Personalized gifting system

Description of equivalent WO 2013116406 A2

PERSONALIZED GIFTING SYSTEM

Background of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates generally to systems for facilitating and encouraging online purchases by providing a personal URL to direct a user to a personalized ecommerce webpage. Certain embodiments of the invention relate generally to transaction cards, such as gift cards, and more particularly to a system for improving the overall giftability of gift cards by providing means for users to add numerous

personalization options to physical gift card holders as well as the personalization of other digital communications mediums to communicate a sentiment, occasion, message, and/or gift card brand experience. A system according to the invention may include the creation of a personalized, introductory or celebratory video made available to an intended recipient.

[0002] Transaction cards, stored value cards, or gift cards, as they are commonly called based upon their intended use, have become popular gifts. Gift cards typically comprise a stored value card whereby a certain cash equivalent value is encoded upon a magnetic strip applied to the surface of the card. This stored value may be determined by the vendor prior to packaging and display for sale or may be selected at the point of sale by the purchaser and loaded by the cashier using a magnetic card reader/writer. As an alternative to a magnetic strip, a transaction card may use a bar code to link the card to an account by which the associated value is stored in a computer database. Gift cards are typically provided with a generic and impersonal design, typically identifying the associated merchant for which the card may be used to purchase merchandise, and therefore are not personalized in view of the intended recipient. Gift card holders may be used to augment the gift of a transaction card by providing a surface for displaying decorations, images, or messages.

[0003] Gift cards are often presented for sale on display racks in stores, each card or packet of cards being hung upon a display stand peg. It is also known to provide a selection of gift cards for purchase online through a commercial website. Such websites may allow an online purchaser to select among gift cards offered by a plurality of vendors, make selections as to monetary value, and direct transmittal of the selected gift card or cards to the address of an intended recipient.

[0004] A uniform resource locator (URL) may be created to reflect the identity of a specific party identified with a specific website or webpage. This personal uniform resource locator (PURL) will typically take the following form: http://<party name or other selected personal identified. <domain name (typically the name or identifier of the owner of the domain)>.<com, net, biz, org or other top level domain>. A PURL may be used as a means for providing a customized or personalized web address without creating a separate domain.

Brief Description of the Invention

[0005] A purpose of this invention is to provide an enhanced online gifting experience that includes a webpage personalized for a gift recipient. An embodiment of a system according to the present invention includes an online interface for a purchaser to enter information identifying a gift recipient, as well as text, sound, images or video relevant to the gift recipient and/or to an event. The system may use portions of this information, or other information provided by a user, to create a personalized webpage identified and located via a personal uniform resource locator (PURL). The personalized webpage is a dynamic webpage that is addressed by the PURL which is created using information provided to the system, typically by an occasion organizer. A gift recipient' s name can be utilized by the system when generating (naming) the PURL or the PURL can be custom named by the user. A unique identifier may be included in the PURL to avoid users creating duplicate PURLs.

[0006] The personalized webpage provides a means for a purchaser (i.e. organizer or host) to organize a gifting experience pertaining to an occasion or event, and includes options to allow a gift recipient and invited third parties (participants or guests) to add information and make selections on the webpage.

[0007] An embodiment of a computer-implemented personalized webpage gifting system may include a purchase interface for receiving data comprising an occasion selection, recipient identifying information, recipient preferences, organizer identifying information, a personalized webpage design selection, a gift card selection, gift card selection criteria, event details, a gift card holder selection, a video selection, payment information, and shipping information. Upon entering typically at least occasion selection, recipient identifying information, organizer identifying information, webpage design selection, and event details, the system creates a purchaser-initiated personalized uniform resource locator addressing a personalized webpage (also generated by the system) for celebrating a recipient occasion and facilitating gifting to the recipient by the purchaser and other participants.

[0008] In an embodiment of the system, a user initiating a celebration (also referred to as a purchaser, organizer or host) accesses a system purchase interface of a system user interface of a system website or other gifting platform. The organizer may begin organizing the celebration by selecting an occasion or event they wish to celebrate, typically on behalf of a gift recipient (recipient), for example a birthday, wedding or anniversary, or a seasonal celebration such as Christmas, Hanukah, or Valentine's Day. The organizer enters information identifying themselves, such as name and e-mail address, and also enters similar information identifying the recipient. The organizer selects and specifies the gender of the recipient and also enters the recipient's age.

Additional information about the recipient, particularly information pertaining to interests and preferences, such as where the recipient likes to shop and where the recipient likes to eat, may also be provided or selected. Such information may be selected from menus or lists of predetermined third party providers or vendors (associated with gift cards or other gifting means) that may be provided by the system. The organizer may also select a gift card from a list of predetermined merchants or vendors, as well as a corresponding dollar amount to associate with the card, as the organizer's own gift to the recipient. The system provides the organizer with information regarding whether or not any of the available gift card vendors are offering specials or discounts to the gift card recipient with the purchase of the gift card.

[0009] The organizer selects whether to close out the celebration or keep it open for other participants to add to the amount or select additional gift cards and amounts. (Note that the term "participant" may include the organizer.) The organizer selects how the gift card will be delivered, either physically or electronically/digitally, e.g. by email. Notification of the gift card may be via social media or networks such as Facebook®, Twitter®, Pinterest®, Instagram®, YouTube®, Google+, or by SMS/Text Message or email. Physical gift cards are typically delivered to the recipient by mail or mail service. Electronic or digital gift cards may be delivered electronically via non-public (private) means such as email or text message or attachments thereto. The system provides the organizer with an option for the personalized webpage to include special offers or coupons from gift card brands, retailers, or manufactures for the gift recipient (PURL recipient) to view and consider. The option will typically be presented as an opt-in box that the organizer may select in order for the gift recipient to see the special offers or coupons made available from manufacturers or retailers at the time of the gift reveal (when the PURL and personalized webpage are presented to the recipient). [0010] The system interface also provides the organizer with a selection of gift card holder personalization options. The options may vary depending on the gift card delivery method, either physical or digital. Personalization options for physical gift cards include selecting among holders that may bear customized images and text, holders that may include stored audio data for playback by audio circuits held within the holder, and holders that include stored video data for playback by video circuits held within the holder and various combinations thereof. Personalization options for digital gift cards include recording a video or audio message to announce the arrival of the gift card, customizing a celebration video that utilizes the recipient's name, photo and other identifying elements, or selecting an animation video that reveals the gift card to the recipient. If digital delivery of an electronic or digital gift card is selected, there are additional customization options available such as audio or video messages that allow the sender to announce the delivery or arrival of the digital gift card as well as animation videos that do the same.

[0011] During the process of organizing the gifting experience, the system creates a personalized webpage for the recipient including a PURL typically generated using information specific to the recipient, such as the recipient' s name or a portion thereof. The PURL is then used by the system, the organizer or other participants to identify and link to the recipient's personalized webpage created according to the system. Initially, the personalized webpage typically includes a message to participants identifying the recipient and the occasion to be celebrated. Options are provided to participants such as adding dollar amounts to a gift card, selecting a new gift card and amount, adding messages or comments, viewing messages or comments, adding images or videos, viewing images or videos uploaded by participants or generated by the system, or adding other content to be used by the system. Typically, the personalized webpage will include indicia or instructions such as a countdown to the cut-off date, or occasion date, to prompt participants to take action. Such instructions may also be transmitted upon initiation by the organizer or at selected intervals to participants to remind participants to take action.

[0012] The organizer may select among various prerecorded video templates stored on a system server to customize a celebration video for extending the gifting experience for the recipient. The celebration video will be presented to the recipient as on or in association with the recipient personalized webpage. Images provided by the organizer or other participants, such as a photo of the recipient (and possibly the organizer), as well as information provided as text, is placed by video generation software associated with the system into predetermined fields within the video template thereby creating a customized video for the recipient. The celebration video is presented on a personalized webpage, or system interface thereof, and links to the personalized webpage may be provided to the recipient, the organizer, and other participants by the system via email or text messages or by postings on social media sites.

[0013] In the case of an open celebration, the organizer will typically specify a cut-off date by which any contributions by other participants must be made. Typically, the cut-off date is specified as just prior to the date of the occasion being celebrated. Upon closure of an open celebration, the system will typically display a webpage thanking participants for their participation in the celebration, indicating amounts and types of gifts prepared for the recipient, and displaying content provided by participants and the organizer. A link may also be transmitted via electronic means, such as email or text message, to participants and/or posted on social media sites. The system also creates and displays the finalized recipient personalized webpage including a greeting to the recipient and information such as indications of gifts provided, relevant dates (such as dates by which gifts will arrive in the mail or be transmitted to the recipient), links to the teaser video or other content, and links to content or information provided on social media sites.

[0014] The system also provides an option to select creation of an online photo album or scrapbook. The event organizer or others participating in the celebration (collectively referred to as participants) may create an online photo album consisting of any images provided by the participants, including photographs of the gift recipient. The pages of the photo album can be selected from a library of predesigned photo album page templates including predesigned photo layouts and page designs. The photo album functionality typically may be accessed by all participants to view and to upload images. Images may be uploaded from a participant's computer or mobile device (e.g. cell phone, smart phone, pad or tablet) or may be selected from a social media site such as Facebook®, Twitter®, Pinterest®, Instagram®, YouTube®, Google+.

[0015] The photo album is typically viewable by all participants throughout the event creation process and to the gift recipient as part of the recipient's personalized webpage. The photo album displays the provided or selected photographs or other images and allows a participant who uploads an image to include a brief description, or caption, with the image. Participants may also provide and associate comments with each image in the photo album. The various photos that are added may be sized, moved or repositioned on a photo album page by the participant who is adding the photos and customizing the album page. Photos may also be added, deleted, sized, moved or repositioned by the recipient.

[0016] A physical, printed photo album containing the image content (or a selected portion thereof) of the online photo album may be ordered for an additional cost. Printed photo albums are typically made available for ordering once the personalized webpage has been created and provided for access to the gift recipient. The gift recipient or a participant (ordering party) may select from a number of photo album covers and templates to be used with a printed album and may place an order by which the selected images will be printed, compiled and bound into a physical album mailed to the ordering party. In certain embodiments of the system, only the gift recipient may select printed photo album criteria such as images, covers and templates. In such case, participants in the event typically may also order and purchase the album designed by the gift recipient. In other embodiments of the system, any participant may make such selections to create a printed photo album personalized for that participant.

[0017] In addition to gift cards, or other gifts generated by the system through input from the organizer and participants, special offers may be provided and presented through the system from third parties such as vendors. Vendors may, for example, offer coupons, discounts or other special incentives for using gift cards by a certain date or for particular types of purchases or for purchases from particular manufacturers.

[0018] The system may also provide a selection of thank you cards, typically electronic or e-cards, amongst which the recipient may choose for transmission to one or more participants or groups of participants. Additionally, the system may provide means for the recipient to select among and/or customize a video message to participants. E- cards, video messages or links thereto may all be posted by or through the system to social media sites. The system may also provide means for the recipient to send a physical thank you card that is personalized with photos, sound, text or video and sent to a selected participant, several selected participants, or to all participants.

[0019] All Functionality described in the invention can either be provided via standalone ecommerce site or individual components/modules can be embedded in third party retailer sites via industry standard APIs provided by the system provider.

[0020] An embodiment of a method of providing a personalized webpage for online gifting may comprise certain of the steps of providing a system interface for receiving an occasion selection and recipient information, generating a personal uniform resource locator based upon a portion of said recipient information, generating a personalized webpage addressed by said personal uniform resource locator, providing a system interface for receiving a first set of identifying information, a gift card selection, a gift card dollar amount selection and a gift card delivery method selection, a second set of identifying information, a closed celebration selection or an open celebration selection, a gift card holder selection, one or more gift card holder personalization option selections, and other personalized content, and providing means for notification of the personalized webpage. The recipient information may include gender, age, location and preferences. The gift card holder may be selected from the group consisting of holders personalized with text, holders personalized with images, holders personalized with audio, and holders personalized with video. The personalized content may be selected from the group consisting of text, image file, audio file, and video file. The means for notification may be selected from the group consisting of text message, email message, electronic message, and social media network.

[0021] Certain embodiments of the invention provide a means for a user of the system, typically a gift giver, to personalize and customize a gift comprising a gift card. Among other functions and features, an online personalization system delivers a plurality of gift card related packaging formats intended to improve the giftability of online gift card sales. Three formats disclosed herein include:

[0022] 1. A personalized, greeting card-style format that allows the user to upload a photograph, customize the greeting, customize a text message, and add sound such as music or a recorded voice message. Currently, these types of personalization options are offered primarily as it relates to social expressions, i.e. greeting cards, as opposed to gift cards.

[0023] 2. A video card holder format that allows the user to upload their own personal video file which is then downloaded onto the video card holder via USB download, wireless radio signal, or other means, thus allowing the recipient to initiate playback upon receipt of the gift card and holder.

[0024] 3. A video teaser comprising a video file (typically approximately 30-90 seconds in duration but which may be of any operable length) which can be personalized by uploading the gift card recipient' s photo into the video as well as adding text content to certain customizable text fields. Information that may be provided for use in personalization or customization includes recipient's name, interests, age, gender, location, phrases or words that describe the recipient, and may also include information associated with an occasion, theme, sentiment or personal message. The system may also integrate with social media websites, applications or networks (such as Facebook®, Twitter®, Pinterest®, and Instagram®) to obtain information directly. The video teaser is provided to the recipient in some embodiments prior to their receipt of the gift card and can be provided via an email or QR code containing a link to a webpage where the video teaser may be viewed. The video teaser is provided in order to create excitement, anticipation, and imagination of the possibilities of a special gift arriving soon, thus extending the gifting experience to multiple days. Additionally the video teasers may be used to communicate a sentiment, occasion, and or gift card brand experience once the gift card has been received.

[0025] A method of generating a personalized gift card holder according to an embodiment of the invention may include the steps of providing a system and system interface, providing one or more gift card types, providing a user a choice of selecting one or more of the gift card types, providing one or more gift card holder designs, providing a user a choice of selecting one or more of the gift card holder designs, providing a user a choice of selecting a first sound file (such as a music recording) provided on the system or of uploading a second sound file (such as a voice message) to the system, providing a user means for recording a voice message via computer integrated recording means, such as by telephone or computing device (mobile phone, smart phone, personal computer, laptop, tablet or similar device capable audio recording upon or to a computer or computer system), providing a user means for uploading an image file (such as a photograph or logo or other graphic) to the system, providing a user means for uploading a video file to the system, providing a user means for submitting text to the system, transmitting user gift card, gift holder and sound file selections to a production facility, storing user-provided image files, text, and sound files on computer readable memory, attaching the memory to a card holder, attaching a transaction card to the card holder, providing a video relating to the gift card to the recipient, delivering the holder to a recipient.

[0026] A method of generating a personalized gift card holder may include the steps of providing a system and system interface, one or more gift card types for a user to select, one or more gift card holder designs for a user to select, providing a user a choice of selecting a first sound file provided on a system implementing the method, or of uploading a second sound file to the system, a means for uploading an image file to the system, a means for uploading a video file to the system, and a means for submitting text to the system. The method may also include the steps of transmitting a user's gift card, gift holder and sound or video file selections to a production facility; storing user- provided electronic content (e.g. sound and/or video files) on a computer storage memory device (e.g. memory chip, flash memory) associated with an electronic content playback circuit; attaching the circuit to a card holder; attaching a transaction card to the card holder; and delivering the holder to a recipient. An image file may comprise a photograph, logo or other user selected image. A sound file may comprise a music recording, a voice message or other user selected sound.

[0027] Other advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, wherein is set forth by way of example an embodiment of the present invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] Fig. la is a chart illustrating steps in an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

[0029] Fig. lb is a chart illustrating elements of a system purchase interface that receive information from, or provide information to, an organizer in an embodiment of a system and method according to the present invention.

[0030] Fig. lc is a chart illustrating elements of an event interface that receive information from, or provide information to, an organizer in an embodiment of a system and method according to the present invention.

[0031] Fig. Id is a chart illustrating elements of an event interface that receive information from, or provide information to, a recipient in an embodiment of a system and method according to the present invention

[0032] Fig. 2 is a chart illustrating exemplary occasion selections.

[0033] Fig. 3 is a chart illustrating exemplary gift recipient identifying information, interests and preferences.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a chart illustrating exemplary organizer identifying information.

[0035] Fig. 5 is a chart illustrating exemplary design selections.

[0036] Fig. 6 is a chart illustrating exemplary gift card selection criteria.

[0037] Fig. 7 is a chart illustrating exemplary occasion detail criteria.

[0038] Fig. 8 is a chart illustrating exemplary gift card holder selection types.

[0039] Fig. 9 is a chart illustrating exemplary celebration video selection criteria.

[0040] Fig. 10 is a front plan view of a gift card.

[0041] Fig. 11 is a rear plan view of a gift card with a magnetic strip.

[0042] Fig. 12 is a rear plan view of a gift card with a barcode.

[0043] Fig. 13 is a plan view of an open, customized or occasion-specific gift card holder.

[0044] Fig. 14 is a plan view of an open, video gift card holder.

[0045] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing elements of a system as described herein.

[0046] Fig. 16 illustrates an example of a home page of a purchase interface.

[0047] Fig. 17 illustrates an example of an alternative home page of a purchase interface having an occasion selection drop down menu. [0048] Fig. 18 illustrates an example of an occasion selection page of a purchase interface including occasion selection graphic elements.

[0049] Fig. 19 illustrates an example of an occasion selection page of a purchase interface including birthday design selection graphic elements.

[0050] Fig. 20 illustrates an example of a detail entry page of a purchase interface.

[0051] Fig. 21 illustrates an example of a first gift selection and customization page of a purchase interface.

[0052] Fig. 22 illustrates an example of a second gift selection and customization page of a purchase interface.

[0053] Fig. 23 illustrates an example of an invitation preview page of a purchase interface.

[0054] Fig. 24 illustrates an example of an invitation page.

[0055] Fig. 25 illustrates an example of an invitation page including participant gift card selection elements and menus.

[0056] Fig. 26 illustrates an example of a first personalized webpage.

[0057] Fig. 27 illustrates an example of a second personalized webpage including celebration video and gift access elements.

[0058] Fig. 28 illustrates an example of a second personalized webpage including activated first and second gift access elements.

[0059] Fig. 29 illustrates an example of a third personalized webpage including merchant offer access elements.

[0060] Fig. 30 illustrates an example of a fourth personalized webpage including merchant offers.

[0061] Fig. 31 illustrates an example of a fifth personalized webpage including thank you card and video message selection elements.

[0062] Fig. 32 is a diagram showing interconnect! vity of elements of an embodiment of a system according to the invention.

[0063] Fig. 33 illustrates an example of a personalized webpage including elements for selecting an animated reveal video.

[0064] Fig. 34 illustrates an example of a personalized webpage including elements for selecting video or voice messages.

[0065] Fig. 35 illustrates an example of a personalized webpage including elements for building a list of invitees.

[0066] Fig. 36 illustrates an example of a personalized webpage including elements for activating a scrapbook and selecting notifications.

[0067] Fig. 37 illustrates an example of a personalized webpage landing page including elements typically available to an organizer.

[0068] Fig. 38 illustrates an example of a personalized webpage including elements shown and available to a recipient.

[0069] Fig. 39 is a chart showing steps of a Personalized Gift Card Holder

Process Flow.

[0070] Fig. 40 is a chart showing steps of a Video Gift Card Holder Process Flow.

[0071] Fig. 41 is a chart showing steps of a Video Teaser Process Flow.

[0072] Fig. 42 is a chart illustrating steps in an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

[0073] Fig. 43 illustrates an example of an occasion selection page of a purchase interface.

[0074] Fig. 44 illustrates an example of a gift card merchant selection page of a purchase interface.

[0075] Fig. 45 illustrates an example of a gift card style selection page of a purchase interface.

[0076] Fig. 46 illustrates an example of a gift card holder selection page of a purchase interface.

[0077] Fig. 47 illustrates an example of a gift card holder selection page of a purchase interface.

[0078] Fig. 48 illustrates an example of a photo selection page of a purchase interface.

[0079] Fig. 49 illustrates an example of a holder customization page of a purchase interface.

[0080] Fig. 50 illustrates an example of a holder customization page of a purchase interface. [0081] Fig. 51 illustrates an example of a holder preview page of a purchase interface.

[0082] Fig. 52 illustrates an example of an audio selection page of a purchase interface.

[0083] Fig. 53 illustrates an example of a song selection page of a purchase interface.

[0084] Fig. 54 illustrates an example of an audio record page of a purchase interface.

[0085] Fig. 55 illustrates an example of an audio preview page of a purchase interface.

[0086] Fig. 56 illustrates an example of a video selection page of a purchase interface.

[0087] Fig. 57 illustrates an example of a video template selection page of a purchase interface.

[0088] Fig. 58 illustrates an example of a video selection page of a purchase interface.

[0089] Fig. 59 illustrates an example of a recipient information entry page of a purchase interface.

[0090] Fig. 60 illustrates an example of a sender/purchaser information entry page of a purchase interface.

[0091] Fig. 61 illustrates an example of a recipient information entry page of a purchase interface.

[0092] Fig. 62 illustrates an example of a media upload status page of a purchase interface.

[0093] Fig. 63 illustrates an example of a registration page of a purchase interface.

[0094] Fig. 64 illustrates an example of an order confirmation page of a purchase interface.

[0095] Fig. 65 illustrates an example of a settings page of a purchase interface.

[0096] Fig. 66 illustrates an example of a sign in page of a purchase interface. Detailed Description

[0097] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any

appropriately detailed structure.

[0098] A system according to the present invention includes a purchase interface of a system website for receiving initial purchase and personalization information from a purchaser. The purchase interface is typically a webpage created using HTML (e.g. HTML5), XML, XHTML, PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Javascript®, Java® and/or equivalent programming languages or scripts as generally known in the field of art. A user (i.e. purchaser or organizer) may arrive at the purchase interface via a link (e.g. html link) provided on a third party website, such as a third party website offering gift cards or other goods or services, or the user may arrive at the purchase interface by directly accessing a system website. Certain embodiments or components of the purchase interface may be accessible via a browser, mobile Internet application, or other Internet-accessible software on a personal computer, smart phone, tablet device, electronic game device or other electronic device used for Internet access.

[0099] The purchase interface allows the purchaser to select among several themes or occasions such as birthday, anniversary, wedding, congratulations, thank you, back to school, new baby, bridal, graduation, house warming, and including seasonal themes or occasions such as Christmas, Hanukah, Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Boss's or Administrative Assistant Day. Selection of a theme or occasion will influence or determine the options offered to the purchaser by the system during the transaction.

[00100] The purchaser is prompted to enter information identifying the purchaser and information identifying the recipient. Such information may include name, address, telephone number and email address. If the purchaser uses a device including GPS to access the system, such as mobile telephone, GPS data may be provided by the device to the system as a means of providing purchaser location. Further information entered for the gift recipient may include gender, age, interests, etc. Providing interests to the system may include the purchaser entering or selecting among vendors typically frequented or preferred by the gift recipient. The purchaser is then prompted to select one or more gift cards or other gifting means, select or enter monetary amounts, and provide

personalization content, such as photographs or other images, sound or video files, or one or more messages to the recipient.

[00101] The purchaser may be presented with a choice to either create a closed celebration or gifting presentation, whereby all selections are determined during the purchase process, or to create an open gifting presentation, whereby the purchaser serves as a celebration organizer, and third parties, and in some embodiments the recipient, may provide subsequent additional content and selections.

[00102] The system may provide personalization choices to the purchaser such as whether to deliver a selected gift card or cards to the recipient via a gift card holder selected among pre-designed holders offered for selection, via a holder customized to include purchaser provided text, images, or sound, or via a video gift card holder customized by inclusion of a selected or purchaser-provided video. The video gift card holder can store multiple videos provided by system users which may then be played sequentially. The PURL system allows users to load multiple videos limited in total length only by the storage capacity of the video gift card holder. The system also allows each participant to view storage capacity (presented in video run time) remaining on the video gift card holder. The system will prevent video messages that go beyond that capacity from being uploaded. In certain embodiments of the system, the system assigns a set time limit per participant and will not accept video messages from a participant that exceed that time limit. The system will also allow participants to view video messages uploaded by all participants, typically as a draft compiled video that includes all uploaded content to that point.

[00103] An email notification message is generated by the system to the gift recipient and includes a link to a personalized webpage identified by a PURL. The personalized webpage and PURL are both created by the system in response to selections and information provided by the purchaser. Typically, the PURL will incorporate some portion of the recipient's name or other personal identifier. In certain instances the identifier may relate to the name of a company or organization. The personalized webpage may include information provided by the purchaser such as the recipient's name, images, messages to the recipient, and information regarding gifting. Means may be provided for the recipient to add information to the webpage such as a wish list or a message to third parties that view or interact with the webpage. Means may also be provided for third parties, such as friends, relatives, or coworkers to add information for presentation on the webpage or other use by the system, such as details of an event (e.g. birthday party), messages to the recipient, or photos or video clips of an event.

Information generated by the system or provided by the system provider may also be presented on the webpage such as information identifying gifting opportunities for a party interacting with the webpage. Information provided by a gift card vendor, or affiliates of the system provider or gift card vendor, may also be provided. For example, offers and advertisements generated by or on behalf of the gift card vendor or affiliate may be displayed.

[00104] In order to invite third parties to contribute to the content of the personalized webpage and/or to make gift purchase selections, a link incorporating the PURL associated with the webpage may be sent to third parties via email, text message, social media or similar means. The third party invitation to participate may include graphics and text designed to encourage participation and build excitement. The invitation may be sent well in advance of an alert to the recipient, so that third parties may make contributions and selections to the webpage, as well as gift purchases, prior to presentation of the webpage to the recipient. Alternatively, the recipient may be alerted shortly after creation of the personalized webpage and PURL so that the recipient may also influence content and selections, such as by providing a wish list or other

information useful for participants to make gift purchase decisions.

[00105] The names of parties who are invited by the organizer to participate in the group gifting occasion, event or celebration, i.e. to become participants, will be listed publically on the PURL page. Those who have contributed a gift will be noted visually to represent their participation. Information received about participant participation from the PURL invitation page will be stored in a relational database (e.g. Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL or other operable databases) and presented for viewing by all invitees. PHP or other operable means is used to collect data from the PURL invitation page and transfer data to the relational database for storage. Data indicating which invitees have participated or have not yet participated may be used to send reminders or notifications (such as reminders for the group gift cut-off date to those who have not yet responded). A participant may recommend another party by adding that party' s name and/or email address to a system form for receipt by the system. The recommendation, including any information provided by the recommending participant, is provided by the system to the organizer so that the recommended party may be accepted or rejected by the organizer for acceptance as a participant. Such acceptance or rejection is indicated by the organizer to the system via user interface on a personalized webpage accessible to the organizer. The organizer may accept or reject a recommended party for participation by activating an element (e.g. check box, radio button or other known type of selection element) on the webpage. If a recommended party is accepted, a record corresponding to the party, such record typically including an email address, is added to the database record for participants. In certain embodiments, a notification may be provided by email or other means to the organizer when a participant recommends another party for participation.

[00106] In order to alert the recipient to the personalized webpage, and to provide a link incorporating the PURL associated with the webpage, the system may generate an email, text message, social media message or similar means of communication to the gift recipient. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the recipient alert message, a teaser video may be created using content provided and selected by the purchaser with a link to the teaser video provided in the message.

[00107] A celebration video is a video file which may be provided on the personalized (PURL-addressed) webpage to extend the celebration for the recipient by communicating a particular sentiment, occasion, or gift card brand experience to the recipient. The celebration video is typically personalized by uploading the recipient's photo to a system central server. Text content can be added to certain customizable text fields such as the recipient' s name and the occasion or sentiment. Upon uploading personalized content, the video is then rendered or composited to include the

personalized content. The recipient is able to share the celebration video via social media channels by sharing the unique video URL with their social networks (e.g. Facebook®, Twitter®, Pinterest, Instagram®, YouTube®, Google+).

[00108] To select and enable generation of a celebration video, the purchaser

(typically the organizer) selects a celebration video type from among several prerecorded videos (video templates) that may be viewed on or from a system interface. The organizer uploads a photograph of the recipient (and if provided as an option, a photograph of the organizer as well), enters the recipient's name in a text box, selects an appropriate occasion or sentiment from among several provided by the system, and enters the recipient's email address. In some embodiments, additional text fields may be provided to receive additional user text and additional photo or other image uploads may be accepted. The photograph and text are rendered into the selected video based on predefined fields within the video thereby creating an augmented reality experience for the recipient. The user is provided with an option to preview the video and make changes to the user information. When the user is satisfied with the video it is saved to a central server, i.e. a system video server. Upon completing the transaction via a

payment/checkout procedure, the customized video message is added to the PURL webpage (the personalized webpage) where it can be viewed by other participants and utilimately by the rcipient when they receive the PURL webpage.

[00109] As a further alternative that may be used in conjunction with any of the above means of notification, a third party invitation to participate, and/or an alert to the recipient, may be conveyed via social media such as a post to one or more Facebook®, Twitter®, Pinterest®, YouTube®, Google+ or other comparable accounts. System communications with social media networks may be made via network APIs and

JavaScript SDKs, for example, using the Facebook SDK to invoke various APIs. It should be appreciated that communications between the system and social media networks make occur by any operable means. In addition to a link to the PURL webpage, these posts may provide additional information related to the recipient and event and provide a means for coordinating activities related to the event.

[00110] As an alternative to email or text messages to convey links, QR codes may be provided on gift cards, gift card holders, inserts, backer panels, correspondence, or other physical items conveyed to the gift recipient. These QR codes may be used as an alternative machine-readable method to encode and convey links or other information relative to the system.

[00111] A method in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of the gifting system providing a home page explaining the celebration or event to a party who serves as an initial purchaser and, in certain embodiments, an event or celebration organizer. The system interface provides a menu or other selection means for the organizer to select among predetermined occasions. Depending on the occasion type selected, the system interface may provide means for selecting among predetermined themes or designs as well. The system interface comprises a computer program that runs on a computing device such as a personal computer (e.g. desktop, laptop, notebook), server, mobile devices such as a tablet, mobile phone, iPod®, iPad®, and similar devices capable of presenting a user interface and networking to other computing devices.

[00112] The system interface receives details from the organizer such as the host or organizer's name, telephone number and e-mail address, the guest or recipient's name and e-mail address, an event title, and event date, and a cut-off date for participation. The system interface provides one or more menus or other selection means by which the organizer may specify recipient preferences as to shopping, dining, travel, or other purchase categories. The organizer selects whether or not to add a gift card to the purchase and, if so, whether the gift card will be a group gift card (receiving monetary contributions from multiple participants) or an individual gift card (paid by one party, typically the organizer). The organizer selects a gift card vendor, provides an amount, provides a cutoff date for contributing amounts to the gift card by other participants, and selects whether the gift card is to be a physical gift card for delivery to the recipient via mail or delivery service or an electronic gift card (also referred to an e-gift card or digital gift card). An electronic gift card is typically embodied as an electronic message that includes a code to a stored value or other redeemable value. An electronic gift card may be send to a recipient by electronic message.

[00113] If the organizer selects a physical gift card, the system interface provides means for selecting and/or customizing a gift card holder. The purchaser may be presented with various design options for gift card holders which may be segregated among categories. If a user selects a category (e.g. color, design type, theme or occasion, pre- written message), then designs from that category will be presented for further selection. Typically, thumbnail images of designs are first presented for viewing on a system interface but may be selected by the purchaser to activate presentation of an enlarged view of the selected design.

[00114] Whether an electronic gift card or physical gift card is selected, the system provides an option for the selection and customization of a video. If a physical gift card (as opposed to a digital gift card) has been selected and will be delivered to a gift recipient, the video comprises a celebration video to be provided for viewing by the recipient to enhance the recipient's gifting experience and celebration. If a digital gift card is selected for delivery, a celebration video may be provided for viewing on the PURL webpage. The celebration video may be selected, or a custom video may be created by the organizer (or by the organizer and by the participants as a group video) on the system. If a group video is selected, the organizer would make that designation, optionally determine a length of a video message that each participant would be able to contribute, and each participating participant would have the ability to record a brief video message to be compiled with all other invidiual video messages and presented to the recipient on the PURL webpage as one sequential video. The celebration video functionality is provided and intended to make the gift recipient feel special upon viewing the gift or gifts at the personalized webpage and to serve as another way to extend the celebration of the special occasion.

[00115] The organizer provides an email address to be used by the system to send a link to the PURL which may be followed by the recipient to access the personalized webpage. The video, whether a teaser video or celebration video, will be viewable on the personalized webpage upon delivery of the PURL link to the recipient. The video is created from a video template selected by the organizer from among several video templates provided by the system. Content provided by the organizer, such as images and text, are inserted by the system into predetermined fields in the video template. The template and customized content is then rendered to produce the final video for viewing by the recipient and others. A teaser video may be sent prior to the cut-off date for participation to enhance the anticipation of the recipient.

[00116] In certain embodiments, the user uploads a photo or other image via an interface such as a Flash based player interface. The user may upload image files in any system- supported format such as JPG, TIFF, PNG, and BMP formats. The user may also select to choose a file from a social media network, which the system typically facilitates through a connecting API. The uploaded image is stored on the Content Delivery Network server. The image can be positioned by drag and drop, as well as fine-tuned controls for moving left, right, up, down, zoom in, zoom out, and rotating the image in 90 degree increments. The final, positioned image is then placed in a template -based Flash video file. This video file has predetermined placement areas that are marked and tracked within the video file. Uploaded content elements (e.g. text, images) are mapped on the placement areas in the video file. Once images and text are uploaded and mapped to the placement areas, the user can view a preview of the video through the video player. (Video players are typically generated using means such as Flash or HTML5.) The video is then composited and saved as a new video file (e.g. Flash video file) that is set for streaming from the Video Management System, specifically from the content delivery network (e.g. Rackspace or Akamei CDN). The Video Management System typically includes the entire video processing system, from the Flash components to the CDN. The video may be composited using any operable means, which may include a system specific custom compositing engine based on Adobe's Open Source Media Framework Template Flash video files. An email is sent to the recipient with a link to follow to view the final composited video file. The video may be viewed using any operable means, including a system specific, custom video player based on Adobe's Open Source Media Framework. The system may utilize a server such as a Rackspace Content Delivery Network server for storing the uploaded user images and a video server for storage of the template video files and streaming of the final composited video files. Additionally, via SWF to MP4 Conversion Tools, the video file is typically encoded into an MP4 format for optional playback on mobile devices. In certain embodiments, HTML5 is used along with or instead of Flash to play audio and video within webpages and, for example, to construct and play videos provided by the system.

[00117] Additional customization options are available if an organizer or participant selects to give a digital gift card in addition to creation of a celebration video. Certain embodiments of the system provide options for a participant to take any of the following actions through interaction with the system:

1. Record a personal video message to announce the delivery of the gift. A video message is provided to the system either by recording via appropriate hardware and software on a computerized device (e.g. personal computer, laptop, tablet, mobile phone, smart phone, or other computerized device) operable for recording and electronically transferring video to the system, and/or by uploading a video already existing on a computerized device. This video message is typically combined with the video messages of other multiple participants that contribute to produce a video compilation that results in a teaser video or celebration video. Using video compilation tools, such as Flash or JavaScript in the prior art, and/or custom technologies, individual video clips are compiled or merged together to create one common video file. A known video file format includes SWF. Upon compilation of the video, it is stored to a file for consumer consumption, typically to a common, known format such as MP4. The video file is stored on a system server, such as a Content Delivery Network server, for playback to the recipient, organizer, participants, or other viewers. Participants may preview video recorded to-date, i.e. video recorded by prior participants thus far, as well as provide additional video content.

2. Record a personal audio message to announce the delivery of the gift. This audio message can be recorded via the microphone on the user's computer or via a toll free telephone number. Recorded audio is stored on a system server in any operable format and may be incorporated into video, sent to the recipient via electronic message, provided for listening via a link or audio player on the personalized webpage, or stored on an audio chip housed in a gift card holder.

3. Select to deliver the gift card to the recipient with a reveal animation video. Reveal animation videos are brief (for example, approximately 10 second) prerecorded animations that reveal what gift card is being given. The participant sending the gift card may select from a library of reveal animations, however, if no selection is made a standard, pre-selected animation may be used to announce the gift card being given.

[00118] Video messages may be presented to the gift recipient for viewing on a personalized webpage, as a video file attached to an electronic message such as email or text message, as a video file accessible through social media, or stored for viewing in a video playback device such as a video greeting card or video gift card holder. Notice of the video message to the gift recipient may be provided via electronic message, social media sites, or by arrival and viewing upon the video playback device. Reveal animation videos may be stored in a similar manner, presented in a similar manner and notice of reveal animation videos may be made in a similar manner as described above for teaser videos.

[00119] Audio messages may be presented to the gift recipient for listening on a personalized webpage, as an audio file attached to an electronic message such as email or text message, as an audio file accessible through social media, or stored for listening in an audio playback device such as an audio greeting card or audio gift card holder. Notice of the audio message to the gift recipient may be provided via electronic message, social media sites, or by arrival and viewing upon the audio playback device. In certain embodiments, the recorded audio is stored for playback on a Content Delivery Network server (e.g. Rackspace CDN) to enable access to the audio message online for listening.

[00120] The system interface receives payment information from the organizer such as credit card or other electronic payment information, typically utilizing a payment gateway API (e.g. PayPal® or Authorize.Net®) as well as billing and shipping addresses.

[00121] The system interface provides means for the organizer to invite other parties to participate in the celebration or event. Invitations may be sent via e-mail address or more generally by posts to social media sites. Based upon content uploaded or otherwise provided by the organizer, the system creates an invitation page displaying the recipient' s name, images and text, and means for participants to make purchases and provide additional content. A celebration video, which may be selected by the organizer from pre-produced videos or may be created from a video template using participant content, may also be displayed upon the invitation page. Participants may suggest additional (prospective) participants to be invited by the organizer. The names and email addresses of the suggested participants (invitees) will be sent by the system in an email message to the organizer, alerting the organizer of these suggestions. The organizer may then log into the system to view these suggestions and deploy an invitation through the system to those suggested invitees they wish to invite.

[00122] Content provided by participants (participants include the organizer) may include messages entered as text, photographs or other images, and video or audio files. Content limits per participant may be preset by the system or may be determined and set by the organizer. Overall content limits, such as available video or audio file storage (whether calculated in time or bytes) are set by the system and generally determined by physical limitations of audio or video file circuit memory.

[00123] Content provided by participants, such as photos, may be uploaded from a participant personal computer or mobile device (iPod®, iPad®, mobile phone or similar devices) or may be obtained from social media cites referenced by participants, such as a participant Facebook® or Twitter® account/page, or photo sharing site, such as Flickr® or Instagram®. Video content is typically provided via file upload.

[00124] The system interface provides means, such as menus or lists, for participants to select and add a new gift card to the gifts to be provided to the gift recipient under the celebration. Gift card choices presented to the participants may be determined at least partially by information provided by the organizer such as recipient' s favorite shopping, dining, and travel venues or providers.

[00125] The system may include selection criteria, such as the following, that is used by the system to construct a user profile that is used to select or generate special offers or to provide suggested gift card types or vendors to participants. Such criteria may be associated with the gift recipient and may include event type, age, gender, and geographical location.

Example 1:

Event = Birthday

Age = 14

Gender = Male

Interests = Gaming

Geographical Location = Chicago, IL

Coupon Offer = Electronic Arts Coupon for Gaming

Example 2:

Event = Baby Shower Age = 25

Gender = Female

Geographical Location = Minneapolis, MN

Coupon Offer = Enfamil Coupon for Formula

Example 3:

Event = House Closing

Age = 26

Gender = Male

Geographical Location = Austin, TX

Coupon Offer = Clorox Coupon for Cleaning Supplies

[00126] When such criteria is associated with a particular offer or offers, analytics, typically based on user input such as click-throughs, will be tracked and evaluated either via system algorithms or by system personnel for continual improvement of the criteria type and associated values. Selection criteria data is typically stored in a Relational Database (e.g., MySQL, Oracle, etc). PHP along with SQL is utilized to match special offers with selection criteria.

[00127] Following the cut-off date for participation, an email, text, social media message or similar electronic message is transmitted by the system to the recipient notifying the recipient of the celebration. If a text message or other message that typically does not support graphic content is used, a link is provided to a recipient personalized webpage. If an email or similar message capable of displaying graphic content is used, the message may include, in addition text, photos or other images (including images provided by participants) as well as the aforementioned link.

[00128] The personalized webpage is created by the system and serves as the main interface for interaction between the recipient and the system as well as a means for the organizer and participant, as well as third party vendors, to display messages and content. Links to e-gift cards or to details and descriptions regarding physical gift cards are typically provided on the personalized event webpage and may comprise graphic elements, such as representations of gift boxes, which the recipient may click on with a computer pointer and mouse (or similar means) to open and view the details and descriptions. Physical gift cards may be shown as drawings or photos and will give the recipient the option to view who the gift was from. Digital gift cards (also referred to as e-gift cards) are typically presented via animated video. Following the video, e-gift cards may then be printed or sent to a mobile device. In the case of a mobile device, the e-gift card will typically display a code on the mobile device screen that may be used to access and use the e-gift card to make a purchase. The system may present offers on the personalized event webpage from third party vendors such as discounts, coupons, special pricing and other incentives for using gift cards to purchase from certain manufacturers or within certain time spans.

[00129] The system interface provides means for the recipient to send thank you notes, either physical or electronic, to participants. In some embodiments, the recipient may customize thank you note content. In certain embodiments of the system, the recipient may record and/or upload a video or audio message for viewing by participants. Links to such videos, typically hosted on a system webpage, may be transmitted to participants via email or text message or similar means, or may be posted on social media sites.

[00130] Another embodiment of the invention includes a personalized webpage to facilitate travel-related gifting and sharing photos and travel-related details, such as travel itinerary, with others. The personalized webpage is addressed by a PURL created using user entered information. The PURL and personalized webpage may be created by any of several types of users including a traveler, a friend or relative of a traveler, or someone in the travel industry working with the traveler, such as travel agent booking a trip for the traveler.

[00131] The PURL-addressed personalized webpage may comprise a centralized resource for storing and presenting all details pertaining to a traveler's trip and may replace one or more travel confirmation numbers. All trip details may be entered, stored and presented on the personalized webpage for ready access by the traveler and others (participants). In addition, the personalized webpage may present one or more interfaces for participants to contribute monetarily to trip expenses, purchase gifts for the traveler from associated merchants or vendors, purchase hotel upgrades, book dinner reservations, pay for meals and excursion, upgrade airline or other travel tickets, and view and upload content.

[00132] The personalized webpage may also provide third party content pertaining to the trip such as flight information, weather information, and touring and activity suggestions. During or after the trip, the traveler may upload content such as text, audio, photos, and video to the personalize webpage for access by the traveler and for the traveler to share with others. In certain embodiments of a travel-related personalized webpage, options for creating online photo albums may be provided as well as options for purchasing photo prints, photo compact discs, and printed photo albums.

[00133] Travel-related personalized webpages and associated PURLs may be offered by parties in the travel industry such as travel agencies, cruise lines, airlines, hotels, theme parks, national and state parks, and federal and state tourism agencies. Travel-related personalized webpages and associated PURLs may include themes or otherwise be directed to occasions such as family vacations, honeymoons, anniversary trips, family travel such as for baptisms, and business-related travel.

[00134] In an embodiment of the system, the system purchase interface receives certain information, typically entered by a system user (who may also function and be identified as an organizer, purchaser or host). Information received by the system purchase interface, as identified in group 100 of Fig. la, includes an occasion selection 106, information identifying a gift recipient 108 and information identifying an organizer 110. These items of information in group 100 may be received by the system purchase interface in any order, depending on a particular implementation. The system may provide occasion selection choices or menu items (see Fig. 2) and may display occasion selection choices as menu items (see Figs. 16 and 17) or as graphic elements (see Fig. 18). Information identified in group 102, also received by the system purchase interface, includes a webpage design selection 112, occasion or event details 114, a gift card selection 116 (typically, a selection of a gift card by merchant or vendor), a gift card holder selection 118, and a video selection 120 (video selection may include selection of a celebration video and/or a reveal animation). These items of information in group 102 may be received by the system purchase interface in any order, depending on a particular implementation. Following receipt by the system purchase interface of a webpage design selection 112 and occasion or event details 114, as well as an occasion selection 106 and gift recipient information 108, a personalized uniform resource locator (PURL) 122 is created or generated by the system. The PURL addresses a personalized webpage 124 also generated by the system. Following receipt by the system purchase interface of a gift card selection 116, gift card holder selection 118, and a video selection 120, the system purchase interface prompts the user to authorize or decline merchant offers 126. The system purchase interface also receives and provides payment and shipping information 128.

[00135] Fig. lb is a chart illustrating elements of a system purchase interface

(typically comprising a website further comprising a series of linked webpages) that receive information from, or provide information to, an organizer in an embodiment of a system and method according to the present invention. The purchase interface includes a public home page 130 as a typical starting point for a user acting as a purchaser or organizer to interact with the system. Elements comprising links or similar active webpage elements known in the art (buttons, menu bars, etc.) provide access to subpages on the system purchase interface website. The public home page 130 may typically include an element to start an event 132, an element that links to a page or pop-up that describes use of the system (How It Works 134), an element that links to a page or popup that describes the system provider (About Us 136) and an element that links to a Site Map 138.

[00136] Upon a user selecting the Event Startup 132 element, the system typically provides an occasion selection page (see Figs. 16-18) to receive an occasion selection from the user among multiple provided occasions or occasion criteria. Once the system has received an occasion selection, design choices are provided for user selection. The example purchase interface page shown in Fig. 19 provides Birthday design choices based on previously receiving a Birthday occasion selection (shown among occasion choices in Figs. 17 and 18). Design details 142 or detail selections (see Fig. 5) are received by the system. Host details 144 are received by the system. As shown in Fig. 20, a purchase interface webpage may include forms and menus for the user to enter and the system to receive an event or celebration title, event type, event date, cut off date for participating in the event (such as by contributing to a gift)(see Fig. 7), and recipient information (see Fig. 3) such as a recipient's name, age, birth date, gender, email address, and a recipient photo (which may be uploaded to the system via computer device, e.g. personal computer, smartphone, tablet, or provided through API access to a social media site). In addition, host (i.e. purchaser or organizer) information (see Fig. 4) may be received by the system including host name, host telephone number, host email address, and a host photo (which may also be uploaded to the system via computer device, e.g. personal computer, smartphone, tablet, or provided through API access to a social media site). Interests and preferences may be received by the system via drop down menus displaying various merchants pertaining to shopping, dining or travel and leisure. The system may receive additional information from the host via text entry box.

[00137] The system, via the purchase interface (see, for example, Fig. 21), receives gift selection (typically, gift card selection) and personalization information (Add Gift and Personalize 146, see Fig. lb) via selections made and information entered by the user. As shown in Fig. 21, selection criteria are presented to allow a user to select whether or not to include a gift card in the purchase, whether the gift card is to be a group gift card that other participants may contribute to monetarily or an individual gift card purchased only by the user. Such information and selections are received by the purchase interface as well as a selection as to the merchant associated with the gift card (see Fig. 6). The system receives a desired monetary amount entered by the user. In certain embodiments, pre-specified monetary amounts may be provided by the system for selection by the user.

[00138] The user selects whether the gift card will be physical, i.e. a physical gift card formed of plastic or cardstock as known in the art, or an electronic or digital gift card (see Figs. 6 and 21). Fig. 10 shows the front surface of a physical gift card, Fig. 11 shows a rear surface of a physical gift card including magnetic strip for recording gift card data, and Fig. 12 shows a front or rear surface of a physical gift card including a bar code for encoding gift card data. The system receives gift card holder selection information if a physical gift card holder is selected (see Figs. 8 and 21). Gift card holders may be pre-designed and corresponding to various event or occasion types or may be customizable to include customized or personalized text, images, sound and/or video. Fig. 13 shows inside surfaces of a customized or occasion-specific gift card holder having an a graphical element on the upper left inside surface and a gift card attached thereto via diagonally opposed slits in said inside surface. Text, including a personalized message, is indicated on the right inside surface. An optional audio circuit for playing a sound recording is indicated by phantom lines as being held within the holder. Fig. 14 shows inside surfaces of a video gift card holder, including a graphical element on the upper left inside surface and a gift card attached thereto via diagonally opposed slits in said inside surface. Text, including a personalized message, is indicated on the right inside surface as is a video screen and play button for activating playback of a video recording.

[00139] As shown in Figs. 9 and 21, the system also receives celebration video selections and information from a user. A user may indicate (by selecting a radio button, as shown, or by other provided means) whether a celebration video is desired. If so, the user may browse celebration videos and select a video file. In order to provide notice of the video an email address may be provided or other means of notification, such as by social media, may be selected. Optionally, a group video 150 may be selected, in which case participants may upload video content for inclusion in the celebration video.

[00140] The system purchase interface provides a checkout page 152 for receiving payment and shipping information from a user (e.g. purchaser) (see Fig. 22). Options to select one or more reveal animation videos associated with gifts are also provided 154 (see Fig. 33).

[00141] In order to encourage group participation, users (either the organizer alone or other participants) may record or upload video or audio messages to the system for viewing and listening by other participants (see Fig. 34). As shown in Fig. 35, the system purchase interface, or an event management interface, may provide an interface 158 for receiving invitee email addresses and names for sending invitations to participate. As shown in Fig. 36, the system may provide an interface for activating an online scrapbook that allows participants (guests), including the organizer, to create system pages containing photos and messages for viewing by the participants and recipient.

[00142] Fig. lc is a chart illustrating elements of an event interface that receive information from, or provide information to, an organizer in an embodiment of a system and method according to the present invention. Fig. Id is a chart illustrating elements of an event interface that receive information from, or provide information to, a recipient in an embodiment of a system and method according to the present invention.

[00143] Figs. 39 to 66 illustrate elements of embodiments of online personalized gifting platforms and gift packaging formats intended to improve the giftability of online gift card sales. Three formats include a system for providing a personalized gift card holder including, for example, a voice message, a video card holder including, for example, a personal video, and a personalized digital video teaser.

[00144] A gift card holder in accordance with a personalized greeting card format allows the user to upload a photo, customize a greeting, customize a text message, add pre-recording songs and/or record a sound or voice message. An online personalized gifting system including a gift card and gift card holder is typically accessed by the user via a user interface displayed on a personal computer (PC), smartphone, tablet or other personal computing device. The user interface, also referred to herein as the system interface, is typically a web page created using HTML, XML, XHTML, Javascript®, Java® or equivalent programming languages or scripts as generally known in the field. A user may arrive at the system interface via an html link provided on a third party website, such as a third party website offering gift cards or other goods or services, or by directly accessing a system provider website, or by mobile application via smart phone or tablet device.

[00145] The user typically initiates an online personalized gifting transaction by searching for specific gift cards via occasion, category (such as dining, spa, hotel, shopping, or event), brand, and/or recipient (such as him, her, teens, kids, babies) associated with gift cards. The user can also filter by geographic location, typically city and state, street address, or zip code. In some embodiments, the user initiates a transaction by accessing the system via a device having GPS or other geographic locator capabilities, and the location may be determined and transferred directly to the system via geographic data provided by the device. In some embodiments, the gift card brand selection is made by initiating the transaction through a specific merchant website. The user then selects a gift card corresponding to a particular offer. Typically, an offer will comprise a particular business entity or venue and may be, for example, a restaurant, hotel, theater, store, or shopping district. In some embodiments, the user may also select particular design graphics or indicia to appear on the gift card. The user then selects a gift card denomination or enters a desired denomination amount to load or associate with the gift card. In certain embodiments the user may search by experience and thus select multiple brands available via a single gift card (such as dinner and a movie) or a gift card that is pre-denominated. Gift cards may also be pre-selected if the user accesses the system via a vendor website, in which case the vendor identity is provided by the vendor site to the system.

[00146] Next, the user is presented an option to select from various gift card packaging options including but not limited to personalized and customized audio (not all options include audio, with some selections offered, the user selects a holder and customizes text and/or video) gift card holder, a pre-designed decorative gift card holder, a video gift card holder and a video teaser. With each of the packaging options the user is presented with the specific features and design previews in order make a choice.

[00147] After selecting a customizable audio gift card holder, the user is directed to a series of user interface web pages whereby various selections may be made and various items of personal information such as customizable greetings, sentiments, or occasions along with adding a personal message, photo, sound or voice message may be provided to the system for the system to use in creating the personalized and customized audio gift card holder. Initially, the user selects from among several gift card holder designs. Each design typically presents alternatives as to color choice, disposition of graphical elements and text upon the body of the holder and, in some cases, number and type of customizable elements.

[00148] As the user scrolls through design choices, text and icons on the web page indicate what each design offers as to appearance and functionality (e.g. upload photo or logo, enter text, select or record audio). In the present exemplary embodiment, the user interface indicates that the selected holder includes a designated area for printing a photo or logo provided by the user, one or more designated areas for printing personalized text provided by the user, and an audio circuit for playing sound.

[00149] The user follows a serious of instructions wherein the user is asked to select an existing sound file or to record their own message. In the case of an existing sound file, the user selects the desired song from among the choices presented by the system. If the user prefers to record their own message, they will be given the choice to record the message using the microphone on their computer or, they can record the message via a dial-in number where the user will be instructed via prompts how to record and save the message. The user will then be provided the opportunity to review the recorded message via the web-site before finalizing the selection. Once the selection of the sound file (pre-existing or provided by the user) is confirmed by the user, the sound file is sent to a computer located in a fulfillment center or, alternatively, the sound file may be sent to a computer storage facility that is connected via the Internet to a fulfillment center. That sound file is matched to the consumer's order and then burned on to an IC/OTP chip (via cable circuitry to the programmer or to the programmer via wireless connectivity). The IC/OTP chip is then placed in a sound module and then into the gift card holder that that user has selected. Chips may be burned one at a time or in multiple batches at a time.

[00150] After selecting the base gift card holder design, the user is provided with the opportunity to upload a photo. To initiate upload, a button or other link is typically selected by the user to access a local file directory showing a directory structure on the user's PC. The user selects the appropriate directory and then selects a photo image file on the PC for upload to the system. It should be appreciated that the user may thus access an image file physically stored on a hard drive or other storage media of the user's PC or may use the PC to access an external hard drive or server connected or in communication with the PC including image files accessed via Internet connect from a remote storage location. The photo file is typically accessed from a third party, external, social media or photo-sharing site (such as Facebook®, Flickr®, Snapfish®, Instagram®, etc.) and is made available via API interface provided by such third party site where the photo files are located.

[00151] After the image file associated with the selected photo is uploaded to the system, the photo appears framed within a virtual image of a gift card holder on a system webpage or pop-up window so that the user may assess approximately how the photo will appear when printed on a gift card holder. Various controls are provided on the webpage to rotate the image and alter or adjust tone and size. Controls to move the image relative to the constraints of a display space provided on the gift card holder are also provided to allow the user to, for example, center a selected portion of the photo within the display space. A control to allow the user to crop the photo may also be provided.

[00152] After the user approves the photo and selected photo parameters or adjustments, typically by selecting a save or continue function, the system provides a web page or pop-up window for the user to select and enter a greeting and message that will each be printed and displayed upon the gift card holder. A drop down menu or equivalent function provides a list of pre-constructed greetings, each usually associated with particular holiday, event or sentiment. After selecting a greeting, the user may enter any desired text message within a text entry box. Instructions may be provided alerting the user to word or character limits. The interface may provide means for selecting text message font, size, and/or color, or these parameters may already be determined and may be pre-selected or determined according aspects of the selected card design such as color or theme. The system also provides an interface to for the user to upload a logo in designated areas.

[00153] If not already offered the opportunity to select and/or provide audio, as described above, the user next selects between adding prerecorded audio, such as a prerecorded message or song, or recording a voice message or other audio using a computer microphone or telephone. If the user selects the option to add prerecorded audio, the user selects a song or other audio clip from a set of choices provided, typically via drop down menu. Alternatively, a menu of occasion themes may be provided such that the audio clip selection is determined and populated according to the selected theme.

[00154] If the user selects the option to record a message or other audio, the system provides an interface for receiving and recording a voice message or other audio signal provided by the user. The interface web page (typically a pop-up window, iFrame or similar web interface) may include a series of prompts or instructions that provide tips for best recording, a button or link to begin recording audio, a sliding bar or other indicator such as a counter that shows time elapsed or remaining until a recording time limit is exceeded, a preview or playback button or link to allow the user to listen to the recording, and a save or continue button or link to save the recording within the system.

[00155] The user may select among choices provided by the interface such as selecting between options to record by computer microphone or to record by telephone. If the option to record by computer microphone is selected, the user may record any sound, typically a voice message, using the computer microphone, and the recorded audio is uploaded to the provider server or other storage medium. Alternatively, the system may provide an option to upload a prerecorded audio file such as an audio file stored in mp3 or wav format.

[00156] If the option to record by telephone is selected, the system provides a telephone number for the user to call to record any sound, typically a voice message, and the recorded audio is stored by the provider server.

[00157] After audio is recorded by the user using either method, the system provides an option to listen to the recording. The user may then approve the recording for use or rerecord another audio segment. Review of recorded audio may occur via the user computer or via telephone voice response unit. Once approved, the audio recording is saved as an mp3 file or other operable format (e.g. wav).

[00158] The audio file may remain stored on the initial server or storage device utilized during audio recording by the provider or may be transferred to a production site server or storage device. As a further alternative, the recordation and storage of audio files may be handled by a third party service provider operating in cooperation with the system provider.

[00159] After the user completes the transaction, which typically includes providing payment information, the system generates an order corresponding to the user selections and the order is transmitted to a printing and production service for producing a gift card holder bearing personalized printing and including a personalized audio recording. The design selected by the user is printed on the holder along with any photograph or text provided or selected by the user. If a pre-recorded sound, such as a song, was selected by the user, a pre-recorded sound module having the selected sound recorded thereon is affixed to, or more typically within, the holder. If audio was recorded by the user it is loaded onto a blank sound module via USB or wireless file transfer, or other operable means, at a system production facility. The loaded sound module is then affixed to, or more typically within, the holder. A gift card or other transaction card is attached to or within the holder, or otherwise bundled with the holder, and the holder is conveyed to the recipient via US mail or other mail delivery service. [00160] A gift card holder in accordance with a video gift card holder format allows the user to upload their own personal video file which is then downloaded onto the video card holder via USB or other operable means such as wireless radio signal (e.g. Wifi or Bluetooth) thus allowing the recipient to initiate playback upon receipt of the gift card held within the holder.

[00161] As an initial step, a user accesses the system interface and selects a holder design and, in certain embodiments, enters text in customizable fields. Next, the user may upload an image, such as a photograph, logo or other graphic. The user then selects whether to record a video segment using the user computer camera or to upload a video message file via remote computer or mobile device. The recorded video segment is stored in a video message file saved to a system server. The video gift card holder cover is printed and bound to the video gift card holder frame. The video message file is loaded to the video gift card holder video storage module via selected connection mode at a system production facility. A gift card is attached to or within the video gift card holder and the holder is conveyed to the recipient via US mail or other mail delivery service.

[00162] A video teaser is a video file which can be provided along with a gift card and gift card holder to communicate a particular sentiment, occasion, or gift card brand experience. The video teaser is typically personalized by uploading the gift card recipient's photo to a system central server. Text content can be added to certain customizable text fields such as recipients name, occasion, or sentiment. Upon the uploading of personalized content, the video is then rendered or composited to include the personalized content. The video teaser is sent ahead of the actual gift card, via email link to view the video, in order to create excitement, anticipation, and imagination of the possibilities of a special gift arriving soon, thus extending the gifting experience to multiple days.

[00163] Typically a user first selects a video teaser from among several prerecorded videos that may be viewed on or from a system interface. Next, the user uploads a photograph of the recipient, enters the recipient's name in a text box, selects an appropriate occasion or sentiment from among several provided by the system, and enters the recipients email address. Upon uploading the photograph, it may be edited as described above. In some embodiments, additional text fields may be provided to receive additional user text. The photograph and text are then rendered into the selected video based on pre-defined fields within the video thereby creating an augmented reality experience for the recipient. The user is provided with an option to preview the video and make changes to the user information. When the user is satisfied with the video it is saved to a central server. Upon completing the transaction via a payment/checkout procedure, an email message is sent to recipient with link to view the video.

[00164] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a personalized gifting system implemented on a mobile platform such as a cellular phone. System software operating on the mobile platform provides the following elements, methods and selections. On opening or initiating the software, a first or main screen display is provided showing elements such as text and graphics describing and explaining use of the system. The main screen may also display one or more banners showing seasonal offers provided to the end user. In certain embodiments, a user can scroll through multiple banners using a finger swipe or other means (such as arrow keys) provided by the mobile platform for controlling and interacting with software running on the platform.

Typically, the main screen also includes text and graphics comprising a primary navigation element, such as a "Get Started" button, that may be activated by a screen touch or other selection means provided by the mobile device to advance the user to the next screen. Typical instructions or explanatory text on the main screen may include text such as:

1. Pick a gift card

2. Personalize (photo, audio, video)

3. Send video celebration

A button or hyperlink may be included on the main page for a user to click through to view a video or slide show demonstration of the software.

[00165] Upon touching or otherwise activating the "Get Started" button, the software displays a subsequent second screen or page providing means to select a gift card. Gift card selection elements may include text and/or graphics indicating one or more gift card brands for user selection. Typically, selection elements can be scrolled using finger swipe or other means provided by the mobile device. Pressing a selection element selects that element, in this case the identified gift card brand, and advances the system software to the next page, in this case a third personalization page. Primary navigation elements may include a "back" button to return the user to the previous page and a "forward", "skip" or "no thanks" button to advance the user to the next page without making a gift card brand selection. In addition, secondary navigation elements may be provided on each screen including buttons linking to the main screen, social media sites, ancillary screen or pages containing special offers or coupons, and software settings.

[00166] Gift card style selection is typically made after merchant or brand selection. Gift card order entry includes entry or selection of gift card quantity and denomination. A screen page of the system provides elements related to personalization functions of the system software. Gift card holders of various types with various attributes may be selected by scrolling amongst holder selection elements. Types of gift card holders include simple cardstock holders, holders with audio components, and holders with audio and video components. Primary and secondary navigation elements are provided as described for the second page. Pressing a selection element causes the holder type associated with the element to be selected and the software advances to a fourth custom video page.

[00167] Custom video selection elements are presented and may be scrolled through to selected the type of video desired. Video types are typically associated with an event, such as Birthday, Christmas, Anniversary, etc. An additional page or pages may be provided by the software to receive gift recipient information used to personalize a video template as described previously. In addition, the system may use social media APIs to access and obtain information and demographics from a recipient's or friend's profile or page with which the system can select appropriate gifting recommendation to present the user. For example, upon accessing the system the user may provide the system with the user' s social media username or other identifier. The system may then use APIs to access the social media site and obtain, for example, all birthdays of the user's linked social media friends occurring within the next 30 days. The system uses this information to provide an interface to the user for selecting any of the identified friends as a recipient and to then begin a purchase session using the system.

[00168] Certain embodiments of the system provide means for a user to view and select social media contacts (e.g. Facebook friends) via social media APIs that provide contact information and demographics the system utilizes to provide gifting

recommendations to a user. The system, for example, may provide a user with a listing of all contact birthdays within a specified or system-determined period of time (e.g. 30 days), and allow the user to select a contact from the list and then proceed with creating a personalized gift via the system as described herein.

[00169] Certain embodiments of the system provide specialized means to use the system for charitable giving by providing an option for the user to select a gift card as a means for charitable donation. It is known in the prior art to provide a web portal that allows a user to choose the value of a gift card to send to a recipient. The recipient receives the card, selects a charity; and the selected charity receives a donation per the value of the card. The system of the present invention is used to provide enhancements to the charitable gifting experience, both for the user and the recipient, such as by means of personalized gift card holders including graphic, text, audio and/or video content, and by sending the recipient a teaser video in advance of receipt of the gift card.

[00170] It is to be understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable equivalents thereof.