Gift cards have come a long way from hard-to-manage paper slips to now an “easy” tool to drive revenue. Today, they’re one of the most versatile and thoughtful gifts a shopper can buy in person or online. While Beanie Babies are long gone, gift cards have been the most requested holiday gift for 17 consecutive years, according to the National Retail Federation [1]. From small thank-you gestures to major life celebrations, gift cards fit every occasion. For merchants like you, that flexibility creates opportunities to boost sales during the holidays and beyond. Let’s explore some familiar and unexpected ways to promote gift cards.

Few gifts slip as easily into a stocking or holiday card as a gift card. They’re compact, cheerful, and almost instantly usable. Your customers love them for teachers, neighbors, or coworkers—it’s a way to recognize someone without overspending.

Merchants like you can make the most of this by:

• Having ready-preloaded smaller denominations, such as $10, $15, or $20.
• Have custom festive cards and seasonal holders near checkout.
• Suggesting them as “add-ons” when customers make other holiday purchases.

Even small-denomination cards help capture sales that most merchants might otherwise overlook.

While we typically see the majority of gift card revenue in the last quarter of the year, the truth is that they aren’t exclusive to December. Many customers pick them up as quick thank-you gifts for babysitters, coaches, or coworkers. Surveys indicate that around 50% of people purchase gift cards outside of the holiday season [2].

To capture this year-round demand, merchants like you should:

• Promote them as “under $20” grab-and-go gifts.
• Keep displays stocked and visible throughout the year.
• Remind customers that gift cards are always the right size and style.

Gift cards also shine when the occasion calls for something big. Weddings, graduations, milestone birthdays, or even group contributions often involve higher-value cards. Shoppers use them as a way to add flexibility while still making a meaningful purchase.

You can meet this need by:

• Offering higher denominations or custom load amounts.
• Promoting gift cards as part of a “major milestone” campaign.
• Suggesting them for experiences, like a meal for four, a spa day, or an outdoor adventure.

High-value gift cards can feel just as meaningful as a wrapped present—especially when paired with a premium holder.

Businesses also love gift cards. They’re simple, professional, and easy to distribute. From holiday bonuses to client appreciation, gift cards remain one of the most popular corporate gifts. [3].

For merchants, this creates an opportunity to move larger volumes in a single order. Many companies are looking for both physical and digital options:

• Physical gift cards are perfect for handing out at holiday parties or packaging with a branded holder for a polished, high-value presentation.
• Digital or eGift cards are increasingly expected by corporations that manage remote teams or want a fast, no-shipping solution. They’re easy to email, track, and scale across hundreds of recipients.

To make the most of corporate demand, consider:

• Offering bulk ordering options with tiered denominations.
• Providing branded sleeves, envelopes, or digital templates to keep the gift professional and on-brand.
• Creating incentives for volume orders, such as discounts or bonus cards.
• Highlighting the convenience of eGift distribution, especially for businesses with employees in multiple locations.

Even a handful of corporate orders can make a significant impact on year-end revenue, and by offering both physical and digital choices, you’ll be positioned to meet the expectations of today’s corporate buyers.

The best way to elevate a gift card is through presentation. Shoppers know that a simple card in a festive holder feels like a more complete gift. A $25 card in a premium sleeve looks thoughtful and intentional, not rushed.

For merchants like you, accessories like holders and envelopes don’t just increase perceived value—they also increase the average transaction size. That’s a win for both customer satisfaction and revenue.

From stocking stuffers to milestone celebrations, gift cards are one of the most versatile gifts available. They cater to the needs of last-minute shoppers, careful planners, and businesses seeking bulk gifting solutions.

For you, that flexibility means more opportunities to make a sale. By offering multiple denominations, keeping displays visible, and pairing gift cards with complementary accessories, you can turn them into a go-to option for every shopper.

Most merchants still treat gift cards as holiday-only, missing year-round revenue opportunities. Throughout the year, make sure your customers know: there’s no wrong time for a gift card. If you need assistance updating your gift card design or help with your program, our eCard Systems team is here to help you succeed!