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Evolution of Gift Cards
Gift cards commonly known as gift certificates or gift vouchers are pre-paid stored-value money cards issued by retailers. They can be used as an alternative for cash purchases within a particular store or a related business. Usually, gift cards are provided by employers to their employees during festive holidays or as a token of appreciation. They are also used by renowned brands for customers as a part of their promotion strategy. Gift cards come with a specific denomination and can be redeemed at the physical or online stores within a specific period. They are considered to be a very popular gifting choice for everyone all over the world.
Gift Cards vs Physical Gifts
In today’s fast-paced world, companies face a major challenge when it comes to building their client base. Companies can't invest in generic physical gifts since a single gift might not appeal to everyone. Thus, there comes a need for an online gift card that can be used by a person to buy their desired product. Here are a few reasons why gift cards remain a popular option for every occasion:
- Time and Money: A gift card is the best way to motivate and show your appreciation towards your loved ones. It saves time and you can easily buy it online, thus saving valuable time and money on traveling.
- Flexibility: The receiver can choose to buy anything he wants rather than opting for generic items. He can choose a product online with greater flexibility and benefits from their favorite stores.
- Motivation and Appreciation: Bring back the joy of gifting by choosing the perfect gift card for each occasion. Be it an employee or a loved one, it is a great way of showing your appreciation to them. It also allows them the freedom to select their gift.
How to Choose a Gift Card?
Are you interested in buying a gift card but don’t know where to start? Then you have come to the right place. In this article, here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect gift card:
- Choose favorite brands
- Choose an appropriate amount
- Provide an extended validity date (6 months to 1 year)
- Avoid hidden restrictions
- Customise the card based on the occasion
- Go for virtual cards that can be sent via mail or SMS
- Add security mechanisms or pins to restrict unauthorized use
Types of Gift Cards
According to your preference, you can choose a gift card at your convenience. Here is a list of the types of gift cards that you can choose each time:
- Choice Cards: Used at a store or a specific restaurant where the receiver can buy the products or services of their choice.
- Category Cards: These cards belong to a particular category (i.e., restaurant, fuel, or hotel). They can be redeemed by utilising the network.
- Partner Cards: Cards issued by a merchant that are redeemable at their physical or online stores.
- Multi-Store Direct: A card that can be used at a curated set of stores and restaurants.
- Multi-Store Swap: A single card that can be redeemed and swapped online at a variety of stores.
A Curated List of the Best Gift Cards
Here is a list of the best curated gift cards for men, women and teenagers. Choose these cards to show your appreciation towards your colleagues and loved ones.
Gifts Cards for Men
1. Gardener's Delight Card
The Gardener’s Delight Gift Card from Root Bridges is the perfect one for a person who loves gardening. The card can be used to purchase a variety of plants such as air purifiers, colourful, low maintenance, kitchen herbs, and much more. You can also purchase a variety of ceramic, plastic, metal, glass, terra cotta, and FRP pots. Numerous varieties of vegetable seeds, herb seeds and flower seeds are also available. Moreover, you can also check out their tools and plant accessories including stones, pebbles, stands, plates and saucers. The denomination for the card varies from ₹ 100.00 - ₹ 2,000.00 with unlimited validity. Check it out on Root Bridges.
2. Luxe e-Gift Card
The Luxe e-gift is the best appreciation for a person who loves exclusive fashion. The gift card can be used for shopping in more than 30 fashion and lifestyle brands or 350+ stores in India. You can select products from varied luxury brands such as Armani Exchange, Coach, Diesel, Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, etc. It comes with a denomination of ₹ 1,000.00 - ₹ 10,000.00 and a flat 8% discount can be availed on this card. You can buy this card from Luxe Gift Card.
3. Travel e-Gift Card
Impress your loved one who loves to travel with this gift card from Thomas Cook. The card can be redeemed both for domestic and international travel making it the perfect choice for birthdays, anniversaries, vacations, etc. The denominations available for the card vary from ₹ 500.00 - ₹ 50,000.00. Just customise the card and send it to your loved ones and witness them brim with happiness.
4. Restaurant Gift Cards
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a restaurant gift card. You can select either a food or a beverage gift card from Woohoo. The site offers gift cards from various brands such as Café Coffee Day, McDonald's, Dominos, KFC, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, EatSure, Barbeque Nation, etc. The denominations for the food cards start from ₹ 200.00 - ₹ 2000.00. Additionally, you can also avail attractive discounts on using these cards from your favourite restaurants.
5. Airport Service Card
The DreamFolks Airport Service Card is the best for one who travels frequently. Once the card is purchased the lounge details are directly sent to your mail ID. To avail the lounge services you just have to carry your ticket and boarding pass along with a valid ID. Using the site you can purchase a lounge subscription for both domestic and international airports. The subscription for the domestic lounge is ₹ 1,740.00 and for the international lounge is ₹ 2,798.00. The card can be customised with the details of the traveler and can be instantly redeemed in a jiffy. Check out the details on Gyftr.
Gift Cards for Women
1. Food Items Gift Card
This is a perfect food e-gift card to purchase traditional Indian products ranging from coffee powders to pickles. Using the Sambar Stories Gift Card you are spoilt for choice. You can purchase ready-to-use masala powders such as sambar, special sambar, rasam, puliyogare, bisi bele bath, and bath. There are also a wide variety of chutney powders to choose from that include idly podi, chutney powder, garlic chutney, peanut chutney, dal powder, curry leaves, and bitter gourd. If you are not fond of powders you can check out their ready-to-cook products such as sabudana mix, health mix, sambar, upma, rava dosa, etc. They also possess a variety of pappads and vadas, filter coffee powders, savories and sweets. The denomination starts from ₹ 500.00 - ₹ 5,000.00 with a 1-year validity. Buy it from Sambar Stories.
2. Sephora Gift Card
This is a perfect gift for a makeup enthusiast who loves pampering her skin and body. The gift card from Sephora is the perfect choice for a woman who loves shopping for makeup and skin products. Using the gift card, you can purchase a vast and diverse selection of beauty products from their online and physical stores. The store also keeps stock of high-end luxury products such as Dior, YSL, Clinique, Bare Essentials, Philosophy, and much more. A classic black gift card costs ₹ 5,120.00 on Ubuy and can be further customised as per your requirements.
3. Fitness Gift Card
Is your friend a fitness enthusiast who loves exercising? Then this e-gift card from Cult.Fit is the perfect gift for your friend. Cult.Fit is equipped with the best trainers and facilities. They offer exciting intensive group workouts ranging from boxing, calisthenics, cross-training and less intensive ones like yoga and meditation. If you are not able to visit the center in person, you can also avail their online training. You can do the exercises at home with the help of their do-it-yourself videos via their app. The denomination for the fitness e-gift card starts from ₹ 100.00 - ₹ 10,000.00 with a validity of 6 months from the date of issue. You can use the card right away since it is delivered instantly to your mail. Buy it from Amazon.
4. Gold Gift Card
Every woman loves gold and wears it for everyday use or during festive occasions. This e-gift card from Tanishq is the perfect gift for a woman who loves wearing gold jewellery. The online gift card can be used for purchasing any gold jewellery from their online store or their on-site stores. You can also purchase online using the e-gift card and schedule the delivery for your purchase. It is a perfect gift for a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or a general festive wish. The denomination of the card varies from ₹ 1,000.00 - ₹ 10,000.00 and it can be customised with the receiver's details along with a custom message. The card has a 1-year validity from the date of purchase.
5. Grooming Gift Card
Every woman needs "me-time" to unwind and de-stress after a long day of work either in the office or at home. Surprise her with this grooming gift card from Lakme Salon. The Lakme Salon exclusively caters to the beauty needs of Indian women with world-class facilities. The salons are well-equipped and comprise of trained professionals who provide a variety of services ranging from hair to skin needs. The card can be charged for a denomination ranging from ₹ 750.00 - ₹ 25,000.00 making it the perfect gift to pamper the most loved woman in your life. It comes with a 1-year validity from the date of purchase. Furthermore, the card can be personalised with a custom theme and message to appreciate the cherished women. Check it out on Woohoo.
Gift Cards for Teenagers/Young Adults
1. iTunes Gift Card
The iTunes Gift Card is the perfect gift for a teenager who is crazy about Apple. The prepaid card can be redeemed on the iTunes store, App Store, iBooks and also the Mac App Store. It can also be used for accessing Apple Music memberships on the App Store. The gift card can be used for redeeming apps that are compatible with both Mac and Windows. It is also compatible with accessing music with iOS, iTunes, games, apps, music, movies, TV shows, books and iCloud. The gift is only valid for purchase on the original iTunes and Apple Store site. A valid Apple ID is required for authorization and it comes with a 1-year validity from the date of purchase. A US$ 30.00 (about ₹ 2,310.00) costs ₹ 2,997.00 on PrepaidGamerCard.
2. Jewellery Gift Card
Every girl has worn some piece of jewellery during her teenage years. The choice of jewellery might range from studs, rings, bracelets, or a simple chain. This jewellery gift from Mia is the perfect gift for a teenage girl. Mia by Tanishq consists of jewellery that is customised and consists of charming collections. You can choose from a variety of jewellery ranging from earrings, rings, and pendants in gold, silver, and diamonds. You can also shop from their exclusive collections catering to the needs of teenagers that are simple and elegant. The denomination starts from ₹ 1,000.00 - ₹ 10,000.00 making it the perfect gift for the teenage girl in your family. It comes with a validity of 180 days from the date of issue.
3. Flipkart Retail Gift Card
Every teenager loves shopping and to experience the new things available in the market. These can range from electronic gadgets, new clothes, shoes, makeup items or accessories such as watches, sunglasses, bags or belts. The retail gift card from Flipkart is the perfect gift for teenagers. Flipkart is considered to be an online shopping site that houses a range of products ranging from books to electronic appliances. It can be gifted on the teenager's birthday or during any festive events by family and friends. The denomination varies from ₹ 10.00 - ₹ 10,000.00. It can be customised as per your liking with the name, personal message, denomination, exclusive card number, and redeemable pin along with the validity details. The card comes with a 1-year validity from the date of issue and can be purchased from Woohoo.
4. Google Play Gift Card
Do you love exploring new applications, games, music, and books? A Google Play Gift Card is the perfect gift for you. The gift card has an unlimited expiry date and comes with a denomination ranging from ₹ 10.00 - ₹ 1,500.00. The gift card can be sent via email or SMS making it easily redeemable. Moreover, you can customise the gift card exclusively to add a customised message for the receiver. It can be used to access over 1 million apps in Google Play which is considered to be the largest mobile gaming platform in the world. It can also be used to access exclusive games. If you are not interested in games, you use it to access new movies, the latest music, books, and much more applications. Buy it from Woohoo.
5. Gaming Gift Card
Gaming Gift Card is offered by GamersGift India, an online electronics shopping website that offers a wide range of gaming gift cards and gaming accessories at unbeatable prices. You can get the best deals on all the major brands by shopping online. You can also take advantage of the most recent discounts on game updates, new releases, game debuts, and other gaming events. The gaming cards can be used for playing a variety of games such as Counter-Strike Goods, Zynga, Blackshot, World of Warcraft, MOL Points, Garena Shells, Razer Products, and Steel Series, Google Play, Warrock, etc. that are available on their website. Additionally, you can choose Steam Wallet, PlayStation Network Wallet, League of Legends Wallet, Blizzard Battles, iTunes Gift Cards and Fortnite cards. The gift card price varies from ₹ 500.00 - ₹ 5,000.00 making it the perfect gift for gamers.
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Gift Cards Keep Your Gifting Budget in Control
When you are planning to gift in bulk, gift cards are a great option to keep your budget in control. You can decide the denomination you wish to load in each card and the total cost of gifting can be calculated easily depending on the number of cards your wish to gift. We hope this BP Guide would have helped you decide which gift card you would like to gift to your loved ones in the upcoming festive season. Share your experiences with us and stay connected for more such engaging content.