Instagram has made chatting more fun and exciting with many cool features.
One of the most popular features is the gift message option.
This feature lets you send messages that look like wrapped presents.
When someone gets your message, they see a gift box instead of your text. They need to tap on it to see what you wrote inside.
Gift messages are perfect for making your conversations more special.
Whether you want to surprise a friend, celebrate someone’s birthday, or just make a regular chat more fun, this feature works great. Many people don’t know about this feature or how to use it properly.
The best part about gift messages is that they work with any type of text. You can send jokes, birthday wishes, love notes, or even simple greetings as gift messages.
The person receiving it will feel excited to “unwrap” your message and see what’s inside.
Learning how to send gift message on instagram chat is easy once you know the right steps. This guide will show you everything you need to know.
How to Send Gift Message on Instagram Chat?
We’ll cover the simple steps, share useful tips, and answer common questions.
By the end of this article, you’ll be sending gift messages like a pro and making your Instagram chats much more engaging and fun for everyone involved.
How to Send a Gift Message on Instagram Chat?
According to Digital Marketing Experts, Type your message, tap the sticker icon, select “Gift” effect, and send. The recipient taps to unwrap your surprise message.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sending a Gift Message on Instagram
Let’s walk through each step carefully so you can master this feature. Don’t worry if you’re not tech-savvy – these steps are simple and easy to follow.
Open Instagram and Go to Your Messages
First, you need to open the Instagram app on your phone. Look for the paper airplane icon or the messenger icon in the top right corner of your screen. This icon takes you to your Direct Messages section, also called DMs.
If you can’t find this icon, make sure your Instagram app is updated. Older versions might not have all the latest features. You can update your app through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Choose Who to Send the Gift Message To
Now you have two options:
Option 1: Continue an existing chat
- Scroll through your message list
- Tap on the person you want to send a gift message to
- This opens your chat history with that person
Option 2: Start a new conversation
- Tap the “+” or “New Message” button
- Type the username of the person you want to message
- Select their profile from the search results
- This starts a fresh conversation
Type Your Special Message
In the message box at the bottom of your screen, type whatever you want to say. Here are some ideas for gift messages:
| Occasion | Message Examples |
|---|---|
| Birthdays | “Happy birthday! Hope your day is amazing!” |
| Congratulations | “You did it! So proud of you!” |
| Just Because | “Thinking of you and wanted to brighten your day” |
| Holidays | “Merry Christmas! Sending you lots of love” |
| Apologies | “Sorry about earlier. You mean a lot to me” |
Remember, keep your message clear and meaningful. The surprise element makes even simple messages feel special.
Find the Gift Option
After typing your message, look for the sticker icon next to the message box. This icon usually looks like a smiley face or a small square with a folded corner.
When you tap this icon, you’ll see many different options:
- Stickers (various fun images)
- GIFs (moving pictures)
- Effects (special message formats)
Look for the section that shows message effects or interactive options. The gift option should be in this area.
Select the Gift Effect
Scroll through the available effects until you find the “Gift” option. It usually appears as a small gift box icon or might be labeled as “Gift” directly.
When you select this option, you’ll notice that your typed message gets transformed. Instead of showing your text clearly, it now appears as a wrapped gift box with a bow on top.
Send Your Gift Message
Once you’ve applied the gift effect, tap the send button. Your message will now appear in the chat as a wrapped present.
The person receiving your message will see:
- A gift box icon instead of your text
- Sometimes, a small animation showing the gift
- A hint that they need to tap to open it
What Happens Next?
When the recipient taps on the gift box, a fun animation plays. The gift “unwraps” itself, and your message appears with a special effect. This creates a moment of surprise and joy for the person reading your message.
Tips for Using Gift Messages Effectively
Now that you know the basic steps for how to send gift message on instagram chat, let’s explore some advanced tips to make your gift messages even better.
Choose the Right Moments
Perfect times for gift messages:
- When celebrating someone’s achievements
- During holidays and special occasions
- When you want to apologize in a sweet way
- To make someone smile during a tough day
- When sharing exciting news or surprises
Times to avoid gift messages:
- During serious conversations
- When discussing urgent matters
- In group chats, where the effect might be lost
- When the message is very long
Keep Messages Short and Sweet
Gift messages work best when they’re brief and impactful. Long messages can lose their surprise effect. Here are some guidelines:
Good length examples:
- “Miss you!”
- “Congratulations on your new job!”
- “Happy anniversary, love!”
Too long for gift messages:
- Detailed explanations or instructions
- Long stories or conversations
- Multiple questions in one message
Combine with Other Instagram Features
You can make your gift messages even more special by combining them with other Instagram features:
| Feature | How to Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Messages | Record a voice note, then apply the gift effect | Personal, heartfelt messages |
| Photos | Send a picture with a gift message text | Birthdays, celebrations |
| Story Reactions | Respond to someone’s story with a gift message | Quick, fun responses |
| Emoji Reactions | Add emoji reactions to gift messages | Making conversations more lively |
Test with Close Friends First
If you’re new to using gift messages, practice with close friends or family first. They can give you honest feedback about:
- Whether the message works properly
- If the timing feels right
- How the surprise effect comes across
Don’t Overuse the Feature
While gift messages are fun, using them too often can make them less special. Save them for moments when you really want to create a surprise or show someone you care.
Good frequency:
- Once or twice per conversation
- For special occasions only
- When you want to emphasize something important
Signs you’re overusing:
- Every message becomes a gift
- Friends, stop reacting with excitement
- The surprise element is completely gone
Why Use Instagram’s Gift Message Feature?
Understanding the benefits of gift messages can help you use them more effectively. Let’s explore why this feature has become so popular among Instagram users.
Creates Emotional Connection
Gift messages make people feel special. When someone receives a wrapped message, they experience a small moment of excitement and anticipation. This emotional response helps strengthen your relationships and shows that you put extra thought into your communication.
Research shows that surprise elements in communication increase positive feelings between people. Even a simple “good morning” message becomes more meaningful when it’s presented as a gift.
Stands Out in Busy Message Lists
We all receive lots of messages every day. Gift messages are visually different from regular text, making them hard to ignore. When someone scrolls through their Instagram DMs, wrapped gift messages immediately catch their attention.
This is especially helpful when:
- You’re trying to reconnect with an old friend
- You want to make sure someone sees an important message
- You’re competing with many other notifications for attention
Perfect for Non-Verbal People
Some people find it hard to express emotions through regular text. Gift messages add a layer of expression without requiring fancy words or long explanations. The act of “wrapping” a message shows care and thoughtfulness.
Builds Anticipation and Engagement
The two-step process (seeing the gift, then opening it) creates natural engagement. People are more likely to fully read and appreciate messages that they had to “unwrap.” This makes your communication more effective overall.
Shows You Know Instagram’s Features
Using current features shows that you’re up-to-date with social media trends. This can be especially important when communicating with younger friends, family members, or colleagues who expect you to understand modern communication methods.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learning from common mistakes can save you time and embarrassment. Here are the most frequent errors people make with gift messages:
Technical Mistakes
- Problem: The gift effect doesn’t appear
Solution: Make sure your Instagram app is updated and you have a stable internet connection
- Problem: The recipient can’t open the gift
Solution: Ask them to update their Instagram app or try sending a regular message first
- Problem: The message appears normally instead of as a gift
Solution: Double-check that you selected the gift effect before sending
Timing and Content Mistakes
- Using gift messages for urgent information: If someone needs to know something quickly, don’t hide it behind a gift wrapper.
- Making the message too complex: Keep gift messages simple and clear. Save detailed conversations for regular messages.
- Forgetting about different time zones: If you’re sending gift messages internationally, consider when the person will be awake to receive and enjoy the surprise.
Alternative Ways to Make Messages Special
While gift messages are great, Instagram offers other features to make your conversations more engaging:
Message Effects and Animations
| Effect Type | When to Use | How It Looks |
|---|---|---|
| Hearts | Romantic messages, appreciation | Hearts float around the message |
| Confetti | Celebrations, achievements | Colorful confetti falls on the screen |
| Fire | Exciting news, impressive things | Fire animation around the message |
| Thumbs Up | Agreement, positive responses | Thumbs up icons appear |
Voice Messages with Personal Touch
Record voice notes for more personal communication. Your tone of voice adds emotion that text can’t always convey. Voice messages work especially well for:
- Singing happy birthday
- Sharing exciting news
- Comforting someone during difficult times
- Telling funny stories
Photo Messages with Text Overlay
Combine photos with text to create visually appealing messages. This works great for:
- Sharing memories with commentary
- Showing what you’re doing while messaging
- Creating memes or funny content
- Sending location updates with context
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most common questions about how to send gift message on instagram chat:
- Can I send gift messages to anyone on Instagram?
Yes, you can send gift messages to anyone you can normally message on Instagram. This includes:
- People who follow you back
- People in your message requests (if they accept)
- Group chat members
- Business accounts (though they might not respond)
- Do gift messages work in group chats?
Yes, gift messages work in group chats, but they’re less effective there. In busy group conversations, the surprise element often gets lost among other messages. Use them sparingly in groups and save them for special group celebrations.
- Can I send gift messages from my computer?
Currently, the gift message feature is only available on mobile devices. You need to use the Instagram app on your phone or tablet. The web version of Instagram doesn’t support this interactive feature yet.
- What happens if someone doesn’t open my gift message?
The message stays wrapped until the recipient taps on it. There’s no time limit – they can open it days or weeks later. However, older gift messages might lose some visual effects if Instagram updates its features.
- Can I see if someone opened my gift message?
Instagram treats gift messages like regular messages for read receipts. You’ll see the usual “Seen” indicator when someone opens and reads your unwrapped message, but there’s no special notification for the unwrapping action itself.
- Are there different types of gift wrapping?
Currently, Instagram offers one main gift wrapping style – a box with a bow. However, Instagram regularly updates its features, so more options might become available in the future. The appearance might also change slightly during holidays or special events.
- Can I unsend a gift message?
Yes, you can unsend gift messages just like regular messages. Tap and hold on the gift message, then select “Unsend.” Keep in mind that if someone has already opened the gift, they might have seen your message even after you unsend it.
- Do gift messages use more data?
Gift messages use slightly more data than regular text because of the visual effects and animations. However, the difference is very small. If you’re worried about data usage, this feature won’t significantly impact your monthly allowance.
- Why can’t I find the gift option?
Several reasons might cause this:
- Your Instagram app needs an update
- You’re using Instagram on a computer instead of a phone
- Your internet connection is too slow to load all features
- Instagram is temporarily experiencing technical issues
Try updating your app and restarting Instagram if you can’t find the gift option.
- Can businesses use gift messages for marketing?
Technically yes, but use them carefully. Gift messages work best for personal, genuine communication. Overusing them for marketing can annoy customers and make your business seem unprofessional. Save them for special customer appreciation messages or holiday greetings.
Conclusion
Gift messages on Instagram are a simple but powerful way to make your conversations more special and memorable.
This feature transforms ordinary text into interactive surprises that create positive emotions and stronger connections with your friends, family, and followers.
The key to success with gift messages is using them thoughtfully. Save them for moments when you want to create genuine surprise and joy.
Don’t overuse the feature, and always make sure your message content matches the playful, gift-wrapped presentation.
Remember the basics: type your message, find the sticker icon, select the gift effect, and send. The recipient taps to unwrap your surprise.
It’s that simple, but the impact can be significant for your relationships and communication style.
Whether you’re celebrating birthdays, sharing good news, or just wanting to brighten someone’s day, gift messages offer a creative way to express yourself.
They show that you’ve put extra thought and care into your communication, which people always appreciate.
Start experimenting with gift messages today, but remember to use them wisely.
Focus on quality over quantity, choose the right moments, and watch how this small feature can make your Instagram conversations much more engaging and meaningful.
The world of social media communication continues to evolve, and features like gift messages help us express emotions and build connections in new ways.
By mastering these tools, you’re not just keeping up with trends – you’re becoming a more thoughtful and effective communicator in the digital age.
Helpful Resources:
- Instagram Help Center – Official support and tutorials
- Facebook Business – Tips for using Instagram features professionally
- Social Media Examiner – Latest social media trends and best practices
