59 thoughtful gift card gifts they will actually appreciate --[Reported by Umva mag]

Gift cards are a great solution for those notoriously hard-to-shop-for people. Here are some of our favorites for everyone on your list.

Oct 16, 2024 - 19:54
59 thoughtful gift card gifts they will actually appreciate --[Reported by Umva mag]

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Original graphic of Prime Day 2024 gift card deals showing gift cards on a brightly colored background
We've rounded up the best gift cards that feel more personal than cash.

Gift cards are the kinds of presents that can seem obvious or unimaginative, a step up from cutting a check and stuffing it into a card. But hear us out: They're actually incredibly useful and can even be personal — if you put a little thought into them.

A good place to start is by thinking of what your giftee could really use right now. Did they just move to a new home or apartment? Get them a card to buy kitchen essentials or home decor. Are they starting a new job or internship? Money for work-appropriate clothes could go a long way. Have they been going through a rough patch or need a little help taking a break? You can go in on a gift card that helps them travel, splurge on scented candles, or snag some snacks.

To help, we've grouped the gift cards below into different categories, so you can jump right to what you think your gift recipient would want the most. Oh, and PSST: Digital gift cards and subscriptions make excellent last-minute gifts if you're in a pinch.

General/Big retailers
Amazon
An Amazon Echo on a kitchen countertop beside a toaster, a cutting board, and a vase of kitchen utensils

Amazon Gift Card, from $5, available at Amazon

An Amazon gift card is a more polite version of giving them cash. They can buy pretty much anything they've had on their wish list, whether it's new and exciting tech or completely utilitarian home basics.

Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods gift certificate in a striped card holder.

Uncommon Goods Gift Card, from $5 at Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods is one of our favorite retailers for truly unique gifts, but if you'd rather let the giftee pick out something themselves, this gift card can be a fun, thoughtful gift.

Best Buy
Two people in a kitchen, one in front of a sink, the other measuring the width of a stainless-steel refrigerator

Best Buy Gift Card, from $15, available at Best Buy

Gift them a gift card for all conceivable forms of tech, home appliances, and more. 

Target
Exterior of Target store

Target Gift Card, from $5, available at Target

Especially perfect for anyone moving to a new dorm or apartment, a Target gift card gives them access to everything from home essentials and decor to clothes and pantry staples.

Anthropologie
Anthropologie Gift Card and illustrated envelope.

Anthropologie Gift Card, from $25, available at Anthropologie

Anthropologie is one of those high-quality retailers your giftee can really appreciate a gift card for. They can use the money for gorgeous new clothes, stunning home decor, and even dresses and accessories via BHLDN, the brand's wedding section.

Etsy
A wooden soap dish filled with and surrounded by decorative soap bars

Etsy Gift Card, from $25, available at Etsy

From jewelry to clothing and home decor, the online marketplace surely has something unique that'll fit the bill for them.

Lowe's
Hanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Diwali-themed gift cards from Lowe's over a blue backgrund

Lowe's Gift Card, from $50, available at Lowe's

Depending on the recipient and how much they enjoy their home-improvement tasks, this may be the most exciting gift they receive during the holidays.

Nordstrom
A boy in Christmas-themed pajamas playing with a toy basketball set in a red room strewn with children's toys

Nordstrom Gift Card, from $50, available at Nordstrom

If you want to get them a sweater you know they'll love, let them pick it out themselves.

Macy's
Mint-green KitchenAid appliances on a countertop and shelves alongside desserts, a plant, and a glass of juice

Macy's Gift Card, from $10, available at Macy's

For anyone in need of a new wardrobe or even furniture, a Macy's gift card gives them access to seemingly endless clothes and accessories.

Home and Kitchen
Le Creuset
le creuset

Le Creuset Gift Card, from $5, available at Le Creuset

For the cooking aficionado, Le Creuset offers high-quality cookware in a range of colorful options.

Parachute
A bed inside a home made with rust-colored duvet color and pillowcases from Parachute home.

Parachute Gift Card, from $50, available at Parachute

Parachute makes some of our favorite bathrobes, and is also a great spot to shop for furniture and home goods. A gift card can help them splurge on whatever decor or self-care items they need.

Williams Sonoma
Williams Sonoma store window

Williams Sonoma Gift Card, from $25, available at Williams Sonoma

Particularly great for home cooks and committed bakers, a Williams Sonoma gift card can go toward sturdy cookware, adorable baking supplies, and other quality essentials and accessories for their kitchen.

The Sill
Assorted succulents, soil, and a glass dome included in the DIY Terrarium Kit from The Sill

The Sill Digital Gift Card, from $25, available at The Sill

The Sill is a great resource for plants in sleek, trendy containers. If you're not sure what plant they'd want or what their plant maintenance level is, a gift card leaves it up to them to choose.

Brooklinen
a platform bed flanked by a nightstand with flowers, an alarm clock, and books, with blue and white sheets from Brooklinen.

Brooklinen Gift Card, from $50, available at Brooklinen

Brooklinen makes the best high-end sheets at some of the best prices on the internet. They can choose from sheets made from linen, cashmere, and more.

Framebridge
Person's outstretched hands holding a framed photo of several people wearing swimsuits

Framebridge Gift Card, from $25, available at Framebridge

Let them custom frame one of their best memories. It's something they'll probably never shell out for on their own, but they'll love having it around the house.

BarkBox
A prone dog next to a BarkBox gift box full of chew toys and treats

BarkBox Gift Card, from $35, available at BarkBox

For the dog people, the best gift may just be gifts for their pup. Barkbox will send them a box of toys and treats every month. 

Another good option for pet owners is a Petco gift card — if you think they (or their pet) may like picking out their own toys.

Clothes and Accessories
Bombas
bombas ankle socks

Bombas Gift Card, from $25, available at Bombas

Bombas is best known for its socks, which we found to be the most comfortable and durable on the market. The brand sells other cozy classics, too, like underwear, t-shirts, and slippers.

Old Navy
The exterior of an Old Navy store.

Old Navy Gift Card, from $10, available at Old Navy

If they're in need of a pair of jeans or a new sweater, Old Navy is a fantastic choice for trendy and versatile basics.

Outdoor Voices
A plus-size model wears the Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress.

Outdoor Voices Gift Card, from $25, available at Outdoor Voices

Outdoor Voices is home to lots of fashion-forward athletic apparel, from the famed exercise dress to skorts and leggings.  

 

Catbird
A Catbird gift card with out-of-focus silver jewelry to the side

Catbird Gift Card, from $25, available at Catbird

Jewelry can be tough, but it doesn't have to be. If they're a Catbird fan, there's no chance you can fail here.

Warby Parker
a cardboard box filled with Warby Parker eyeglasses beside a note pad and pencil

Warby Parker Gift Card, from $25, available at Warby Parker

If they're in need of trendy new eyewear, a Warby Parker gift card will help them find the best frames for them, especially with the brand's famed at-home try-on service.

REI
Various fall and winter shirts and jackets hanging along a white brick wall

REI Gift Card, from $10, available at REI

Whether you're outfitting them for their next hike or an afternoon spent in a ski lodge, you get to ensure they'll be able to get exactly the make and model of the boot or sweater they want for the trip. 

Bonobos
A hazel-eyed, light-skinned man pulling a patterned Bonobos sweater over his face

Bonobos Gift Card, from $25, available at Bonobos

Shirts, socks, jeans — whatever it is, there's room in their wardrobe for something from Bonobos. Read our review of Bonobos' impressively affordable stretch chinos.

Madewell
A woman wearing green fatigue style shorts from Madewell with a white tank top and olive over shirt

Madewell Gift Card, from $25, available at Madewell

Madewell is home to bestselling denim, clothing, shoes, and accessories, making this gift card a great gift for anyone in need of some new apparel.

Zappos
Zappos gift card

Zappos Gift Card, from $10, available at Zappos

Zappos is the home of pretty much every type of shoe imaginable, and a gift card can go towards the sneakers, boots, sandals, or loafers they've been eyeing for a while.

Orvis
An array of Orvis gift cards on a wooden workbench with a mug of hot chocolate in the center

Orvis Gift Card, from $25, available at Orvis

Whether it's for your parents' ski cabin, your best friend's dog, or your fly-fishing uncle, Orvis has just about everyone covered.

Adidas
A woman's feet wearing a pair of Adidas sneakers, perched atop the door of pink automobile

Adidas Gift Card, from $25, available at Adidas

Give them a new pair of sneakers, some new athletic gear, or cool athleisure with a gift card that lets them pick out their favorite pieces. Adidas has physical gift cards, e-gift cards, and a bulk gift card offer if you're looking to buy cards for a big group.

Mejuri
Person wearing a necklace with a diamond charm in the shape of an "R"

Mejuri Gift Card, from $25, available at Mejuri

Mejuri is one of our favorite retailers when it comes to durable, sleek, quality jewelry. A gift card can help them pick out everything from everyday gold hoops to dainty rings to add to their collection.

Nike
The legs of someone sitting in red dirt, clutching their shins, and wearing neon-green Nike sneakers

Nike Gift Card, from $25, available at Nike

Nike also lets you pick from a swath of gift card designs, including team themes for the Lakers and Knicks. 

Patagonia
Someone in cross-trainers, shorts, and a Patagonia sun shirt preparing to fly-fish in a mountain lake

Patagonia Gift Card, from $25, available at Patagonia

Whatever they spend this on, you can be sure they'll get something great that'll last them for years. 

Everlane
Three people posing together in Everlane sweaters and denim

Everlane Gift Card, from $25, available at Everlane

Everlane is a favorite retail startup that is especially loved for its $120 cashmere sweaters. You can find our favorite Everlane pieces here

Allbirds
Two pairs of feet wearing Allbirds wool runner sneakers atop a cotton throw.

Allbirds Gift Card, from $15, available at Allbirds

Allbirds makes the world's most comfortable shoes from sustainable materials like merino wool, eucalyptus leaves, and foam made from sugar cane. They're especially popular in New York City and Silicon Valley.

L.L.Bean
Someone in turquoise L.L.Bean rain gear and a beanie hiking up toward a waterfall

L.L.Bean Gift Card, from $25, available at L.L.Bean

Gift cards for apparel are particularly useful since you may not know imperative details like shoe size. If you know they love a brand or have been pining after their own Bean boots, this is a nice way to make it happen without tipping them off. 

J.Crew
Four people posing in J. Crew rugby shirts

J.Crew Gift Card, from $25, available at J.Crew 

For the basics, J.Crew has some of the best quality and style for the price. It also has frequent sales, meaning they may get more value out of their gift card.

Beauty and Skincare
Ulta
Ulta Beauty Storr

Ulta Gift Card, from $10, available at Ulta

When it comes to beauty products, Ulta will 1000% have them covered. They can use their gift card on everything from skincare essentials to makeup sets.

Glossier
Glossier The Makeup Set including Cloud Paint cheek color, Boy Brow eyebrow pomade, and Lash Slick mascara.

Glossier Gift Card, from $15, available at Glossier

For beauty enthusiasts, it's hard to top a Glossier gift card, which they can use on the brand's bestselling skincare and makeup products.

Sephora
A bear-shaped cosmetic bottle beside a dropper bottle atop a glass shelf

Sephora Gift Card, from $10, available at Sephora

They already have their personal beauty favorites. With this gift card, they won't have to use their precious Sephora points on that new lipstick or foundation.

Food and Drinks
Goldbelly
A Primanti's sandwich with white bread, pastrami, sauerkraut, tomatoes, and more

Goldbelly Gift Card, from $25, available at Goldbelly

If they can't make it home this year, there's a good chance Goldbelly can bring their local favorite to them. A New York pastrami sandwich? A Chicago dog? You can find almost anything from the most cherished delicacies of their hometown, city, or region.

Starbucks
An iced macchiato from Starbucks in an outstretched hand with out-of-focus greenery in the background

Starbucks Gift Card, from $25, available at Amazon

You may not be there every morning, but this is one of the easier ways to buy them a hot cup of coffee each day. There's also a gift card for Dunkin', if that's their preferred caffeine source.

HelloFresh
A bird's-eye view of people eating at a table with prepared HelloFresh food and glasses of red wine

HelloFresh Gift Card, from $75, available at Hello Fresh

HelloFresh is a meal kit delivery service that drops off fresh ingredients for delicious home-cooked meals. It makes week-time prep easier, and it helps amateur and experienced cooks conveniently expand their repertoire. 

Firstleaf
Three wine bottles of wine atop a dining table beside a vase of eucalyptus from First Leaf wine club.

Firstleaf Gift Card, from $25, available at Firsleaf

Firstleaf is a wine subscription service that delivers wines from top vineyards around the world for only $15 per bottle. Let them explore great wine without worrying about the expense. Plus, its introductory box of three wines is only $15, and it sets the wheels in motion for the service to learn more about your tastes and preferences as they evolve.

Travel
Away
away suitcase

Away Gift Card, from $50, available at Away

Give your favorite jetsetter the gift of quality luggage. Away is one of our favorite luggage brands, with plenty of bags and travel accessories to choose from.

Uber or Uber Eats
Three blue and white Uber gift cards ranging from $15 to $200

Uber Gift Card, from $15, available at Amazon

Most people won't have too much trouble putting Uber credit to good use, whether they're going out or ordering in.

Hotels.com
Chihuahua wearing a bathrobe in front of a breakfast in bed tray with a plate of croissants and a green smoothie on it.

Hotels.com Gift Card, from $50, available at Amazon

A perfect open-ended gift for any traveler, Hotels.com gift cards come in denominations of $50 and $100, and they can go just about anywhere.

Airbnb
A four poster bed in a tropical sea-front Airbnb room

Airbnb Gift Card, from $100, available at Airbnb and Zola

Let them select the location and the company, but you'll foot the bill for their next great adventure. 

Delta or Southwest airlines
Two people sitting in Delta Premium Select seats, one sleeping and the other using a laptop

Delta Gift Card, from $50, available at Best Buy and Target

Southwest Gift Card, from $50, available at Best Buy, Target, or Amazon

Airline gift cards are perfect for frequent travelers (and even better for family members who see trips home as opportunities to score more miles on their go-to airline). It's also easier than booking a trip for them yourself.

If they prefer train travel, there's also an Amtrak gift card

Hobbies and entertainment
Google Play
A holiday-themed digital Google Play gift card with a Christmas tree ornament reading "Happy Holidays"

Google Play Gift Card, from $25, available at Amazon

From movies to audiobooks to TV shows, your loved one has many options with a Google Play gift card.

ClassPass
ClassPass gift card to the left of two purple dumbbells.

ClassPass Gift Subscription, from $10, available at ClassPass

If they're someone who enjoys fitness (or is still figuring out what workouts they like), money put towards a ClassPass subscription can help them try out the service. A monthly membership lets them sample boutique fitness classes in their area and can even include self-care appointments with spas or nail salons.

GameStop
A "Happy Holidays" Gamestop gift card

GameStop Gift Card, from $25, available at Gamestop 

They're a gamer, but you don't know which console or games they have. Rest assured that a gift card will have you covered.

Bookshop
plaid gift card with a red bow on it for bookshop

Bookshop Gift Card, from $10, available at Bookshop

If they happen to be big book lovers, a Bookshop gift card is a simple and appreciated gift. As a bonus, every purchase on the site gives back to local bookstores.

Disney Plus
Superwoman, Mickey Mouse, and Darth Vader with a Disney+ background

Disney Plus 1-Year Gift Subscription, $79.99, available at Disney Plus

If they've been wanting to watch "Loki" or the "Luca," gift them a year's worth of entertainment with a Disney Plus subscription. For $79.99, they can access thousands of titles from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, "Star Wars," National Geographic, and 20th Century Studios. Here's everything to know about the streaming platform. 

Spotify
Hands raised at a concert venue in front of stage lights and smoke

Spotify Gift Card, from $10, available at Target

They probably already have a Spotify account, but this gets them ad-free access. A Spotify gift card lets you fund the next few months of a platform they love and use multiple times per day. 

Audible
the audible logo on a smartphone with earbuds plugged on next to a book
Audible Premium Plus gives you access to a huge library of titles with extra perks.

Audible Gift Subscription, from $15/month, available at Audible

While technically a subscription and not a card, this service gives your giftee credits to pick out whichever audiobooks they want (1 credit = 1 book). It's particularly great for people who love to read but find themselves pressed for time — they can use this to read on the go.

Netflix
A TV with Netflix on the screen in front of a coffee table with a candle and magazines

Netflix Gift Card, from $30, available at Target and Best Buy

Pair it with a bottle of wine, popcorn, and some warm and fuzzy socks for a perfect night spent at home. 

Hulu
Someone holding an iPad with

Hulu Gift Card, from $25, available at Target and Best Buy

Gift them a Hulu gift card so they can watch all their favorites from under a pile of blankets. 

Xbox
A backlit Xbox 1 and remote controller atop a black surface

Xbox Gift Card, from $10, available at Amazon and Best Buy

They can spend it on the latest games and entertainment like movies, TV, music, apps, and more. 

PlayStation
A PlayStation controller in front of a swirly blue graphic background
PlayStation DualShock 4 Controller

PlayStation Gift Card, from $10, available at Amazon

With this gift card, they can download the latest games and add-ons, watch movies, and more from their PlayStation 4. 

Sling
Someone holding an iPad watching ESPN SportsCenter via Sling TV

Sling Gift Card, from $25, available at Amazon

Starting at $35 per month, users get access to more than 30 of the best channels, like CNN, ESPN, AMC, Disney, and the Food Network.

Donations to Global Giving and CharityChoice
A Charity Choice gift card displaying support ribbons for education, hunger, health, disaster relief, and the environment

Global Giving or CharityChoice Gift Card, from $50, available at Zola

This is an easy way to empower someone to give to a charity close to their heart. You designate the amount and general category of charities, and they can decide where the funds go.

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