The Complete Guide to Holiday Gift Card Etiquette

Posted on: 11.1.2024

Updated on: 11.11.2025

When given thoughtfully, gift cards can be a perfect present. The key lies in understanding the unspoken rules of gift card etiquette. Whether you’re debating between cash and cards, wondering how much to spend, or trying to make your gift feel more personal, this guide covers everything you need to know about giving (and receiving) gift cards with confidence.

Gift cards are a thoughtful option for holiday gifting when chosen and presented with care.
Vanilla® Visa® Gift Cards offer flexibility, customization, and convenience for any recipient.
Ideal for situations where preferences are unknown, someone has moved, or you’re gifting teens and young adults.
Follow etiquette tips: include the amount, add a receipt, and personalize with a note or creative wrapping.
Plan ahead for physical cards or choose eGift cards for last-minute gifting, long-distance, or scheduled delivery.
Avoid scams by buying from trusted sources, inspecting packaging, and never sharing card details.

Is a Gift Card a Good Gift?

Whether you’re planning for a gift exchange, family gathering or work party, you’re gifting for a variety of people with a range of interests, styles or even favorite colors. For nearly every occasion, gift cards are a great option. Why? There are many reasons that giving Gift Cards for Christmas or any holiday makes for an ideal gift for everyone, but here are a few key ones:

Versatility

Vanilla® Visa® Gift Cards are versatile. They may be used in the U.S. and District of Columbia everywhere Visa debit card is accepted.

Flexibility

When you give a gift card, you give the recipient the gift of choice. This allows them to select their favorite clothes, top restaurants or fun-filled experiences.

Customizability

With a variety of styles or even a custom gift card design, you can make a gift card a thoughtful gift with just the right message or a festive look they’ll love.

When Gift Cards Work Best

You’re not sure what they’ll love most
A Vanilla Gift Card gives them the freedom to choose exactly what fits their style or needs.
They’ve recently moved or had a big life change
Perfect for someone setting up a new home or adjusting to a new routine—let them decide what’s most useful.
They have very specific preferences
Instead of guessing, give them the flexibility to pick something they’ll truly enjoy.
They’ve hinted at wanting something special
A Vanilla Gift Card ensures they can get that item on their own timeline, without the guesswork.
You’re gifting teens or young adults who value independence
Vanilla Gift Cards offer choice and convenience, making them ideal for those who like to shop their way.

Cash vs. Gift Cards

Imagine opening a holiday card to find a festive gift card with a thoughtful image or even a custom design. A smile comes to mind. Then consider peeking in the same card and finding cash. While both offer the recipient the ability to choose their gift, hand-picking a Vanilla® Gift Card adds a personal touch they won’t forget.

How Much Should You Spend on a Gift Card?

While it’s clearly important to stay in your budget, you do want to give a meaningful amount. Consider the cost of an item or at the store and use that as a guide for a minimum gift card amount. The same goes for restaurant gift card etiquette — an ideal amount covers the cost of an average meal plus tip. Additionally, you may spend more on close friends or family than casual acquaintances, a larger group of coworkers or your children’s teachers.

Tips for Giving Gift Cards for Christmas and the Holidays

Wondering how to give gift cards as presents? It’s all in the design and the presentation. With festive themes, multi-brand categories or even custom designs, there’s truly something for everyone at Vanilla Gift. Keep in mind the following do’s and don’ts as you choose the perfect gift cards for everyone on your list.

Do include a receipt. When wondering, do you give receipts with gift cards? The answer is yes, it’s recommended you give them proof of purchase to be kept with their gift card in the case of any questions. If the card is lost, the recipient will need to call 1-833-322-6760 and provide the Gift Card Number and other identifying information to receive a replacement.
Do plan ahead when ordering physical gift cards. Be sure to allow time to receive your gift card in the mail if you want to enclose plastic gifts cards in your holiday cards or in person. If sending one to the recipient, consider the ordering window before the holiday. Have questions about delivery or ordering Visa Gift Cards? Check out our Gift Card FAQs.
Do choose a gift card based on the recipient’s personality. With a wide variety of options, it’s easy to find the right gift card for everyone, from festive trees to twinkling stars and more.

DON’T

Don’t skip the wrapping! Holiday gift cards already bring festive cheer, but pairing them with a seasonal gift card box from Vanilla Gift makes your present truly unforgettable. With a wide variety of beautifully designed boxes and gift cards available at VanillaGift.com, you’ll find everything you need in one convenient stop, making it easy to create a thoughtful, polished gift your recipient is sure to love.
Don’t stress last-minute gifting. Running late? You can send Visa eGift cards quickly with a thoughtful message. Take a moment to determine what to write on a gift card for your recipient, and soon their gift will be on the way. If you’re looking to create a personalized gift this holiday season and need it quickly, Vanilla Visa offers Custom eGift Cards. You can tailor a gift card to feature a photo and send it to loved ones via email!

Special Situations and Gifting Etiquette

1. Office Gift Exchanges and Secret Santa

Stick strictly to stated spending limits
Choose widely appealing options (Visa, Amazon, coffee chains)
Keep presentations professional and inclusive
Consider your workplace culture regarding cash vs. cards

2. Long-Distance Gift Giving

When you can’t deliver gifts in person, gift cards become even more practical. eGift Cards allow for email delivery and offer a perfect option for long-distance relationships but always follow up to ensure they arrived safely.

3. Group Gifts and Pooling Money

When multiple people contribute to one gift card, ensure that you clearly communicate the total amount and how it was collected. One person can then handle the purchase and presentation, with all contributors’ names included.

The Art of Thoughtful Gift Card Giving

With a world of joyful options, perfect for anyone on your list, it’s no wonder that gift cards are a popular present during the holidays. It’s a clear answer if you are facing the question, are gift cards bad gifts? From freedom of choice to flexibility and customization, there are many reasons to give them, and with these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to deliver a gift that will brighten any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if someone gives me a gift and I don’t have one for them?

Offer the person a sincere thank you for the gift you received. Later on, you can get a small gift or thank you note to return the gesture.

Is re-gifting acceptable?

If the item is new, unused, and something the recipient would genuinely enjoy it can be okay. You should avoid regifting handmade or personalized items.

Do gifts need to be of equal value?

No, it’s the thought that counts.

Who should I tip or gift during the holidays?

Teachers, mail carriers, caregivers, and other service providers often appreciate a small gift or gift card in the holiday season.

Can I schedule a gift card for delivery on a specific date?

Yes! With Vanilla eGift Cards, you can schedule delivery up to 6 months in the future.

What’s the best way to make a gift card feel personal?

To make your gift card feel more personal, include a hand written note, thoughtful presentation, or create a custom photo gift card!

How Can I Avoid Gift Card Scams?

Wondering how to protect yourself from gift card scams? While the following list isn't all-inclusive, it is a great start and can help protect the funds on your gift card.

Only buy from reputable sellers. Direct vendors like Vanilla Gift, Mastercard Gift Card, The Gift Card Shop, and American Express Gift Card are reputable parties and serve customers daily. Legitimate sellers will have customer service teams and product guarantees for consumer protection.
Inspect cards before purchasing at retail locations. Make sure protective stickers and packaging are not tampered with. If you suspect tampering, alert a store employee, and choose a different item.
Always keep a copy of your receipt. Transaction details can help if a scam is attempted.
Verify the website URL when shopping for and activating gift cards. Check for URL misspellings, make sure the site is a HTTPS:// URL, and look for lock icons that are in the browser. Ensure the URL you are activating your gift card and checking your balance on matches the one on the back of your card.
Never give your card number and PIN/CVV to anyone. Enough said!

Custom Gift Cards FAQ

Can I choose the amount on a custom Visa Gift Card or eGift Card?
A: Yes, the custom Gift Cards and custom eGift Cards are available in the same denominations as the Visa Gift Card designs on the Vanilla Gift site, between $10 - $500.

How long will it take to receive my custom Visa Gift Card or eGift Card?
A: Shipping time for physical custom cards will depend on the shipping method chosen.

USPS – $1.95 per card, with cap of $5.95,

Orders $200 or more are shipped via FedEx

FedEx Expedited: 3-4 Business Days - $10.95
FedEx Rush: 2-3 Business Days - $17.95

Most eGift Card orders are delivered within 5 minutes but can take up to 24 hours.

Are Visa Custom Gift Cards or eGift Cards reusable?
A: No, Vanilla Visa Custom Gift Cards and Custom eGift Cards cannot be reloaded. If you want to give multiple custom-made gift cards of the same design, consider ordering more than one at a time.

Do I need to activate my custom Visa Gift Card or eGift Card?
A: Yes, the customer must activate their physical custom gift cards at balance.VanillaGift.com or by calling the toll-free phone number on the back of the Physical Gift Card (1-833-322-6760). Customer will need to provide the Gift Card Number, Valid Through Date, and Security Code located on the back of your gift card.

Vanilla Visa eGift Cards do not need to be activated prior to first use. They are activated upon purchase and shipped to the recipient’s email ready to use.

Where can custom Visa Gift Cards or eGift Cards be used?
A: Visa Gift Cards can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the United States and the District of Columbia. Visa Gift Cards may not be used for recurring billing or at ATMs.