Gift cards have become increasingly popular, but questions about proper etiquette persist. This guide covers everything you need to know about giving and receiving gift cards gracefully.
The Modern Gift Card Landscape
Gift cards are now the most requested gift item in America, with over $160 billion in cards purchased annually. Despite their popularity, uncertainties about proper etiquette remain. Let's clear up the confusion.
When Gift Cards Are Appropriate
Perfect Occasions for Gift Cards
Graduates
Gift cards give graduates flexibility as they transition to new life stages:
College students appreciate cards for textbooks, supplies, or local restaurants
High school graduates value cards for dorm essentials or entertainment
Graduate degree recipients benefit from cards for professional clothing
Weddings
Modern couples often prefer gift cards over traditional registry items:
Allows couples to choose what they truly need
Helps with honeymoon expenses
Gives flexibility for future purchases
Easy for destination weddings
Holidays
Gift cards solve common holiday gifting challenges:
Perfect for distant relatives with unknown preferences
Ideal for hard-to-shop-for recipients
Allows recipients to take advantage of post-holiday sales
Simplifies shopping for large family gatherings
Teacher Appreciation
Teachers consistently rank gift cards among their most appreciated gifts:
Classroom supply stores
Coffee shops
Bookstores
General retail stores
Coworkers and Casual Acquaintances
Gift cards work well when you don't know someone intimately:
Office gift exchanges
Secret Santa events
Professional relationships
Neighborly occasions
Consider Alternatives For
Very Close Family
While acceptable, extremely close relationships may warrant more personal gifts that show deeper thought and connection.
Young Children
Kids under 10 often prefer tangible toys they can open and play with immediately.
Elderly Relatives
Some older recipients may view gift cards as impersonal or have difficulty using them.
Choosing the Right Gift Card
Match the Card to the Recipient
Consider Their Lifestyle
Busy professionals: Coffee shops, meal delivery, ride-share services
Homebodies: Streaming services, bookstores, home goods
Foodies: Restaurants, grocery stores, specialty food markets
Active individuals: Sporting goods, outdoor retailers, fitness studios
Respect Their Values
Eco-conscious: Sustainable brands, farmers markets, thrift stores
Practical: Home improvement, grocery stores, gas stations
Experience-oriented: Entertainment venues, travel, activities
Luxury-minded: High-end retailers, spas, fine dining
Universal vs. Specific Cards
Universal Prepaid Cards
Best for:
Recipients you don't know well
When you're unsure of preferences
Giving maximum flexibility
International recipients
Store-Specific Cards
Best for:
Recipients with known favorite stores
Showing you pay attention to their interests
Encouraging them to treat themselves
When you want to suggest specific indulgence
Amount Guidelines
Casual Relationships
Coworkers: $15-$25
Neighbors: $20-$30
Children's teachers: $25-$50
Service providers: $25-$50
Close Relationships
Close friends: $50-$100
Immediate family: $100-$200
Wedding gifts: $75-$200 (depending on relationship)
Graduation: $50-$150
Special Considerations
Group gifts: Pool resources for larger amounts
Regional differences: Adjust for cost of living
Financial situations: Give within your comfortable budget
Multiple recipients: Equal amounts for similar relationships
Presentation Matters
Physical Presentation
Avoid Bare Cards
Never hand over a naked gift card. Always include proper presentation.
Card Holder Ideas
Gift card holders designed for the occasion
Attach to small related items (coffee card + mug)
Place in decorative envelopes
Include in greeting cards with personal messages
Creative Packaging
Puzzle boxes or brain teasers
Balloon bouquets with card inside
Themed gift baskets with card included
Money holders designed to look like books
Digital Presentation
Email Gift Cards
Add personal message in email body
Schedule delivery for specific date
Follow up with text or call
Consider mailing physical card too for tangible element
Make It Special
Create digital card with personal photos
Record video message to accompany
Send through platform allowing custom designs
Follow up with personal phone call
Include a Thoughtful Card
Always include a greeting card with personal message:
Explain why you chose that specific card
Share what made you think of them
Include well-wishes appropriate to occasion
Sign with warm, personal closing
Giving Etiquette
Timing
Hand Delivery
Present gift cards at appropriate moments:
Not during formal ceremonies
Private moments preferred
With other gifts if applicable
At designated gift-giving time
Mailed Cards
Send 1-2 weeks before occasion
Use tracked shipping for high-value cards
Include return address
Mark "Do Not Bend" if necessary
What to Say When Giving
Be Gracious
"I hope this helps with [specific purpose]" or "I thought you might enjoy treating yourself at [store]"
Avoid Apologetic Language
Don't say: "Sorry, I didn't know what to get" or "I couldn't think of anything"
Explain Your Choice
"I know you love [store], so I thought you'd enjoy this" shows thoughtfulness.
Group Gifts
Organizing Contributions
Clearly communicate suggested amount
Track contributors carefully
Present card from entire group
Include card signed by everyone
Determine Amount
Survey group for comfortable contribution
Consider collecting range ($10-$25)
Don't pressure anyone
Keep contributor list private
Receiving Etiquette
The Thank You
Immediate Response
Upon receiving a gift card:
Express genuine appreciation
Acknowledge the giver's thoughtfulness
Mention specific plans if known
Maintain eye contact and smile
Written Thank You
Send within two weeks:
Handwritten note preferred
Reference specific gift card and amount
Mention intended use
Express how much you appreciate them
Follow Up
After using the card:
Let giver know what you purchased
Share photo if appropriate
Explain how much you enjoyed their gift
Helps giver feel their gift was meaningful
Using the Card
Timing
Use within reasonable timeframe
Don't let card expire unused
Always check your balance using GiftCardMall/MyGift
Use before fees apply
Don't Complain About
The amount
The store selection
Preference for different gift
Having to spend more
When You Receive an Unwanted Card
Handle Gracefully
Never tell giver you don't want it
Exchange for different merchant if possible
Pass along to someone who would appreciate it
Donate to charity as tax-deductible gift
Special Situations
Re-Gifting
When It's Acceptable
Card is to store you won't use
Original giver won't find out
New recipient would appreciate it
Card is unused and current
Rules for Re-Gifting
Never re-gift to original giver's social circle
Remove any previous gift tags or indicators
Present as thoughtfully as original gift
Ensure card has sufficient time before expiration
Damaged or Lost Cards
As Giver
Offer to help with replacement process
Provide receipt if you have it
Don't make recipient feel guilty
Consider issuing new card if not replaceable
As Recipient
Contact giver promptly but gracefully
Offer to handle replacement yourself
Don't assume giver will replace
Be understanding if replacement isn't possible
Wrong Amount or Store
Mismatched Expectations
If you're disappointed by amount or choice, never show it. Remember that any gift is given with good intentions.
Cultural Considerations
Religious Observances
Research appropriate gift-giving customs
Respect dietary restrictions with food cards
Consider timing of gift presentation
Honor traditions specific to celebration
International Recipients
Verify card works in recipient's country
Consider currency conversion issues
Check for international transaction fees
Universal prepaid cards often work best
Generational Differences
Older adults may prefer physical cards
Younger recipients comfortable with digital
Explain digital card process if needed
Offer to help with registration or setup
Workplace Gift Cards
Office Collections
Participate but don't feel obligated
Contribute comfortable amount
Respond promptly to organizer
Sign group card
Giving to Employees
Equal amounts for similar positions
Consider annual bonus amounts
Present privately
Include note of appreciation
Receiving from Employer
Thank supervisor or HR
Brief email of appreciation sufficient
Mention in person if opportunity arises
Not necessary to disclose what you purchased
The Bottom Line
Gift cards are thoughtful, practical gifts when chosen with care and presented properly. The key to good gift card etiquette is treating them as you would any other gift - with thoughtfulness in selection, graciousness in presentation, and genuine appreciation in receipt.
Whether giving or receiving, remember that gift cards represent an exchange of goodwill. Handle them with the same care and consideration you would give to any expression of affection or appreciation.
Quick Etiquette Checklist
For Givers:
✓ Choose appropriate retailer for recipient
✓ Select suitable amount for relationship
✓ Present in greeting card with personal message
✓ Never apologize for giving gift card
✓ Keep receipt separate from gift
For Recipients:
✓ Express genuine appreciation immediately
✓ Send thank you note within two weeks
✓ Use card in reasonable timeframe
✓ Share with giver what you purchased
✓ Never complain about amount or store
By following these guidelines, you'll navigate gift card giving and receiving with confidence and grace, strengthening relationships and spreading goodwill.