Why Gift Cards Are the Perfect Christmas Gift

During Christmas, many businesses roll out festive products, and one of the most popular options is - Christmas-themed gift cards.

These cards provide a convenient alternative to traditional gifts - making it easy for you to give something special without the hassle of choosing the perfect item.

Instead of handing over cash, you give a card that allows the employees to shop at their favorite store.

Statistics show that gift cards are among the most requested gifts during the holiday season. In fact, a survey from the National Retail Federation found that around 59% of people said they would like to receive a gift card this year. This trend highlights how much people appreciate the freedom to choose their own gifts.

Gift card systems not only benefit the recipients but also help retailers boost sales and enhance customer loyalty. Corporate Christmas gift cards also help businesses tap into this rewarding trend and attract more customers during the holiday season.

With the potential for increased foot traffic and sales - Christmas gift cards are a perfect addition to your festive offerings.

Builds brand awareness

Sending employee gifts is a great way to make more people aware of your brand and encourage word-of-mouth marketing. When shoppers buy your gift cards and give them to others, it introduces your store to new customers since they can only use those cards at your place.

This strategy gives potential customers a reason to visit your store. If you impress them with your products and service, you can turn them into loyal customers.

Increase cash flow

Using a gift card system in your retail store can boost your cash flow in several ways. For instance, 72% of people tend to spend about 20% more than the value of the gift card when they use it. This means that customers often buy extra items to use up the remaining balance on their cards.

Gift cards can also attract new loyal customers, especially when they are given to first-time visitors, leading to more unique purchases and increased foot traffic in your store.

Additionally, giving customer Christmas gifts doesn’t go to waste. Any unsold cards can be saved and used the following year, so you won’t need to buy new ones!

Compete with competitors

Festive gift cards are a popular choice instead of traditional Christmas gifts. So many retailers make sure to have a gift card system to stay competitive. If your competitor is selling gift cards and you aren't, customers looking for gift cards might choose to shop at their store instead.

This means you could miss out on sales and exposure for your brand. Plus, the person receiving the gift card might feel like they have to use it at your competitor's store. And they could end up going there regularly.

Versatile

As more people and businesses move towards digital solutions, online digital gift cards are becoming a valuable tool for retail shops.

For businesses with both online and physical stores - offering both types of gift cards is a smart idea. If someone forgets to bring their physical gift card to the store - they can easily use their online digital gift card instead.

This means they won't have to wait to make their purchase or change their mind. It also makes it faster and easier for gift card buyers to send cards digitally. And it gives the recipient peace of mind knowing they have a backup card online in case they lose the physical one.

Simple corporate gifts work for everyone, making them a great choice. For example, older relatives can send them to younger family members. They can also be given to friends and coworkers during the holiday season.

Non-replenishable Money Bank

Did you know gift cards are kind of like a little bank for money?

Here’s how it works - when someone puts money on a gift card, that money stays on the card. If they don’t use all of it, it can’t be cashed out. So, if a customer returns something they bought with a gift card, the business doesn’t lose money because they already got paid for the item.

How can employees benefit from seasonal gift cards?

Now, we’ll see how employees benefit from gift cards.

Prevent gifting unwanted gifts

Just like you might feel when trying to buy a gift for someone’s birthday or Christmas - many people find it hard to choose the right present - especially for someone they don’t know well. Because of this, they often pick a gift card instead, letting the recipient decide what they want. This way, the person getting the gift is more likely to appreciate it since they can choose something they really like.

Placing gift cards at checkout counters can help shoppers avoid the stress of picking out a gift. It reminds them that they can let the recipient choose what they want with a gift card. This makes it easier for them to buy gifts and reduces the chances of the gift being returned later.

Personalised Christmas gift cards

Many gift cards come in various styles and designs, so shoppers can pick one that fits their needs. Most gift cards allow you to write a special message to the recipient, which means you don't have to buy a separate card. You can even add personal touches, like including chocolates, if the design allows it.

These cards often come ready to use, so you don’t have to worry about buying wrapping paper or decorations. They’re usually festive and look nicer than just giving cash.

When giving a gift, it can be hard to know if your gift is enough or if the other person spent more on yours. With gift cards, you can easily add an extra card to make your present feel more special.

Budget time and money

During the busy Christmas season, it’s common for people to feel stressed about time and money. Christmas gift cards are a great way to stick to your budget. You can add just the right amount to the card, which helps you avoid spending too much on gifts.

Gift cards also save time because you don’t have to worry about picking the perfect gift. You can simply send a card from a store you know the recipient likes. They’re perfect for last-minute gifts for relatives you might have forgotten.

Sending gift cards to family members who live far away is an easy way to share something special. These customisable gift cards are cheaper and simpler to mail internationally compared to physical gifts, making them a less stressful option during the holidays.

Final Thoughts

Gift cards are a smart and easy choice for companies that want to stay within their budget when giving Christmas gifts to employees. They help businesses set a clear spending limit and avoid surprise costs - while still offering thoughtful gifts that employees will appreciate. By following the right guidelines, companies can make sure the gifts are suitable, personalised, and match their values. This can boost employee satisfaction and motivation.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes