44 thoughtful gift card gifts they will actually appreciate
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.
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- Gift cards are ideal when you're down to the wire or you're at wit's end over what to gift someone.
- To make things even easier, we've rounded up 43 digital gift cards that can be delivered by email.
- Still looking for a gift? Check out our list of the All-Time Best products we've ever tested.
Gift cards are always safe options when you're not quite sure what to get someone and are trying to avoid giving them something they don't need. As long as you pick a suitable gift card, they won't be perceived as impersonal.
A gift card is also a great last-minute gift option that'll actually arrive on time - especially with most brands offering e-gift cards that deliver via email in seconds. We curated 44 digital gift cards that'll work for anyone, whether they're a music lover or a coffee fan.
Here are the 44 best gift cards to give for any occasion
A perfect open-ended gift for any traveler, Hotels.com gift cards come in denominations ranging from $10 to $2,000, and they can go just about anywhere.
Uber or Uber EatsUber
Most people won't have too much trouble putting Uber credit to good use, whether they're going out or ordering in.
Google PlayAmazon
From movies to audiobooks to TV shows, there are tons of options your loved one can buy with a Google Play gift card.
EtsyEtsy
From jewelry to clothing and home decor, the online marketplace surely has something unique that'll fit the bill for them.
Lowe'sLowe'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.
OtherlandOtherland
If they love candles but you're not sure of what scents they like, they can choose their own at Otherland.
Read our review of Otherland.
JungalowJungalow
Choose from a variety of holiday-themed cards so they can browse colorful, bohemian housewares before finding their dream gift.
CatbirdCatbird
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.
GameStopGamestop
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.
Disney PlusAlyssa Powell/Business Insider
Buy a Disney Plus gift subscription
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.
OrvisWhether it's for your parents' ski cabin, your best friend's dog, or your fly-fishing uncle, Orvis has just about everyone covered.
BonobosBonobos
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.
GoldbellyGoldbelly
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.
BrooklinenBrooklinen
Brooklinen makes the best high-end sheets at some of the best prices on the internet. Have a gift card delivered digitally or in a gift card box. They can choose from sheets made from linen, cashmere, and more. The company's weighted comforter is the top pick in our buying guide.
AmazonAmazon
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. You can also buy it in a gift card box.
AdidasAdidas
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.
Warby ParkerWarby Parker
Help them find their perfect pair of glasses or sunglasses with a Warby Parker gift card. The physical card comes in a giftable box, but it won't arrive for five days. If you're in a bind, we'd recommend going for the e-gift card.
StarbucksStarbucks
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.
Best BuyBest Buy
Gift them a gift card for all conceivable forms of tech, home appliances, and more.
FramebridgeFramebridge
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.
SpotifySpotify/Facebook
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 something they love and use multiple times per day.
SephoraSephora
They already have their personal beauty favorites. This will just help them cringe a little less when they order them.
NetflixNetflix
Buy a Netflix gift card on 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.
NikeNike
Nike also lets you pick from a swath of gift card designs, including team themes for the Lakers and Knicks.
NordstromNordstrom
If you want to get them a sweater you know they'll love, let them pick it out themselves.
REIREI
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.
PatagoniaPatagonia Facebook
Whatever they spend this on, you can be sure they'll get something great that'll last them for years.
EverlaneEverlane/Facebook
Everlane is a favorite retail startup that is especially loved for its $120 cashmere sweaters. You can find 13 of our favorite Everlane pieces here.
AllbirdsAllbirds/Instagram
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.
HuluHulu
Buy a Hulu gift card on Target or Best Buy
Gift them a Hulu gift card so they can binge-watch "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Project Runway" from under a pile of blankets.
MOUTHMouth
MOUTH sends delicious small-batch, indie food products to help small businesses grow and make it more convenient for the average person to discover the best new goods.
Daily HarvestDaily Harvest
Daily Harvest is a healthy-eating startup that sends you delicious, nutritious meals and smoothies pre-packed in cups that take as little as 30 seconds to make. A chef and nutritionist design recipes, and all cups are under $10. Find a full review here.
XboxXbox
Buy an Xbox gift card on Amazon, Target, or Best Buy
They can spend it on the latest games and entertainment like movies, TV, music, apps, and more.
BarkBoxBarkBox
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.
PlayStationBI Graphics
With this gift card, they can download the latest games and add-ons, watch movies, and more from their PlayStation 4.
SlingSling TV
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.
Macy'sMacy's
Macy's has just about everything you could need for life or home, and they can surf the selection from their couch.
J.CrewJCrew Instagram
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.
Donations to Global Giving and CharityChoiceCharityChoice
Buy a Global Giving or CharityChoice gift card on 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.
L.L.BeanL.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.
HelloFreshHelloFresh
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.
FirstleafConnie Chen/Insider
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.
AirbnbAirbnb
Let them select the location and the company, but you'll foot the bill of their next great adventure. Learn more about Airbnb safety during the novel coronavirus pandemic here.
Delta or Southwest airlinesDelta
Buy a Delta gift card on Best Buy or Target
Buy a Southwest gift card on Best Buy, Target, or Amazon
When it's safe to travel again, 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 travel by train most frequently, there's also an Amtrak gift card.