Gift giving can be stressful, even if it is a tradition for many of the holidays and events in one’s life. If you can’t think of a good gift for someone, a gift card is always a nice option. Gift cards are great because they allow the recipient to choose an item for themselves. A little preparation when purchasing a gift card for someone, could go a long way to make them feel special and appreciated. Here are a few things to pay attention to when it comes to gift cards:
- Store gift cards are thoughtful
- Take into account the preferences of the recipient
- The amount says a lot
- The receipt should be included
- Be creative with a note
- Be smart about regifting
Store Gift Cards are Thoughtful
Bank gift cards are a great gift, but not nearly as great as a store gift card. Bank gift cards are generic and bland even if you can use them anywhere. Take some time and find out where your recipient prefers to shop and get them a gift card from such a store. He or she will appreciate the time you put into their gift.
Take Into Account the Preferences of the Recipient
Consider the recipient’s preferences when you decide to buy a gift card. Choose a store that has a special meaning to your recipient and steer clear of cards from big box brands. A gift card to a local coffee shop or spa may be exactly what they’re wishing for – to have a nice, relaxing day off and enjoy their favourite cup of joe.
The Amount Says a Lot
How much you put on the card is a personal decision and one that should be financially sound. There are some guidelines you should stick to though: for co-workers and casual friends, the amount should be in the $10-$20 range. $30-$100 is the best value if we’re talking about a sibling or close family member, whereas $100 or more should be great for a spouse or anyone you’d like to recognize in a big way.
The Receipt SHOULD be Included
There’s always a chance that the card’s magnetic strip was damaged or that the card was improperly activated at the store. While unusual, including the receipt along with the card itself can help to solve any problem down the line, and there’s the added bonus of it clearly stating the amount on the gift card. That’s important if the card itself doesn’t have a space on it designated for entering the amount.
Be Creative With a Note
Make the gift card more personal with a handwritten note. Something along the lines of “Enjoy a meal at your favorite steak house,” if it’s for an experience like a dinner at a restaurant. You can always mail the gift card if the intended recipient lives far away. Keep in mind that, though an online gift card is a great choice, a physical card is what most people prefer.
Be Smart About Regifting
It’s alright to give gift cards you don’t want to use or will never get a chance to. Just be careful not to come off as unappreciative to the person who gave you the card initially. Also make sure you give it to someone outside your circle of friends. For example, if your brother gave you a gift card, don’t give it to your sister. Opt for a friend or co-worker instead.
Looking to Get Your Hands on Customized Gift Cards? Contact Quickcards
When on the market for offering a range of different options and expert gift card craftsmanship at the same time, your best choice is to go with the experts at Quickcards. The company has been in business for more than 15 years and is capable of offering top-notch cards of varying designs. One of the most important things when it comes to gift cards is to make them as eye-catching as possible, which is something Quickcards can definitely help you with. Get in touch with the company today and design the kind of gift cards that will help your business thrive more than ever.
