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But this part makes me wonder: Can the giftcard still be redeemed if the server disappears?

In my current implementation no, the sender would have to retrieve the funds. Your suggestions made me rethink the infrastructure and I think ill just have the server do the refunds and the gift certificate act more like seed phrase in its use. Thanks for the input.

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Can you share a (Bitcoin testnet) example of what data would be available on each step of the process, from creating a gift card to letting it expire or redeeming it.

With the new design it would work similar to coinbin , but a serve would store a refund transaction to be broadcast when the card expires. I will create a technical spec sometime before I launch to mainnet.

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Is this transaction time-locked? And will it also be available for the creator of the gift card, so that he can still broadcast it in case your server disappears?

Not by default but it could be if the sender wished for it be. Thats a good idea also. It would be stored in the senders local computer so yes.

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Does that mean cloning the site is enough to claim a gift certificate

There is local data stored on the creators computer that would be needed, (or a gift certificate with the new design you inspire).

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I gave someone a funded paper wallet 4 years ago, it's still untouched.

I don't think that creates a gifting experience that I would want to support with my app. I think that bitcoin should be used by new people not stored on paper in hopes it'll be worth something. My app will be secure enough for small amounts of crypto, but not for large amounts. 100 dollars of bitcoin today could be worth 1,000 dollar+ in 4 years and a paper wallet should not be used to store that amount (in my opnion). So I will keep the life of the wallet under 30 days. Use it or loose it type deal, but I see how people could want a longer life. I just don't agree.

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Even though I don't think installing a wallet is a bad thing, your statement isn't true. ETFbitcoin already mentioned Coinb.in, which can be used to redeem a paper wallet without installing anything.

Your right, i'll correct my statements concerning this moving forward.

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"Here's a piece of paper with Bitcoin. Safely keep it, treat it like cash, and if it ever becomes valuable, learn how to use it."

I tried to redeem a paper wallet this way and it was much easier than I thought it would be. I think most people should be able to get through it, so thanks for bringing this method up. I still think the experience would be easier with my app, but easier is dependent on someone's goals and opinions.

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Let's say that's true. Then what? They have an empty gift certificate, they have an Amazon coupon, and they still have no idea how to continue with Bitcoin.

If they choose to buy a giftcard then thats fine in my book. They got to send their first crypto transaction and get some exposure and education to the space. If someone is interested in crypto Id rather give them a bitcoin giftcard that they can choose to convert to a amazon, ebay or whatever giftcard rather than just give the amazon card originally. Users of my app will feel the same way, or they can use another way to gift. No Hard feelings.

Thanks for all the great input, the questions about the server made me ralize it really isnt needed for transferring info. Im going to work on the giftcard encoding directly to a bitcoin mnemonic then wallet vs using encrypted data.