Are NFTs and Token Gifting Still Worth Talking About in 2025?

September 19, 2025

Mario Stewart

If you’re producing high-end events in New York or building luxury brand experiences, you’ve probably had the question come up.

A client asks, “Should we be doing something with NFTs?” You smile, nod, and wonder… Do I lean in, or let this trend pass like last year’s buzzword?

Because here’s the thing. The digital world doesn’t slow down. You either test, adapt, and filter what’s useful, or you watch someone else run with it.

So What Do NFTs Actually Mean Right Now?

Think of them as digital collectibles that can’t be faked. A ticket. A piece of art. A once-in-a-lifetime backstage pass.

Each one locked into a blockchain so it’s provable, tradable, and unique.

Not Bitcoin. Not Ethereum coins. Each NFT stands alone. And in the luxury world, where exclusivity is the product, that kind of uniqueness actually matters.

Yes, Ethereum is still the big player. But Solana and Flow are winning points with faster transactions and cleaner energy profiles. Which matters when your client expects instant, seamless access at an event with zero hiccups.

Token Gifting Is Where Things Get Interesting

Forget gift cards. Picture this instead.

- A digital token that unlocks a private tasting at a Michelin-starred restaurant
- Or a membership that gets your client into exclusive lounges for the entire season
- Or a reward that feels less like corporate swag and more like a tailored experience

That’s token gifting.

Secure, traceable, hard to fake. Good for you because it builds trust. Good for your client because it feels personal and rare.

And yes, it’s already happening. Think VIP concert access, branded perks, loyalty programs that don’t feel like afterthoughts.

Why People Are Leaning in Anyway

No one cares about “owning a JPEG.” That’s over.

What they care about is:

- Proof of ownership, they can actually show off
- Experiences that feel custom instead of copy-paste
- A little status symbol that might even grow in value

It’s not about the tech. It’s about the signal.

But Let’s Not Sugarcoat It

The risks are real.

- Volatility. Values rise and fall overnight. That hot-ticket token? Could be worth half by next week.
- Security. Lose your digital wallet key and that’s it. No reset button. No help desk.
- Sustainability. The energy problem isn’t solved yet. Proof-of-stake chains are helping, but it’s not perfect.

If you’re advising corporate NYC clients, you can’t just pitch the shiny side. You need to be clear about the backlash, too.

Where It’s Actually Working

This isn’t just theory. Luxury brands are already experimenting.

- Fashion houses dropping NFTs as event passes
- Nonprofits raising six figures through digital donations
- Event planners offering keepsakes that still hold status months after the gala wraps

And platforms like Rally, Gifty, Bitmo? They’ve made it simple enough that you don’t need a crypto degree to plug this into an event.

Is It Worth It for Event Pros in 2025?

Depends who you are. Depends what you’re aiming for.

For clients? It’s about owning something unique, an experience or a token that feels like theirs.

For businesses? It’s about loyalty, exclusivity, engagement.

If you’re playing in the luxury lane and you ignore this entirely, you might be missing how the next generation defines “premium.”

But if you’re chasing quick wins or guaranteed profit, this isn’t it. NFTs reward patience. Experimentation. Adaptability.

What’s Next

Expect more crossover into gaming, live music, and yes, physical events. Watch the tech shifts. Layer 2 upgrades and proof-of-stake matter because they cut costs and energy waste.

And keep your eye on the luxury brands. Once they move big, clients will follow.