Whether there are birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations, or anything, that requires you to gift something, you get confused. Why? With so many options and possibilities, it is obvious.
However, with proper planning and execution, you can get the best gift possible for the receiver. This can be the case when you know about the party and celebration in advance. For last-minute ideas, gift cards are the best option.
Many companies in the market sell gift cards and digital versions of them as well. You might not exactly know about the gift cards, what they are, and what makes them the last-minute go-to option. Also, are they really ideal for gifting?
To clear all your doubts, we are here with a short article on gift cards and their types. Let’s move ahead.
What is Gift Card?
It doesn’t seem right to gift cash, but what about giving it in the form of a card? Yes, that’s true. It is a card containing the prepaid-cash value that a receiver can spend on a specific business. Banks or retailers can issue it.
It is a staple gift for everyone who fails, forgets, didn’t get the time, or is confused to get the present for the loved one. Give him/her a gift card and let them decide what they want as a present.
How Does a Gift Card Work?
Well, getting a gift card isn’t that hard. Here’s what you must do to get one for the gifting.
- Select the brand you think the person loves.
- Inquire whether they provide gift cards or not.
- Finalize the amount you want the gift card to be. (It can be from $10 to $500.)
- Get it valued.
- Tada! It is ready to get gifted.
Note: With the increase in demand for creative gift cards, many retailers and companies make customized gift cards with a photo and a two-line message on them. Search for them, and you can opt for that too! There’s an option for eGift Cards too!
Types of Gift Cards
From the gift point of view, there are two types of gift cards:
1. Standard Gift Card
Standard gift cards are the one that requires the minimal process, and you can directly get it from the bank or the brand itself.
2. Customized Gift Card
As described in the note above, customized gift cards are the ones on which you can get the photo and message printed as per your choice. For this type, you might need a third-party gift card seller that will do the work.
If we see from the technical viewpoint, there are two types as well:
1. Open Loop Gift Card
One can use open-loop gift cards at any store or business, like our debit cards. Hence, the open Visa and MasterCard gift card falls into this category.
2. Closed Loop Gift Card
You can use a closed-loop gift card at one brand store or the business only. You might have seen or received Amazon’s or Walmart’s gift card. Also, they are reloadable.
The Bottom Line:
Are you thinking about whether the gift card is the right choice for the present or not? Don’t think much! They are the trending ones nowadays. Reach out to the companies that sell gift cards and get one for gifting.
