Most people appreciate gift cards; they offer the opportunity to pick out whatever gift the recipient wants. Gift cards are also great when you don’t know what the recipient wants or what their size or style is.
But some people might perceive a gift card as a boring or thoughtless gift, especially if it lacks a personal touch.
There are definitely more creative ways to give gift cards that will make it a more personalized gift and delight the recipient.
Consider these gift card presentation ideas to take your gifting to the next level!
1. Use a Fancy Gift Box
One simple yet still fun way to give gift cards is in a decorative gift box. Create a custom gift box with a favorite photo and a special message. Whether you choose to wrap the gift box or not, you’ll have a fun gift your friend, coworker, or loved one will remember for years to come.
2. Wrap it in a T-Shirt
Sometimes it’s not enough to give a special someone a T-shirt as a gift. Wrap a gift card in a T-shirt for a present that does double duty. You can do the same with a beach towel for a summer birthday or a silk robe for a bridal shower. The perfect gift might be a T-shirt and a gift card from the same store!
3. Tuck it Inside an Apron for Your Favorite Chef
Are you giving your favorite cook a gift card to their favorite housewares store or specialty spice shop? Try this cute idea: Tuck the gift card inside an apron for an extra surprise. You can even add a few cooking utensils or spices.
4. Place it Inside a Mug or Glass
We can’t think of a more creative way to give gift cards to a favorite coffee house or liquor store than in a coffee mug or wine glass. Personalized mason jars with handles also make great, creative drinkware perfect for holding gift cards.
5. Present it in a Custom Greeting Card
A greeting card may not be one of the most creative ways to give gift cards — except if you create a custom card for the recipient. Anything custom or personalized is inherently a more thoughtful gift. Choose an image that you know will resonate with the recipient. Maybe it’s a picture of what they might buy with the gift card, a favorite moment together, or just a funny photo you know they will love.
Not feeling very creative? We also offer many cute or funny Christmas cards perfect for gift card-giving.
6. Put it in a Business Card Holder
Business cards and gift cards are usually the same size, which makes giving a gift card in a business card holder an easy yet creative gift. Choose from desktop models or pouches. You’ll be giving your friend, colleague, or loved one two gifts in one when you give them a handy business card holder that matches their style along with a gift card to their favorite store.
7. Treat Someone to a Gift Card for Your Business
If you own a business, celebrate your top customer’s birthday with a gift card just for them. Our business gift certificates make it easy for your customers to treat their friends to your services or merchandise as well.
Pro tip: Zazzle offers gift cards! Learn more on our Gift Cards page.
8. Wrap it in Lottery Tickets
A double whammy! Give the gift of luck along with your gift card. Scratcher lottery tickets have been a popular gift in recent years. How great would it be if your gift recipient won some money from their lottery tickets?
9. Display it in an Ornament
Stay in the holiday spirit and place your gift card in a custom ornament! It’s both a fun gift card presentation and a gift they can keep to decorate their tree for years to come. Design your ornament to match whichever gift card you choose!
10. Virtual & Digital Gift Cards
Skip the packaging and wrapping and send a digital gift card! Whether it’s via email or via text, it’ll be easy for them to present their gift card through their phone. Most stores and restaurants offer e-gift cards, but make sure to check their website or call to learn how to purchase and send.
11. Tape it to Their Favorite Candy
Using a box of candy is an especially great idea if you’re giving them a movie theater gift card! Now you can give them the gift of film while also satisfying their sweet tooth. But candy works great in other situations like Easter, Halloween, or other candy-related holidays.
Which Fun Ways to Give Gift Cards Will You Choose?
Hopefully, these gift card presentation ideas sparked your creativity! Gift cards used to be perceived as lackluster, low-effort presents. But with these creative ideas to package gift cards, your gift can be both practical and thoughtful.
To come up with even more fun ideas, consider the gift recipient’s interests, passions, and hobbies. Whether you wrap gift cards in wrapping paper that reflects what they love or bundle them with another gift, gift card giving doesn’t have to be boring.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in December 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Nicole is our Content Strategist. She enjoys long walks to Taco Bell, rollerblading into the sunset, and eating Reese’s Cups for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Find her writing about iPhone cases, holiday card messaging and even music festival tips!
