The Gift Card Trends 2025

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Top Gift Card Trends Shaping the Future of Gifting

The digital revolution continues to reshape the gift card market, transforming consumer expectations and creating new opportunities for businesses. Did you know that digital gift card sales are projected to surpass $932 billion by 2028? As consumers shift to seamless, instant, and personalized gifting solutions, businesses must stay ahead of the trends shaping the future of gift cards.

1. The Continued Rise of Digital Gift Cards

Chart showing global digital gift card market growth reaching $932 billion by 2028
The digital gift card market is projected to exceed $932 billion by 2028.

In recent years, digital gift cards have surged in popularity, becoming a preferred choice for consumers worldwide. Notably, in the first half of 2024, digital gift cards captured over 50% of the market share for the first time, reflecting a significant shift towards digital solutions. Tillo

The global digital gift card market is projected to reach $932.11 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1%. This rapid growth is driven by factors such as the increasing penetration of online shopping platforms, the rise of e-commerce, and the growing adoption of digital payments.

Consumers are drawn to digital gift cards for convenience, speed, and ease of use. The ability to purchase and send a gift card instantly aligns with modern expectations for immediate gratification. Additionally, digital gift cards offer flexibility in redemption, allowing recipients to choose products or services that best suit their preferences.

For businesses, embracing digital gift cards presents opportunities to meet consumer demand, enhance customer engagement, and drive revenue growth. As digital gift cards continue to rise, staying attuned to this trend is crucial for remaining competitive in the evolving marketplace.

Digital gift cards are on the rise – but what's driving this shift? 

Read here: https://enjovia.com/blog/digital-gift-cards-why-they-are-the-future-of-gifting

2. Personalization and Customization

Consumers now expect personalized gifting experiences, making customization a key differentiator.

👉 Explore how personalization increases customer engagement.

Link to: https://enjovia.com/create-unique-experiences-with-gift-voucher-add-ons/

3. Gift Cards as Budgeting Tools

Consumers are increasingly using gift cards as budgeting tools, helping them control spending on essentials and discretionary items. A Fiserv study found that 62% of consumers buy gift cards for themselves, with 25% citing budgeting as a key reason.

Gift cards function like a modern “envelope budgeting” system, limiting spending and preventing impulse purchases. 

Brands can market gift cards as budgeting tools by:

By positioning gift cards beyond gifting, brands can tap into a growing consumer need for budgeting solutions.

Donut chart showing digital gift card use for budgeting: 40% groceries, 30% dining, 30% entertainment
Gift cards are now tools for managing personal budgets.

4. Employee Rewards and Incentives

Businesses increasingly use gift cards to reward and incentivize employees, offering flexibility and convenience.

  • 69% of employees prefer gift cards as rewards over cash bonuses.
  • Companies like Amazon, Starbucks, and Visa Prepaid use digital gift cards for performance incentives.
  • Digital gift cards simplify distribution and boost employee engagement.

For employers, gift cards serve as an effective, cost-efficient, and widely appreciated incentive tool.

5. Global Expansion and Market Insights

The gift card market is growing fast, expected to jump from $835.2 billion in 2022 to $4.2 trillion by 2032. This growth is driven by changing consumer habits and payment trends. As more people shift away from cash, gift cards have become a popular, cashless spending option.

The gift card market is expected to jump from $835.2 billion in 2022 to $4.2 trillion by 2032.

Regional Growth Trends:

  • North America: Market reached $1.16 trillion in 2024.
  • Asia-Pacific: Expected to hit $1.23 trillion by 2030, fueled by digital payments.
  • Europe: Steady expansion from $480.56 billion in 2024 to $1.29 trillion by 2034.

How Businesses Can Adapt:

  • Go digital – e-gift cards are outpacing physical cards.
  • Customization – Consumers prefer personalized options.
  • Omnichannel strategy – Offer gift cards across multiple touchpoints.

Regional Growth: A Worldwide Opportunity

This isn’t just a trend in one region; it’s a global movement.

6. Sustainability and Eco-Consciousness

Environmental awareness is driving the shift from plastic to digital gift cards.

  • Reduces plastic waste, making digital gift cards an eco-friendly alternative.
  • Brands leveraging sustainability messaging see stronger consumer loyalty.
  • Consumers actively choose brands that prioritize sustainability.

For businesses, promoting digital gift cards as a green solution can enhance brand image and attract eco-conscious shoppers.

7. Security Enhancements and Blockchain Technology

Security remains critical as digital adoption grows.

  • Blockchain technology enhances transaction security, fraud prevention, and transparency.
  • Prevents duplication or counterfeiting of gift cards.
  • Retailers adopting blockchain-based gift cards improve security and efficiency.

Blockchain ensures greater trust and confidence in digital gift card transactions.

8. Omnichannel Experiences

Consumers now expect consistent, frictionless experiences across platforms. Seamless integration of digital gift cards across physical stores, websites, apps, and social commerce is essential. Enhanced consumer experience through unified, frictionless purchasing and redemption.

For gift cards, an omnichannel approach ensures customers can easily buy, send, and redeem them across multiple touchpoints:

  • In-store & Online: Customers can purchase and redeem gift cards both in physical stores and online without hassle.
  • Mobile & Apps: Digital gift cards can be stored in mobile wallets, making them easy to access and use on the go.
  • Social Commerce Integration: Brands can sell and distribute gift cards directly through social media platforms, increasing convenience.
  • Real-time Balance Syncing: Customers can check and use their remaining balance seamlessly, whether shopping in-store or online.

Retailers leveraging omnichannel gift card systems see higher engagement, as customers are more likely to make repeat purchases when they can access and use their balance effortlessly. Features like cross-platform compatibility and instant redemption enhance the user experience, driving brand loyalty and increased sales.

9. Data-Driven Insights and Analytics

Advanced analytics help businesses understand consumer behaviors and optimize gift card strategies.

  • Consumer insights guide marketing efforts, personalization, and inventory management.
  • Analytics-driven decision-making improves promotional effectiveness and customer retention.

10. Expanding Payment Options

Innovations in payment technology enhance gift card usability and appeal.

  • The integration of cryptocurrencies and digital wallets broadens usability and attracts tech-savvy consumers.
  • NFC and QR-code redemption simplify checkout processes, enhancing convenience.

11. Social Commerce Integration

Social media platforms are becoming prominent channels for gift card transactions.

  • Integrating gift card purchases and redemptions directly within social media.
  • Businesses should leverage social commerce to enhance convenience and reach a broader audience.

12. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences

AR and VR offer innovative ways to deliver engaging gift card experiences.

  • Virtual unboxing or immersive gifting experiences enhance consumer appeal.
  • Brands leveraging AR and VR create memorable interactions, boosting customer engagement.

Understanding global market dynamics helps businesses capitalize on international expansion opportunities.

  • Adapting gift card offerings to regional preferences and regulatory environments.
  • Ensuring compliance with global data privacy and financial regulations to mitigate risks.

14. Strategic Brand Partnerships

Forming partnerships with complementary brands expands gift card appeal.

  • Co-branded gift card offerings attract broader consumer bases.
  • Strategic partnerships enhance brand visibility and customer acquisition through shared audiences.

Conclusion: Future-Proof Your Gift Card Strategy

Gift cards are no longer just a gifting tool; they have become a strategic driver of customer engagement, brand loyalty, and revenue growth.

To stay competitive in this evolving landscape, businesses must:

  • Embrace digital transformation by expanding digital gift card options.
  • Enhance personalization to create unique customer experiences.
  • Leverage omnichannel strategies to ensure seamless redemption and accessibility.
  • Utilize data and analytics to drive informed marketing and promotional efforts.
  • Prioritize security and innovation through blockchain integration and sustainable practices.

By staying ahead of these trends, businesses can future-proof their gift card strategy, increase customer satisfaction, and capitalize on new growth opportunities in 2025 and beyond. Now is the time to innovate, adapt, and lead in the evolving gift card market!

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