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Photo courtesy of SodaGift
Technology has altered the landscape of human communication. From instant messaging apps to video conferencing platforms, people’s ability to connect with others has defied geographical boundaries and time zones.
Technology has also changed the age-old tradition of gift-giving, ushering in the era of cross-border gifting. This has redefined how people express care and affection, allowing them to send tokens of love and appreciation across continents with just a few clicks.
Jake Kim, co-founder and CEO of Sodacrew Global Inc., saw the potential in cross-border gift-giving, changing his business from a remittance company to an international gift-giving service called SodaGift. Under the umbrella of Sodacrew Inc., SodaGift now serves over 300,000 users in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, and the Philippines.
Kim, who has been in the gift-giving service for almost seven years now, shares his insights on how technology has changed the ability to give and receive gifts and what this shift means for relationships in an increasingly interconnected world.
Introducing a Greater Convenience
Gone are the days when gift-giving necessitated a trip to the mall or post office. With new technology, people can send thoughtful presents with their devices and from the comfort of their homes.
This capability to choose, purchase, and send a gift from anywhere in the world has removed the logistical barriers that once made gift-giving cumbersome. Using the SodaGift app, gift-givers can easily browse, select, and send gifts to their family and friends in eight countries within minutes.
“The beauty of digital gift-giving lies in its immediacy and accessibility,” Kim explains. “Whether you’re stuck in traffic or lounging on your couch, you can now send a meaningful gift to anyone, anywhere in the world, at any time. This level of convenience has transformed gift-giving from a planned activity to a spontaneous expression of care.”
This shift saves time and fundamentally changes how people think about gifting. Forgotten birthdays or last-minute holiday presents are no longer cause for panic. With platforms like SodaGift, users can instantly select, personalize, and send gifts, ensuring that no special moment goes unacknowledged.
Knows No Distance
One of the most beneficial advantages of technology in gift-giving is its ability to be unaffected by geographical boundaries. With technology, international gift-giving service has become a reality, allowing families separated by continents to feel connected and maintain relationships. This capability is critical in today’s globalized society, where many people live and work far from their home countries.
For example, through SodaGift, a grandmother in Seoul can send her granddaughter in New York a gift card to her favorite café. The emotional impact of this gesture reinforces the idea that love knows no boundaries. International students, expatriate workers, and dispersed families can now share in celebrations and milestones as if they were just around the corner.
Expanding The Global Gift Catalog
Digital gift-giving platforms like SodaGift have unlocked access to a global marketplace of gifts, from food, beauty, and fashion choices to lifestyle items, accessories, and grocery items, introducing recipients to brands and products they might never have encountered otherwise.
“We’re seeing a fascinating trend where gift-givers are becoming cultural ambassadors,” Kim notes. “A friend in the U.S. can now send a trendy Korean skincare set to their friend in the Philippines, sparking a new interest and connection to a different culture.”
This expansion of gift options adds an element of surprise and allows for more personalized and unique presents, catering to specific preferences that might not be easily accessible locally. It also opens up new avenues for supporting local businesses and artisans across the globe, turning each gift into a cross-cultural appreciation.
Greater Innovation in Gift-Giving
As new technologies are developed daily, Kim sees the tremendous potential to enhance the gift-giving experience beyond efficiency, cross-border, and variety. SodaGift has already started facilitating international gift-giving services without needing the recipient’s address.
Kim explains that when a gift is selected, SodaGift generates a URL link that the sender can share with the recipient through any preferred method. This link allows the recipient to input their shipping details, preserving the element of surprise and adding an extra layer of thoughtfulness to the gesture.
“We want to improve as the industry and people’s needs and expectations evolve. We want always to be a step ahead,” Kim says.
Beyond QR codes, Kim also sees the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in gift-giving. “Imagine AI-powered platforms that can analyze social media posts, browsing history, and past purchases to suggest the perfect gift for each recipient. Or virtual reality experiences that allow gift-givers to ‘shop’ together in a digital space despite being continents apart. The possibilities are endless.”
For Kim and the SodaGift team, these advancements prove that in the digital era, the warmth of the human touch can still be felt across borders and despite cultural differences.