Gift cards have become an increasingly popular gift option in recent years. They allow the recipient to choose their own gift from a store or restaurant of their choice. Gift cards can be purchased both in physical stores and online from a variety of retailers.
Where To Buy Physical Gift Cards
Physical gift cards can be purchased at the following locations:
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores such as Safeway, Kroger, Publix, Albertsons, and Winn-Dixie often have gift card racks near the front of the store. These racks display gift cards for popular retail chains, restaurants, entertainment venues, and more. The selection tends to focus on local and national chains, making grocery stores a convenient one-stop shop for general gift cards.
Drug Stores
Pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid also offer a variety of gift cards for sale. Their selection is similar to grocery stores, providing cards for retail, dining, and entertainment. Drug stores often run promotions on certain gift card brands as well.
Big Box Retailers
Stores like Walmart, Target, and Costco have a large display of gift cards near the front of the store. Their selection includes gift cards for their own retail brand as well as hundreds of other brand options. Department stores like Kohls and JCPenney also offer gift cards for their store.
Specialty Retailers
Specialty retailers that sell clothing, electronics, hardware items, etc. tend to offer gift cards for their own brand. For example, Best Buy sells Best Buy gift cards, Sephora sells Sephora gift cards, and so on. Purchasing a gift card directly from a retailer ensures the recipient can use it at that specific store.
Office Supply Stores
Office supply stores such as Staples, Office Depot, and OfficeMax sell a variety of gift cards, especially for restaurants and other local businesses. The options may differ by location.
Convenience Stores
Convenience stores like 7-Eleven often have a selection of gift card options near the register. These tend to be for popular restaurant chains and fast food places.
Banks
Some banks sell gift cards for retail stores, restaurants, airlines, and entertainment venues. This provides a convenient option for bank customers to purchase gift cards where they already visit. Options vary by bank location.
Where To Buy eGift Cards Online
In addition to physical gift cards sold in stores, eGift cards can be purchased from online retailers. eGift cards are digital gift cards sent to the recipient’s email. Some top places to buy eGift cards include:
Amazon
Amazon offers both physical and eGift cards for thousands of different brands, including major retailers, restaurants, entertainment, travel, and more. eGift cards can be scheduled to be delivered on a specific date. Prime members get access to exclusive eGift card options.
Walmart
Walmart sells eGift cards for many popular restaurant, retail, gaming, and entertainment brands. The eGift cards are delivered to the recipient’s email and also display in the purchaser’s Walmart account for easy access.
Starbucks
The Starbucks app and website allow customers to purchase Starbucks eGift cards to send to friends and family. The recipient gets the eGift card emailed directly to them.
Retailer Websites
Many major retailers like Target, Sephora, Nordstrom, Home Depot, and others allow shoppers to buy eGift cards directly through their websites. This allows customers to send eGift cards for those specific brands.
Restaurant Websites
Popular restaurant chains like Panera, Chipotle, Olive Garden, and Buffalo Wild Wings sell eGift cards online. Purchasing eGift cards directly from the restaurant brand allows the recipient to redeem at any of their locations.
Gift Card Reseller Websites
Websites like GiftCards.com and CardCash allow shoppers to buy both physical and eGift cards for thousands of brands from one site. They offer discounted gift cards as well.
Factors To Consider When Purchasing Gift Cards
Here are some things to keep in mind when buying gift cards for friends and family:
Recipient’s Preferences
Consider where the recipient likes to shop and eat. Picking their favorite retailers or restaurants ensures they get good use out of the card.
Physical or eGift Card
Physical gift cards allow the giver to include a nice presentation with a gift card envelope or small gift. eGift cards are more convenient for last minute or long distance gifts.
Purchase Fees
Some retailers may charge purchase fees for gift cards, especially those bought online. Be sure to factor any fees into the cost.
Expiration Dates
Check the expiration date of physical and eGift cards. Expiration dates can range from a few months to a several years after purchase.
Amount on the Card
Consider an appropriate amount to put on the gift card. Too little may limit what the recipient can buy. Too much could go unused. Optimal amounts are typically $25-$100.
Benefits of Giving Gift Cards
There are many benefits that make gift cards a popular gift choice:
Convenience
Gift cards are convenient both for the giver and recipient. They allow easy purchasing of gifts when you’re short on time. The recipient can shop whenever it fits their schedule.
Flexibility
With gift cards, the recipient gets to choose their exact gift from the retailer. This flexibility ensures they can pick something they’ll love.
No Returns Needed
There’s no need to worry about gift returns and exchanges with gift cards. The recipient will get to pick a gift they like.
No Clutter
Gift cards don’t add to the recipient’s clutter since they aren’t physical items. They only take up space in a wallet or virtual wallet.
Virtual Options
With eGift cards, you can send gifts instantly to recipients no matter where they live. They reduce waste as well.
Budget-Friendly
The giver can control exactly how much they spend on a gift card down to the exact dollar. There’s no going over budget.
Fun Gift Card Ideas
Beyond basic gift cards, there are lots of fun gift card ideas and combo gifts you can give:
Restaurant Gift Card + Movie Gift Card
Give the recipients a night out with gift cards for dinner and a movie. Add popcorn or candy gift cards too.
Coffee Shop Gift Card + Coffee Mug
Pair a gift card to their favorite coffee shop with a fun new coffee mug or tumbler.
Retail Gift Card + Small Gift
Along with a gift card to their favorite shop, include a small accessory like earrings or a necktie.
Gas Station Gift Card + Car Wash Gift Card
Help save on gas and car washes with this useful combo for anyone who drives.
Grocery Store Gift Card + Reusable Shopping Bag
Help the recipient get their grocery shopping with a grocery store gift card and a reusable bag.
Streaming Service Gift Card + Popcorn Tins
Give them a Netflix gift card paired with popcorn tins for the perfect movie night combo.
Spa Gift Card + Candles
Treat a mom, wife or girlfriend to a spa gift card with scented candles for a relaxing day.
Airline Gift Card + Luggage Tags
If someone travels often for work or pleasure, airline gift cards and cute luggage tags make great gifts.
Tech Store Gift Card + Phone Case
For tech lovers, pair gift cards to Best Buy, Apple or other tech stores with fun phone cases or tech accessories.
Creative Ways to Give Gift Cards
Instead of just handing over a gift card, you can find creative ways to present it and make it part of the gift experience:
Christmas Gift Card Holders
For Christmas, put gift cards in holiday themed holders like mini wooden sleds, snowman shapes, or stockings.
Birthday Gift Card Cakes
Hide gift cards inside a homemade or store bought cake for a fun birthday surprise.
Thank You Gift Card Bouquets
To show thanks, create bouquets out of gift cards attached to wooden skewers or tied with ribbon.
Easter Gift Card Eggs
For kids and adults alike, put gift cards inside plastic Easter eggs for an egg hunt.
Anniversary Gift Card Boxes
Show how much you care by decorating nice boxes with ribbon and wrapping gift cards up in tissue paper.
Graduation Gift Card Messages
Roll up money or gift cards and tie them with ribbon. Attach congratulatory messages to each roll.
Valentine’s Day Gift Card Heart
Make a heart out of gift cards attached to a red poster board for a sweet Valentine’s gift.
Teen Gift Card Fortune Cookies
Put gift cards inside home made fortune cookies and watch teens break into them to get their gifts.
Wedding Gift Card Tree
For newly weds, hang gift cards from the branches of miniature trees and place them around the house.
Conclusion
Gift cards make great gifts for almost any occasion because they allow the recipients to choose their exact gift. You can purchase gift cards for all the major brands at grocery stores, pharmacies, large retailers, department stores, office supply shops, specialty retailers, convenience stores, and directly from brand websites. Buying eGift cards online provides convenient, instant options. Consider the recipient’s preferences, fees, expiration dates, and gift card amounts. Gift cards are flexible, budget-friendly, clutter-free, and easy to give. Combine gift cards with small complimentary gifts for fun combo presents. Get creative with gift card presentation by decorating gift card holders, boxes, bouquets, and other ways to surprise the recipient. No matter where or how you give them, gift cards make gifts easy for both givers and receivers.