CS2 Steam Gift Guide: How to Gift Skins, Items & Restrictions

Gifting CS2 items to friends is a common request, but Steam's gifting system isn't as straightforward as simply clicking "gift." This comprehensive guide explains how item gifting works in CS2, the restrictions and trade holds involved, alternative gifting methods, and when it makes sense to gift versus trade or purchase directly.

7 Days
Trade Hold on Gifts
15%
Market Fee Avoided
$0
Direct Gift Fee

Table of Contents

Understanding CS2 Item Gifting

Unlike games with dedicated "gift" buttons, CS2 items are gifted through Steam's trade offer system. When you "gift" an item, you're essentially sending a trade offer where you provide items and request nothing in return. The recipient accepts, and the items transfer to their inventory.

This system was implemented after Valve removed the original gift wrapping feature in 2015. According to Valve's official announcement, the change was made to combat fraud and market manipulation that was occurring through the gift system.

Key Points About CS2 Gifting

  • No direct gift button: Use trade offers to send items as gifts
  • 7-day trade hold: Recipients cannot re-trade items for 7 days
  • No fees: Direct item transfers have no Steam fees (unlike market sales)
  • Must be Steam friends: You can only trade with Steam friends (unless using trade URLs)
  • Account requirements: Both accounts need Steam Guard enabled for reduced holds

The most significant consideration when gifting CS2 items is the 7-day trade hold. This means if you gift someone a knife for their birthday, they won't be able to trade it to anyone else for a full week. For items intended as permanent gifts, this rarely matters - but it's important to understand.

How to Gift CS2 Items

Gifting items in CS2 is done through Steam's trade offer system. Here's a step-by-step guide to sending items as gifts:

Open Steam and Navigate to Trade Offers

In the Steam client, click on your username in the top right, then select "Inventory." Click "Trade Offers" in the top right of your inventory page.

Start a New Trade Offer

Click "New Trade Offer" and search for your friend's Steam name, or paste their trade URL if you have it. Select the friend you want to gift items to.

Add Your Items (Gift)

From your inventory on the left, click on the items you want to gift. They'll appear in the trade window. Since this is a gift, leave the right side (their items) empty.

Add an Optional Message

You can add a message to your trade offer, such as "Happy Birthday!" or "Enjoy the gift!" This adds a personal touch to the gift.

Send and Confirm

Review the offer to ensure you're giving the correct items, then click "Send Trade Offer." Confirm through the Steam Mobile Authenticator if enabled.

Recipient Accepts

Your friend receives a notification about the pending trade offer. Once they accept, the items transfer to their inventory with a 7-day trade hold.

Mobile App Gifting

You can also send gifts through the Steam mobile app. Navigate to your inventory, select items, and use "Send Trade Offer." The mobile app also serves as your authenticator for confirming trades, making it a convenient all-in-one solution. For more on mobile security, see our Account Security Guide.

The 7-Day Trade Hold Explained

When items are transferred through trades (including gifts), they receive a 7-day trade hold. This is a security measure implemented by Valve to combat fraud and stolen item circulation.

According to Steam's official FAQ, trade holds serve several purposes:

  • Fraud prevention: If an account is compromised, the 7-day window gives the owner time to recover their account before items are lost forever
  • Scam reduction: Scammers prefer quick, untraceable item movements - trade holds slow this down
  • Item tracking: Allows Valve to identify and potentially recover items involved in fraud

Trade Hold Scenarios

The 7-day trade hold applies in these situations:

  • Items received through trades (including gifts)
  • Items purchased from the Steam Community Market
  • Items from case openings
  • Items from trade-up contracts

For complete details on trade restrictions, see our Trade Holds Guide.

Reducing or Avoiding Trade Holds

While you cannot completely eliminate trade holds on received items, you can reduce holds on outgoing trades:

  • Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator: Both parties having the authenticator enabled for 15+ days reduces holds from 15 days to instant (on your outgoing offer)
  • Long-standing trade relationship: Regular traders may see reduced friction
  • Account age and standing: Older, verified accounts in good standing have fewer restrictions

However, the 7-day hold on received items is non-negotiable - it applies regardless of your security settings.

Gifting Restrictions and Requirements

Several restrictions apply to gifting CS2 items. Understanding these prevents frustration when trying to gift items to friends.

Restriction Details Workaround
Must be Steam Friends Cannot trade with non-friends (unless using public trade URL) Add as friend first, or use their trade URL
Steam Guard Required Trades may be held up to 15 days without authenticator Enable Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator
New Account Restrictions New accounts have trading limitations Wait for account to mature (typically 30 days)
Limited Accounts Accounts without $5+ spend cannot trade Spend at least $5 on Steam
VAC/Game Banned Some bans restrict trading See our VAC Bans Guide
Recently Traded Items Items with active trade holds cannot be re-traded Wait for trade hold to expire
Regional Restrictions Some regions have additional trading limitations Check regional Steam policies

Historical Context: Gift Wrapping

Long-time CS:GO players may remember the original gift wrapping feature, which allowed you to wrap items as gifts that could be opened later. Valve removed this feature in December 2015 due to widespread abuse for money laundering, fraud, and market manipulation.

The current trade-based gifting system, while less ceremonial, provides better security and traceability. For those who remember the old system, the current approach may feel less "gift-like," but it serves the same functional purpose.

Alternative Gifting Methods

If the standard trade-based gifting doesn't suit your needs, several alternatives exist for getting items to friends:

Steam Wallet Gift Cards

Instead of gifting specific items, you can give Steam Wallet funds:

  • Purchase digital Steam Wallet codes from Steam's official store or authorized retailers
  • Send the code to your friend via any messaging platform
  • Recipient redeems the code and can buy any items they want
  • Available in various denominations ($5, $10, $20, $50, $100)

Best for: When you want the recipient to choose their own items, or when you're unsure what they'd like.

Third-Party Marketplace Transfers

Some third-party marketplaces offer gifting or transfer features:

  • Buff163, CSFloat, and others allow balance transfers in some regions
  • You can purchase items on their behalf using your balance
  • Lower fees than Steam Market in most cases
  • Different trade restrictions may apply

Caution: Third-party platforms carry additional risks. See our Third-Party Marketplaces Guide for safety information.

In-Person Code/Link Sharing

For special occasions, consider creative delivery methods:

  • Write a Steam Wallet code on a physical card
  • Create a QR code linking to a trade offer
  • Include a screenshot of the item with a promise to trade
  • Use Steam's digital gift card feature with a personalized message

Best for: Birthdays, holidays, or other occasions where presentation matters.

Gift vs Trade vs Market Purchase

When transferring items to friends, you have three main options. Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on your situation.

Direct Gift (Trade Offer)

Send items via trade offer, request nothing in return.

Pros
  • No fees whatsoever
  • Item goes directly to recipient
  • Can include personal message
  • Immediate transfer (after acceptance)
Cons
  • 7-day trade hold on received items
  • Must be Steam friends (or have trade URL)
  • Cannot "surprise" them - they see the offer

Exchange Trade

Trade items for other items of equivalent value.

Pros
  • No fees
  • Both parties get desired items
  • Fair exchange when both need items
Cons
  • Same 7-day trade hold
  • Requires both parties have tradeable items
  • Value matching can be complex

Steam Market Purchase

Buy the item directly from Steam Community Market.

Pros
  • Item appears directly in your inventory
  • No need to find a trader
  • Can buy immediately at listed prices
Cons
  • 15% fees (paid by seller, reflected in prices)
  • Still has 7-day trade hold
  • Prices may be higher than peer trades

When Each Method Makes Sense

Scenario Best Method Reason
Permanent gift to close friend Direct Gift No fees, trade hold doesn't matter for permanent gifts
Item they'll likely resell Consider Market Trade hold applies either way, but they can choose exact item
Surprise gift Steam Wallet Card They can choose their own item without seeing offer first
High-value item ($500+) Direct Gift Avoid 15% market fees - significant savings
Exchanging with a friend Trade Both get items, no fees, fair exchange
New friend (limited trust) Be Cautious Verify identity before sending valuable items

For more on trading economics and fee calculations, see our Steam Market Fee Calculator and Skin Trading Guide.

Steam Wallet Gift Cards

When you want to give someone the freedom to choose their own CS2 items, Steam Wallet gift cards are the best option. Here's how they work:

Purchasing Digital Gift Cards

Steam offers digital gift cards directly through their platform:

  1. Visit the Steam Digital Gift Cards page
  2. Select your desired amount ($5, $10, $20, $50, or $100)
  3. Choose to send via email or schedule delivery for a specific date
  4. Add a personalized message
  5. Complete purchase using your Steam Wallet or payment method

Regional Considerations

Steam Wallet gift cards are currency-specific. A USD gift card can only be redeemed in USD regions. If you're gifting to someone in a different region, verify their currency first. Cross-region gifting may result in currency conversion or inability to redeem. Check Steam's supported currencies for details.

Physical Gift Cards

Physical Steam Wallet cards are available at many retailers:

  • Major retailers: Walmart, Target, Best Buy, GameStop
  • Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, CVS, Walgreens
  • Online: Amazon, PayPal Digital Gifts
  • Grocery stores: Kroger, Safeway, and others

Physical cards are perfect for wrapping as birthday or holiday presents, adding a tangible element to digital gifting.

Best Practices for Gifting

Security Best Practices

  • Verify recipient identity: Ensure you're trading with the right person, especially for valuable items. Scammers often impersonate friends.
  • Double-check the trade offer: Verify items and recipient before confirming. Item switching scams are common.
  • Use Steam Guard: Enable the mobile authenticator for reduced trade holds and better security.
  • Communicate through verified channels: Confirm large gifts through voice call or video to prevent impersonation.
  • Keep records: Screenshot trade offers for valuable items in case disputes arise.

Timing Considerations

  • Plan for trade holds: If the recipient needs to use/trade the item by a certain date, gift it at least 8 days in advance.
  • Major sales periods: During Steam sales, market prices drop - consider timing large gifts accordingly.
  • Consider market trends: Some items appreciate over time. See our Market Timing Guide.

Value Considerations

  • High-value items: For items worth $100+, direct gifting saves significant market fees.
  • Check current prices: Use our Price History Guide to ensure you're getting fair value.
  • Consider alternatives: Sometimes a Steam Wallet card lets the recipient get exactly what they want.
  • Factor in float/pattern: If gifting, you can choose the exact float/pattern. Market purchases may be random.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you gift CS2 skins to friends?

Yes, you can gift CS2 skins using Steam's trade offer system. Create a trade offer, add your items, leave their side empty, and send. They accept, and the items transfer. There's no dedicated "gift" button - trading with no return request is how gifting works.

What is the trade hold for gifted items?

All items received through trades (including gifts) have a 7-day trade hold. The recipient cannot trade these items to anyone else for 7 days. This is a security measure to prevent fraud and cannot be bypassed.

Can I gift Steam Wallet funds directly?

You cannot transfer Steam Wallet balance directly between accounts. However, you can purchase Steam Wallet gift cards (digital or physical) and send the codes to friends. They redeem the codes and can spend the funds on whatever they choose.

Why was the gift wrap feature removed?

Valve removed the gift wrapping feature in December 2015 due to widespread abuse. It was being used for money laundering, fraud schemes, and market manipulation. The current trade-based system provides better security and traceability while still allowing item transfers.

Is it better to gift or let them buy from market?

For permanent gifts, direct gifting is usually better - you avoid the 15% market fee. For items they might resell, the trade hold applies either way. If you want them to choose their own item, Steam Wallet gift cards give them that flexibility. High-value items ($100+) should almost always be gifted directly to save on fees.

Can I gift to someone who isn't my Steam friend?

Not directly through the Steam interface, but you can use their public trade URL if they have one. This allows sending trade offers without being friends. Many traders share their trade URLs on profiles or trading forums. For security, it's usually better to add as friends first.

What happens if they don't accept the gift?

Trade offers expire after a set period (typically 2 weeks) if not accepted. The items remain in your inventory and are never at risk. You can also cancel a pending trade offer at any time if you change your mind.

Can I send gifts to other regions?

Item trades work across regions without issues. Steam Wallet gift cards are currency-specific - a USD card must be redeemed in a USD region. If gifting wallet funds internationally, verify their currency first or use a platform that handles conversion.

Related CS2 Guides & Tools

Continue learning about CS2 trading and item management:

Final Perspective:

"Gifting CS2 items isn't as straightforward as clicking a button, but once you understand the trade system, it's simple and fee-free. For permanent gifts, direct trading is the best approach - you avoid market fees entirely. For flexibility, Steam Wallet gift cards let recipients choose exactly what they want. Just remember the 7-day trade hold on all received items, and plan accordingly for time-sensitive gifts."

Security Reminder

Always verify the identity of trade recipients, especially for valuable items. Scammers frequently impersonate friends. For trading safety tips, see our Scam Prevention Guide. For support resources, visit BeGambleAware.org.

Last updated: January 2026