Interactive gifting system and method with physical and electronic delivery

A system comprising:

• a website comprising a graphical user interface accessible by a gift giver via a communications network, wherein the website includes account management features that permit the gift giver to transfer funds to a card issuer, wherein the gift giver defines a gift recipient using the website by providing by submission through the website predetermined identifying information related to the gift recipient;
• a form comprising one unitary sheet with detachable components, wherein a printing device is used to print at least one customization onto one or more customizable spaces of the form and wherein the detachable components comprise:
• a gift card associable with the gift recipient whose identity is validated via the website prior to releasing the funds transferred to the card issuer for the gift card, the gift card comprising a unique card identifier, wherein the website provides tools to create an electronic version of the gift card for electronic transmission to the gift recipient;
• a correspondence piece comprising a greeting card to carry the gift card;
• and
• an envelope into which the gift card and correspondence piece are inserted;
• a remote server connected to the communications network that receives information from the website, the remote server comprising a data storage device to store data comprising information relating to the gift giver and the gift recipient;
• funds data associated with a fund account stored on the remote server, wherein the funds data relate to the funds transferred by the gift giver to the card issuer;
• and
• means for the gift giver to deliver the gift card to the gift recipient;
• wherein the delivery means comprises both physical delivery of the gift card and electronic delivery of the gift card via the communications network, the electronic delivery comprising the steps of:
• (a) providing the gift recipient with the gift card comprising the card identifier and an electronic address to access the website by the gift giver;
• (b) accessing the website by the gift recipient;
• (c) using the website, submitting the card identifier and the information relating to the gift recipient by the gift recipient to validate the identity of the gift recipient;
• (d) electing to redeem the gift card by the gift recipient whose identity has been validated by software of the system;
• and
• (e) providing the funds by the card issuer for use by the gift recipient to redeem the gift card;
• wherein the gift recipient must be verified using the website prior to redeeming the gift card;
• wherein the form and its detachable components comprise paper.