading games, using dapps like Steem Monsters. You'll need to use Ethereum in order to buy rare art, by signing up at great sites like MakersPlace.com before browsing the site.

 

 

4. 'HODL Cards' and 'Info-Cards' (QR reference)

 

 

Maybe you know someone with multiple Bitcoin wallets or investments in crypto already? In that case, you can gift them a HODL Card or Info Card for very handy, offline (real-world) reference. They are can be of any design really, (like these vintage-style CryptoMagic, illustrated ones) which feature QR reference codes to websites and price information.

 

Receivers of HODL cards can then add their own QR codes (by printing them out etc.) to feature their Bitcoin public address. That way, new savings or Bitcoins can be added by scanning the QR.

 

These creations also encourage long-term HODLing and staking, helping to reduce the temptation to trade.

 

 

5. Socks and Jumpers

 

Hey, it's Christmas. Besides, no-one can concentrate properly without a comfortable pair of socks to put on in the morning! Bitcoin-adorned ones only contribute to a dedicated sense of well-being and focus. An essential item to show off in the home or in the office. Obviously, there are screen-loads of other products and amusing, crypto-inspired items out there too. And no, I'm not forgetting the jumpers or sweatshirts.

 

 

6. Books

 

The best books on Bitcoin include ‘Mastering Bitcoin’ by Andreas Antonopoulos. Not only is this book the most widely known, but you get a ton of extra, free videos from the author via his Youtube channel. 

 

The Little Bitcoin Book would be an alternative, first reading into the subject.

 

 

7. Physical Coins

 

You can't deny it, and they don't make much sense, but at least if every market goes pear-shaped you'll have something shiny still in your pocket.

They make cool gifts and collectibles too for any crypto-lover or hodler you know.

 

- Gold plated physical copper Bitcoin

- Physical Bitcoin medal covered with 24-carat real gold. In a noble casket for a true collector's item.

- 24-gold carat plated Ethereum.

 

 

 

So those are some major choices covered, but you’ll find some excellent, further tongue-in-cheek designs and items on leading sites like Etsy and Amazon for those immersed and enchanted by the potential of Bitcoin, blockchain or digital ledger technology. 

 

Indeed, Bitcoin seems to be more than just an early-stage medium of exchange, but a whole, unstoppable movement and community that will only get stronger despite the threats of clampdowns or restrictions. The fact is, traditional banks have an interesting challenger in their midst, and maybe the best (fintech) survivors will be the ones who make the moves to include, imitate or adopt it.

 

Luckily, at Prizes Drop, we're helping the cause by offering it for our users who manage to collect enough of our points (by finishing various tasks via their personal dashboards). 

 

 

Disclaimer: Written by an enlightened 'hodler' strapped in for the steady growth of online privacy and decentralisation.