Bitcoin as a gift, what wallet to choose? (it has to be hardware)

[bitmover]

It's an interesting idea
I've already given BTC as a paper wallet, I just printed it out, put BTC in the address and gave it as a gift
But to last that long I can only think of one idea, something like the cryptosteel, some metal object where you record the seed and give it to the person.

I once gave a seed in a WhatsApp message (as an image) to a friend .

It was a low amount, like 10 usd. I also gave the instructions on how to redeem using electrum. But he never redeemed it .... my idea was to teach him how to move bitcoins and learn, but he didn't

After a few years, I can still see the coins untouched

[examplens]

I once gave a seed in a WhatsApp message (as an image) to a friend .

It was a low amount, like 10 usd. I also gave the instructions on how to redeem using electrum. But he never redeemed it .... my idea was to teach him how to move bitcoins and learn, but he didn't

After a few years, I can still see the coins untouched

He probably forgot, and if the amount is not significant, he won't even bother.

In my case, I plan to write (on paper) the necessary instructions, because the amount will not be negligible. (I hope that at the time of use, it will be more significant.  )
As there is a possibility that I will not be present when these coins are used, the matter must be independent of me.

[rdluffy]

I once gave a seed in a WhatsApp message (as an image) to a friend .

It was a low amount, like 10 usd. I also gave the instructions on how to redeem using electrum. But he never redeemed it .... my idea was to teach him how to move bitcoins and learn, but he didn't

After a few years, I can still see the coins untouched

The person I gifted it to probably didn't do anything about the satoshis they got either
Nowadays I only explain or give more information about cryptos to those who ask me first and show interest

In my case, I plan to write (on paper) the necessary instructions, because the amount will not be negligible. (I hope that at the time of use, it will be more significant.  )
As there is a possibility that I will not be present when these coins are used, the matter must be independent of me.

Have you managed to choose the right wallet for your gift?

[examplens]

Have you managed to choose the right wallet for your gift?

https://satochip.io/product/satochip/ is the closest solution for now.
Some of the reasons for the choice are customizable designs, which can be adapted to the current purpose.
Relatively low price and I would rather load the card with more coins than pay for unnecessary features.
Ease of use and it shouldn't be complicated to document everything.
Possibility to add more assets if there is a need for it over time.

What is currently the weakest point is what the status of the chip will be in 10-15 (or more) years and its compatibility at that point. But a paper backup should be sufficient as a security.

[bitmover]

What is currently the weakest point is what the status of the chip will be in 10-15 (or more) years and its compatibility at that point. But a paper backup should be sufficient as a security.

I wouldn't worry about it.

A bip39 seed is enough for our life time security. There will always be something like electrum or iancoleman.io to retrieve the keys from the seed.

[philipma1957]

get a trezor even a model 1 is decent and cheap under 50 usd

[dkbit98]

A bip39 seed is enough for our life time security. There will always be something like electrum or iancoleman.io to retrieve the keys from the seed.

Only if it is securely stored in stainless steel metal backup, either with simple DIY washers or metal plates.
We have seen people losing everything in fires, earthquakes and floods, so I would not count on regular paper to keep bitcoin backup long term.
Or at least buy water/fire proof bags and keep everything valuable inside.

[bitmover]

We have seen people losing everything in fires, earthquakes and floods, so I would not count on regular paper to keep bitcoin backup long term.
Or at least buy water/fire proof bags and keep everything valuable inside.

I think it is pretty safe to just backup your seed in two different houses...

I live in a place where there are no floods or earthquakes or whatever.. so I am fine with that.

I am more worried about someone taking over my seed somehow. I have even considering putting a small amount of my bitcoin in an ETF because it might be a nice diversification of my security, about 20% of total stash... Just in case something crazy happens

[dkbit98]

I think it is pretty safe to just backup your seed in two different houses...

That way you are also increasing a risk of someone stealing the keys, and not many people have the luxury or owning two houses.
And fires or floods can happen everywhere, they are not limited to distant countries and locations.
For few extra bucks it's silly to stay away from stainless steel instead of paper.

[bitmover]

I think it is pretty safe to just backup your seed in two different houses...

That way you are also increasing a risk of someone stealing the keys, and not many people have the luxury or owning two houses.
And fires or floods can happen everywhere, they are not limited to distant countries and locations.
For few extra bucks it's silly to stay away from stainless steel instead of paper.

well, I don't own two houses, but I have relatives that I trust.

I believe most of people also have them as well (like your mom. Who can't trust their own mom?)

I don't see a reason to have a stainless steel now for my seed, but I think it is ok for people who like them...

[examplens]

well, I don't own two houses, but I have relatives that I trust.

Keeping copies in two different locations reduces the risk of unforeseen events. The unexpected does not have to be caused by a person you trust.

I don't see a reason to have a stainless steel now for my seed, but I think it is ok for people who like them...

I would not lightly claim that there are no reasons for an additional level of security. Unfortunately, we usually know this only when it is too late. At least that's my experience.

[bitmover]

I would not lightly claim that there are no reasons for an additional level of security. Unfortunately, we usually know this only when it is too late. At least that's my experience.

Yeah, I agree that this is an interesting additional level of security.

Maybe even someone trying to rob your coins might not identify a stainless steel as a seed.... Which could be useful too.

[taufik123]

well, I don't own two houses, but I have relatives that I trust.

Keeping copies in two different locations reduces the risk of unforeseen events. The unexpected does not have to be caused by a person you trust.

In reality, unexpected events can happen in any condition and place, Some traitors may appear and take over the wallet.

But when the reserve is stored in the right place and of course there is still protection given, such as shuffling a few words that others will not understand, of course it will be a difficult puzzle.

I have some reserves for my personal wallet and others I leave to my wife because I only trust my wife for now.

[joniboini]

But when the reserve is stored in the right place and of course there is still protection given, such as shuffling a few words that others will not understand, of course it will be a difficult puzzle.

In the context of giving some Bitcoin as a gift, do we need to go that far though? I guess we need to educate the receiver about security practices if he's unfamiliar with crypto, but more than that seems excessive. Especially if we're not related by blood or something similar. We can't control how they manage their crypto in the first place, just giving them resources to learn is a plus IMO. CMIIW.

[dkbit98]

well, I don't own two houses, but I have relatives that I trust.

Than you are putting trust in other people, and that weakens your security.
Maybe they won't do anything but it's enough to share information with other people about your assets.

I would not lightly claim that there are no reasons for an additional level of security. Unfortunately, we usually know this only when it is too late. At least that's my experience.

People usually think that nothing will happen to them, so they don't think much about improving security.
I know examples of people who got robbed and only than they made drastic changes in their life.

I only trust my wife for now.

Good luck with that