If you use Telegram not only for chatting but also to keep an eye on crypto trends, you’ve probably already seen everyone discussing “gifts.” At first glance, they look like simple animated images you can send to a friend. But in reality, this new Telegram feature has unexpectedly turned into a fully-fledged digital asset. And as it usually goes: first everyone laughed, then they started digging into it, and now some people are already trading these items as if they were tiny NFTs inside the messenger.

In this article, we’ll break down what Telegram gifts actually are, why there’s so much buzz around them, and whether they’re worth your attention.

How Telegram Gifts Work and Why They Exist

Telegram gifts are animated digital images that you can send to friends directly in chat.

Originally, this feature was designed to add emotion and liveliness to communication — not just text or emojis, but something visual that feels nice to receive.

But as Telegram rolled out updates, gifts stopped being just “cute little things.” Thanks to integration with the TON blockchain ecosystem, they have become digital assets — with rarity, collectible value, and even resale potential.

There are two types of gifts:

• simple — regular ones, just for fun, without limitations;
• collectible (rare) — limited edition, with unique design, background, icon, and sometimes random visual traits, making each one almost like an art object.

You can pin a received gift to your profile, use it as a status, or forward it to someone else. If you want, you can even convert it back into Stars — Telegram’s internal currency.

The History Behind Telegram Gifts

The ability to send gifts appeared in Telegram in the fall of 2024: users gained the option to send animated digital “surprises” to friends.

But the real turning point happened in early 2025, when Telegram updated the system and introduced gift “upgrades” — allowing users to transform regular gifts into collectible ones with new visual designs. This made gifts resemble digital art or NFTs.

After that, Telegram launched an internal marketplace — making it much easier to buy, sell, and trade gifts.

Why Telegram Gifts Became So Popular

In 2025, demand for gifts skyrocketed. The reasons:

• the in-app marketplace made buying and selling incredibly convenient;
• the rising interest in digital assets, NFTs, and Web3 — gifts started being perceived not just as a cute gesture, but as an investment or collectible item;
• the possibility that a rare gift could appreciate over time — which attracted users who see Telegram not just as a messenger, but as a platform for trading digital assets.

As a result, gifts stopped being just a fun feature — they became a part of Telegram’s internal digital economy.

Where to Buy or Sell Gifts

The main option is the built-in marketplace inside Telegram, where collectible gifts are available for Telegram Stars.

You can also use third-party platforms integrated with the TON ecosystem — where upgraded gifts turned into NFTs can be bought, sold, or auctioned.

However, caution is important: outside official platforms, there is a risk of running into scammers, losing assets, or even facing account-related issues.

How to Send a Gift on Telegram

1. Open a chat with the desired user.
2. Go to their profile (tap the avatar or name).
3. Tap the menu (three dots) → “Send gift.”
4. Select a gift — simple or collectible. If you want, add a message or emoji.
5. Confirm the sending — you’ll need Stars on your balance. You can optionally hide your name to send the gift anonymously.

The gift will arrive with an animation, and the recipient will be able to accept it, pin it to their profile, or convert it into an NFT.

Conclusion

Telegram gifts started out simply as a way to add emotion to chats — but quickly grew into a full-fledged platform for digital assets. What used to be just a cute gesture can now become a collectible asset or even an investment opportunity.

If you actively use Telegram, gifts can add more fun and personality to your chats. If you're into crypto and NFTs — they offer a new format: from collecting to trading. The key is to stay mindful: evaluate how rare a gift is, how much you’re willing to risk, and always use trusted platforms.

In this article, we figured out what gifts in Telegram are and why there’s so much buzz around them.

If you still have questions — leave them in the comments or message us on Telegram. As always, we’re happy to help.