Consumer Experts: These 7 Gift Cards Are This Holiday’s Hottest Stocking Stuffers
Written by
Angela Mae
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
According to the National Retail Federation, gift cards were the second-most popular gift category in 2023, with 44% of consumers planning to give at least one gift card over the holidays.
But gift cards may be even more popular this year.
“Our research found that 84% of consumers plan to purchase gift cards this holiday season, and people are allocating nearly half of their total gift budget to gift cards — a significant increase from 39% in the previous year,” said Brett Narlinger, head of global commerce at payments juggernaut Blackhawk Network. “The total planned gift spend is $760, representing a 3% year-over-year increase.”
Gift cards make for great stocking stuffers, but not all are created equal. While all are convenient, some are simply more popular than others. Here are the must-have gift cards for this holiday season, according to consumer experts.
Also see four ways Americans are paying for gifts this holiday season.
Mastercard- and Visa-Branded Gift Cards
It’s no surprise that branded gift cards, like those from Visa and Mastercard, are among the most popular, considering their versatility.
“These open-loop cards are quite versatile, allowing the recipient to use them virtually anywhere these payment networks are accepted,” Narlinger said. “These are particularly popular with millennials and Gen X shoppers, and more than 61% of survey respondents reported wanting them.”
Multi-Brand Gift Cards
Gift cards that work with multiple popular brands also hold a lot of appeal.
“This can be a good option for colleagues, friends or family members who enjoy a variety of stores and restaurants or if you’re looking to personalize the gift card you give,” Narlinger said.
According to Blackhawk’s research, roughly 36% of respondents were interested in receiving a multi-brand gift card.
Charitable Gift Cards
Some people want to give more than they receive. If you know someone like that, a charitable gift card might be the best stocking stuffer you can get.
“For a truly meaningful gift, consider a charitable gift card,” Narlinger said. “This allows the recipient to donate to a cause close to their heart, making a positive impact. Nearly 60% of survey respondents reported being interested in this type of gift card.”
An example of this is the Giving Good gift card, which is redeemable at popular merchants like Macy’s and Sephora.
Personalized Gift Cards
Gift cards don’t have to feel impersonal. To make one a truly memorable stocking stuffer, go with personalized options.
“The best way to ensure that the gift cards you give feel heartfelt is by giving personalized gift cards,” said Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at TrueTrae. “Sites like GiftCardGranny and PerfectGift.com allow you to upload a fun photo and enter a message to be printed on a Visa card. Your recipient will think of you every time they use it.”
The ‘Right’ Single-Branded Gift Card
This one’s subjective, but if you know your recipient very well, get them a gift card to a place they love (and maybe already frequent).
“If you want to give a retailer gift card, think carefully about the recipient and what they might enjoy,” Bodge said. “If they go to a specific barista for their morning latte, a gift card for that café is a safe bet. Or, if they love a certain designer but can’t always afford to buy their merchandise, a gift card to that shop will be a welcome treat. For the person who loves takeout, get a Grubhub or DoorDash card. Or if they don’t have a car, a Lyft or Uber card.”
Popular Single-Brand Gift Cards
When in doubt, choose a gift card to a specific retailer, but make sure it’s a popular one.
“If you don’t know the person well, cards for popular retailers, like Amazon, Target or the Gap family of brands, are pretty safe,” Bodge said.
The Blackhawk survey found that “single-brand” gift cards are particularly popular among Gen Z in the beauty category and boomers in the dining and restaurants category.
Free Gift Cards
Another popular stocking stuffer is gift cards that your recipient will love but won’t cost you a dime.
“You can also receive free gift cards and then give them as gifts!” Bodge said. “Retailers like Amazon and Target periodically offer gift cards as a reward for specific purchases. Sure, you could spend them yourself, but they could also make the perfect stocking stuffer!”
You don’t have to tell your recipient the gift card was free. But if you do, be sure to tell them how they can get free ones for themselves too.
More From GOBankingRates
