Sometimes you need to give someone a gift, but inspiration just doesn't strike. In such cases, ready-to-use gift hampers can be an excellent alternative.
I had the opportunity to give a Wonderbox gift set to my partner six months ago, so he could choose a getaway for us to experience together. In the following lines, I’ll share my honest thoughts on this experience!
What is Smartbox?
WONDERBOX - 100% AUSTRALIAN GIFT BOX | |
Concept | A gift box that allows the recipient to choose from a selection of over 140,000 activities available. |
Types of boxes |
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Available price ranges |
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Delivery fees | Free for click and collect and standard delivery |
Validity period | 3 years and 3 months from the purchase date |
Exchange and extension terms | Possible as long as the expiry date has not been exceeded |
👍 I Loved It
- The very many gift options,
- The joy of giving beautiful memories rather than just an object,
- The experience shared through the box,
- The ease of making a booking,
- Free delivery to a convenient pick-up point nearby,
- Affordable prices for future gifts,
- The option to exchange or extend if needed.
❌ Areas for Improvement
- It's important to allow plenty of time to choose your stay or activity,
- Be sure to inform the service provider that you're paying with a Wonderbox.
- You can only extend the expiry of the Wonderbox once.
Source: Facebook (@wonderbox.fr)
How does the Smartbox work?
Wonderbox "Weekend for Two" at $59.90
Source: Wonderbox.com.au
🔸 The E-Box
This is a digital version of the gift voucher presented in the previous sections. This voucher is emailed to the buyer or their recipient in PDF format within 15 minutes of purchase.
👉 This solution is right for you if:
- You want to give a last-minute gift,
- You won't be meeting the gift recipient in person,
- You want to make a surprise for someone on a specific day (for instance, their birthday).
🔸 The Custom Box
This is a complete gift box
Wonderbox is a gift box system that works similarly to the old "Good for..." vouchers we used to give. The recipient receives a themed box of a certain value, which corresponds to a experience to enjoy from a selected range. It's up to the person receiving the gift to choose and book their experience using the catalogue provided in the box.
What are the different options for Wonderbox gift boxes?
Wonderbox offers 4 different packages. You can choose the one that best suits what you're looking for.
🔸 The Gift Box
This is the classic Wonderbox, which you may have spotted in supermarkets or large cultural stores. This gift box comes in a black and gold presentation case and includes:
- A small catalogue showcasing the available activities,
- A gift voucher to go along with it.
👉 This option is perfect for you if:
- You're looking to present your gift with some lovely packaging,
- You would like the recipient to be able to easily check the list of activities in a booklet.
and customisable that you can create yourself from the Wonderbox website. You can select the activities you prefer, add a personal message, and even choose the design of your case.
👉 This wonderbox is perfect for you if:
- You don't want to give a generic gift,
- You're looking to create a special surprise for a particular occasion,
- You're in search of a gift that can be either packaged nicely or sent via email,
- You already have a few ideas for activities you'd like to offer the recipient of your Wonderbox.
🔸 The Perfect Gift of Freedom
This last option is a gift voucher valid for over 140,000 activities offered by Wonderbox. It is for an amount between $30 and $50 which can be credited towards the activity chosen by the recipient.
Wonderbox Freedom Gift Voucher - From $30
Source: Wonderbox.com.au
👉 This option will be perfect for you if:
- You want to give the recipient of the gift the freedom to choose,
- You prefer a digital gift sent via email,
- You’re not quite sure about the tastes and preferences of the gift recipient.
How to order on the Wonderbox website?
To select the wonderbox that you want to give as a gift, simply head to the homepage and then choose the category that interests you from the following options:
- Weekend: wellness retreats, romantic getaways, unique accommodation, a night in a castle...
- Sport and adventure: skydiving, driving experiences, hot air ballooning, paragliding, bungee jumping...
- Gastronomy: restaurants, tastings, cooking classes, wine tasting...
- Wellness: treatments, massages, spa experiences, weight loss programs, fitness...
- Leisure and outings: theatre, concerts, movies, comedy...
Source: Wonderbox.com.au
Once you've selected the section, all that's left is to choose the gift box you’d like to give, based on the services offered and the price.
Source: Wonderbox.com.au
You can then add the product to your cart, and click on "View my cart". Next, complete the order form with the required information:
- Format choice: gift box or e-gift box,
- Accompanying message for the gift,
- Optional: premium gift bag, choice of design...
- Delivery method: express, standard or parcel collection,
- Delivery address,
- Billing information.
✅ Once your order is confirmed, you'll receive a confirmation email! If you haven't received it, please check your spam folder and feel free to contact customer service at 09 70 25 40 90 (local call rates apply, available Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm and Saturday from 9am to 6pm).
How to Book with a Wonderbox?
To book your Wonderbox, you first need to select your activity:
- By checking the list of providers in the booklet provided (physical box only),
- By visiting the Wonderbox website, then going to the "I have a wonderbox" section in the menu.
Source: Wonderbox.com.au
Next, once you’ve chosen your activity, get in touch with the provider and let them know you want to pay with a Wonderbox. They will usually ask you for the number on your gift voucher in return.
Source: Wonderbox.com.au
🌴 If you need assistance with a stay, you can contact Wonderbox’s booking support service at the following number: 09 77 40 41 41, at the cost of a local call.
Finally, when you arrive at the location, you will need to present your gift voucher. If it was sent to you via email, make sure to print it out beforehand! The chosen provider will then register the unique code to receive reimbursement from Wonderbox. All that's left for you to do is enjoy!
How long is the box valid for?
Wonderbox gift boxes are valid for 3 years and 3 months. If this period expires and you haven't had a chance to enjoy your experience, you can extend it. Please note that it is essential to do this before the expiry date.
To extend your Wonderbox, simply visit the brand's website. Then, scroll to the bottom menu and select the page titled "Exchange and Extension". Next, choose "I wish to exchange it" and follow the instructions provided.
Source: Wonderbox.com.au
How to Redeem a Wonderbox?
You’ve received a Wonderbox and would like to exchange it for a different voucher? That’s totally possible, and it will give you the chance to enjoy an activity that you truly love.
To do this, simply visit the Wonderbox website and, as mentioned earlier, go to the "Exchange and Extension" section, located at the very bottom of the homepage, in the footer. Then, instead of clicking on "I wish to extend it," just select the option on the left ("I wish to exchange it") and follow the prompts.
👉 Whether you wish to exchange it or extend it, I recommend that you register your Wonderbox gift voucher as mentioned earlier, so you can take advantage of these rights if needed.
Source: Wonderbox.com.au
What makes Wonderbox different from other gift box services?
Wonderbox has several competitors, including Smartbox and DakotaBox. Here’s what sets these companies apart:
- Wonderbox is a 100% French company, whereas most competitors are based overseas,
- The customer service is located in Paris and not outsourced abroad,
- Wonderbox gift boxes are valid for 3 years and 3 months, compared to 3 years only with most other major gift box sellers,
- Wonderbox is the only box provider to offer the custom box that I mentioned a few paragraphs earlier.
- The range of activities available with Wonderbox is slightly less extensive than that of Smartbox, but there are still 140,000 options available... enough to surely find something you'll love!
Source: Wonderbox.com.au
Who is Wonderbox for?
Wonderbox is a convenient solution:
🌍 For those looking to give a gift to someone who lives far away,
❓ When you want to please someone whose tastes you don’t know very well,
🎉 To celebrate a special occasion (birthday, wedding, etc.),
👨💼 To give to an employee or a colleague,
🎁 When you prefer to give the gift of a memorable experience rather than a bulky item...
🌴 To gift a trip to share (with a partner, friends, or family...),
🤸♀️ To introduce an activity to a friend or family member.
What are the prices of Wonderbox?
The prices of Wonderbox vary depending on the selected gift box. They start from as low as $10 with gift vouchers and can go up to $1250. In the table below, you'll find the prices of some of the brand's flagship gift boxes!
Experience | Price |
3 Days of Dream Getaway for Two | $119.90 |
Unique Night Away for Two | $69.90 |
Romantic Weekend | $59.90 |
Skydiving for Two | $279.90 |
Exceptional Dinner for Two | $99.90 |
Wellness Experience: 2 Hours of Relaxation for One | $49.90 |
Gift Voucher "Happy Birthday" | From $30 |
Restaurant Gift Card | From $10 |
Are there any shipping fees with Wonderbox? 🚚
Most of the time, the delivery of your Wonderbox is free. Of course, if you’re ordering an e-gift box, the email delivery is complimentary. For physical gift boxes, the Colissimo delivery to your home or a collection point within 48 to 72 hours is also free. It’s a tracked delivery, and you will receive the tracking details via email once your order has been placed!
If you'd like to receive the parcel by the next day, you can choose the express delivery option when placing your order. In this case, please add $8 to your shopping cart total.
Student? Here’s How to Save Some Cash! 🤑
With Student Beans, you can enjoy a 8.5% discount on an e-gift card if you're a student. To take advantage of this offer, simply register at studentbeans.com, verify your student status, and then obtain your unique code to enter at checkout.
Source: Studentbeans.com
Find the Perfect Gift with the "Gift Idea" Tool! 🎁
Stuck for inspiration? Wonderbox offers a gift idea generator that I find really handy.
By clicking on this link, you'll find personalised suggestions tailored to the recipient of your gift! 😉
Gift Ideas for Women at Wonderbox
Source: Wonderbox.com.au
What do customers think about Wonderbox?
The Wonderbox gift box is quite well-known to the general public, as it is sold in many retailers. As a result, there is a wealth of reviews online from people who have tried it. To help you sort through the feedback, I’ve put together a brief summary of these testimonials.
On the Trustpilot Platform
Wonderbox has nearly 30,000 reviews to date on Trustpilot, and the numbers are growing rapidly! This is a great indicator of customer satisfaction, which appears to be quite positive, considering the average rating is 3.8/5.
Source: Trustpilot.com
Let's take a look at what justifies this rating:
💚 Customers Loved It
- The wide range of choices available,
- The simplicity of the concept for a quick gift,
- The ability to easily switch boxes,
- The fast delivery of the box,
- The price ranges suitable for all budgets.
Positive reviews from Wonderbox customers left on the Trustpilot platform
❌ They enjoyed it less
- The unavailability of certain venues during peak times (busy weekends),
- The requirement to make reservations by phone.
Customer review of their Wonderbox experience posted on Trustpilot
About Igraal
Wonderbox also has a significant number of reviews on the Igraal website, currently totaling 1552, with a fantastic average rating of 4.5/5.
Source: Igraal.com
Customers are generally very satisfied with the selection offered and the delivery of the box. They are delighted to have quickly found a lovely gift for a loved one.
Somewhat less satisfied individuals also report the challenges of finding available booking dates during busy periods, such as long weekends or school holidays.
Wonderbox on Social Media
You can find the latest offerings from Wonderbox and plenty of gift ideas on this company's social media platforms:
👉 To read testimonials from people who have tried this gift box concept, feel free to check out the #wonderbox!
Source: Instagram (@wonderbox.fr)
Is Wonderbox a Scam?
Unlike its main competitors, Wonderbox is a 100% French company. It is a simplified joint-stock company, established in 2008 and located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris.
Source: société.com
This is a major player in the gift box and experience voucher industry: Wonderbox operates in 13 countries and generated over 240 million euros in revenue in 2021.
Like any major online retailer, Wonderbox has a dedicated customer service team that can be reached by phone and email. The brand also pays attention to reviews left on the Trustpilot platform and takes the time to respond if there are any issues, inviting you to contact customer service directly.
✅ Wonderbox is a well-established French company that has been part of the economy for a long time and has achieved great success: you can order with confidence, it is not a scam or a business facing financial troubles.
My Verdict on Wonderbox ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to purchase a Wonderbox gift set for my partner’s birthday. I was able to select the gift box myself, present it to him, and even had the chance to try it out together! Let me share this experience with you!
Was it easy to order a Wonderbox gift box?
I chose Wonderbox because it was a French brand that I was quite familiar with. The gift boxes available at the supermarket near me were quite generic, so I decided to go directly to the website for more options. I didn’t want to just give a “voucher for a weekend”: I was after something a bit more personalised.
Source: Wonderbox.com.au
I was looking for a wine and oenology getaway, which my partner is really passionate about. So, I searched on the website in the relevant category, and I was able to choose a "Wine Tasting Getaway" package that includes:
- One night with breakfast,
- A tasting and/or tour of a winery or vineyard.
Source: Wonderbox.com.au
👫 This offer, like many other Wonderbox gift sets, was of course for two people.
When I placed my order, I was able to customise my gift box, add a little note, and choose the presentation: I really enjoyed being able to add a touch of originality to my gift.
How did the delivery of the Wonderbox go?
The delivery was very quick, and I received the gift set at home promptly. I opted for a physical set because I wanted to present it "in person" to my partner. I'm very pleased with it!
Our wine tasting
Was the recipient able to easily make a reservation?
The online booking system seemed quite easy to use. However, it did take some time to explore all the available options.
Additionally, we initially wanted to go away for the Ascension weekend, but when we contacted providers, we found no availability. So, we ended up going this summer and had a fantastic stay.
The Château des Faures in Puisseguin (33) where we stayed during our visit
👉 If I had one piece of advice to give, it would be to let the provider you’re booking for a Wonderbox know in advance. This prevents wasting time trying to make a booking, only to be denied at the payment stage. Many providers have specific availability for Wonderbox customers.
✅ To sum up, we are happy with the experience we had with Wonderbox, both in terms of the purchase and the stay we shared. The options for customising your gift on the website really make a difference! 😊
Wonderbox FAQ: I’m answering YOUR questions!
To help you navigate through, here’s a final section that addresses the key questions you might have about the Wonderbox. If you can’t find your answer, feel free to leave a comment! 😉
Can you combine two Wonderboxes?
It is theoretically possible to combine two Wonderboxes to exchange them for one of greater value. As this is a specific request, I recommend you call customer service directly at 09 77 40 41 41, available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 7 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm.
Source: Instagram (@wonderbox.fr)
How to check the validity of a Wonderbox?
To do this, the easiest way is to visit the Wonderbox website and register by clicking on "I have a Wonderbox". You will then be able to create a customer account, where you can check the validity of your Wonderbox.
👉 If you've already registered your Wonderbox on the website, all you need to do is log in to your customer account!
How to activate a Wonderbox?
Your Wonderbox is activated as soon as you purchase it, and it is valid for three years and three months. If you wish to book a service, I recommend checking the available options in the booklet or on your Wonderbox web account, and then contacting the provider you're interested in to make a reservation.
Source: Instagram (@wonderbox.fr)
Can you get a refund for a Wonderbox?
No, it is not possible to get a refund for a Wonderbox. However, you can exchange it for another one if you're not satisfied, or you can extend it if you can't use it within the allotted time (three years and three months from the purchase date).
How to contact Wonderbox by phone?
Wonderbox has a French customer service team, available from Monday to Friday between 9am and 7pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 6pm. You can reach them at the 09 77 40 41 41 number, which is not a premium rate call.
📧 You can also send a message by using the " contact us " section in the FAQ on the website.
In summary, Wonderbox is truly a simple and effective solution for gift giving, allowing you to delight someone special while saving time! If you’ve already given it a go, I’d love to hear your personal thoughts in the comments! 😉