The Best Gift Cards to Give Everyone on Your List

Published on 10/13/2023 at 7:05 PM

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We all have that one friend who's impossible to shop for; they either already have every product under the sun, or they simply don't have enough hobbies or cool interests for you to come up with a gift that feels truly unique (thus making our holiday shopping duties that much more difficult). When we find ourselves unsure of what to gift a picky recipient, we turn to our most trusted product: a gift card. While gift cards might not be regarded as the most thoughtful of gifts, oftentimes they are the most reliable — especially if you're looking for a winning gift that anyone can use and appreciate, from a colleague to a random recipient in your work gift exchange and beyond.

Thanks to technology, it's also easier than ever to purchase gift cards online, so you don't even have to go in store or in person to pick them up. Plus, with so many amazing online retailers, you have a wide variety of store options right at your fingertips (or at least on your screen).

What Is the Best Place to Buy Gift Cards?

Most retailers — like Nordstrom, Wayfair, Sephora, and more — all sell gift cards directly through their own websites, but shoppers can also buy gift cards from many of these brands through other e-commerce sellers like Amazon (and oftentimes at a better rate).

To help you get a head start on your holiday shopping, we rounded up the best gift cards to give this season, with options that come from some of today's top brands and that can be delivered to your recipient's doorstep or inbox in no time. From the best gift cards for women to beauty gift cards and the best e-gift cards, keep reading to shop our guide.

Best Overall Gift Card to Give

Amazon.com Gift Card ($25–$500)

Of all the gifts you could give this holiday season, we'd argue that an Amazon gift card is probably one of the best — especially if you're unsure of what to get someone. Amazon is home to seemingly every product imaginable, with items that span across a range of categories like home, beauty, fashion, tech, and more.

Amazon.com Gift Card

From

$25

Best Gift Card to Give the Fashion-Lover

Nordstrom Gift Card ($25–$200)

In search of a practical gift for the fashion-lover in your life? Nordstrom is one of our favorite destinations for shopping out trendy style essentials and wardrobe staples. With an e-gift card to the popular retailer, they can stock up on pieces for the new season or even scoop up a designer style or two.

Nordstrom Gift Card

From

$25

Best Gift Card to Give the Beauty-Lover

Sephora Gift Card ($25–$250)

Beauty-lovers, this one is just for you! Sephora is the premier spot for stocking up on everything from new skin-care releases to celebrity beauty lines and even trendy makeup products made famous by TikTok. With a gift card to the retailer, they can perfect their next beauty haul with ease and seriously upgrade their skin-care cabinet in the process.

Sephora Gift Card

From

$25

Best Gift Card to Give the Coffee-Lover

Starbucks Gift Card ($25–$50)

If they need to have a cup of coffee every day to function or simply can't get enough of Starbucks's seasonal drink menu, then they'll be elated to see this gift card in their stocking. Plus, they can even transfer the balance directly into their app or combine it with other gift cards through Starbucks's mobile platform for easier ordering.

Starbucks Gift Card

From

$25

Best Practical Gift Card to Give

Instacart eGift Card ($25–$100)

If you're looking to get them something more practical, go for an Instacart gift card. With Instacart, they can have their groceries delivered right to their door each week, rather than having to set aside time to shop at their local store. They'll appreciate having more free time to hang with loved ones or even just relax at home.

Instacart eGift Card

From

$25

Best Gift Card to Give the Tech-Obsessed

Best Buy eGift Card ($15–$250)

Whether they're an avid gamer, a tech-obsessive looking to stock up on the latest and greatest devices, or simply a student in need of a little extra money to help them get all of their school essentials together (like a laptop, monitor, etc.), they'll be able to shop it all and more at Best Buy.

Best Buy eGift Card

From

$15

Best Thoughtful Gift Card to Give

Uber Gift Card ($50–$100)

Driving can be such a hassle in our day-to-day lives, but with an Uber gift card, you can help eliminate that stressor from their week — or simply inspire them to enjoy a night out with a couple of friends and some good drinks to accompany.

Uber Gift Card

From

$50

Best Gift Card to Give the Music-Lover

Spotify Premium 3-Month Subscription ($30)

These days, paying for a monthly subscription can add up pretty quick — especially when trying to balance all of your other bills to streaming services. If they're constantly listening to music and making new playlists, they'll get a kick out of having a premium subscription to Spotify — which you can purchase and pay for via a gift card.

Spotify Premium 3-Month Subscription

From

$30

Best Gift Card to Give the Foodie

Happy Eats Gift Card ($25–$50)

This foodie-inspired gift card would make the ultimate stocking stuffer. With this unique product, they can use the gift card like usual at any of the featured chains, including: Jamba Juice, Cold Stone, Panera, Burger King, and Dave & Busters.

Happy Eats Gift Card

From

$25

Best Gift Card to Give the Traveler

Airbnb eGift Card ($25–$100)

What better way to show someone just how much you care than with a gift that'll help them travel the world — or at least book their next getaway? An Airbnb gift card can be uploaded directly into their personal account, and the available funds can then be directed into any reservations or purchases for activities. It's the ultimate gift for the traveler in your life.

Airbnb eGift Card

From

$25