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

Sometimes you need to give a gift to someone, but you just can't find the right inspiration. In this case, ready-made gift boxes can be a fantastic alternative.

I had the opportunity to gift a Wonderbox voucher to my partner six months ago, so he could choose a getaway for us to enjoy together. In the following lines, I’d like to share my honest feedback on this experience!

What is Smartbox?

👍 I absolutely loved it

• The very many gift options,
• The opportunity to give beautiful memories instead of just an item,
• The experience shared through the box,
• The ease of making reservations,
• Free delivery to a collection point near me,
• Affordable 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 is important to inform the service provider that you are paying with a wonderbox.
• You can only extend the voucher once.

Source: Facebook (@wonderbox.fr)

How does the Smartbox work?

Wonderbox "Weekend for Two" at R1,200

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

🔸 The E-Gift Box

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

👉 This solution will suit you if:

• You want to give 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 similarly to the old "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 selected range. It's up to the person receiving the gift to choose and book 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 might sometimes see in supermarkets or large cultural outlets. This box comes presented in a black and gold casing and includes:

• A small catalogue showcasing the offered activities,
• A gift voucher that corresponds to it.

👉 This option is perfect for you if:

• You want to present your gift with a beautiful package,
• You would like the recipient to be able to easily access 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 personalised message, and even choose the design of your 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're in search of a gift that can be presented as a box or sent via email,
• You already have a small idea of what activities you would like to suggest to the recipient of your Wonderbox.

🔸 The Perfect Liberty Gift

This last option is a gift voucher valid for 140,000 activities offered by Wonderbox. It corresponds to an amount between R600 and R1,000 that can be credited towards the activity chosen by the recipient.

Wonderbox Freedom Gift Voucher - From R600

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

👉 This option will be ideal for you if:

• You want to give the gift recipient 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 order on the Wonderbox website?

To select the wonderbox you want to gift, simply head to the homepage and then choose the category that interests you from the following options:

• Weekend getaways: wellness retreats, romantic escapes, unique accommodation, a night in a castle...
• Sports and adventure: skydiving, driving experiences, hot air ballooning, paragliding, bungee jumping...
• Culinary experiences: restaurants, tastings, cooking workshops, wine appreciation...
• Wellness: treatments, massages, wellness retreats, weight loss, fitness...
• Leisure and outings: theatre, concerts, movies, comedy...

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

Once you've selected the category, all that's left to do is choose the gift box you'd like to give, based on the available services and the price.

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

You can then add the product to your cart, and click on "View my cart". Next, 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 shipping or collection point,
• 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 feel free to contact customer service at 09 70 25 40 90 (local call rates apply, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 7 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm).

How to make a reservation 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, then going to the "I have a Wonderbox" section in the menu.

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

Next, once you have chosen your activity, contact the service provider and let them know that you wish to pay with a Wonderbox. They will typically ask you for the number of your gift voucher in return.

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

🌴 If you are planning a stay, you can contact the Wonderbox booking assistance service at the following number: 09 77 40 41 41, at the cost of a local call.

Finally, when you arrive at the venue, you will be asked to present your gift voucher. If it was sent to you via email, make sure to print it out in advance! The service provider you’ve chosen 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?

The Wonderbox vouchers are valid for 3 years and 3 months. If this period expires and you haven't had a 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 scroll down to the footer menu and select the page titled "Exchange and Extension". Next, choose "I would like to exchange it" and follow the instructions provided.

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

How to Redeem a Wonderbox?

You've received a Wonderbox and you'd like to swap it for another box? That's definitely possible, and it will allow you to enjoy an activity that you really love.

To do this, simply visit the Wonderbox website and, as mentioned earlier, go to the section "Exchange and Extension" located at the very bottom of the homepage, in the footer. Then, instead of clicking on "I want to extend it", just select the option on the left ("I want to exchange it") and follow the prompts.

👉 Whether you want to exchange it or extend it, I recommend that you register your Wonderbox gift voucher as mentioned earlier, to ensure you can take advantage of these rights if needed.

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

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, while most competitors are based overseas,
• The customer service is based in Paris and not outsourced abroad,
• Wonderbox gift boxes are valid for 3 years and 3 months, compared to only 3 years with most other major gift box sellers,
• Wonderbox is the only company to offer a custom box as I described a few paragraphs earlier.
• The range of activities available through Wonderbox is slightly less extensive than that of Smartbox, but there are still a whopping 140,000 options... plenty to find something you'll love!

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

Who is Wonderbox for?

Wonderbox is a convenient solution:

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

❓ When you want to make someone happy but aren’t quite sure what their tastes are,

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

👨‍💼 To give to an employee or a colleague,

🎁 When you prefer to gift an experience to enjoy rather than a bulky item...

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

🤸‍♀️ To introduce a fun activity to someone close to you.

What are the prices of Wonderbox?

The prices of Wonderbox vary depending on the box you choose. They start from R200 with gift vouchers and can go up to R25,000. In the table below, you can find the prices of some of the brand's most popular boxes!

Are there shipping fees with Wonderbox? 🚚

Most of the time, the delivery of your Wonderbox is free. Of course, if it's an e-box, the email delivery is included at no extra cost. For physical boxes, the colissimo 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 has been placed!

If you want to receive the package by the next day, you can choose the express delivery option when placing your order. You will need to add R160 to your total cart amount in this case.

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

With Student Beans, you can enjoy an 8.5% discount on an e-gift card if you're a student. To take advantage of this, simply register on studentbeans.com, verify your student status, and then obtain your discount code to use at checkout.

Source: Studentbeans.com

Find the perfect gift with the "Gift Idea" tool!🎁

Struggling for inspiration? Wonderbox has a gift idea generator that I find extremely handy.

By clicking on this link, you will find personalised suggestions tailored to the recipient of your gift! 😉

Gift Ideas for Women at Wonderbox

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

What do customers think about Wonderbox?

The Wonderbox gift box is quite well-known among the general public, as it is sold in many retail outlets. As a result, there are a large number of reviews from people who have tried it available online. To help you sort through these, I have prepared a brief summary of these testimonials.

On the Trustpilot platform

Wonderbox has nearly 30,000 reviews to date on Trustpilot, and that number is increasing 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 ease of switching between boxes,
• The quick delivery of the box,
• 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 during busy periods (like weekends),
• The requirement to make reservations by phone.

Customer review of their Wonderbox experience posted on Trustpilot

About Igraal

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

Source: Igraal.com

Customers are generally very satisfied 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 peak times, 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 platforms:

• Instagram,
• Facebook,
• Twitter.

👉 To read 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 player in the gift box and experience sector: Wonderbox operates in 13 countries and the group generated over 240 million euros in revenue in 2021.

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 in case of an issue, urging you to contact customer service directly.

✅ Wonderbox is a well-established French company that has been a part of the economic landscape for many years and has achieved great success: you can order with confidence, as it is neither a scam nor a company facing financial difficulties.

My verdict on Wonderbox ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A few months ago, I had the opportunity 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 had the chance to experience it with him! Let me share this experience with you!

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 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 was looking for something a bit more personalised.

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

I was looking for a wine and oenology getaway, which my partner is passionate about. So I searched the site in the relevant category, and I was able to choose a "Wine Experience Package" that includes:

• One night with breakfast,
• A tasting and/or visit to a winery or estate.

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

👫 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 really enjoyed being able to add a touch of originality to my gift.

How did the Wonderbox delivery go?

The delivery was very fast and I received the package quickly at home. I chose a physical box because I wanted to give it "in person" to my partner. I'm very happy with it!

Our wine tasting

Was the recipient able to make a booking easily?

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

Additionally, we initially wanted to go on 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 Château des Faures, in Puisseguin (33), where we spent our stay

👉 If I had one piece of advice to give, it would be to definitely inform the service provider that you are booking with a Wonderbox. This will save you time trying to make a booking only to be turned away at the payment stage. In fact, many service providers have specific availability for Wonderbox customers.

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

FAQ about Wonderbox: I answer YOUR questions!

To help you navigate this, here’s a final section addressing the main 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. Since this is a specific request, I recommend that you call customer service directly at 09 77 40 41 41, available from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 7 pm and on Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm.

Source: Instagram (@wonderbox.fr)

How to check the validity of a Wonderbox?

For 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 client account, where you can check the validity of your Wonderbox.

👉 If you have already registered your Wonderbox on the website, you just need to log in to your customer area!

How to activate a Wonderbox?

Your Wonderbox is activated from the moment you purchase it, and it will be valid for three years and three months. If you want to book a service, I recommend checking directly the available options in the booklet or on your Wonderbox online account, and then contact the provider you're interested in to make a booking.

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 happy with it, or extend it if you are unable to use it within the allocated time (3 years and three months from the date of purchase).

How to contact Wonderbox by phone?

Wonderbox offers a French customer service, available from Monday to Friday between 9am and 7pm, and on Saturday from 9am to 6pm. The contact number is 09 77 40 41 41, and it is not a premium 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 giving a gift that allows you to make someone happy while saving time! And if you've already tried it, I'd love to hear your personal opinion in the comments! 😉