(BPT) - Gift cards remain the most requested gift for 18 years in a row, according to the National Retail Federation. Their appeal is simple: they offer flexibility, convenience, and the joy of letting recipients choose exactly what they want. This holiday season, many will rely on gift cards to brighten their loved ones' celebrations.
The reasons for their popularity are clear: they take the guesswork out of gift-giving and eliminate awkward returns or exchanges. Whether it's for a coffee lover, a bookworm, or a frequent traveler, there's a gift card to match any interest. They're also a great option for last-minute shoppers, with digital gift cards available instantly.
But as gift cards continue to top shopping lists, it's important to shop thoughtfully and safely to ensure a smooth gifting experience. Here's how:
Thoughtful Selection: Choosing a gift card with care can make it feel more personal. Think about the recipient's hobbies or interests when making your selection. For someone hard to shop for, a multi-store gift card or the new gift card from Giftcards.com provides options by letting the recipient choose exactly what they want from several popular brands. To add a personal touch, pair the card with a small, related item - like gourmet popcorn with a movie gift card or a scented candle with a spa card.
Easy Digital Delivery: Digital gift cards make gifting simple and quick. Many popular brands, such as Nordstrom, PlayStation, The Cheesecake Factory, Five Guys, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, and Cracker Barrel, allow you to send eGift cards via a link.
You can share eGift cards through text, email, or social messaging apps, making it easy to customize the delivery. Since the link comes from you, it's clear who sent the gift. The recipient can redeem the eGift instantly and start enjoying it right away.
Smart Purchasing: Buying from trusted brands and retailers is key to ensuring your gift card is secure. Shop directly from brand websites, reliable online marketplaces like Giftcards.com, or well-known in-store displays. Check the packaging for signs of tampering, like missing scratch-off PIN covers, and keep the activation receipt in case of any problems.
The new Visa® eGift and Mastercard® eGift cards are also great options. These come in tamper-evident carriers and let recipients load funds to their digital wallets by scanning a QR code. You can find these cards at over 15,000 locations across the nation, including Kroger, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith's, King Soopers, Fry's, QFC, City Market, Owen's, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker's, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick 'n Save, Metro Market, Mariano's, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, Foods Co, Weis Markets and many more.
Staying Safe from Possible Fraud: Gift card fraud is rare but worth being cautious about. Criminals may tamper with packaging or use scams to get card details. To stay safe, never share card numbers or PINs with anyone other than the recipient. Be wary of anyone asking for payment through gift cards - legitimate businesses and government agencies don't do this.
If you notice a card seems tampered with, pick a different one and let a store employee know. Encourage recipients to keep their gift cards safe and contact the number on the back of the card if there's any issue. Taking these steps ensures the card is used as intended.
Gift with Confidence: By shopping carefully and taking a few precautions, you can be confident that your gift card will be a hit. Gift cards not only simplify holiday shopping but also bring joy to those who receive them. This holiday season, let gift cards be your go-to for thoughtful, flexible, and safe gifting. With the right approach, you'll take the stress out of gift-giving and make the holidays brighter for everyone on your list.
