In the spirit of helping you give awesome gift cards, we've put together a list of advice based on common feedback we've gotten from Giftly senders and recipients. This year, be giftly!
1) Give your recipient a choice.
One of the most frequent pieces of feedback we hear from Giftly recipients is that they are thrilled to have options for how and where to spend their gift cards. Not everyone loves being locked into making a purchase at one place, even if it happens to be one of their favorite spots. As a result, recipients tend to be more excited to receive a gift that provides spending flexibility. This type of gift lets the recipient get exactly what they want from where they want.
2) Think local.
Gift cards to a big box retailer or national chain do the job, but a gift card to a local merchant can really help your gift card stand out. People who have been given Giftly gifts from someone far-away have told us they were tickled when they noticed the sender suggested it be used at a nearby store or restaurant - what a surprise! No idea where to begin? Online reviews can help you select a highly rated local business. (For some inspiration, find their home state in the
map of popular gift card categories here.)
3) Get it there on time.
It's okay to shop last minute! What matters is that your gift is in-hand in time for the occasion. Mail service can be unpredictable around the holidays and a trip to the mall might take hours. If you're shopping without much time to spare, select gifts you can print at home or send an e-card for lightning fast delivery. If you prefer shopping early, you might consider scheduling e-card delivery for a future date so you can mark it off your list now. Select a delivery option that makes sense for your timeline to avoid potential disappointment caused by a late gift.
4) Make it personal.
Some people consider gift cards to be impersonal and generic - but it doesn't have to be that way! The way a gift card is perceived entirely depends on the way you present it. Many Giftly recipients have used words like "fun", "thoughtful" and "cute" to describe the gifts they've received through our site. Write a short, personal message, include a festive holiday design or even create your own greeting card using a photo or other image. What counts is that your recipient can tell you put some thought into selecting their gift, and with this you can ensure it is received as unique and meaningful.
Not sure what type of gift card your recipient would like best? Suggest where to go and what to get with a gift that is flexible and easy to use, and don't sweat it. To browse gift ideas,
see our Holiday Gift Guide.
If you are interested in writing a story about Giftly or gift cards in general, please email
press@giftly.com.