We know—the holiday rush might seem far off, and your to-do list is already overflowing. But as spring and summer speed by, the holiday rush will be here before you know it! Preparing now can ease stress later and help you fully capitalize on the busiest gift card sales season. Industry data reveals that approximately 64% of annual gift card purchases occur during the holiday period [1].

Here’s your enhanced pre-holiday gift card checklist to help you navigate the upcoming season with ease:

Begin by assessing last year’s gift card program:

• Did you run out of gift cards during peak holiday weeks?
• Were your gift card displays visible and easily accessible?
• Did your holiday promotions deliver the expected outcomes?

Take a detailed look at monthly sales, inventory trends, redemption rates, and new customer acquisition. This assessment will help you set measurable and realistic goals for the coming year, whether you aim to increase sales or simply ensure sufficient stock. Gift card sales peak notably in the final weeks before Christmas, with retailers reporting redemption rates for holiday-themed cards rising by up to 35% compared to standard designs [2].

Based on your review, identify impactful yet straightforward actions:

Not selling enough?

• Improve visibility: Customers often overlook gift cards hidden behind counters or out of sight. Visual prominence is crucial—76% of consumers report purchasing gift cards due to their prominent placement near checkout [1]. Investing in a clear, attractive display can significantly boost sales.
• Refresh your design: Gift cards are brand ambassadors. If your design hasn’t changed in years or no longer aligns with your branding, consider updating it. New, compelling designs can catch customer attention and inspire more purchases.
• Consider packaging: Gift card holders and envelopes enhance the gifting experience, encouraging customers to choose your cards as attractive gifts. Customized or well-designed packaging creates a memorable unwrapping experience, significantly elevating the perceived value.

Selling faster than anticipated?

• Increase inventory: If you frequently run short, incrementally increase your order to prevent mid-season rush orders that incur extra fees. Larger orders may also qualify for volume discounts.
• Order early: Ordering ahead—even earlier than feels necessary—helps gauge regular sales patterns and better prepares you for holiday demand spikes.

Avoid last-minute scrambling. Ensure you have enough:

• Gift cards
• Matching holders
• Envelopes or display racks

Early ordering avoids rush charges and shipping delays, positioning you for smooth operations throughout the season.

Prepare your staff before the holiday rush by:

• Reviewing the gift card program thoroughly
• Clarifying inventory locations and reorder processes
• Demonstrating ideal display setups

A confident team ensures smoother operations and maximizes sales opportunities.

Consistent promotion across various platforms is vital:

• Website homepage
• Email marketing
• Social media
• In-store signage

Gift cards attract new customers and strengthen brand loyalty, making regular promotion essential to stand out from competitors.

The holidays are filled with potential, but success hinges on early preparation. Implement these steps now to ensure your gift card program is optimized and stress-free when the rush hits. For easy reference, download and print this checklist below. Need assistance updating your gift cards or have questions? We’re here to support your success.

Sources:

1. Retail TouchPoints: https://www.retailtouchpoints.com
2. InComm Payments: https://www.incomm.com
3. National Retail Federation: https://nrf.com