The invention provides a method of giving a gift instrument having a value to a recipient. The method comprises (a) ordering the gift instrument from a central processing facility, (b) delivering the gift instrument to the recipient, (c) receiving the gift instrument by the recipient, (d) redeeming the gift instrument by selecting goods or services from a redemption facility, where the goods or services have a value corresponding to the value of the gift instrument, and (e) providing the goods or services to the recipient. The step of ordering the gift instrument may include accessing an Internet web page associated with the central processing facility. The step of delivering the gift instrument may include sending an electronic text message to the recipient's text-compatible cell phone. The electronic text message preferably instructs the recipient to visit a particular Internet web page to receive further information needed to redeem the gift instrument to receive the products or services, such as consumer goods, travel vouchers or debit cards.