My Take on SMARTBOX: The Truth About This Gift Box! 🎁

Sometimes you find yourself needing to give a gift to someone, but inspiration just doesn't strike. In such cases, ready-made gift sets can be a brilliant alternative.

I had the chance to give a Wonderbox gift set to my partner six months ago, so he could choose a getaway for us to enjoy together. In the following paragraphs, I'll share my honest feedback on this experience!

What is a Smartbox?

WONDERBOX - 100% IRISH GIFT BOX
ConceptA gift box that allows the recipient to choose from a selection of over 140,000 activities available.
Types of boxes
  • Weekend breaks,
  • Sports and adventure,
  • Gastronomy,
  • Wellness,
  • Leisure and outings.
Price ranges available
  • From €10,
  • Under €50,
  • From €50 to €100,
  • From €100 to €200,
  • Over €200.
Delivery chargesFree
Validity period3 years and 3 months from the date of purchase
Exchange and extension conditionsPossible as long as the validity date has not expired

👍 I absolutely loved it

  • The very many gift options,
  • The joy of giving beautiful memories rather than just an item,
  • The shared experience thanks to the gift box,
  • The ease of booking,
  • Free delivery to a local collection point near me,
  • Great prices for future gifts,
  • The option to exchange or extend if needed.

What Could Be Improved

  • You need to allow time to choose your stay or activity,
  • It's essential to properly inform the provider that you are paying with a Wonderbox.
  • You can only extend the box once.

Source: Facebook (@wonderbox.fr)

How does the Smartbox work?

Wonderbox "Romantic Weekend" for €59.90

Source: Wonderbox.ie

🔸 The e-gift box

This is a digital version of the gift box mentioned above. This box is sent via email to the purchaser or the intended recipient, in PDF format, within 15 minutes of the purchase.

👉 This solution will suit you if:

  • You want to make a last-minute gift,
  • You won't be meeting the gift recipient in person,
  • You want to surprise someone on a specific day (for example, on their birthday).

🔸 The Custom Box

This is a complete gift box

Wonderbox is a gift box system that works a bit like the old-fashioned "Good for..." vouchers. The recipient receives a themed box of a certain value, which corresponds to an experience to enjoy from a selection provided. It's up to the person receiving the gift to choose and book using the catalogue included in the box.

What are the different options for Wonderbox gift sets?

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 might occasionally spot in supermarkets or large cultural stores. The box comes in an elegant black and gold casing and includes:

  • A small catalogue showcasing the available services,
  • A gift voucher that corresponds to them.

👉 This option is perfect for you if:

  • You want to present your gift in a lovely package,
  • You'd like the recipient to be able to easily check out the list of activities in a brochure.

customisable that you can create yourself on the Wonderbox website. You can select the activities you prefer, add a personal message, and even customise 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 want a gift that can be presented either in a box or sent by email,
  • You already have a little idea of the activities you would like to suggest to the recipient of your Wonderbox.

🔸 The Perfect Freedom Gift

This last option refers to a gift voucher valid for the 140,000 activities offered by Wonderbox. It amounts to a value between €30 and €50 that can be credited towards the activity chosen by the recipient.

Wonderbox gift voucher freedom

Wonderbox Gift Voucher - From €30

Source: Wonderbox.ie

👉 This option will be ideal for you if:

  • You want to give the person receiving the gift the freedom to choose,
  • You prefer a digital gift sent by email,
  • You’re not very familiar with the tastes and preferences of the gift recipient.

How to order on the Wonderbox website?

To select the wonderbox 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 getaways: thalassotherapy retreats, romantic breaks, unique accommodations, overnight stays in a castle... ,
  • Sport and adventure: skydiving, driving experiences, hot air ballooning, paragliding, bungee jumping, ...,
  • Gastronomy: restaurants, tastings, cooking workshops, wine appreciation, ...,
  • Well-being: treatments, massages, thalassotherapy, weight loss, fitness...,
  • Leisure and outings: theatre, concerts, cinema, comedy...

Source: Wonderbox.ie

Once you’ve selected the category, 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.ie

Next, you can add the product to your basket, then click on "View my basket". After that, please complete the order form with the necessary information:

  • Choice of format: gift box or e-gift box,
  • Message to accompany the gift,
  • Optional: premium gift bag, choice of design...
  • Delivery method: express, standard delivery, or parcel shop,
  • 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, 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 navigating to the "I have a wonderbox" section in the menu.

Source: Wonderbox.ie

Then, once you've chosen your activity, get in touch with the provider and let them know that you'd like to pay with a Wonderbox. They will usually ask you for your gift voucher number in return.

Source: Wonderbox.ie

🌴 If you’re looking to book a stay, you can contact the Wonderbox booking support service at the following number: 09 77 40 41 41, charged at the local call rate.

Finally, when you arrive at the venue, you will be asked to present your gift voucher. If it was sent to you by email, make sure to print it out in advance! The chosen provider will then register the unique code to get reimbursed by Wonderbox. All that's left for you to do is enjoy!

How long is the box valid for?

Wonderbox gift sets are valid for 3 years and 3 months. If this period expires and you haven't had the chance to enjoy your activity, you can extend it. Be aware that it is essential to do this before the expiry date.

To extend your Wonderbox, simply visit the brand's website. From there, scroll down to the footer menu and select the page titled "Exchange and Extension". Then choose "I would like to exchange it" and follow the instructions provided.

Source: Wonderbox.ie

How to Exchange a Wonderbox?

You’ve received a Wonderbox and would like to exchange it for another box? That's absolutely possible, and it will allow you to enjoy an experience you truly love.

To do this, simply visit the Wonderbox website, and, as mentioned earlier, navigate 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 choose the option on the left ("I wish to exchange it") and follow the instructions.

👉 Whether you plan 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 just in case.

Wonderbox Exchange

Source: Wonderbox.ie

What makes Wonderbox different from other gift boxes?

Wonderbox has several competitors, such as Smartbox and DakotaBox. Here’s what sets these companies apart:

  • Wonderbox is a 100% French company, whereas most competitors are based abroad,
  • The customer service team is located in Paris and not outsourced overseas,
  • Wonderbox gift boxes are valid for 3 years and 3 months, compared to just 3 years with most other major gift box sellers,
  • Wonderbox is the only company to offer the custom box that I mentioned a few paragraphs earlier.
  • The variety of activities available at Wonderbox is slightly less extensive than at Smartbox, but there are still 140,000 options to choose from... so you're sure to find something you'll love!

Source: Wonderbox.ie

Who is Wonderbox aimed at?

Wonderbox is a handy solution:

🌍 For those looking to give a present to someone living far away,

❓ When you want to treat 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 a memorable experience instead of a bulky item...

🌴 To gift a trip to share (with your partner, friends, or family...),

🤸‍♀️ To introduce an activity to a loved one.

What are the prices of Wonderbox?

Wonderbox prices vary depending on the chosen gift package. They start from €10 for gift vouchers and can go up to €1250. In the table below, you can find the prices of some of the brand's flagship gift packages!

PackagePrice
3 Days of Dreaming for Two€119.90
Unique Night 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 1 Person€49.90
Freedom Gift Voucher "Happy Birthday"From €30
Restaurant Gift CardFrom €10

Are there any delivery charges with Wonderbox? 🚚

Most of the time, the delivery of your Wonderbox is free. Of course, if it’s an e-gift box, the email delivery is complimentary. For physical gift boxes, delivery via Colissimo to your home or to a collection point within 48 to 72 hours is included at no extra cost. This is a tracked delivery, and you will receive the details via email once your order has been placed!

If you’d like to receive the parcel the next day, you can choose the express delivery option when placing your order. In this case, you'll need to add €8 to the total of your shopping basket.

    Student? Here’s how to save some money! 🤑

    With the website 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 on studentbeans.com, verify your student status, and then you’ll receive your unique code to enter at checkout.

    Source: Studentbeans.com

    Find the Perfect Gift with the "Gift Idea" Tool!🎁

    Stuck for gift ideas? 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.ie

    What do customers think about Wonderbox?

    The Wonderbox gift box is quite well-known among the general public, as it is sold in many shops. You can find a wealth of reviews online from people who have tried it. To help you sort through them, I’ve put together a brief summary of these testimonials.

    On the Trustpilot Platform

    Wonderbox has nearly 30,000 reviews on Trustpilot to date, and the numbers are growing rapidly! This is a great indicator of customer satisfaction, which seems to be quite positive, as the average rating is 3.8/5.

    Source: Trustpilot.com

    Let's take a look at what justifies this rating:

    💚 Our customers loved it

    • The wide range of choices,
    • The simplicity of the concept for a quick gift,
    • The option to easily switch boxes,
    • The swift delivery of the box,
    • The pricing ranges that suit all budgets.

    Positive reviews from Wonderbox customers posted on the Trustpilot platform

    They liked it less

    • The unavailability of certain venues at peak times (busy weekends),
    • The requirement to make reservations over the phone.

    Customer review of their Wonderbox experience posted on Trustpilot

    About Igraal

    Wonderbox has also received a significant number of reviews on the Igraal site, with a total of 1552 to date, achieving a strong average rating of 4.5/5.

    Source: Igraal.com

    Customers are generally very happy with the selection offered and the delivery of the box. They are delighted to have quickly found a lovely gift for a loved one.

    Those who are a bit less satisfied also report having difficulty in finding available booking dates during busy periods, such as long weekends or school holidays.

    Wonderbox on Social Media

    You can find the latest from Wonderbox and plenty of gift ideas on this company's social media pages:

        👉 To discover testimonials from people who have tried this gift box concept, be sure to follow #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 name in the gift box and experience market: Wonderbox operates in 13 countries, and the group generated over 240 million euros in revenue in 2021.

            Like any major online retailer, Wonderbox has a dedicated customer service team that you can reach by phone or email. The brand also pays close attention to reviews left on the Trustpilot platform and takes the time to respond in case of any issues, encouraging you to contact customer service directly.

            Wonderbox is a well-established French company that has been around for many years and has achieved significant success: you can order with confidence, as this is not a scam or a business facing financial difficulties.

            My verdict on Wonderbox ⭐⭐⭐⭐

            A few months ago, I had the chance to buy a Wonderbox gift set for my partner’s birthday. This meant I could choose the gift box myself, give it to him, and even get to experience it together! Let me tell you about this experience!

            Was it easy to order a Wonderbox gift set?

            I chose Wonderbox because it’s a French brand that I know well. The gift sets available in the supermarket near me were very generic, so I preferred to go straight to the website for more options. I didn’t want to just give a "voucher for a weekend": I wanted something a bit more personal.

            Source: Wonderbox.ie

            I was looking for a wine and wine-making getaway, which my partner is really passionate about. I searched on the site in the relevant category, and I found an "Oenological Stay" package that includes:

            • A night with breakfast,
            • A wine tasting and/or a tour of the winery or estate.

            Source: Wonderbox.ie

            👫 This offer, like many other Wonderbox gifts, was of course for two people.

            When ordering, 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 present.

            How did the delivery of the Wonderbox go?

            The delivery was really quick, and I received the box at home promptly. I opted for a physical gift as I wanted to give it "in person" to my partner. I'm very pleased with it!

            Our wine tasting

            Was the recipient able to book easily?

            The booking system on the website seemed quite easy to navigate. However, it did take some time to explore all the options available.

            Initially, we planned to go away for the Ascension weekend, but when we contacted the service providers, we found no availability. So, we went during the summer and had a fantastic stay.

            The Château des Faures in Puisseguin (33), where we spent our stay

            👉 If I had one piece of advice to share, it would be to inform the service provider you are booking for a Wonderbox. This saves you time by avoiding the hassle of trying to book only to be turned away at the payment stage. In fact, many service providers have specific availability for Wonderbox customers.

            To sum up, we were very pleased with our experience with Wonderbox, both in terms of the purchase and the shared stay. The options to personalise your gift directly from the website really make a difference! 😊

            Wonderbox FAQ: I Answer YOUR Questions!

            To help you navigate, here’s a final section addressing the key questions you might have about the Wonderbox. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, 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. Since this is a specific request, I recommend that 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 area!

            How to activate a Wonderbox?

            Your Wonderbox is active as soon as you purchase it, and this lasts 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 online 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's not possible to get a refund for a Wonderbox. However, you can exchange it for another if it doesn't suit you, or extend it if you can't use it within the given timeframe (3 years and three months after 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 Saturday from 9am to 6pm. You can reach them at 09 77 40 41 41, and this is a standard rate number.

            📧 You can also send a message by going to 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 bring joy while saving time! If you’ve tried it before, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! 😉