The Future of Crypto Gifting
We built a platform that makes sending and receiving cryptocurrency as simple as giving a gift card. No wallet setup required for recipients - just redeem in any crypto you prefer.
What It Does
Buy Gift Cards with Crypto
Purchase digital gift cards using any supported cryptocurrency. Pay with BTC, ETH, USDT, or 50+ other coins through our SideShift integration.
Redeem in Any Crypto
Recipients choose their preferred cryptocurrency at redemption. No need to match the payment coin - receive BTC even if paid with ETH.
No Wallet Required
Gift recipients don't need an existing wallet. They simply enter any valid wallet address during redemption and receive their crypto directly.
Real-Time Processing
Payments are verified on-chain through SideShift's infrastructure. Status updates in real-time from payment detection to wallet delivery.
The Problem We Solve
Traditional Crypto Gifting Issues
- •Recipients need to already have a wallet and understand crypto
- •Sender must know recipient's wallet address in advance
- •Recipient stuck with whatever coin sender chooses
- •Complex exchange process to convert between coins
Our Solution
- Gift cards work like cash - recipient decides how to use it
- No wallet address needed upfront - share just the code
- Recipient chooses their crypto at redemption time
- Automatic conversion via SideShift - no manual trading
Technologies Used
Next.js 15
React framework with App Router
TypeScript
Type-safe development
Supabase
PostgreSQL database & auth
SideShift.ai
Crypto exchange API
Tailwind CSS
Utility-first styling
shadcn/ui
Component library
Vercel
Deployment platform
ethers.js
Blockchain interactions
Recharts
Analytics visualizations
How We Built It
Architecture: We designed a full-stack application with Next.js App Router for server components and API routes. The database layer uses Supabase with PostgreSQL, handling users, gift cards, transactions, and admin settings.
Payment Flow: Integration with SideShift.ai API enables cross-chain cryptocurrency conversions. When a user deposits, we create a "shift" that provides a unique deposit address. The system polls SideShift's status endpoint to track payment progress.
Treasury System: For redemptions, the platform maintains a treasury wallet (configured by admin). When users redeem cards, funds are sent from the treasury to SideShift, which converts and delivers to the user's chosen wallet.
Real-Time Updates: Status polling every 5 seconds provides live feedback during payments. Users see transaction progress from "waiting" through "settled" with clear status messages.
Challenges We Faced
Cross-Chain Complexity
Different blockchains have different confirmation times, memo requirements, and address formats. We had to handle each network's quirks while providing a unified user experience.
Payment Verification
Ensuring payments are properly credited even if users close their browser. We implemented a recovery system to check for settled payments that weren't confirmed.
Treasury Management
Automating outbound payments requires secure key management. The treasury private key enables automatic redemption processing while keeping funds secure.
Rate Fluctuations
Crypto prices change rapidly. We use SideShift's quote system to lock in rates and show users exactly what they'll receive before confirming.
What We Learned
User Experience Matters: Crypto can be intimidating. Clear status messages, progress indicators, and simple flows make all the difference.
Error Handling is Critical: Network issues, API failures, and edge cases happen. Robust error handling and recovery mechanisms are essential.
Security First: Handling financial transactions requires careful attention to authentication, authorization, and secure key storage.