Where to buy gift cards

Unsure what to buy friends and family for the next birthday, anniversary, or special occasion? Gift cards can provide convenience and flexibility, offering people the chance to choose their own present.

This article includes tips, suggestions and general information. We recommend that you always do your own research and consider getting independent tax, financial and legal advice before making any important decision.

Gift cards can come in different forms. Store credit or currency can be stored or loaded onto physical or digital cards.

Many cards are considered 'closed loop,' which means the retailer that issues the card also redeems it. The recipient may not be able to spend the credit on the card anywhere except from where it was purchased.

Others may be 'open loop' or 'semi-open,' which means that the credit can be spent in several different retailers beyond the store from where the card was originally purchased.

This short guide explores more about gift cards and where it may be possible to buy them in the UK.

What kind of gift cards are there?

From physical to digital, there are generally different gift card choices available.

Physical gift cards

Physical gift cards are considered the modern version of paper vouchers. They usually come in the form of a small plastic card, can be preloaded with a certain amount of money, and may be redeemable at the checkout at participating stores.

Here are some potential benefits of physical gift cards:

• Having something tangible in hand may feel more like a real gift.
• They can be bought in shops.
• Can be gifted in various situations, such as birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and other occasions.

Digital gift cards

Contactless and virtual, digital or e-gift cards can make the giving process smooth and quick.

Typically, people can buy digital gift cards online and send them to their recipient via email. Normally after activating the card, a unique digital code and PIN can be used to make purchases online or over the phone.

Here are some potential benefits of digital gift cards:

• Can be great for last-minute purchases.
• They make digital payments possible, meaning people will be able to use them online.
• Convenience and portability.
• Usually can’t be lost in the way a physical gift card can.

How many gift cards can you buy?

Whether physical or digital, gift cards can usually be bought individually or in bulk. Here’s what to know:

Buying a single gift card

A single gift card can give the recipient flexibility, convenience, and choice. Single gift cards may be suitable for:

• Birthdays

• Christmas stocking fillers

• Anniversaries

• Celebrations

• Holidays

• Thank you gifts

Buying multiple gift cards

Wondering where to buy gift cards online? When shopping for gift cards, individuals can sometimes buy multiple gift cards at once.

Bulk gift cards can be a great way to give multiple presents or stock up on individual gifts for the future. Bulk gift cards may be suitable for:

• Office employees and work colleagues
• Sports team members
• Rewarding loyal clients
• Children’s parties
• Social groups
• Extended family members

Depending on the shop or retailer, there may be a limit on the maximum amount of money that can be credited onto a gift card or the minimum that needs to be put on them.

Need inspiration?

Keen to buy eGift cards but don’t know where to begin? It’s a good idea to purchase from trusted sellers and known retailers to help avoid any potential complications. Also, consider any applicable fees or extra conditions.

For inspiration, there are a variety of gift cards available across many outlets, including:

• Supermarkets

• Fashion retail and department stores

• Restaurants and bars

• Cafes

• Entertainment venues

• Travel agencies

• Unique tourism experiences

• Petrol stations

• Post offices

• Subscription services

Pros and cons of gift cards

There are many potential pros and cons of gift cards. Here are some examples to keep in mind:

Potential pros:

• Can give freedom to the recipient to decide what they want to spend their gift money on.
• May save the buyer time and hassle in not having to post a heavy present.
• Help avoid the potential of giving an unwanted gift.

Potential cons:

• The card may have an expiry date.
• There may be problems with redeeming the card if the shop or retailer goes out of business.
• Some people may feel limited in the shops where the card can be spent.