25 Clever Ways to Give Gift Cards at Christmas
Gift cards don’t have to be boring! Sure, they’re practical (and everyone loves picking out exactly what they want), but handing over a plain envelope can feel a little… blah.
The good news? You can give thoughtful gift cards at Christmas with just a dash of creativity. They’ll make your recipient laugh-out-loud, or be downright adorable.
Note: I kept these card gift ideas simple, so that they’re doable and quick.
They’ll prove that it’s the presentation that makes all the difference.
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Pro tip: For the ideas below, I used many things I already had at home. You don’t need to buy anything expensive to make these fun gift card gifts amazing!
Clever Ways to Give Specific Gift Cards
Everyone will love these cute and clever ways to give gift cards!
1. General Restaurant or Doordash Gift Card
For this gift card, I used plastic cutlery and ribbon I had at home. But you could also put your gift card inside a takeout box and include chopsticks and napkins.
Giving a pizza gift card? Put it in a cute pizza box and add a pizza cutter. Then attach a tag that says “You’ve got a PIZZA my heart—enjoy dinner!”
2. Massage/Pedicure Gift Card
Add a nail or massage gift card to a face mask for the ultimate relaxation gift. You could also attach your gift card to a bath bomb, small candle, or full mini spa in a kit gift.
Attach a tag that says “A little gift to help you put your feet up.”
3. Movie Night Gift Card
Everyone loves a movie night, whether it’s at home or at the theater.
Attach a tag that says ““POP over to the theater for a good time!” or “Life’s butter with movies & popcorn.”
4. Coffee Shop Fun
Great for a last minute gift, this gift card gift idea keeps it simple. Put the card in a holiday mug with hot cocoa mix, instant coffee, marshmallows, and/or a candy cane.
Attach a tag that says “Thanks a LATTE!,” “Brew-tiful things await,” or “Life happens, coffee helps.”
5. Clothing, Target, Walmart, Etc.
These types of gift cards are hard to dress up. But anyone will appreciate a new (real or fake) plant along with their gift card.
If you specifically want a clothing store, you could also try rolling your gift card in a pair of socks or nice scarf. Then attach a tag that says ““Socks/Scarf & shopping? That’s the perfect FIT.”
6. Hardware Store Gift Card
The man in my life loves everything from the hardware store. But it doesn’t have to be a boring gift. Dress up this gift card with simple work pencils, measuring tools, or work gloves.
Attach a tag that says ““NAILED it! Here’s a gift for you.”
7. Home Store Gift card
Pair this gift card idea with a spatula, whisk, cute dish towel, or oven mitt.
Attach a tag that says ““Home is where the gift card is.”
8. Craft Store Gift Card
Any crafter needs scissors! You could also:
- fill a mason jar with buttons and stick the gift card inside.
- wrap the card around a painting set
- tape the card inside a sketchbook
Attach a tag that says ““A crafty little surprise for you.”
9. Sporting Goods Gift Card
Slip your sporting goods gift card inside a reusable water bottle, tucked between energy bars. You could also attach it to something they need, like a new ball or sporting socks.
Attach a tag that says “Work hard, play hard—gear up!”
10. Book Gift Card
Bookmarks are cheap and easy items to use with your book store gift card. I love the magnetic ones because they stay up. You can also attach your gift card to:
- a small notepad
- a reading light
- your favorite book
Attach a tag that says “This story ends with you smiling.”
11. Alcohol/Wine Gift Card
Slip your gift card:
- in a mason jar with a “bar in a jar” style gift.
- inside a fun wine glass
- attached to a bottle of wine
- attached to a corkscrew
- with a mini charcuterie board and cheese knife
Attach a tag that says ““Cheers to you and this gift!”
12. Music or Audiobook gift card
*Any teen would love this!
Pair this fun gift card with a pair of inexpensive ear buds.
Attach a tag that says “This gift hits all the right notes.”
13. Mexican Restaurant Gift Card
Is this not just the cheesiest, most awesome thing you’ve ever seen? Add a gift card to your local Mexican restaurnant to the basket and you have a gift they’ll never forget.
See the Nacho Average gift and frab the free gift tags >>
14. Pet Store Gift Card
If your recipient has a dog, tuck your gift card inside a container of tennis balls. Or for any pet, you can buy a small container of food, an ornament, a bandana, or a small toy for the pet to enjoy.
Attach a tag that says ““Unleash the fun!” or ““Purr-haps the best gift yet.”
Related: Creative Money Christmas Gift Ideas
Ways to Give Any Type of Gift Card
These fun gift card gift ideas are clever and oh so fun! They’re more about the experience (or the chocolate), so you can use any type of gift card!
15. Clever Gift Card Treasure Hunt
Use this free elf on the shelf scavenger hunt to lead your recipient to their gift card! You’ll love watching them scramble to find their prize!
16. Money Grows on Trees After All
Swap out the cash for gift cards in this fun gift!
Give your recipient a note that says “Money doesn’t grow on trees…or does it?” When your recipient reads the note, they’ll realize they need to search for money or gift cards growing on a tree.
17. Candy Wrapped in a Festive Bow
Simple and effective! For this gift, I used higher end chocolate that any adult would love. All you need is a big bow or ribbon to tie it together.
18. DIY Candy Sleigh
Short on time but need a gift anyone will love? Grab a few candy canes, candy, and tape. Then, add money or a gift card (if you want) for an unforgettable last-minute gift.
19. Santa’s Emergency Fund
*A clever way to hide money!
It appears to be a mason jar filled with candy. But inside, there’s a roll of cash in the middle. I used a rubber band to keep it together, but a clip also works. Make sure the candy covers the gift card and you’ll be giving your recipient a super sweet surprise!
To make this for Christmas use: red and green m&ms, holiday chocolates, or mini candy canes.
Related:
20. Break in Case of Emergency
This cute In Case of Emergency Break Glass gift card gift is so fun! It’s the kind of present that guarantees a smile. And maybe even saves the day after Christmas.
Related: Cheap Coworker Christmas Gift Ideas
Turn Gift Card Giving Into a Game!
If you want to give your gift cards in an entertaining way to a group, try fun games!
21. Mitt Madness
The Oven Mitt Christmas Game is equal parts chaos and laughter. Imagine frantically trying to unwrap a gift…
- while wearing bulky oven mitts
- while everyone else cheers and yells
- while the person next to you maybe tries to steal your turn
It’s simple, hilarious, and guaranteed to become a crowd favorite at your Christmas party.
22. Puzzle Payoff
The Puzzle Payoff money game takes ordinary gift cards and cash prizes and turns them into an unforgettable party challenge. It’s fast, funny, and just the right amount of chaotic. And the real payoff comes from piecing together your prize.
23. Punch Xmas Tree Game
This Money Christmas Tree Punch Game is the perfect mix of laughs, surprises, and a touch of chaos. It’s the Naughty vs Nice edition!
Fill each punch cup with cash or gift cards (nice) or a silly gag gift (naughty), and let players test their luck to see which list they land on. It’s fast, funny, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite at any holiday gathering!
24. Let’s Make a Deal Game
This Let’s Make a Deal twist brings out everyone’s competitive side. Will you stick with what’s in your hands or take a gamble on the next round? Perhaps there’s gold in that small mystery box!
25. Gift Card Pong
Christmas Gift Card Pong is the holiday twist on the classic party favorite. It guarantees laughs, friendly competition, and a little extra holiday cheer. Line up your cups and see who scores big.
Bonus: Blindfold Gift Card Grab
The Blindfold Bank Grab spatula game might be the easiest and funniest money game our family has ever played.
Blindfold one player, hand them a spatula, and scatter dollar bills and gift cards across the table. (Or you can use one or the other!) They get one minute to scoop up as much as possible. Whatever they grab, they keep!
See more ideas like this: Hilarious Christmas Money & Gift Card Games
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Don’t forget to save these Christmas Gift Card Gifts for later on Pinterest!
