44 thoughtful gift card gifts they will actually appreciate
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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 EatsMost people won't have too much trouble putting Uber credit to good use, whether they're going out or ordering in.
Google PlayFrom movies to audiobooks to TV shows, there are tons of options your loved one can buy with a Google Play gift card.
EtsyFrom jewelry to clothing and home decor, the online marketplace surely has something unique that'll fit the bill for them.
Lowe'sDepending on the recipient and how much they enjoy their home-improvement tasks, this may be the most exciting gift they receive during the holidays.
OtherlandIf 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.
JungalowChoose from a variety of holiday-themed cards so they can browse colorful, bohemian housewares before finding their dream gift.
CatbirdJewelry can be tough, but it doesn't have to be. If they're a Catbird fan, there's no chance you can fail here.
GameStopThey'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 PlusBuy 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.
BonobosShirts, socks, jeans — whatever it is, there's room in their wardrobe for something from Bonobos. Read our review of Bonobos' impressively affordable stretch chinos.
GoldbellyIf 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 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.
AmazonAn 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.
AdidasGive 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 ParkerHelp 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.
StarbucksYou 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 BuyGift them a gift card for all conceivable forms of tech, home appliances, and more.
FramebridgeLet 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.
SpotifyThey 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.
SephoraThey already have their personal beauty favorites. This will just help them cringe a little less when they order them.
NetflixBuy 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 also lets you pick from a swath of gift card designs, including team themes for the Lakers and Knicks.
NordstromIf you want to get them a sweater you know they'll love, let them pick it out themselves.
REIWhether 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.
PatagoniaWhatever they spend this on, you can be sure they'll get something great that'll last them for years.
EverlaneEverlane 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 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.
HuluBuy 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 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 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.
XboxBuy 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.
BarkBoxFor 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.
PlayStationWith this gift card, they can download the latest games and add-ons, watch movies, and more from their PlayStation 4.
SlingStarting 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 has just about everything you could need for life or home, and they can surf the selection from their couch.
J.CrewFor 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 CharityChoiceBuy 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.BeanGift 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 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.
FirstleafFirstleaf 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.
AirbnbLet 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 airlinesBuy 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.