Telegram Goodies Unveiled: What You Need to Know

Telegram kicked off 2025 with its first major update, introducing Goodies - officially known as collectible gifts - that can be transferred, traded, or auctioned as NFTs. This groundbreaking feature transforms the platform’s simple animated gifts into a thriving digital collectibles marketplace.

The update allows users to upgrade received gifts into unique collectibles with special attributes. When upgraded, gifts unlock new appearances from dozens of custom variations created by Telegram artists, with random secondary traits including background colors, icons, and numbers. This randomization ensures every collectible becomes a one-of-a-kind digital artwork.

The Digital Gold Rush: Market Impact

The Telegram Gift market has exploded into a multi-million-dollar economy, with trading volume surpassing $3.5 million in June 2025 alone - exceeding the combined NFT trading volume on $Ethereum and all other non-Ethereum blockchains. Some early adopters have seen returns of over 300x, with $30 gifts transforming into $10,000 collectibles.

Currently, more than 20 existing gifts including Homemade Cake, Jelly Bunny, Spiced Wine, and Santa Hat can be upgraded to collectibles, creating over 1400 unique appearances. Telegram plans to continuously expand the collection with new themed releases and artist collaborations.

What Makes Telegram Goodies Unique

Unlike traditional NFTs, Telegram Goodies seamlessly integrates with the messaging experience. When buying a gift for another user, you can send it already upgraded, allowing recipients to unwrap their collectible artwork directly in the chat. This creates an exciting unboxing experience within familiar conversations.

The feature leverages the TON blockchain for quick, low-fee transactions, making it accessible to casual users while attracting serious collectors and influencers who showcase rare gifts as status symbols.

How to Use Telegram Goodies: Quick Start Guide

Getting Started

1. Update Your App: Download the latest Telegram version from your app store
2. Buy Telegram Stars: Go to Settings > Telegram Stars (prices start at $2 for 100 Stars)
3. Send or Upgrade Gifts:
   • To send: Open any chat > Tap attachment icon > Select gift > Choose to send regular or upgraded
   • To upgrade: Access your gift inventory > Select a received gift > Pay small Star fee for upgrade

Trading Your Collectibles

Collectible gifts can be instantly traded to other users if you’re looking for specific appearances or building a collection. Upgraded gifts can be:

• Transferred directly to other Telegram users
• Listed on NFT marketplaces
• Displayed as profile status symbols

Understanding Value

Each gift’s rarity depends on:

• Original gift scarcity (limited editions command higher prices)
• Unique trait combinations after upgrading
• Market demand from collectors and traders

Additional Features in the Update

The update also introduces reactions for service messages, allowing users to quickly respond when someone sends a gift or joins a group. Enhanced search filters now let users sort results by private chats, groups, or channels, while a built-in QR code scanner simplifies link sharing.

For security, Telegram introduced third-party verification icons to help prevent scams and reduce misinformation in the trading ecosystem.