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30 Creative Gift Card Ideas for Everyone on Your List
You can't go wrong with any of these popular picks (especially if you waited until the last minute).
When it comes to gift-buying, not everyone makes it easy. One of my family members who shall remain nameless (OK, it's my husband) always buys himself everything he needs, even around the holidays. To make matters even more challenging, my brother also lives by the "treat yourself" motto and if he wants a new video game, a new pair of sneakers or the latest book by his favorite author, he just clicks "add to cart."
Beyond the frustrating shopping habits of my close family members, I know I'm also not alone in always seeking a couple of gifts for those people I just don't know all that well, whether it's a contribution to the office White Elephant exchange, a secret Santa gift or that holiday gathering at a friend-of-a-friend's house that calls for a host offering. Say nothing of that person who gets you a present that you weren't expecting, leaving you scrambling for a last-minute gift. When confronted with these challenging situations, especially during the holidays, a gift card can be the best option.
Luckily, the best gift cards are anything but a cop-out. We love these options because they let the recipient pick out their own present (perfect for that shopaholic in your life) and may even lead your friends and loved ones to discover a new favorite retailer. Grab a festive card, write a thoughtful message inside (one of these Christmas quotes, perhaps?) and add one of these great gift cards. Holiday gift exchange = solved.
As the name suggests, a gift from Uncommon Goods works great for those people with great taste who might also be a little picky. Think of it like a department store with curated goods for people who like the kinds of things that make others say, "Hey, where'd you get that?"
Lifelong learners will love the opportunity to hear from experts on just about any topic you can imagine. A MasterClass subscription is an inspirational way to start any new year, and perfect for that person who already has everything they need.
For the recipient who has everything, give the gift of experience this holiday season. Cloud 9 lets you choose between over 600 outings, from skydiving to hot air ballooning, to cooking classes and so much more. There's something for everyone, regardless of their interests.
For those who love to unwind with a nice glass of vino, give them a gift card to pick the perfect bottle (or two). Alcohol shipping rules vary by state, so make sure it's legal where your recipient lives.
OK, so an Amazon gift card is not the most original idea on the block. But it can open the door for your recipient to buy anything from a special treat to much-needed groceries, so it might be the most versatile option out there.
With thousands of organic, non-GMO and specialty products at wholesale prices, Thrive Market is perfect for those who may not live in an area with ample shopping options. It's also great for bargain-hunters with refined taste.
Give your loved one the gift of relaxation with access to thousands of spas, fitness centers, wellness centers, salons and more. If they want to spend the day getting a massage, facial, mani-pedi, the whole nine, they can use this card that way. If a yoga or pilates class is more their speed, it works for those too. They'll feel more relaxed just opening the envelope.
We could all use a nice getaway, but giving a trip can be dicey. An Airbnb gift card lets them choose their destination, timing and accommodation style.
With more artisan-made, handcrafted gifts than anyone could possibly count, Etsy is the go-to for those who like to shop small businesses. But warn your recipient when they open it: Choosing just one to support will be a real challenge.
For that plant parent who can't have a lush enough indoor forest, a gift card to The Sill can help them add to their brood. If they've got enough plants already, the retailer also has gorgeous planters and stands to display them in style.
For the frazzled parents who need help getting dinner on the table, or just to take some of the stress off the post-holiday weeks, a gift card to this Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab-approved meal delivery service will fit the bill.
Give pet parents a present that they can use to spoil their fur babies. Chewy has everything from food to toys to apparel, for all of their furry friends' needs.
For older teens or college students who are just getting into investing, or seasoned financial pros who take their portfolios seriously, Stockpile gift cards are a unique gift that keeps on giving. Choose from a selection of popular and high-performing stocks, or let your recipient pick their own investment with a choose-your-own-adventure card.
Give your recipient a host of options with a multi-store gift card. Each one has a selection of retailers, including favorites like Macy's and Bed, Bath & Beyond, Ulta Beauty and GameStop, restaurants like PF Chang's, the Cheesecake Factory, ColdStone and more. You can also customize the card's look online, for an even more personal present.
Give the gift of good taste with a Havenly gift card. The company offers both consultations on interior design and merchandise to realize their vision, so your recipient can make their dream home a reality.
For that one friend who has lots of opinions about the best way to brew their morning cup of Joe, a coffee subscription will enable their caffeinated hobby. With both three- and six-month options, you can also choose how much to commit.
Those chilly winter nights ahead call for some move marathons, and Disney+ has lots of new and old favorites. All they'll need are their coziest pajamas and a big bowl of popcorn.
We've all got that project that we just haven't gotten around to completing. Help a friend out by gifting them two hours of handyman services to finally get that picture hung, TV mounted, leaky sink fixed — whatever needs doing.
Have you ever tried to buy makeup or personal care products for someone else? Unless you bring the item into the store with you, the chances of picking up the wrong thing are just too high. Save yourself the stress with a gift card instead. Digital options are available!
Lizz (she/her) is a senior editor at Good Housekeeping, where she runs the GH Book Club, edits essays and long-form features and writes about pets, books and lifestyle topics. A journalist for almost two decades, she is the author of Biography of a Body and Buffalo Steel. She also teaches journalism as an adjunct professor at New York University's School of Professional Studies and creative nonfiction at the Muse Writing Center, and coaches with the New York Writing Room.