How to Buy Bitcoin as a Gift — Step by Step
Looking for a unique gift that’s actually useful? Bitcoin is one of the most memorable and potentially valuable gifts you can give — and buying it with cash at a Bitcoin ATM is easier than you might think.
Whether it’s for a birthday, graduation, holiday, or just because, here’s exactly how to buy Bitcoin as a gift using a BitcoinNW ATM.
What You Need to Gift Bitcoin
Cash for the amount you want to gift
A crypto wallet set up for the recipient — OR a paper wallet you print yourself
A BitcoinNW ATM location near you
Option 1 — Gift to Someone Who Already Has a Wallet
If the person you’re gifting already has a crypto wallet app like Exodus, this is the simplest option:
Ask them to share their Bitcoin receive address (a QR code from their wallet app).
Visit your nearest BitcoinNW ATM with cash.
Select Buy, choose Bitcoin, and scan their wallet QR code.
Insert your cash and confirm the transaction.
The Bitcoin arrives in their wallet within minutes.
Tip: You can do this as a surprise! Just ask them to share their wallet receive address in advance — they won’t see the funds until you send them.
Option 2 — Set Up a Wallet for Them
If the recipient doesn’t have a wallet yet, set one up for them as part of the gift. Download Exodus on their phone (or a spare device), complete the setup, write down the recovery phrase, and then buy Bitcoin to that wallet address at a BitcoinNW ATM.
Present the gift with the Exodus app ready to open and the recovery phrase written on a nice card. It’s a complete crypto starter kit.
Option 3 — Paper Wallet Gift Card
A paper wallet is a printed document containing a Bitcoin address and private key — essentially a physical Bitcoin gift card. You buy Bitcoin to the paper wallet address at the ATM and present the printed wallet as the gift.
The recipient can then sweep the funds into their own wallet when they’re ready. This is a great option for a physical, unwrappable gift.
Important: Make sure the paper wallet is kept private and secure. Anyone who sees the private key can access the funds.
How Much Bitcoin Should You Gift?
You can buy Bitcoin in any dollar amount starting at $20 — you don’t need to buy a whole Bitcoin. Even a small amount of Bitcoin can be a meaningful and educational gift, especially for someone who has never owned crypto before.
$20 — a great starter gift for a curious first-timer
$50–$100 — a memorable gift for a birthday or holiday
$100+ — a serious investment gift for a graduation or milestone
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I gift Ethereum or Litecoin instead of Bitcoin?
Absolutely — BitcoinNW ATMs support multiple coins including Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Solana (SOL), and more. Just make sure the recipient’s wallet supports the coin you choose.
What if the recipient doesn’t know anything about crypto?
That’s fine — and it’s actually a great way to introduce someone to crypto. Point them to our How to Use a Bitcoin Wallet guide and our How to Use a Bitcoin ATM guide so they can learn at their own pace.
Find a BitcoinNW ATM Near You
Find your nearest BitcoinNW kiosk in Portland, Beaverton, Salem, Bend, Medford, Boise, Idaho Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Orem, or Murray.
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