The Gift Card concierge team at eGifter.com is delighted to bring you this Ultimate Resource Guide, designed to help you achieve ninja status for buying gift cards online. In a world where time is a luxury, gift cards are the modern answer to thoughtful gifting. They bring convenience, flexibility, and warm personalization. Whether you’re looking to speed through an online checkout to shop on the go, mark a celebratory milestone or just want to say thanks, buying gift cards online is easy and rewarding. Read on to level up your shopping experience — and save time, money and hassle.

What to Look for When Buying a Gift Card

Variety and Selection

First things first: when you’re shopping for gift cards online, variety and selection are key. Discriminating shoppers expect and deserve an awesome lineup of gift cards from all the top brands, stores, and restaurants. No matter who you’re shopping for—a foodie, a tech geek, or a fashionista — you’ll want to standardize on a gift card platform that can offer the perfect gift card for any occasion and preference.

Personalization Options

A personal touch can be life changing when you really want to make a gift special. The ability to add your own messages, photos, and videos can convert a ho-hum gift into a lasting treasure. These customizations make your gift stand out, showing just how much you care. Take the extra time to craft a special message or video — they’ll love you for it. TIP: Find a website that offers personalization for free!

Deals and Points

Obviously, you should never pay more than face value for a closed loop (retail) gift card. But more than that, find sites that offer promotions, deals and points that can be applied to achieve discounts. HINT: eGifter.com has all of that covered.

Payment Methods

Smooth payment options are a must when buying gift cards online. The best gift card platforms are the ones that accept a wide range of payments including credit/debit cards, PayPal and most all cryptocurrencies including bitcoin, litecoin, and ethereum. If there is only one payment method, chances are the gift card platform you’re considering is not a market leader.

Instant or Scheduled Delivery

One of the coolest perks of buying gift cards online is the ability to select instant or scheduled delivery. Busy shoppers rely on speedy, reliable digital delivery via email and text, which are ideal for those last-minute surprises. For times when “set it and forget it” applies (like, shop now, send later!), look for a gift card platform that offers advanced delivery scheduling. Either way, your goal is to turn any occasion into a memorable one, for the ages. Settle on a gift card platform that can accommodate both, for free.

Security Features

Security is paramount in online transactions and buying gift cards online is no exception. You absolutely must choose a gift card platform that ensures an entirely secure experience, delivering you peace of mind, every step of the way.

Do’s and Don’ts for Buying Gift Cards Online

Do’s

• Vet the Site! Always buy from a reputable platform. Check out reviews and ratings to ensure it’s legit. (BTW, anyone wondering whether eGifter is legit can rest assured. We are as legit as legit can be.)

• Check User Feedback! Scour through user feedback to gauge the site’s reliability. (As an aside, take a moment to check the thousands of Five Star ratings of eGifter.com and the famed review site, Trustpilot.com)

• Monitor Your Cards! Take advantage of free features offered by Google Wallet and Apple Wallet, where you can store your gift cards for convenience and security. Keep track of your gift card details and balances with tools like eGifter.com’s balance-checking feature.

• Add a Video Message! Take your gift from zero to hero by recording a video clip that will tag along with your gift card delivery. If you are considering a gift card platform that does not have this free feature, keep searching until you find a website that offers it (like eGifter.com).
• Secure Your Purchase! Treat your gift cards like cash. If you opt to print your gift card, store it safely and privately.

Don’ts

• Skip Shady Sites! Stick to trusted platforms to dodge scams.
• Guard Your Codes! Only share gift card codes with verified recipients. No loose ends.
• Plan Ahead! Don’t wait until the last minute unless you know you’ve got instant delivery covered.
• Read the Fine Print! Be aware of any restrictions, like geographic limitations. Oftentimes, gift cards are valid for use in the USA only. So, if you’re located outside the USA, purchase locally.

Cool Ideas for Gift Cards to Buy Online

For the Foodie

Gourmet lovers will appreciate gift cards to top restaurants and food stores. Pair a restaurant gift card with a virtual dining experience or cooking class for an unforgettable gift. (FYI, eGifter.com offers a variety of options, from fine dining establishments to casual eateries and specialty food shops.)

For the Tech Enthusiast

Tech lovers will be thrilled with gift cards to leading tech stores and online platforms. Pair these gift cards with the latest gadgets or software to delight any tech enthusiast. (Heads up, eGifter.com features options like Apple, Best Buy, and Google Play.)

For the Fashionista

Fashion fans will love gift cards to their favorite clothing and accessory stores. Combine a gift card with personal styling advice or a shopping spree for the ultimate fashion experience. (If you didn’t know, eGifter.com includes popular retailers like Macy’s, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.)

For the Traveler

Travel enthusiasts will value gift cards for airlines, hotels, and cruises. Pair these with travel accessories or guides to create a comprehensive bundle of travel delight. (No surprise, eGifter.com offers a variety of travel-related gift cards, ideal for planning a surprise trip or vacation: airbnb, Carnival, Delta, American Airlines and Fairmont Hotels.)

For the Homebody

For those who love staying in, gift cards for home improvement, decor, and entertainment are perfect. Help them create cozy home experiences with these thoughtful gift cards. (Look for options like Home Depot, Hulu, Netflix, Playstation and Roblox — naturally, available at eGifter.com)

How to Master Online Gift Card Shopping

In summary, follow this simple checklist. It covers the essentials you’ll need to become an expert in shopping and gifting with online gift cards. Importantly, don’t pay extra for these features, as they should be included for free (as they are at eGifter.com):

1. Expansive Selection: Make sure the platform offers a wide array of gift cards to the top local and national brands. Then, bookmark the site (like eGifter.com) and return often, any time you need to find the perfect gift for any occasion.

2. Personalization at Your Fingertips: Be certain that the gift card platform includes simple tools for customization. You’ll need to include heartfelt messages, personal photos, and captivating videos to create a gift that truly resonates.

3. Swift or Scheduled Delivery: Choose a gift card platform that meets these basic requirements.

4. Flexible Payment Options: A myriad of payment options including cryptocurrencies is a sure fire indicator that the gift card platform you’re considering is worth its weight. Skip past the ones that don’t have this feature.

5. Security: Last and most importantly, the online gift card shopping platform you select must adhere to the highest industry security measures and standards.

What to Do Next…

Now that you’re a master of online gift card shopping, scroll through the vast catalog of gift cards at eGifter.com. It checks every box in this Ultimate Gift Card Shopping Guide. DO apply everything you’ve learned here — and DON’T forget to bookmark the site!