7 reasons to give gift cards that many people don't think of (2023)

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  • Gift cards seem simple, but they're the perfect solution in many situations.
  • They can spoil someone who won't spoil themselves, or support an interest or hobby you know nothing about.
  • They can also support a small business, keep up with kids' interests, and give the same gift to a group.

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Compared to big boxes wrapped in shiny paper and frilly ribbon and stockings overflowing with goodies, gift cards may not look like the most exciting presents to unwrap.

But even beyond the ability to get them quickly and easily, they make ideal gifts for many — and with good reason. You can use a gift card to:

1. Treat people who won't prioritize themselves

Gift cards force selfless people to prioritize themselves and actually follow through on practicing self-care. If I give my sister-in-law, a busy working mom, a gift that might catch my young niece's eye, that gift is going to my niece.

But if I give her a gift card for a massage or facial, she has to use it herself. I want her to treat herself, and she deserves some much-needed "me time," so giving her gift cards for items or experiences that only she could benefit from is my way of doing that.

2. Support interests and hobbies you know nothing about

Gift cards are also perfect for that person in your life with extremely specific interests that you know nothing about.

My best friend is an aesthetician who's always trying out new skincare products that he might be able to recommend to his customers — everything from moisturizers to sunscreen to acne treatments and skincare accessories like jade rollers, comedone extractors (pimple poppers, for the uninitiated), and face massagers.

He's tried so many different products over the years that I'd never be able to guess one that he hasn't tried already. And worse, I'd hate to guess wrong and get him a product that he tried and didn't like. Plus, because his passion for skincare is related to his job, he needs to try things quickly, so even if he told me something specific he wanted, it would seem silly to make him wait until the holidays to get it.

So I get him gift cards to Sephora, Ulta, or other stores where he can get the latest and greatest items on his list.

3. Keep on top of kids' changing interests

I feel similarly about giving my young niece gift cards. She's six and her interests change lightning fast. One minute she's obsessed with dinosaurs and the next she's moved on. One day it's Frozen and the next it's Encanto.

Since I live several states away, it's hard to keep up with what toys she already has and the franchise du jour. But if I give her a gift card to the Lego store or the Disney store, she can choose what she likes at that moment and is guaranteed to love it.

4. Make sure kids get the presents they want

Kids and young adults of all ages can benefit from gift cards, especially if you're worried about their parents taking the money if you were to give them cash. Growing up, my parents took any cash my grandparents gave me, and when that happened, it felt like I was robbed of my present.

This can still happen if you give the child a generic gift card like Visa, Amazon, or Target, but — similar to why gift cards are perfect for my best friend and niece — that's less likely to happen if you give the kid a gift card to a specific store they like. Maybe that's Urban Outfitters, American Eagle, Hot Topic, GameStop, or wherever else Gen Z is shopping these days.

5. Tactfully give money to people who need it

If parents are taking their children's cash gifts, it could be because they really need the money. Gift cards can be a thoughtful way of providing for someone you love in need without being so blunt (and possibly offensive) by giving them cash.

A generic gift card to somewhere like Walmart or Target can help them get essentials or much-needed quality-of-life upgrades without you having to point out that you know they're struggling. Gift cards can be a tactful way to give generously without embarrassing the recipient.

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Pros & Cons

Pros

Sending gift cards through Cash App is simple and quick. Simply send the gift card just like you'd send someone money via Cash App.

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Spending gift cards is seamless for the recipient. Gift cards are not separate physical cards. Instead, they are digital cards that tie to a customer’s Cash App balance.

Cons

Customers need a Cash App Card in order to use a gift card. However, if a customer does not have a Cash App Card, they can instead convert their gift card to cash in the app.

Highlights

More Information

  • Easy to spend. No additional or physical cards needed or balances to keep track of. Ties directly to your Cash Card
  • and balances withdraw automatically
  • Send gift cards instantly - perfect for last minute gifts
  • Receive and spend instantly for Cash Card holders
  • Browse and choose from a diversity of merchants, all directly from Cash App
  • Send gift cards that meet your budget, for little as $1
  • Convert gift cards to cash when the balance is under $10
  • Send straight to your friends and family with only a cashtag, phone, or email
  • No fees

6. Give everyone in a group the same thing

Additionally, gift cards are great if you're buying for multiple people who might all be opening presents together at the same time.

With gift cards, it's easy to make it look like everyone is getting the same gift, but since many gift cards don't state the denomination on the card, you can give anywhere from $5 to $500 and the recipients won't know how much they got in the moment.

This is perfect if you want to give some people more than others without folks being aware of any favoritism.

7. Support small businesses you love

Giving gift cards as presents is also a fantastic way to support the small businesses close to your heart.

By buying gift cards from small businesses, you're essentially front-loading sales and guaranteeing income that they might not otherwise receive. It's an opportunity to introduce people you love to stores you love and help those shops earn new, and hopefully lifelong, customers.

Even if the recipient doesn't use their gift card for some reason, the small business still gets that likely much-needed money.

Sometimes the most thoughtful gift is letting the recipient get what they really want — and didn't know to ask for.

Mandy Shunnarah

Mandy Shunnarah is a freelance writer and editor, as well as the owner of the Posh&Page vintage shop on Etsy. Learn more at https://www.etsy.com/shop/PoshandPage/ and mandyshunnarah.com. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.

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FAQs

Why giving gift cards are the best? ›

A Gift Card enables the person to buy whatever they like from the particular store. This freedom allows them to buy what they truly need, and it gives you the satisfaction of having gifted well.

Is a gift card a thoughtless gift? ›

Gift cards are not thoughtless — unless you get it for a store the receiver hates, but you love.

Why do people use gift cards? ›

In terms of gift giving, gift cards might be preferable if you have no idea what to buy for someone on your gift list, as they allow the recipient to buy what they want and when they want.

Why should I give a gift? ›

We often give gifts to re-confirm or establish our connection with others, which means that they're a reflection of both the giver and the receiver, as well as their unique relationship. Giving a gift to someone we care about allows us to communicate our feelings and appreciation for them.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of gift cards? ›

Benefits of Gift Cards (And Their Disadvantages)
  • Advantages:
  • No gifts to return or exchange. ...
  • Nice add-on gift. ...
  • Easy to send. ...
  • Brings new customers to your store. ...
  • Increases post-holiday sales. ...
  • Disadvantages:
  • Some cards can only be used in specific stores.
Dec 8, 2016

Why give a gift card instead of cash? ›

Convenience: Gift cards are easy to use and can be used at a variety of stores or online. This can be more convenient for the recipient than receiving a check or cash, which may need to be deposited or cashed.

Is gift-giving an act of kindness? ›

Even a simple card or electronic message with a note of encouragement is viewed as a gift by the recipient. Gift giving is an act of kindness. Being kind to others improves a family's and a community's quality of life. Gift giving increases well-being.

Is giving a gift card okay? ›

Giving gift cards or cash as a gift at any time is hands down a better option than buying someone something they don't want or need. It can also make life easier if you're short on time and inspiration. Far from a last resort, they can be a Christmas saviour for all concerned.

Is a gift card a lazy gift? ›

Overall, gift cards seem to be more popular among gift givers than receivers. Many consider gift cards to be impersonal gifts that give the impression that the gift giver is lazy. There are also reservations about giving gift cards that might accumulate fees, decrease in value, or expire too soon.

What are 3 disadvantages of using a gift card? ›

Some gift cards carry an expiration date. The recipient must use the card within a certain amount of time, or the card becomes unusable. They have fees. Some gift cards — especially those issued by banks — carry fees for various events.

Do people prefer gift cards or cash? ›

A survey for the 2017 Health of Cash report by Cardtronics found that even though Americans are more likely to give a gift card as a present, more people would prefer receiving cash instead (50% cash vs 29% gift card).

How do Giving good gift cards work? ›

Whether it's someone's birthday, an anniversary, or the holidays, Giving Good gift cards are a great present that let you treat a loved one, while helping a good cause. Each card donates 3% of your gift card purchase to the selected charity.

What is the feeling of giving a gift? ›

The look on the recipient's face when they open their gift provides a psychological lift to other person and triggers the release endorphins into their brain, producing the same euphoric feelings of pleasure and joy we can experience after a tough workout or when we're falling in love.

What is the essence of gift cards? ›

In essence, a gift card is a prepaid stored-value money card typically provided by a retailer, bank, or company to be used as a substitute for cash for transactions within specific stores or online platforms.

What is advantages of free gifts? ›

There's no better way to show them how important they are than by offering them something for their work. Free gifts also provide the employee with an incentive to meet targets. If they are being given free items, they may feel encouraged to work extra hours or take on higher workloads.

How do I give a gift card creatively? ›

To help, we've made a list of the most creative ways to give gift cards.
...
Creative Ways To Wrap A Gift Card
  1. Thematic Wrapping Paper. ...
  2. Newspaper Cartoons. ...
  3. Ribbon. ...
  4. Origami Paper. ...
  5. Small Baggie. ...
  6. Cloth Bag. ...
  7. Gift Card Box.
Dec 4, 2019

What happens if you don't spend a gift card? ›

Any unspent money gets sent back to the retailer or bank, who are often happy to have it.

How much money is wasted on a gift card? ›

In total, 47% of gift card owners eventually lose out on the gift money. Rossman said people should clean out their wallets, junk drawers, glove compartments or anywhere a gift card could be.

What are the 5 gifts? ›

The gift of the Holy Spirit
  • The gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • The gift of faith.
  • The gift of forgiveness.
  • The gift of the church, and.
  • The gift of heaven.
Mar 3, 2020

What are the three elements of a gift? ›

Both types of gifts share three elements which must be met in order for the gift to be legally effective: donative intent (the intention of the donor to give the gift to the donee), the delivery of the gift to the donee, and the acceptance of the gift.

What are the four types of gift? ›

Parents pledge to give their offspring just four presents: Something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.

What gift cards never expire? ›

In addition, with Mastercard and American Express gift cards, funds never expire. However, the physical card itself may need to be replaced by a certain date. All you have to do is call the number on the back of the card and they will issue a new one.

Why gift cards are good for business? ›

Gift card programs help increase sales—and cash flow.

Gift cards represent a new sales channel that earns revenue in advance of the actual sale when the gift is redeemed. That added boost to short-term revenue can represent a big lift for vital business cash flow.

Do people like receiving gift cards? ›

People appreciate what a gift card means, and relish in the chance to go and pick out what they really want to spend their card on. But don't take our word for it… Statistics also back claims that gift cards are now one of the most preferred gifts of recipients.

What is the life of a gift card? ›

Under federal law, gift cards generally must be good for at least five years. The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure, or CARD, Act provides that gift cards sold on or after Aug.

What is a nice gift quote? ›

Everyone has a gift for something, even if it is the gift of being a good friend.” “A friend is a gift you give yourself.” “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” “Every problem is a gift - without problems we would not grow.”

Is giving gifts a form of love? ›

In general, it means that you feel the best and most loved when you're giving and receiving gifts. “If your primary love language is gift-giving, it means that you express your love by giving others presents,” Guerra says. “The gift is an overt demonstration of your love and appreciation for the person receiving it.”

What happens in your brain when you give a gift? ›

“But part of the uniqueness of the reward activation around gift-giving compared to something like receiving an award or winning money is that because it is social it also activates pathways in the brain that release oxytocin, which is a neuropeptide that signals trust, safety, and connection.

Are gift cards a good gift? ›

Buying things that aren't wanted isn't just awkward - it's a waste of money, time and resources. By giving the gift of choice, a gift card eliminates the chance of a disappointing present, and empowers your loved one to choose something they actually need.

How do you give someone a gift card? ›

However, you still want to make sure that the gift shows that care and thought have gone into it. To help, we've made a list of the most creative ways to give gift cards.
...
Creative Ways To Wrap A Gift Card
  1. Thematic Wrapping Paper. ...
  2. Newspaper Cartoons. ...
  3. Ribbon. ...
  4. Origami Paper. ...
  5. Small Baggie. ...
  6. Cloth Bag. ...
  7. Gift Card Box.
Dec 4, 2019

How can I promote my gift card? ›

Here are some effective ways to promote your gift cards this season:
  1. Put them everywhere. ...
  2. Encourage more spending. ...
  3. Leverage them for brand awareness. ...
  4. Send a marketing email. ...
  5. Make them eye-catching. ...
  6. Offer gift cards for referrals. ...
  7. Leverage social media.
Feb 11, 2018

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