Finding the perfect gift can be a challenge, but with digital gift cards, you can enjoy convenience, flexibility, and a wide selection—with the added advantage of instant delivery and personalization.

Whether it's a colleague's unexpected promotion or a client's upcoming birthday, time constraints can often leave us scrambling for a suitable present. 

Traditional gift cards, while convenient, lack the personal touch that can make a gift truly special.

But their benefits extend far beyond speed. 

Paired with a free online greeting card maker, which offers personalization with a heartfelt video message, you can ensure your gift feels as thoughtful as it is convenient.

Explore the many reasons why we are going digital as a gifting option below. 

What is a digital gift card?

Think of a digital gift card as the gift card's cooler, tech-savvy cousin. Instead of a physical plastic card, it's an electronic voucher containing a unique code. 

This code holds a pre-loaded value that can be used to make purchases at participating stores or online platforms.

Think of it like a virtual gift card for your favorite stores. Imagine surprising your friend with a Sephora gift card so they can treat themselves to some new makeup. 

Or maybe your colleague just aced a big project, and an Amazon digital gift card lets them pick out anything they desire.

Virtual gift cards offer the same purchasing power as their plastic counterparts but with added convenience and flexibility.

Popular categories for digital gift certificates

The world of electronic gift cards is vast and exciting, offering something for everyone. 

Let's explore some of the most popular categories to help you find the perfect fit for your next gifting occasion:

Retail giants

Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target offer digital versions of gift cards, which allow the recipient to browse a wide selection of products. 

This is a fantastic option for notoriously difficult-to-shop-for people, as it gives them the freedom to choose exactly what they desire.

Entertainment hubs

For the gamer in your life, consider virtual gift cards for platforms like Steam, PlayStation Store, or Xbox Live. 

These cards let them top up their accounts and purchase new games, DLC (downloadable content), or subscriptions.  

Music lovers will appreciate electronic gift cards to services like Spotify or Apple Music, granting them access to millions of songs and playlists.

Foodie delights

Does your friend have a passion for culinary adventures?  

Virtual gift cards to popular restaurants, coffee shops, or food delivery services like DoorDash or Grubhub are sure to be a hit.  

They can indulge in their favorite cuisine or try something new, all thanks to your thoughtful gift.

Experiences galore

Gift cards open the door to a world of experiences.  Consider gifting digital gift certificates to a movie theater chain, a local spa, or a fitness studio. 

This allows the recipient to treat themselves to a relaxing massage, catch the latest blockbuster, or get active with a fun workout class.  

Memories are often the best gifts, and virtual gift cards can unlock exciting new experiences.

Specialty Stores

From beauty enthusiasts to fashionistas, digital dream gift cards cater to a wide range of interests.  

Surprise your friend with a Sephora digital gift card to explore the latest makeup trends, or give them a sporting goods store card to upgrade their athletic gear. The possibilities are truly endless!

Benefits of virtual gift cards

Digital gift cards offer a level of convenience and flexibility that's hard to beat. They're also a way to send a virtual hug from anywhere in the world.

Here's how they elevate the gifting experience:

Convenience 

Remember those frantic dashes to the store only to find the perfect gift card out of stock? With virtual gift cards, that stress becomes a distant memory. 

You can purchase and send the best gift cards electronically in mere minutes from anywhere with an internet connection.

It can even be the best birthday gift you can give if you're running late.

 No more last-minute scrambles or fighting crowds—you can be a gifting hero from the comfort of your couch.

Instant gratification

Speed is of the essence in today's fast-paced world. Mobile gift cards eliminate the waiting game entirely.

Unlike physical cards that take time to arrive, digital ones are delivered instantly. 

This is perfect for those times you completely forget an occasion or want to send a quick pick-me-up.  

Imagine a friend having a bad day—a surprise gift card for their favorite coffee shop can brighten their mood right away, and the virtual treat will arrive faster than a delivery service!

Flexibility 

Gone are the days of being limited by a single store's selection. Virtual gift cards offer a vast and diverse range of brands and denominations, catering to almost any taste or budget. 

Need a small token of appreciation for a colleague? A mobile gift card to a local bakery is a thoughtful gesture. 

Looking for a more substantial gift for a family member who loves to cook? A grocery store digital gift card gives them the freedom to choose exactly what they want.  

The options are endless, ensuring you can find the perfect digital gift card to match any occasion.

Eco-friendly

In an age where sustainability is a growing concern, virtual gift cards offer a guilt-free gifting option.  

By eliminating the need for physical cards and their accompanying packaging, virtual gift cards significantly reduce plastic waste. 

It's a small change with a big impact, allowing you to show you care for both the recipient and the environment.

Gift across the miles

Distance doesn't have to be a barrier to showing you care. Virtual gift cards allow you to send a thoughtful present to loved ones anywhere in the world.  

Whether it's a birthday gift for a friend studying abroad or a holiday surprise for family across the country, digital gift cards bridge the gap with ease.

Personalization

A heartfelt message can make all the difference.  Many gift cards allow you to personalize them with a custom message for the recipient.  

Add a funny joke, a heartwarming wish, write birthday card messages, or simply express your love – that extra touch turns a digital gift card into something truly special.

Tracking made easy

Ever wonder if your gift card arrived?  Virtual gift cards often come with built-in tracking features.  

You can check the delivery status and even see the remaining balance on the card, so you and the recipient are always on the same page.  

It eliminates the worry of lost or misplaced physical cards.

Beyond the Digital Realm: Different Forms of Gift Cards

Electronic gift cards are certainly taking center stage, but it's important to acknowledge the traditional options that are still widely available. 

Here's a quick breakdown of the different forms of gift cards:

Physical gift cards

These are the classic plastic cards you're familiar with. They can be purchased at retail stores or online and come pre-loaded with a specific amount. While convenient, they require physical delivery and can be lost or stolen.

Digital gift cards

As discussed throughout this post, electronic gift cards offer a modern and convenient alternative. They exist electronically and are delivered via email or text message.

eGift cards

Often used interchangeably with virtual gift cards, eGift cards are essentially the same concept.

However, specific retailers or platforms might use the term “eGift card” to distinguish their digital offerings.

Upgrade your gift-giving with video greeting cards (and bonus digital gifts)

Picture this: You've found the perfect digital gift card for your loved one, but you want to make the presentation extra special. 

That's where GiftLip comes in! This innovative platform goes beyond the typical digital gift card by offering a unique way to personalize your gift-giving.

GiftLips is a free online greeting card maker that lets you create stunning personalized cards for any occasion.  

However, GiftLips takes it a step further with its video greeting card feature.  

This exciting option allows you to add a heartfelt video message to your card.  

Imagine sending a birthday card with a recorded message filled with warm wishes and laughter – it's a surefire way to touch the recipient's heart.

The best part? GiftLips allows you to seamlessly integrate a gift card with your video greeting card (available with paid cards), creating a truly all-in-one gifting experience. 

Your loved one receives a heartfelt video greeting card alongside their chosen gift card, making it a truly memorable occasion.

GiftLips offers a delightful combination of convenience and personalization. 

With their free card creation tools and optional video greetings, you can create a unique and thoughtful gift that surpasses a simple digital gift card. 

So next time you're looking to send a gift, explore GiftLips and discover a new way to show you care!

How to add gift cards to your video message card in 4 easy steps

Surprise and delight your recipient with a video gift that goes beyond the ordinary. Here’s how to create a video greeting card in under 3 minutes: 

1. Go to GiftLips

Visit GiftLip's user-friendly online greeting card maker to explore our extensive library of professionally designed templates. 

You can also choose to upload your custom picture to add your own image.  Click “Use this Template” to begin customizing your card.

2. Add a gift card (optional)

Simply select your recipient's country to view available options.

You can choose a specific amount to suit your budget or bypass this step if you're primarily interested in a personal message.

Note: Gift cards are currently a perk of priced greetings, but feel free to skip this step if you prefer!

3. Add your video

Use the “Record Video” feature on your smartphone to capture a heartfelt message. Alternatively, you can upload an existing video from your device using the “Upload Video” function.

4. Preview and send

After personalizing your video message card, use the “Generate Preview” function to ensure all elements appear and sound flawless.

Ready to share your creation? Choose “Download” to save your video greeting card for free on your device.

Alternatively, surprise your recipient with a tangible keepsake by selecting “Print and Ship.” 

Digital gift cards: convenience meets gifting magic

Digital gift cards are the future of gifting—they offer convenience, flexibility, personalization, and a wide range of options. 

Whether you're scrambling for a last-minute present or want to send a thoughtful token across the miles, they’re the perfect solution.

Take your gifting game to the next level by creating stunning video greeting cards and seamlessly integrating a digital gift card for a truly memorable present. 

Imagine a heartfelt video message filled with laughter and warm wishes, accompanied by the perfect gift card.

Show you care, no matter the occasion or distance, with GiftLips. 

Frequently asked question 

Can I send a gift card electronically?

They work just like traditional plastic gift cards, but instead of receiving a physical card in the mail, the recipient gets a unique code via email or text message. 

They can then use this code to make purchases online or in-store at participating retailers.