Going Digital: Modern No-Fuss Gifting with eGift Cards
May 2, 2024
Today's world is becoming increasingly more digital. It’s no surprise that the sales of eGift Cards have increased last year by 15.2% ¹. Digital Gift Cards have emerged as a versatile and convenient way to gift. As the recipient, these Gift Cards are really easy to use and so hard to lose. It’s a win-win for everybody.
The digital nature of eGift Cards makes them easily accessible to anyone with an email address. This accessibility eliminates geographical barriers, making it possible to send gifts to friends and family quickly and securely.
Know someone who has a drawer full of unused gift cards? In addition to being able to be accessed through their email inbox, Visa®, Mastercard®, and American Express® eGift Cards can also be added to a digital wallet. Your recipient will no longer have to remember to take a physical gift card out of a drawer to go shopping.
What’s Driving eGift Card Popularity?
In the old days, digital gifts might have been viewed as impersonal. They were previously regarded as last-minute gifts that didn’t require much thought. That sentiment has changed due to three main reasons - the increased use of smartphones, the rise of e-commerce, and the multiple options for personalization.
- Increased Use of Smartphones
People love their smartphones. In 2023, mobile devices accounted for 57%² of internet traffic, and the trend suggests that number will keep growing. Most of us always have our smartphone in our hand or nearby. It’s so convenient to communicate with friends, check the news, and monitor email. Most of us get notifications when something important just landed in our inbox. Does anything make one happier than a You-Have-Received-a-Gift-Card notification? Hallelujah!
- The Rise of E-Commerce
E-commerce is trending to make up 41%³ or global sales by 2027. Wow. And if you think about online shopping these days, it really is so much faster to purchase online than drive to a store to find your item on a shelf. Most e-commerce sites have advanced filters and search options to make it easy to quickly find what you’re looking for. And who wouldn’t want to spend more time with friends and family and less time running from store to store?
- Personalization Options
Digital Gifting is no longer considered impersonal because of all the different options to customize. Here are several ways you can add a personal touch to your digital gift.
- Add a personalized message. Write a message that strikes a chord with your recipient. Did they just get a promotion of a lifetime? Are they going through a hard time, and need a pick-me-up? Create a unique message for someone special that will make them smile, warm their heart, or just laugh at an inside joke.
- Select the perfect design. There are almost 200 designs of Visa®, Mastercard®, or American Express® to choose from. Is she a pink enthusiast? Does he love pets? Is she obsessed with flowers? There is a design that fits every aesthetic.
See all eGift Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express® Gift Card designs.
- Choose their favorite brands. The gift card Shop has over 200 brands to choose from. Whether you're buying a gift for your dad who spends his weekends at Home Depot or a friend who orders dinner every night from Doordash, The Gift Card Shop has a brand card just for them. An eGift Card from their favorite brand is a thoughtful gesture because it shows you took notice of their preferences and acted on it.
- Target their interests. Multi-Brand eGift Cards are awesome because they are themed by interest. Send your gym buddy the Happy & Healthy eGift Card or your foodie friend the Food & Drink eGift Card. There are many options to cater to lots of different interests.
The Benefits of eGift Cards
Many of the benefits of eGift Cards revolve around convenience and customization. Find out if digital gifting is right for you and your recipient.
Gifting In an Instant
One of the standout advantages of eGift cards is their ability to provide instant gratification. Traditional gift cards often require a trip to a physical store, but eGift Cards can be delivered straight to the recipient's inbox within moments. Most eGift Cards are received within 5 minutes of purchase. Sometimes it can take up to 24 hours, but that’s usually not the case. Even on the longer side, it’s still the fastest way to deliver a gift.
Customization Options
As mentioned above, eGift cards offer a wide range of customization options, allowing you to tailor the gift to suit the recipient's preferences. From personalized messages to choosing specific designs that resonate with the occasion, eGift Cards show a high level of thoughtfulness.
Convenience
The digital nature of eGift Cards makes them easily accessible to anyone with an email address. This accessibility eliminates geographical barriers, making it possible to send gifts to friends and family quickly and securely.
Know someone who has a drawer full of unused gift cards? In addition to being able to be accessed through their email inbox, Visa®, Mastercard®, and American Express® eGift Cards can also be added to a digital wallet. Your recipient will no longer have to remember to take a physical gift card out of a drawer to go shopping.
Environmental Friendliness
As society becomes more conscious of its environmental impact, eGift Cards present an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic or paper-based gift cards. By opting for digital delivery, you are making a greener choice for both the giver and the recipient.
When is an eGift Card NOT the Right Choice?
Digital Gift Cards are a great choice, but they might not be for everyone. Consider your gift recipient. What would they want? Do they use technology? What’s easiest for them? Internet usage is statistically the lowest in the 65+ age group4. Not everyone over 65 fits perfectly into that behavior category, so be sure to consider the preferences of who you are buying a gift for. For example, if you have a relative who only shops at brick-and-mortar stores, and struggles to use a computer, a physical Gift Card is still the best choice. Remember, the best gift is one that suits them, and The Gift Card Shop has a Gift Card for everybody.
Click here to shop physical Gift Cards.
Got an eGift Card? Here’s How to Use it.
How exciting! You’ve just received an eGift Card in your inbox. Now what? Save it in your inbox or special gift card folder, and you will always be able to access your card by clicking on the link. You can print out your eGift card if you prefer a hard copy.
Shopping with a Visa®, Mastercard®, and American Express® eGift Card .
Bank-issued eGift Cards can be used the same way you use your credit cards except you have an available balance (instead of available credit), and you don’t get a dreaded bill at the end of the month.
Here’s how to add a bank issued eGift Card to a digital wallet.
- Open the Wallet/App on your smartphone.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, including entering your card number and card information.
Use your bank issued card in-store or online. In both cases, be sure to check the balance of your account by visiting the website printed on the back of your card to make sure you have enough to cover your purchase.
In-Store Shopping: When you’re shopping in a store, simply pay as if you were using any credit card stored in your digital wallet. Otherwise, simply pull up your eGift Card from the link in your inbox and show the cashier. They will be able to enter your card info to complete your purchase.
Is your purchase amount more than your eGift Card balance? For example, if you have a $50 eGift Card and your total purchase after tax is $54, the transaction will be declined. But don’t worry! In most instances, you can still complete your purchase. Simply pay the $4 with cash or another form of payment so the remaining transaction balance for your eGift Card will be $50 and communicate with the shop owner or restaurant the exact balance so they can process it correctly. Most merchants will accept these so-called “split-tender transactions,” but may set requirements for the second method of payment you can use to complete your transaction.
Online Shopping: Visit your favorite online retailer in the United States (which is basically every retailer you would ever shop). Select your items and add to cart as you would normally do. When you check out, be sure to select “credit card” not “gift card” or “debit card.” As far as the retailer is concerned, the transaction is the same on their end as a credit card transaction.
To learn more about using your card online and in-store, visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
Shopping with a Brand eGift Card
When you receive a brand eGift Card in your inbox, click on the link to view your gift, and there will be instructions on how to use the card in store (if they have a physical store) and online. For example, a Starbucks eGift Card can be redeemed in a store near you or online. The Gift Card Shop has over 200 brands to choose from, and most of them have several ways to redeem an eGift Card at their business.
Gifted in a Click
When you receive a brand eGift Card in your inbox, click on the link to view your gift, and there will be instructions on how to use the card in store (if they have a physical store) and online. For example, a Starbucks eGift Card can be redeemed in a store near you or online. The Gift Card Shop has over 200 brands to choose from, and most of them have several ways to redeem an eGift Card at their business.
The surge in eGift Card popularity reflects a big shift in consumer preferences, driven by convenience, flexibility, and the evolving digital world. As more people embrace online shopping and seek personalized gifting options, eGift Cards emerge as a versatile and modern solution. Their instant delivery, customizable designs, and compatibility with various platforms make them a great choice for both gift-givers and recipients alike.
Gift Cards and Good Vibes!
The Gift Card Shopper
1 The Brainy Insights, (n.d.). Digital Gift Cards Market. https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/digital-gift-cards-market-13861
2 Laura Ceci, (Oct 25, 2023). Share of global daily time spent online via mobile devices 2013-2023. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1289723/share-time-spent-mobile-internet-daily/
3 Boston Consulting Group, (OCTOBER 31, 2023). E-Commerce Poised to Capture 41% of Global Retail Sales by 2027. BCG. https://www.bcg.com/press/31october2023-ecommerce-global-retail-sales
4 Ani Petrosyan, (Aug 30, 2023). U.S. internet usage penetration 2021, by age group. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/266587/percentage-of-internet-users-by-age-groups-in-the-us/