59 thoughtful gift card gifts they will actually appreciate

Amazon Gift Card, from $5, available at Amazon

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.

Uncommon Goods Gift Card, from $5 at Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods is one of our favorite retailers for truly unique gifts, but if you'd rather let the giftee pick out something themselves, this gift card can be a fun, thoughtful gift.

Best Buy Gift Card, from $15, available at Best Buy

Gift them a gift card for all conceivable forms of tech, home appliances, and more. 

Target Gift Card, from $5, available at Target

Especially perfect for anyone moving to a new dorm or apartment, a Target gift card gives them access to everything from home essentials and decor to clothes and pantry staples.

Anthropologie Gift Card, from $25, available at Anthropologie

Anthropologie is one of those high-quality retailers your giftee can really appreciate a gift card for. They can use the money for gorgeous new clothes, stunning home decor, and even dresses and accessories via BHLDN, the brand's wedding section.

Etsy Gift Card, from $25, available at Etsy

From jewelry to clothing and home decor, the online marketplace surely has something unique that'll fit the bill for them.

Lowe's Gift Card, from $50, available at Lowe'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.

Nordstrom Gift Card, from $50, available at Nordstrom

If you want to get them a sweater you know they'll love, let them pick it out themselves.

Macy's Gift Card, from $10, available at Macy's

For anyone in need of a new wardrobe or even furniture, a Macy's gift card gives them access to seemingly endless clothes and accessories.

Le Creuset Gift Card, from $5, available at Le Creuset

For the cooking aficionado, Le Creuset offers high-quality cookware in a range of colorful options.

Parachute Gift Card, from $50, available at Parachute

Parachute makes some of our favorite bathrobes, and is also a great spot to shop for furniture and home goods. A gift card can help them splurge on whatever decor or self-care items they need.

Williams Sonoma Gift Card, from $25, available at Williams Sonoma

Particularly great for home cooks and committed bakers, a Williams Sonoma gift card can go toward sturdy cookware, adorable baking supplies, and other quality essentials and accessories for their kitchen.

The Sill Digital Gift Card, from $25, available at The Sill

The Sill is a great resource for plants in sleek, trendy containers. If you're not sure what plant they'd want or what their plant maintenance level is, a gift card leaves it up to them to choose.

Brooklinen Gift Card, from $50, available at Brooklinen

Brooklinen makes the best high-end sheets at some of the best prices on the internet. They can choose from sheets made from linen, cashmere, and more.

Framebridge Gift Card, from $25, available at Framebridge

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.

BarkBox Gift Card, from $35, available at BarkBox

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.

Bombas Gift Card, from $25, available at Bombas

Bombas is best known for its socks, which we found to be the most comfortable and durable on the market. The brand sells other cozy classics, too, like underwear, t-shirts, and slippers.

Old Navy Gift Card, from $10, available at Old Navy

If they're in need of a pair of jeans or a new sweater, Old Navy is a fantastic choice for trendy and versatile basics.

Outdoor Voices Gift Card, from $25, available at Outdoor Voices

Outdoor Voices is home to lots of fashion-forward athletic apparel, from the famed exercise dress to skorts and leggings.  

Catbird Gift Card, from $25, available at Catbird

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.

Warby Parker Gift Card, from $25, available at Warby Parker

If they're in need of trendy new eyewear, a Warby Parker gift card will help them find the best frames for them, especially with the brand's famed at-home try-on service.

REI Gift Card, from $10, available at REI

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. 

Bonobos Gift Card, from $25, available at Bonobos

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.

Madewell Gift Card, from $25, available at Madewell

Madewell is home to bestselling denim, clothing, shoes, and accessories, making this gift card a great gift for anyone in need of some new apparel.

Zappos Gift Card, from $10, available at Zappos

Zappos is the home of pretty much every type of shoe imaginable, and a gift card can go towards the sneakers, boots, sandals, or loafers they've been eyeing for a while.

Orvis Gift Card, from $25, available at Orvis

Whether it's for your parents' ski cabin, your best friend's dog, or your fly-fishing uncle, Orvis has just about everyone covered.

Adidas Gift Card, from $25, available at Adidas

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.

Mejuri Gift Card, from $25, available at Mejuri

Mejuri is one of our favorite retailers when it comes to durable, sleek, quality jewelry. A gift card can help them pick out everything from everyday gold hoops to dainty rings to add to their collection.

Nike Gift Card, from $25, available at Nike

Nike also lets you pick from a swath of gift card designs, including team themes for the Lakers and Knicks. 

Patagonia Gift Card, from $25, available at Patagonia

Whatever they spend this on, you can be sure they'll get something great that'll last them for years. 

Everlane Gift Card, from $25, available at Everlane

Everlane is a favorite retail startup that is especially loved for its $120 cashmere sweaters. You can find our favorite Everlane pieces here. 

Allbirds Gift Card, from $15, available at Allbirds

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.

L.L.Bean Gift Card, from $25, available at L.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. 

J.Crew Gift Card, from $25, available at J.Crew 

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.

Ulta Gift Card, from $10, available at Ulta

When it comes to beauty products, Ulta will 1000% have them covered. They can use their gift card on everything from skincare essentials to makeup sets.

Glossier Gift Card, from $15, available at Glossier

For beauty enthusiasts, it's hard to top a Glossier gift card, which they can use on the brand's bestselling skincare and makeup products.

Sephora Gift Card, from $10, available at Sephora

They already have their personal beauty favorites. With this gift card, they won't have to use their precious Sephora points on that new lipstick or foundation.

Goldbelly Gift Card, from $25, available at Goldbelly

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.

Starbucks Gift Card, from $25, available at Amazon

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.

HelloFresh Gift Card, from $75, available at Hello Fresh

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. 

Firstleaf Gift Card, from $25, available at Firsleaf

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.

Away Gift Card, from $50, available at Away

Give your favorite jetsetter the gift of quality luggage. Away is one of our favorite luggage brands, with plenty of bags and travel accessories to choose from.

Uber Gift Card, from $15, available at Amazon

Most people won't have too much trouble putting Uber credit to good use, whether they're going out or ordering in.

Hotels.com Gift Card, from $50, available at Amazon

A perfect open-ended gift for any traveler, Hotels.com gift cards come in denominations of $50 and $100, and they can go just about anywhere.

Airbnb Gift Card, from $100, available at Airbnb and Zola

Let them select the location and the company, but you'll foot the bill for their next great adventure. 

Delta Gift Card, from $50, available at Best Buy and Target

Southwest Gift Card, from $50, available at Best Buy, Target, or Amazon

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 prefer train travel, there's also an Amtrak gift card. 

Google Play Gift Card, from $25, available at Amazon

From movies to audiobooks to TV shows, your loved one has many options with a Google Play gift card.

ClassPass Gift Subscription, from $10, available at ClassPass

If they're someone who enjoys fitness (or is still figuring out what workouts they like), money put towards a ClassPass subscription can help them try out the service. A monthly membership lets them sample boutique fitness classes in their area and can even include self-care appointments with spas or nail salons.

GameStop Gift Card, from $25, available at Gamestop 

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.

Bookshop Gift Card, from $10, available at Bookshop

If they happen to be big book lovers, a Bookshop gift card is a simple and appreciated gift. As a bonus, every purchase on the site gives back to local bookstores.

Disney Plus 1-Year Gift Subscription, $79.99, available at Disney Plus

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. 

Spotify Gift Card, from $10, available at Target

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 a platform they love and use multiple times per day. 

Audible Gift Subscription, from $15/month, available at Audible

While technically a subscription and not a card, this service gives your giftee credits to pick out whichever audiobooks they want (1 credit = 1 book). It's particularly great for people who love to read but find themselves pressed for time — they can use this to read on the go.

Netflix Gift Card, from $30, available at 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. 

Hulu Gift Card, from $25, available at Target and Best Buy

Gift them a Hulu gift card so they can watch all their favorites from under a pile of blankets. 

Xbox Gift Card, from $10, available at Amazon and Best Buy

They can spend it on the latest games and entertainment like movies, TV, music, apps, and more. 

PlayStation Gift Card, from $10, available at Amazon

With this gift card, they can download the latest games and add-ons, watch movies, and more from their PlayStation 4. 

Sling Gift Card, from $25, available at Amazon

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.

Global Giving or CharityChoice Gift Card, from $50, available at 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.