There are times when you need to buy a gift for someone, but inspiration just doesn’t strike. In such cases, ready-to-use gift boxes can be an excellent alternative.
Six months ago, I had the opportunity to gift a Wonderbox experience to my partner, allowing him to choose a getaway for us to enjoy together. In the following lines, I will share my honest feedback on this experience!
What is Wonderbox?
WONDERBOX - 100% BRITISH GIFT BOX | |
Concept | A gift box to present to someone special, who can choose from a selection of over 140,000 activities available. |
Types of boxes |
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Price ranges available |
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Delivery costs | Free for parcel collection and standard delivery |
Validity period | 3 years and 3 months from the date of purchase |
Exchange and extension terms | Possible as long as the validity period has not expired |
👍 I loved it
- The very many options available for gifts,
- The idea 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 local collection point near me,
- Great prices for future presents,
- The option to exchange or extend if needed.
❌ Areas for Improvement
- 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 a Wonderbox work?
Wonderbox is a gift box system that functions somewhat like the “Good for…” vouchers we used to give. The recipient receives a themed box of a certain value, which corresponds to an experience to enjoy from a selection offered. It is 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 options. You can choose the one that best suits what you are looking for.
🔸 The Gift Box
This is the classic Wonderbox, which can sometimes be found in supermarkets or large cultural stores. The box is presented in a black and gold case and includes:
- A small catalogue showcasing the available activities,
- A gift voucher that corresponds to them.
👉 This option is perfect for you if:
- You want to present your gift with some lovely packaging,
- You would like the recipient to be able to directly view the list of activities in a booklet.
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 by 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 wish to surprise someone on a specific day (for example, on their birthday).
🔸 The Custom Box
This is a fully customisable gift box 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 gift box is perfect for you if:
- You do not want to give a generic gift,
- You are looking to create a special surprise for a particular occasion,
- You are in search of a gift that can either be presented in a box or sent by email,
- You already have a small idea of what activities you would like to suggest for the recipient of your Wonderbox.
🔸 The Perfect Freedom Gift
This last option corresponds to a gift voucher valid for the 140,000 activities offered by Wonderbox. It represents 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.co.uk
👉 This option will be perfect for you if:
- You want to allow the person receiving the gift to choose freely,
- You prefer a digital gift sent via email,
- You are not very familiar with the tastes and preferences of the gift recipient.
How to order on the Wonderbox website?
To select the wonderbox you wish to gift, simply visit the homepage and then choose the category that interests you from the following options:
- Weekend: spa retreats, romantic getaways, unique accommodation, a night in a castle...
- Sport and adventure: skydiving, driving experiences, hot air ballooning, paragliding, bungee jumping...
- Cuisine: restaurants, tastings, cooking classes, wine appreciation...
- Wellness: treatments, massages, spa therapy, weight loss, fitness...
- Leisure and outings: theatre, concerts, cinema, comedy...
Source: Wonderbox.co.uk
Once you've selected the category, all that’s left to do is choose the gift box you wish to give, based on the services offered and the price.
Source: Wonderbox.co.uk
Next, you can add the product to your basket and then click on "View my basket". After that, please complete the order form with the required information:
- Choice of format: gift box or e-gift box,
- Message accompanying the gift,
- Optional: premium gift bag, choice of design...
- Delivery method: express, standard parcel delivery, or collection point,
- Delivery address,
- Billing information.
✅ Once your order has been confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email! If you haven’t received it, please check your spam folder and consider contacting customer service at 09 70 25 40 90 (cost of a local call, 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 booklet provided (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 selected your activity, get in touch with 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 this is a stay, you can contact Wonderbox's booking assistance service by dialling 09 77 40 41 41, charged at a local call rate.
Finally, upon arrival, you will be asked to provide your gift voucher. If it was sent to you by email, remember to print it out in advance! The chosen provider will then register the unique code to claim 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 yet had the chance to enjoy your experience, you can extend it. Please note that it is essential to do so before the expiration date.
To extend your Wonderbox, simply visit the brand's website. You can then navigate 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 another box? That’s absolutely possible, and it will allow you to enjoy an activity that you truly like.
To do this, simply visit 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 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 that you can take advantage of these rights if needed.
Source: Wonderbox.co.uk
How is Wonderbox different from other gift box options?
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 is located in Paris and is not outsourced overseas,
- Wonderbox vouchers are valid for 3 years and 3 months, compared to only 3 years for the major other voucher sellers,
- Wonderbox is the only company offering the bespoke voucher that I mentioned a few paragraphs ago.
- The range of activities available at Wonderbox is slightly less extensive than at Smartbox, but there are still 140,000 options... plenty 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 please someone whose tastes you aren't very familiar with,
🎉 To celebrate a special occasion (birthday, wedding, etc.),
👨💼 To give to an employee or a colleague,
🎁 When you prefer to gift an experience rather than a bulky item...
🌴 To give a trip to share (as a couple, among friends, with family...),
🤸♀️ To introduce an activity to a friend or loved one.
What are the prices of Wonderbox?
The prices for Wonderbox vary depending on the chosen gift box. They start from £10 with gift vouchers and can go up to £1,250. In the table below, you can find the prices of some of the brand's flagship boxes!
Gift Package | Price |
3 Days of Dream Getaway for Two | £119.90 |
Unique Night for Two | £69.90 |
Romantic Weekend | £59.90 |
Skydiving Experience for Two | £279.90 |
Exceptional Dinner for Two | £99.90 |
Wellness Indulgence: 2 Hours of Relaxation for One | £49.90 |
Freedom Gift Voucher "Happy Birthday" | From £30 |
Restaurant Gift Voucher | From £10 |
Are there delivery charges 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 boxes, delivery via Colissimo to your home or a collection point within 48 to 72 hours is included. 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 next day, you can choose the express delivery option when placing your order. In this case, an additional £8 will be added to your basket total.
Student? Here’s how to save 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 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 quite handy.
By clicking on this link, you can explore personalised suggestions tailored to the recipient of your gift! 😉
Gift ideas for women at 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 stores. As a result, there is a wealth of reviews from people who have tried it available online. 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 this number is growing rapidly! This is a very good indicator of customer satisfaction, which seems to be 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 that cater to all budgets.
Positive reviews from Wonderbox customers posted on the Trustpilot platform
❌ They enjoyed it less
- The unavailability of certain venues at peak times (busy weekends),
- The requirement to make reservations by phone.
Customer review of their Wonderbox experience posted on Trustpilot
About Igraal
Wonderbox has also received a significant number of reviews on the Igraal website, with a total of 1552 to date, giving it an impressive 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.
Those who are a bit less satisfied also report the difficulty of finding available 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 the social media channels of this company:
👉 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, established in 2008 and based in the 15th arrondissement of Paris.
Source: société.com
This is a renowned name in the gift box and experience sector: Wonderbox operates in 13 countries, and in 2021, the group generated over 240 million euros in revenue.
Like any major online retail company, Wonderbox has a dedicated customer service team, available 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, encouraging 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 achieved great success: you can order with confidence, it is neither a scam nor a business facing financial difficulties.
My verdict on Wonderbox ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to purchase a Wonderbox gift set as a present for my partner's birthday. I was able to select the gift box myself, present it to him, and even have the chance to try it out together! Here's all about that experience!
Was it easy to order a Wonderbox gift set?
I chose Wonderbox because it was a French brand that I was quite familiar with. The gift sets available at the supermarket near me were very generic, so I decided to go directly to the website for a wider selection. I didn't want to just give a "voucher for a weekend": I wanted something a bit more personalised.
Source: Wonderbox.co.uk
I was looking for a wine and oenology experience, which my partner is passionate about. So, I searched the website in the relevant category and found a "Wine Experience Package" that includes:
- One night with breakfast,
- A tasting and/or a visit to a winery or estate.
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 personal message, and choose the presentation style: I enjoyed being able to add a touch of originality to my gift.
How did the delivery of the Wonderbox go?
The delivery was extremely quick and I received the box at home in no time. I opted for a physical box because I wanted to give it "in person" to my partner. I am very pleased with it!
Our wine tasting
Was the recipient able to book easily?
The booking system on the website seemed quite easy to use. 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 contacted the service providers, we found no availability. Therefore, we went during the summer and had a wonderful stay.
The Château des Faures, in Puisseguin (33) where we spent our stay
👉 If I had just one piece of advice to offer, it would be to inform the service provider you are booking with about your Wonderbox. This will save you time by preventing any hassle with trying to book, only to be rejected at the time of payment. Many providers have specific availability for Wonderbox customers.
✅ In summary, we are pleased with the experience we've had with Wonderbox, both in terms of the purchase and the shared stay. The options for personalising your gift on their website really make a difference! 😊
FAQ about Wonderbox: I’m answering YOUR questions!
To help you navigate, here is a final section that addresses the main questions you may 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 in order to exchange them for a more valuable one. 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, all you need to do is log in to your customer area!
How to activate a Wonderbox?
Your Wonderbox is active from the moment of purchase and lasts for three years and three months. If you wish to book an experience, I recommend checking the available options in the booklet or on your Wonderbox online account, then contact the service 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 one if you are not satisfied with it, or extend it if you are unable to use it within the allotted time (three 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 between 9am and 7pm, and on Saturday 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 going to the "contact us" section in the website's FAQ.
In summary, Wonderbox is truly a simple and effective solution for giving a gift, allowing you to delight someone while saving time! And if you've already tried it, I’d love to read your personal opinion in the comments! 😉