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 sets can be an excellent alternative.
I had the opportunity to gift a Wonderbox experience box to my partner six months ago, so that he could choose a getaway for us to enjoy together. In the following lines, I’ll share my honest feedback on this experience!
What is Smartbox?
WONDERBOX - 100% BRITISH GIFT BOX | |
Concept | A gift box to give to someone who can 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 charges | Free for collection points and standard delivery |
Validity period | 3 years and 3 months from the date of purchase |
Exchange and extension policy | Possible as long as the expiry date has not been exceeded |
👍 I Loved It
- The very numerous gift options,
- The joy of giving beautiful memories rather than just an object,
- The shared experience facilitated by the box,
- The ease of booking,
- Free delivery to a collection point near my home,
- Great prices for future gifts,
- The option to exchange or extend if necessary.
❌ Areas for Improvement
- You should allocate time to choose your stay or activity,
- It is important to inform the provider that you are paying with a Wonderbox.
- The box can only be extended once.
Source: Facebook (@wonderbox.fr)
How Does the Smartbox Work?
Wonderbox "Weekend for Two" at £59.90
Source: Wonderbox.co.uk
🔸 The e-gift box
This is a digital version of the gift box described above. This gift box is sent via email to the purchaser or their recipient, in PDF format, within 15 minutes of the purchase.
👉 This solution is suitable for 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 that operates somewhat like the old-fashioned " vouchers for... " we used to give. The recipient receives a themed box of a certain value, which corresponds to an experience to enjoy from a selection provided. It is up to the gift recipient to choose and book an experience using the catalogue included 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 your needs.
🔸 The Gift Box
This is the Classic Wonderbox, which you may occasionally find in supermarkets or large cultural stores. This gift box is presented in a black and gold casing and includes:
- A small catalogue showcasing the available activities,
- A gift voucher that corresponds to them.
👉 This option is tailored for you if:
- You want to present your gift with a lovely packaging,
- You would like the recipient to be able to directly consult the list of activities in a booklet.
and 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 packaging.
👉 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 offered either as a boxed set or sent by email,
- You already have a small idea of what activities you would like to offer to 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 amounts to between £30 and £50 which can be credited towards the activity chosen by the recipient.
Wonderbox Freedom Gift Voucher - From £30
Source: Wonderbox.co.uk
👉 This option will be perfect for you if:
- You want to give the person receiving the gift the freedom to choose,
- You prefer a digital gift sent via email,
- You are not very familiar with the tastes and preferences of the gift recipient.
How to Place an Order on the Wonderbox Website?
To select the wonderbox you want to give as a gift, simply go to the homepage and then choose the category that interests you from the following options:
- Weekend: thalassotherapy breaks, romantic getaways, unique accommodation, a night in a castle...
- Sport and adventure: parachuting, driving experiences, hot air ballooning, paragliding, bungee jumping...
- Gastronomy: restaurants, tastings, culinary workshops, wine tasting...
- Wellness: treatments, massages, thalassotherapy, weight loss, fitness...
- Leisure and outings: theatre, concerts, cinema, comedy...
Source: Wonderbox.co.uk
Once you have selected the category, all that’s left is to choose the gift box you wish to give, based on the services offered and the price.
Source: Wonderbox.co.uk
You can then add the product to your basket, after which you should click on "View my basket". Next, 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 click and collect,
- Delivery address,
- Billing information.
✅ Once your order is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email! If you haven't received it, please check your spam folder and, if necessary, 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 consulting the list of providers in the provided booklet (physical box only),
- By visiting the Wonderbox website, then navigating to the "I have a Wonderbox" section in the menu.
Source: Wonderbox.co.uk
Next, once you have chosen your activity, contact the provider and let them know that you wish to pay with a Wonderbox. They will usually ask you for the number of your gift voucher in return.
Source: Wonderbox.co.uk
🌴 If you are planning a stay, you can contact Wonderbox's booking assistance service at the following number: 09 77 40 41 41, at the cost of a local call.
Finally, upon arrival, you will be asked to present your gift voucher. If it was sent to you via email, remember to print it in advance! The chosen provider will then register the unique code to get reimbursed by Wonderbox. All that will be 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. Please note that it is essential to do this before the expiry date.
To extend your Wonderbox, simply visit the brand's website. You can then go to the footer menu and select the page titled "Exchange and Extension". Then choose "I wish to exchange it" and follow the instructions provided.
Source: Wonderbox.co.uk
How to Exchange a Wonderbox
You’ve received a Wonderbox and would like to exchange it for a different box? That’s entirely possible, and it will allow you to enjoy an activity that truly appeals to you.
To do this, simply visit the Wonderbox website and, as mentioned earlier, navigate to the "Exchange and extension" section located at the 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 instructions provided.
👉 Whether you wish to cash it in 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.co.uk
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 of its competitors are based abroad,
- The customer service is therefore located in Paris and is 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 provider to offer the custom gift box that I described a few paragraphs earlier.
- The range of activities is slightly less extensive with Wonderbox compared to Smartbox, but there are still 140,000 options available... enough to ensure you find something you love!
Source: Wonderbox.co.uk
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 treat someone whose tastes you don't know very well,
🎉 To celebrate a special occasion (birthday, wedding, etc.),
👨💼 To gift to an employee or a colleague,
🎁 When you prefer to give the gift of an experience to enjoy rather than a bulky item...
🌴 To give a trip to share (with a partner, friends, or family...),
🤸♀️ To introduce an activity to a friend or loved one.
What are the prices of Wonderbox?
The prices of Wonderbox vary depending on the chosen gift box. They start from £10 for the gift vouchers and can go up to £1250. In the table below, you can find the prices of some of the brand's popular gift boxes!
Package | Price |
Three 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 Relaxation for One | £49.90 |
Gift Voucher "Happy Birthday" | From £30 |
Restaurant Gift Card | From £10 |
Are there any shipping costs with Wonderbox? 🚚
Most of the time, the delivery of your Wonderbox is free. Of course, if it's an e-voucher, sending the email is complimentary. For physical boxes, the Colissimo delivery to your home or a collection point within 48 to 72 hours is also free of charge. This is a tracked delivery, and you will receive the details via email once your order has been placed!
If you would like to receive the box by the following day, you can choose the next-day delivery option when placing your order. In this case, you will need to add £8 to the total of your basket.
A Student? Here's How to Save Money! 🤑
With the site Student Beans, you can enjoy a 8.5% discount on an e-gift card if you are a student. To take advantage of this offer, simply register on studentbeans.com, verify your student status, and then obtain your secret code to enter at checkout.
Source: Studentbeans.com
Find the Perfect Gift with the "Gift Idea" Tool!🎁
Struggling for inspiration? Wonderbox offers you a gift ideas generator that I find incredibly handy.
By clicking on this link, you can discover personalised suggestions tailored to the recipient of your gift! 😉
Gift ideas for women from Wonderbox
Source: Wonderbox.co.uk
What do customers think of Wonderbox?
The Wonderbox gift box is quite well-known among the general public, as it is sold in numerous shops. As a result, there is a large number of reviews online from people who have tried it. To help you sort through them, I have prepared a brief summary of these testimonials.
On the Trustpilot Platform
Wonderbox has nearly 30,000 reviews to date on Trustpilot, and the number is growing rapidly! This serves as a great indicator of customer satisfaction, which appears to be quite positive, given that the average rating is 3.8/5.
Source: Trustpilot.com
Let's explore together what justifies this rating:
💚 Customers Loved It
- The wide range of choices available,
- The simplicity of the concept for quick gift giving,
- 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 weren't as keen
- 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 considerable number of reviews on the Igraal website, with a total of 1552 to date, achieving a commendable average rating of 4.5/5.
Source: Igraal.com
Customers are generally very happy with the selection available 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 share their challenges in finding available booking dates during busy times, such as bank holidays 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 accounts:
👉 To find testimonials from people who have tried this gift box concept, feel free to follow 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 based in the fifteenth arrondissement of Paris.
Source: société.com
This is a major name in the gift box and experience voucher industry: Wonderbox operates in 13 countries, and the group generated over 240 million euros in revenue in 2021.
Like all major online retailers, 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 when issues arise, inviting you to contact customer service directly.
✅ Wonderbox is a well-established French company that has been part of the economic landscape for a long time and has enjoyed considerable success: you can order with confidence, as it is neither a scam nor a financially troubled business.
My Verdict on Wonderbox ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to buy a Wonderbox gift set to give to my partner for their birthday. This meant I could choose the gift box myself, surprise them, and even have the chance to try it out together! Let me share this experience with you!
Was it easy to order a Wonderbox gift set?
I chose Wonderbox because it is a French brand that I am quite familiar with. The gift boxes available at the supermarket near me were very 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 wanted something a bit more personalised.
Source: Wonderbox.co.uk
I wanted a stay focused on wine and oenology, which are passions of my partner. I searched the website in the relevant category and opted for a "Wine Tourism Package" that includes:
- One night with breakfast,
- A tasting and/or tour of a winery or vineyard.
Source: Wonderbox.co.uk
👫 This offer, like many other Wonderbox gift sets, was of course for two people.
When placing my order, I was able to customise my gift box, add a little note, and choose the presentation: I appreciated being able to add a touch of originality to my gift.
How was the delivery of the Wonderbox?
The delivery was very quick and I received the box promptly at home. I opted for a physical box as I wanted to give it "in person" to my partner. I am very pleased with it!
Our wine tasting
Did the recipient find it easy to make a booking?
We found the booking system on the website to be quite easy to navigate. However, it did take some time to explore all the options available.
Additionally, we initially wanted to leave over the Ascension weekend, but when we called the service providers, we found no availability. Instead, we ended up going this summer and had a wonderful stay.
The Château des Faures in Puisseguin (33), where we spent our stay
👉 If I could give just one piece of advice, it would be to inform the provider you are booking with about the Wonderbox. This saves you from wasting time trying to make a reservation only to be turned away at the payment stage. In fact, many providers have specific availability for Wonderbox customers.
✅To summarise, we are pleased with the experience we had with Wonderbox, both in terms of the purchase and the shared stay. The options to personalise your gift on the website truly make a difference! 😊
FAQ about Wonderbox: I answer YOUR questions!
To help you out, here’s a final section that answers 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. As 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 have already registered your Wonderbox on the website, simply log in to your customer area!
How to activate a Wonderbox?
Your Wonderbox is active from the moment of purchase and 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 online account, and then contacting the provider you are 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 if you are not satisfied, or extend it if you cannot use it within the allotted time (3 years and three months from the date of purchase).
How to contact Wonderbox by phone?
Wonderbox has a French customer service team, 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 calls are not charged at a premium rate.
📧 It is also possible to send a message by visiting the "contact us" section in the site's FAQ.
In summary, Wonderbox is truly a simple and effective gift solution that brings joy while saving you time! If you have tried it already, I would love to hear your personal opinion in the comments! 😉