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Anthropologie/Warby Parker
Gift cards are the kinds of presents that can seem obvious or unimaginative, a step up from cutting a check and stuffing it into a card. But hear us out: They’re actually incredibly useful and can even be personal — if you put a little thought into them.
A good place to start is by thinking of what your giftee could really use right now. Did they just move to a new home or apartment? Get them a card to buy kitchen essentials or home decor. Are they starting a new job or internship? Money for work-appropriate clothes could go a long way. Have they been going through a rough patch or need a little help taking a break? You can go in on a gift card that helps them travel, splurge on scented candles, or snag some snacks.
To help, we bunched up all the gift cards below into different categories, so you can jump right to what you think your gift recipient would want the most. Oh, and psst: Digital gift cards and subscriptions just happen to make excellent last-minute gifts if you’re in a pinch.
General/Big retailersHome and KitchenClothes and AccessoriesBeauty and SkincareFood and DrinksTravelHobbies and Entertainment
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Amazon
Amazon Gift Card, from $10, available at Amazon
An Amazon gift card is a more polite version of giving them cash. They can buy pretty much anything they’ve had on their wish list, whether it’s new and exciting tech or completely utilitarian home basics. You can also buy it in a gift card box.
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods Gift Card, from $5 at Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods is one of our favorite retailers for truly unique gifts, but if you’d rather let the giftee pick out something themselves, this gift card can be a fun, thoughtful gift.
Best Buy
Best Buy Gift Card, from $15, available at Best Buy
Gift them a gift card for all conceivable forms of tech, home appliances, and more.
Target
Target Gift Card, from $5, available at Target
Especially perfect for anyone moving to a new dorm or apartment, a Target gift card gives them access to everything from home essentials and decor to clothes and pantry staples.
Anthropologie
Anthropologie Gift Card, from $25, available at Anthropologie
Anthropologie is one of those high-quality retailers your giftee can really appreciate a gift card for. They can use the money for gorgeous new clothes, stunning home decor, and even dresses and accessories via BHLDN, the brand’s wedding section.
Etsy
Etsy Gift Card, from $25, available at Etsy
From jewelry to clothing and home decor, the online marketplace surely has something unique that’ll fit the bill for them.
Lowe’s
Lowe’s Gift Card, from $50, available at Amazon
Depending on the recipient and how much they enjoy their home-improvement tasks, this may be the most exciting gift they receive during the holidays.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom Gift Card, from $5, available at Nordstrom
If you want to get them a sweater you know they’ll love, let them pick it out themselves.
Macy’s
Macy’s Gift Card, from $10, available at Macy’s
For anyone in need of a new wardrobe or even furniture, a Macy’s gift card gives them access to seemingly endless clothes and accessories.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Parachute
Parachute Gift Card, from $50, available at Parachute
Parachute makes some of our favorite bathrobes, and is also a great spot to shop for furniture and home goods. A gift card can help them splurge on whatever decor or self-care items they need.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Williams Sonoma Gift Card, from $25, available at Williams Sonoma
Particularly great for home cooks and committed bakers, a Williams Sonoma gift card can go towards sturdy cookware, adorable baking supplies, and other quality essentials and accessories for their kitchen.
The Sill
The Sill Digital Gift Card, from $25, available at The Sill
The Sill is a great resource for plants in sleek, trendy containers. If you’re not sure what plant they’d want or what their plant maintenance level is, a gift card leaves it up to them to choose.
Otherland
Otherland Gift Card, from $25, available at Otherland
If they love candles but you’re not sure of what scents they like, they can choose their own at Otherland.
Jungalow
Jungalow Gift Card, from $10, available at Jungalow
Choose from a variety of holiday-themed cards so they can browse colorful, bohemian housewares before finding their dream gift.
Brooklinen
Brooklinen Gift Card, from $50, available at Brooklinen
Brooklinen makes the best high-end sheets at some of the best prices on the internet. Have a gift card delivered digitally or in a gift card box. They can choose from sheets made from linen, cashmere, and more. The company’s weighted comforter is the top pick in our buying guide.
Framebridge
Framebridge Gift Card, from $25, available at Framebridge
Let them custom frame one of their best memories. It’s something they’ll probably never shell out for on their own, but they’ll love having it around the house.
BarkBox
BarkBox Gift Card, from $36, available at BarkBox
For the dog people, the best gift may just be gifts for their pup. Barkbox will send them a box of toys and treats every month.
Another good option for pet owners is a Petco gift card — if you think they (or their pet) may like picking out their own toys.
Everlane
Outdoor Voices
Outdoor Voices Gift Card, from $25, available at Outdoor Voices
Outdoor Voices is home to lots of fashion-forward athletic apparel, from the famed exercise dress to skorts and leggings.
Catbird
Catbird Gift Card, from $25, available at Catbird
Jewelry can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. If they’re a Catbird fan, there’s no chance you can fail here.
Warby Parker
Warby Parker Gift Card, from $25, available at Warby Parker
If they’re in need of trendy new eyewear, a Warby Parker gift card will help them find the best frames for them, especially with the brand’s famed at-home try-on service.
REI
REI Gift Card, from $10, available at REI
Whether you’re outfitting them for their next hike or an afternoon spent in a ski lodge, you get to ensure they’ll be able to get exactly the make and model of the boot or sweater they want for the trip.
Bonobos
Bonobos Gift Card, from $25, available at Bonobos
Shirts, socks, jeans — whatever it is, there’s room in their wardrobe for something from Bonobos. Read our review of Bonobos’ impressively affordable stretch chinos.
Madewell
Madewell Gift Card, from $25, available at Madewell
Madewell is home to bestselling denim, clothing, shoes, and accessories, making this gift card a great gift for anyone in need of some new apparel.
Zappos
Zappos Gift Card, from $10, available at Zappos
Zappos is the home of pretty much every type of shoe imaginable, and a gift card can go towards the sneakers, boots, sandals, or loafers they’ve been eyeing for a while.
Orvis
Orvis Gift Card, from $25, available at Orvis
Whether it’s for your parents’ ski cabin, your best friend’s dog, or your fly-fishing uncle, Orvis has just about everyone covered.
Adidas
Adidas Gift Card, from $10, available at Adidas
Give them a new pair of sneakers, some new athletic gear, or cool athleisure with a gift card that lets them pick out their favorite pieces. Adidas has physical gift cards, e-gift cards, and a bulk gift card offer if you’re looking to buy cards for a big group.
Mejuri
Mejuri Gift Card, from $25, available at Mejuri
Mejuri is one of our favorite retailers when it comes to durable, sleek, quality jewelry. A gift card can help them pick out everything from everyday gold hoops to dainty rings to add to their collection.
Nike
Nike Gift Card, from $25, available at Nike
Nike also lets you pick from a swath of gift card designs, including team themes for the Lakers and Knicks.
Patagonia Facebook
Patagonia Gift Card, from $10, available at Patagonia
Whatever they spend this on, you can be sure they’ll get something great that’ll last them for years.
Everlane/Facebook
Everlane Gift Card, from $25, available at Everlane
Everlane is a favorite retail startup that is especially loved for its $120 cashmere sweaters. You can find our favorite Everlane pieces here.
Allbirds/Instagram
Allbirds Gift Card, from $25, available at Allbirds
Allbirds makes the world’s most comfortable shoes from sustainable materials like merino wool, eucalyptus leaves, and foam made from sugar cane. They’re especially popular in New York City and Silicon Valley.
L.L.Bean
L.L.Bean Gift Card, from $5, available at L.L.Bean
Gift cards for apparel are particularly useful since you may not know imperative details like shoe size. If you know they love a brand or have been pining after their own Bean boots, this is a nice way to make it happen without tipping them off.
JCrew Instagram
J.Crew Gift Card, from $25, available at J.Crew
For the basics, J.Crew has some of the best quality and style for the price. It also has frequent sales, meaning they may get more value out of their gift card.
Amanda Krause/Insider
Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images
Ulta Gift Card, from $10, available at Ulta
When it comes to beauty products, Ulta will 1000% have them covered. They can use their gift card on everything from skincare essentials to makeup sets.
Glossier
Glossier Gift Card, from $15, available at Glossier
For beauty enthusiasts, it’s hard to top a Glossier gift card, which they can use on the brand’s bestselling skincare and makeup products.
Sephora
Sephora Gift Card, from $10, available at Sephora
They already have their personal beauty favorites. With this gift card, they won’t have to use their precious Sephora points on that new lipstick or foundation.
Goldbelly
Goldbelly
Goldbelly Gift Card, from $25, available at Goldbelly
If they can’t make it home this year, there’s a good chance Goldbelly can bring their local favorite to them. A New York pastrami sandwich? A Chicago dog? You can find almost anything from the most cherished delicacies of their hometown, city, or region.
Starbucks
Starbucks Gift Card, from $25, available at Amazon
You may not be there every morning, but this is one of the easier ways to buy them a hot cup of coffee each day. There’s also a gift card for Dunkin’, if that’s their preferred caffeine source.
Daily Harvest
Daily Harvest Gift Card, from $50, available at Daily Harvest
Daily Harvest is a healthy-eating startup that sends delicious, nutritious meals and smoothies pre-packed in cups that take as little as 30 seconds to make. A chef and nutritionist design recipes, and all cups are under $10. Find a full review here.
Mouth
MOUTH Gift Card, from $25, available at MOUTH
MOUTH sends delicious small-batch, indie food products to help small businesses grow and make it more convenient for the average person to discover the best new goods.
HelloFresh
HelloFresh Gift Card, from $75, available at Hello Fresh
HelloFresh is a meal kit delivery service that drops off fresh ingredients for delicious home-cooked meals. It makes week-time prep easier, and it helps amateur and experienced cooks conveniently expand their repertoire.
Connie Chen/Insider
Firstleaf Gift Card, from $25, available at Firsleaf
Firstleaf is a wine subscription service that delivers wines from top vineyards around the world for only $15 per bottle. Let them explore great wine without worrying about the expense. Plus, its introductory box of three wines is only $15, and it sets the wheels in motion for the service to learn more about your tastes and preferences as they evolve.
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Uber
Uber Gift Card, from $25, available at Amazon
Most people won’t have too much trouble putting Uber credit to good use, whether they’re going out or ordering in.
Hotels.com
Hotels.com Gift Card, from $10, available at Hotels.com
A perfect open-ended gift for any traveler, Hotels.com gift cards come in denominations ranging from $10 to $2,000, and they can go just about anywhere.
Airbnb
Airbnb Gift Card, from $50, available at Airbnb and Zola
Let them select the location and the company, but you’ll foot the bill for their next great adventure.
Delta
Delta Gift Card, from $50, available at Best Buy and Target
Southwest Gift Card, from $50, available at Best Buy, Target, or Amazon
Airline gift cards are perfect for frequent travelers (and even better for family members who see trips home as opportunities to score more miles on their go-to airline). It’s also easier than booking a trip for them yourself.
If they prefer train travel, there’s also an Amtrak gift card.
MasterClass
Amazon
Google Play Gift Card, from $25, available at Amazon
From movies to audiobooks to TV shows, your loved one has many options with a Google Play gift card.
Masterclass
MasterClass Gift Membership, from $15/month, available at MasterClass
While more of a gift membership per se, an annual membership to MasterClass still functions like a gift card because they’ll get unlimited access to hundreds of celebrity and expert-led online courses, effectively choosing how they want to use their yearly subscription. You can read more about MasterClass’s offerings here.
ClassPass
ClassPass Gift Subscription, from $10, available at ClassPass
If they’re someone who enjoys fitness (or is still figuring out what workouts they like), money put towards a ClassPass subscription can help them try out the service. A monthly membership lets them sample boutique fitness classes in their area and can even include self-care appointments with spas or nail salons.
Gamestop
GameStop Gift Card, from $25, available at Gamestop
They’re a gamer, but you don’t know which console or games they have. Rest assured that a gift card will have you covered.
Bookshop
Bookshop Gift Card, from $10, available at Bookshop
If they happen to be big book lovers, a Bookshop gift card is a simple and appreciated gift. As a bonus, every purchase on the site gives back to local bookstores.
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Disney Plus 1-Year Gift Subscription, $79.99, available at Disney Plus
If they’ve been wanting to watch “Loki” or the “Luca,” gift them a year’s worth of entertainment with a Disney Plus subscription. For $79.99, they can access thousands of titles from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, “Star Wars,” National Geographic, and 20th Century Studios. Here’s everything to know about the streaming platform.
Spotify/Facebook
Spotify Gift Card, from $10, available at Target
They probably already have a Spotify account, but this gets them ad-free access. A Spotify gift card lets you fund the next few months of a platform they love and use multiple times per day.
Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Audible Gift Subscription, from $15/month, available at Audible
While technically a subscription and not a card, this service gives your giftee credits to pick out whichever audiobooks they want (1 credit = 1 book). It’s particularly great for people who love to read but find themselves pressed for time — they can use this to read on the go.
Netflix
Netflix Gift Card, from $30, available at Target and Best Buy
Pair it with a bottle of wine, popcorn, and some warm and fuzzy socks for a perfect night spent at home.
Hulu
Hulu Gift Card, from $25, available at Target and Best Buy
Gift them a Hulu gift card so they can watch all their favorites from under a pile of blankets.
Xbox
Xbox Gift Card, from $10, available at Amazon, Target, and Best Buy
They can spend it on the latest games and entertainment like movies, TV, music, apps, and more.
BI Graphics
PlayStation Gift Card, from $10, available at Amazon
With this gift card, they can download the latest games and add-ons, watch movies, and more from their PlayStation 4.
Sling TV
Sling Gift Card, from $25, available at Best Buy
Starting at $35 per month, users get access to more than 30 of the best channels, like CNN, ESPN, AMC, Disney, and the Food Network.
CharityChoice
Global Giving or CharityChoice Gift Card, from $50, available at Zola
This is an easy way to empower someone to give to a charity close to their heart. You designate the amount and general category of charities, and they can decide where the funds go.