Buying a gift card for someone is super easy, but is it a good enough present to give for the holidays? The answer depends on several factors, including how the person feels about gift cards in general (Do they consider them thoughtless? What if you get one from a store they never shop at?).
More times than not, however, a gift card can be a reliable and solid gift. I, for one, love shopping at Amazon and Etsy since they have a bit of everything, but I also love receiving local gift certificates to my favorite restaurants, nearby shops, or other experience-based treats. I enjoy the freedom to buy things that, normally, I might not want to pick up on my own dime. And if I tell multiple people that I want a gift card from the same store, I can rack up more money towards a bigger purchase – I once used a few Amazon gift cards to get myself a record player.
TL;DR: The Top 5 Gift Cards
If you are shopping around for your loved ones, consider getting them a gift card or two. As a bonus, there will likely be gift card deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday like there were last year, so keep an eye out for discounts from big retailers this month.
The 5 Best Gift Cards to Get Anyone on Your List
Big retailer gift cards usually don't have any expiration, and come in the form of digital or physical gift cards. Plus, you can even schedule out emailed gift cards to get ahead of the holiday craze.
1. Etsy
2. Apple
3. Target
4. Best Buy
5. Amazon
For the practical person in your life:
Some of these may be no-brainers, but these are also good options for folks trying to save money on every day items. Everything from a Visa prepaid card to Walmart to Uber+ UberEats, there's a little something for everyone.
For the geeks and gamers:
For the hardcore gamers or collectors in your life, to the newcomers who just got a console for the first time, you can't go wrong with these gift cards. Also, don't forget to support your local bookstores and your local comic book store!
There are thousands of gift card ideas to consider based on your giftee's favorite stores and hobbies, but we narrowed down these picks based on what’s the most practical, readily available, and fun ones I’d recommend for friends and family overall.
What to Expect for Gift Card Deals
Looking for deals on gift cards or other freebies? Be sure to keep an eye out for early Black Friday deals this month from places like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and more. Last year, Amazon offered a free Amazon credit when you bought select physical or digital gift cards from merchants like Apple Store, Uber and more. And, there will likely be gaming deals, such as PS Store credits and Xbox digital gift cards at 10% off (via Walmart last year).
More Black Friday Deals to Explore
Each week leading up to Black Friday on Nov 29th, retailers will roll out more and more deals. In case you missed it, Nintendo officially announced its Black Friday Switch deals for 2024, with incoming discounts on Joy-Con controllers, Switch games and loads more. For more, see what you can expect from Black Friday 2024 deals.
Lindsey (she/her) is IGN's Director of Audience Development and Commerce. She's been at IGN since 2021 and has a background in SEO, especially in the gaming, entertainment, and tech media spaces. Find her on Twitter at @LindseySalzer.
