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

There are times when you need to give a gift to someone, but inspiration just doesn't strike. In such cases, ready-to-use gift boxes can be an excellent alternative.

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

What is Smartbox?

WONDERBOX - 100% NEW ZEALAND GIFT BOX
ConceptA gift box that allows the recipient to choose from a selection of over 140,000 activities available.
Types of boxes
  • Weekend getaways,
  • Sport and adventure,
  • Food and dining,
  • Wellness,
  • Leisure and outings.
Price ranges available
  • From NZ$10,
  • Under NZ$50,
  • From NZ$50 to NZ$100,
  • From NZ$100 to NZ$200,
  • Over NZ$200.
Delivery feesFree
Validity period3 years and 3 months from the date of purchase
Exchange and extension termsPossible as long as the expiry date has not been reached

👍 I Loved It

  • The very many options for gifts,
  • The joy of giving beautiful memories rather than just an object,
  • The shared experience made possible by the gift box,
  • The ease of making a booking,
  • Free delivery to a nearby pick-up point,
  • Great prices for future gifts,
  • The option to exchange and extend if needed.

What Could Be Improved

  • You need to allow time to choose your stay or activity,
  • It's important to 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 "Weekend for Lovers" at NZ$59.90

Source: Wonderbox.co.nz

🔸 The E-Box

This is a digital version of the gift box mentioned above. This gift box is sent via email to the buyer or their recipient, in PDF format, within 15 minutes of 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, their birthday).

🔸 The Custom Box

This is a complete gift box

Wonderbox is a gift box system similar to the old "Good for..." vouchers we used to give. The recipient receives a themed box valued at a certain amount, which corresponds to an experience to enjoy from a selection provided. It's up to the recipient to choose and book using the catalogue included in the box.

What are the different options for Wonderbox gift sets?

Wonderbox offers 4 different options. You can choose the one that best fits what you are looking for.

🔸 The Gift Box

This is the classic Wonderbox, often spotted in supermarkets or large cultural retail stores. The box comes in a sleek black and gold presentation, and includes:

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

👉 This option is perfect for you if:

  • You want to present your gift with a lovely wrapping,
  • You'd like the recipient to be able to directly view the list of activities in a booklet.

customisable that you can create yourself on the Wonderbox website. You can select the activities you prefer, add a message, and even customise the case to your liking.

👉 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 specific occasion,
  • You’re in search of a gift that can be presented as a package or sent via email,
  • You already have a bit of an idea about the activities you’d like to offer the recipient of your Wonderbox.

🔸 The Perfect Freedom Gift

This last option is a gift voucher valid for 140,000 activities offered by Wonderbox. It represents an amount between $30 and $50 that can be credited towards the activity chosen by the recipient.

Wonderbox gift voucher freedom

Wonderbox Freedom Gift Voucher - From $30

Source: Wonderbox.co.nz

👉 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 by email,
  • You’re not very familiar with the recipient’s tastes and preferences.

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: spa getaways, romantic retreats, unique accommodations, a night in a castle...
  • Sport and adventure: skydiving, flying lessons, hot air ballooning, paragliding, bungee jumping, ...
  • Food and drink: restaurants, tastings, cooking classes, wine appreciation, ...
  • Wellness: treatments, massages, spa days, weight loss, fitness...
  • Leisure and outings: theatre, concerts, movies, comedy...

Source: Wonderbox.co.nz

Once you’ve chosen the section, all that’s left is to select the gift box you’d like to give, based on the services offered and the price.

Source: Wonderbox.co.nz

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

  • Format choice: gift box or e-gift box,
  • Message to accompany the gift,
  • Optional: premium gift bag, choice of design...
  • Delivery method: express, tracked delivery or parcel collection point,
  • Delivery address,
  • Billing information.

✅ Once your order is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email! If you don’t see it, please check your junk mail and consider contacting 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 Make a Booking with a Wonderbox?

To book your Wonderbox, you first need to choose your activity:

  • By checking the list of providers in the booklet provided (physical box only),
  • By visiting the Wonderbox website and navigating to the "I have a Wonderbox" section in the menu.

Source: Wonderbox.co.nz

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 the number of your gift voucher in return.

Source: Wonderbox.co.nz

🌴 If you're planning a stay, you can contact Wonderbox's booking assistance service at the following number: 09 77 40 41 41, which is charged at the local call rate.

Finally, once you arrive at your destination, you will need to present your gift voucher. If it was sent to you via email, make sure to print it out ahead of time! The service provider will then register the unique code to receive reimbursement from Wonderbox. All you have to do now is enjoy!

How long is the box valid for?

Wonderbox gift vouchers 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. Please note, it is essential to do this before the expiry date.

To extend your Wonderbox, all you need to do is visit the brand's website. Then, scroll down to the footer menu and select the page titled "Exchange and Extension". Choose "I want to exchange it" and follow the instructions provided.

Source: Wonderbox.co.nz

How to Exchange a Wonderbox?

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

To do this, simply head over to the Wonderbox website, and as mentioned earlier, navigate to the "Exchange and Extension" section, which is located at the very bottom of the homepage in the footer. Then, instead of clicking on "I want to extend it", you just need to choose the left option ("I want to exchange it") and follow the prompts.

👉 Whether you want to exchange your Wonderbox gift voucher or extend it or not, I recommend that you register your Wonderbox gift voucher as mentioned earlier, so you can take advantage of these rights if needed.

Wonderbox exchange

Source: Wonderbox.co.nz

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 overseas,
  • The customer service is based in Paris and not outsourced abroad,
  • Wonderbox vouchers are valid for 3 years and 3 months compared to just 3 years with the main other box sellers,
  • Wonderbox is the only provider offering the custom gift box that I mentioned a few paragraphs earlier.
  • The range of activities is slightly narrower with Wonderbox than with Smartbox, but there are still 140,000 options available... so you're sure to find something you'll love!

Source: Wonderbox.nz

Who is Wonderbox for?

Wonderbox is a handy solution:

🌍 For those looking to give a gift to someone who lives far away,

❓ When you want to do something nice for someone whose tastes you don't know very well,

🎉 To celebrate a special occasion (birthday, wedding, etc...),

👨‍💼 To gift an employee or a colleague,

🎁 When you’d rather give the gift of a memorable experience instead of a bulky item...

🌴 To give a trip to share (as a couple, with friends, or as a family...),

🤸‍♀️ To introduce an activity to someone you know.

What are the prices for Wonderbox?

The prices for Wonderbox depend on the chosen gift box. They start from NZ$10 with gift vouchers and can go up to NZ$1250. In the table below, you'll find the prices for some of the brand's flagship boxes!

ExperiencePrice
3 Dream Days 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 Pampering for One$49.90
Freedom Gift Voucher: "Happy Birthday"From $30
Restaurant Gift VoucherFrom $10

Are there any shipping fees with Wonderbox? 🚚

Most of the time, 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 to your home or to a collection point within 48 to 72 hours is free. This is a tracked delivery, and you'll receive the details via email once your order is placed!

If you want to receive the box by 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 cart.

    Student? Here’s How to Save Some Money! 🤑

    With the site Student Beans, you can enjoy an 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 our "Gift Idea" tool! 🎁

    Stuck for inspiration? Wonderbox has a gift idea generator that I find really handy.

    By clicking on this link, you'll find personalised suggestions tailored for the recipient of your gift! 😉

    Gift Ideas for Women at Wonderbox

    Source: Wonderbox.co.nz

    What do customers think of Wonderbox?

    The Wonderbox gift box is quite well-known among the general public, as it is sold in many retailers. Therefore, there is a large number 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 that number is growing rapidly! This is a great indicator of customer satisfaction, which seems to be quite positive, given that 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 between boxes,
    • The fast delivery of the box,
    • The price ranges suitable for all budgets.

    Positive reviews from Wonderbox customers shared on the Trustpilot platform

    They enjoyed it less

    • The unavailability of certain venues during busy times (like weekends),
    • The requirement to make bookings by phone.

    Customer review of their Wonderbox experience posted on Trustpilot

    About Igraal

    Wonderbox has received a large number of reviews on the Igraal website, with a total of 1552 to date, boasting a strong average rating of 4.5/5.

    Source: Igraal.com

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

    People who are somewhat less satisfied also mention the challenge of finding available booking dates during busy periods, such as long weekends or school holidays.

    Wonderbox on Social Media

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

        👉 To find testimonials from people who have tried this gift box concept, feel free 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, founded in 2008 and based in the 15th arrondissement of Paris.

            Source: société.com

            This is a leading name in the gift box and voucher industry: Wonderbox operates in 13 countries, and in 2021, the group generated over 240 million euros in revenue.

            Like any major online retailer, Wonderbox has a dedicated customer service team that you can reach by phone or email. The brand also pays attention to reviews left on the Trustpilot platform and takes the time to respond if there are any issues, encouraging you to get in touch with their customer service directly.

            Wonderbox is a well-established French company that has been around for quite some time in the economic landscape and has enjoyed great success. You can order with confidence; it’s not a scam or a company facing financial troubles.

            My verdict on Wonderbox ⭐⭐⭐⭐

            A few months ago, I had the chance to buy a Wonderbox gift set for my partner's birthday. I was able to choose the gift box myself, give it to him, and even test 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 my place were quite generic, so I decided to head straight to the website to have more options. I didn't just want to give a "voucher for a weekend": I was looking for something a little more personalised.

            Source: Wonderbox.co.nz

            I wanted a wine and oenology getaway, which fascinates my partner. So, I searched the website in the relevant category and was able to select a "Wine Experience" package that includes:

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

            Source: Wonderbox.co.nz

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

            When I placed my order, I was able to customise my gift box, add a personal message, and choose the presentation style: I really enjoyed adding a touch of creativity to my gift.

            How did the delivery of the Wonderbox go?

            The delivery was super fast and I received the package quickly at home. I chose a physical gift box because 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 online booking system appeared to be quite easy to use. However, it did take some time to explore all the options available.

            Additionally, we originally wanted to go over the Ascension weekend, but when we contacted the service providers, we found no availability. So, we went this summer and had a fantastic stay.

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

            👉 If I could give just one piece of advice, it would be to definitely let the provider you’re booking with know that you have a Wonderbox. This way, you can avoid wasting time trying to make a booking, only to be turned away at the payment stage. Many providers have specific availability for Wonderbox customers.

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

            Wonderbox FAQ: I’m answering YOUR questions!

            To help you out, here’s a final section that addresses the main questions you might have regarding 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 site, all you need to do is log in to your customer account!

            How to activate a Wonderbox?

            Your Wonderbox is active from the moment you purchase it, and it's valid for three years and three months. If you wish to book a service, I recommend checking out the available options in the brochure or on your Wonderbox online account, then contact the provider that interests you 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 if you’re not happy with it, or extend it if you cannot use it within the given timeframe (three years and three months from the purchase date).

            How to contact Wonderbox by phone?

            Wonderbox has a French customer service, available from Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm and on Saturday from 9am to 6pm. The phone number is 09 77 40 41 41 and there are no extra charges.

            📧 You can also send a message by going to the "contact us" section in the website's FAQ.

            In summary, Wonderbox is truly a simple and effective solution for gift-giving, allowing you to make someone happy while saving time! And if you've tried it, I'd love to hear your personal thoughts in the comments! 😉