18 Best Gift Card Presentation Ideas That Add a Personal Touch
It's easy to put a creative spin on a gift card present.
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Let's face it: Some people are just hard to buy for! Whether you're searching for a teen boy gifts , grandpa gifts , or maybe you just need some stocking stuffers , gift cards often are the solution. And if you need a sure bet for a last-minute gift , it's also a great option. But gift cards can seem maybe a tad bit impersonal—unless you dress them up in these amazing gift card presentation ideas!
We've got fun and easy DIY ideas that combine your creative side with simple craft supplies you probably already have around the house, such as glue, cardstock, and felt. Or you can buy a few super-cute gift card containers to add a special flair to any gift card and make the presentation that much more special. Just slip your card inside, and you're done! No wrapping gifts , no struggling with bows, no running out of tape. Best of all, these easy presentation ideas don't just have to be used for Christmas or Hanukkah gift-giving. They're also great ideas for gift cards given for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or Mother's Day . Make every gift card extra-special with these creative presentation ideas for gift cards throughout the year.
DIY Wrapping Paper Gift Card Holders
Wondering what to do with your extra wrapping paper? Upcycle it into these cute gift card holders and tie them with a bow.
Get the tutorial at K Werner Design .
SHOP SCISSORS
DIY Cardstock Gift Card Holders
Even though these gift card holders look professionally made, they couldn't be simpler to DIY! The tutorial includes easy-to-use printable templates, so all you need to worry about is picking your favorite pattern.
Get the tutorial at The Homes I Have Made .
SHOP CARDSTOCK
DIY Wood and Gold Leaf Gift Card Holder
There's never been a more fashionable way to present a gift card than these gold wooden holders.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed .
SHOP GOLD LEAF
DIY Taco Gift Card Holder
Give someone the gift of extra guac with this adorable taco gift card holder.
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch Blog .
DIY Felt Gift Card Holder Tags
Have a batch of gift cards for friends and family? Put together these easy, no-sew felt tags that put a personal touch on each one.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger .
DIY Monster Gift Card Holders
Turn gift cards for your kids, nieces, and nephews into these funky little monsters!
Get the tutorial at Polka Dot Chair .
SHOP GOOGLY EYES
DIY Mason Jar Gift Card and Candy Holder
The recipient gets the added bonus of candy and a cute Mason jar holder, as well as a gift card, with this great idea.
Get the tutorial at Something Turquoise .
SHOP MASON JARS
DIY Mini Stocking Gift Card Holders
Give a little keepsake alongside the gift card with these colorful stockings.
Get the tutorial at Flamingo Toes .
SHOP FABRIC
DIY Rudolph Gift Card Holder
Reuse an old paper towel or toilet paper tube and turn it into this sweet Rudolph gift card holder.
Get the tutorial at Tried and True Blog .
DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater Gift Card Holder
There's probably nothing on this planet cuter than these mini hangers. So put these tiny sweaters to good use as the perfect prize holders for your ugly Christmas sweater party!
Get the tutorial at Design Eat Repeat .
Apple Gift Card Holder
Honor your favorite teacher or graduate with this fun apple-shaped gift card holder.
Custom Gift Card Envelope
These gift card envelopes have hand-written names for a personal touch. Stock up on envelopes for your family members and use them for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, and more.
Suitcase Gift Card Box
Is there anything sweeter than this mini suitcase to hold a gift card for your travel-obsessed friend?
Retro Cassette Tape Gift Card Holder
This is the perfect gift card presentation idea for the music lover in your life.
FYY Business Card Holder
Tuck a gift card inside, and the recipient gets two gifts in one with this handy business card holder.
Bits and Pieces Wooden Puzzle Box Gift Card Holder
Put your gift card or cash inside the box, and your recipient has to solve the puzzle to release the gift!
Sofa Gift Card Holder
Believe it or not, there's a gift card hidden in this adorable paper sofa.
Pinball Game Gift Card Holder
Stash the gift card (or cash), and the recipient plays pinball to release the treasure!
Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.
Arricca Elin SanSone is a freelance writer, editor, and digital content developer. She specializes in lifestyle and interior design content with a focus on gardening. Arricca earned dual bachelor’s degrees summa cum laude in English and classics from Hiram College, as well as an MBA cum laude from Georgia Southern University. Before writing full-time, Arricca studied in Rome, traveled in Europe, and taught school in Asia. With over a decade of experience, Arricca has pitched, researched, and crafted fresh story ideas and content to appeal to national audiences. She has written thousands of articles for print and digital publications such as Country Living , Good Housekeeping , Prevention , House Beautiful , and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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12 Interesting and Creative Ways to Give Gift Cards
Take gift giving to a new level with these fun and unexpected gift card presentation ideas.
First venturing into the freelance space in 2016, Saleema has since had case reports and peer-reviewed articles published in distinguished journals like The NAVTA Journal and Today’s Veterinary Nurse, as well as several articles published at various digital publications.
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Create a fun and memorable experience for friends or family members with these creative ways to give gift cards. From last-minute DIY gift card holders to presentation methods that require a bit more planning, these ideas will show the recipient just how much you appreciate them.
Nested Gift Boxes
Nesting or nested boxes are the gifts that keep on giving - and they'll give the gift of a little laughter, too! Give a friend or family member the experience of opening several presents by trying this fun way to present a gift card. First, put the card in the smallest box and wrap it . Then, place the wrapped box within the next box, wrap it, and so on. Use tissue paper or shredded paper to cushion each box. The unwrapping process will be sure to get some chuckles, and the recipient will be pleasantly surprised to find the gift card at the end! If you don't want to purchase special nesting gift boxes, simply use recycled cardboard boxes in different sizes for the same effect.
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DIY Gift Card Snow Globe
Snow globes are a traditional holiday gift, but this DIY spin on the classic globe can be a unique way to present a gift card. All you need is a mason jar, hot glue gun, water, glitter, and any other decorations you'd like to place in the globe. Just know this method will only work for plastic gift cards because they will be fully submerged in the water. Don't have time or patience to craft one yourself? You can buy a ready-made snow globe designed to hold a gift card.
Hide a Gift Card in a Jar of Candy
Imagine opening a jar filled with your favorite candy when you discover a second gift tucked in the center of the jar: Surprise - it's a gift card! Extend this joy to a loved one by placing a rolled piece of cardstock into a mason jar. Put the gift card into the cardstock, then fill the surrounding portion of the jar with their favorite candy. Skittles, M&M's, jellybeans, and Reese's Pieces work well for this, though you can also use almonds, dried berries, or granola for a healthier twist. Make sure to place a gift tag on the jar so everyone knows exactly who it's meant for.
Place a Card Inside a Mug or Tumbler
Everyone enjoys a hot beverage in the winter, so you can't go wrong by presenting a gift card in a mug. Find one with an image or message that reminds you of your friend or person you're giving the gift to; you can find some pretty cute mugs at Target, World Market, TJ Maxx, or Amazon. Fill the mug with tissue paper or crinkled paper shreds, then push the gift card halfway in so it's peeking out the top. If you know the recipient likes a certain type of tea, coffee, or chocolate, you can tuck a few into the mug as well. A tumbler with a lid and straw instead of a mug could also make a great choice.
Make an Easy Origami Envelope Gift Card Holder
A gift card presented in an envelope doesn't have to be boring, particularly if the envelope is handmade. A DIY origami envelope is a thoughtful and elegant way to gift a card, plus it won't take you more than a few minutes. You'll just need some decorative paper (wrapping paper works great!) cut into a 9-inch by 9-inch square. It can double as a business card holder after they spend the gift card!
Create a Crocheted Gift Card Holder
Are you feeling extra crafty? Consider crocheting a Santa-themed gift card holder . You will need prior crocheting experience or the willingness to learn a few basic stitches. However, the result will be an impressive gift card holder that can double as a coin purse or keepsake pouch.
Slip It in a Luggage Tag
Are you getting a gift card for the adventurer in your life? Or maybe it's a wedding gift for a couple who will be taking off on their honeymoon? Placing the gift card in a cute luggage tag can be a fun and unique idea. You can find luggage tags featuring clever sayings at most travel stores or even Target. If you have time leading up to the big day, it could be meaningful to have a personalized luggage tag made for your special explorer.
Try a Maze Gift Card Puzzle
Make the recipient work for their present by placing the gift card inside a maze. You can purchase maze boxes designed exactly for this purpose. Just open the maze, place the gift card inside, then place it under the tree. The receiver will have to unlock the puzzle before they can access the card.
Plan a Scavenger Hunt
If you want to give your gift card recipient a fun experience, you could try planning a scavenger hunt for them. This is especially fun when giving gift cards to a group of children or teens . Give them an envelope containing the first clue . Each clue can lead them to a different location in the home (or your neighborhood!), with the final clue leading them to the gift cards.
Make a Paper Backpack to Hold a Child's Gift Card
If you're giving a gift card to a kid in your life, you'll want to make it fun. Find a toy they'll enjoy, like a small plush bear, dinosaur figurine, or doll. Grab an envelope, two thin strips of tape, and glue or tape, and use it to craft a paper backpack for the doll to wear. Slip the gift card inside the envelope and place it under the tree. If you want to make the pack even more realistic, you can fashion an origami backpack . Your little one will fall in love with both the backpack-toting toy and the gift card it holds.
Zip It Into a Small Pouch
Pair the gift card with a small zippered pouch. You can find pouches with cute images or sayings on them, though you can also get one personalized with a photo or your loved one's name. The pouch makes it a fun gift to open, and they can use it as a coin purse or wallet. For a student, you could gift the gift card in a slender zippered pencil case instead.
Gift Multiple Cards as a Wreath
Are you giving an individual or family multiple gift cards? A creative way to present them is in the form of a wreath. Begin with a plain holiday wreath; it can be an artificial fir, grapevine, or whatever you prefer. Arrange the cards around the wreath, then use decorative clips to attach them. This gift card presentation is not only attractive, but it doubles as a decoration the recipient can use for many holidays to come.
Original Gift Card Presentation Ideas for Everyone
Whether this gift is for a loved one on Christmas morning or an office gift exchange , these fun ways to give gift cards will take your present to the next level. Choose the presentation method that works best for the person receiving the card and the time you have available . It's truly the thought that counts.
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Creative Ways to Give a Gift Card
Gift cards are wonderful. We like to give them, as well as receive them. But when it comes to gifting them, how do you go beyond just adding them into a greeting card or gift bag?
Whatever the occasion, try to elevate your gift card giving game using these creative gift card presentation ideas. It’s minimal effort with maximum effect.
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How do I make my gift card more interesting?
We all like gift cards because of what they offer: ease and customization. But knowing how to couple “gift card” with “interesting,” well, that’s the question, right? How do you present a gift card, beyond the paper sleeve, in a way that shows you expended more effort than a quick stop at Kroger or CVS?
Well, you make it personal. While that can take many forms — from simple to over the top — those small steps of personalization offer a creative and caring touch.
Whatever special occasion you have looming, here are several creative gift card presentation ideas you can use for inspiration.
How do you present a bunch of gift cards?
Have you ever been in a situation where you had multiple gift cards to give? For me, the things that come to mind are those group, gift-giving opportunities: Teacher Appreciation Week , class “Thank You!” gifts for a teacher or Bible study leader, a group birthday gift for a friend or family member, a Get Well gift, team gifts for a special coach or teacher, etc.
Below, you’ll find a variety of ideas from Marian at How Clever! for presenting a collection of gift cards with personalization and pizazz!
1) Potted plant gift card bouquet
This one is so easy to put together and can be used to present a variety of gift cards for all kinds of gifts: Get Well, Thinking of You, Teacher Appreciation, and more.
With just a simple container and an easy-to-care-for plant, all that’s required is adding the gift cards you’ve collected to some type of stake or holder.
Some ideas for displaying the gift cards in your plant include:
- taping the gift cards to wooden skewers (which is what we did here), flower stakes, or straws
- using card-holder floral picks (either plastic or wire )
- attaching with alligator clips like these .
Most likely, you have one or more of these items on hand.
Marian then simply created a “Thinking of You” label on her computer and attached it to a burlap band that she wrapped around the plant’s container.
If you’d like to get a copy of this label, along with the others shown in this post, here’s a link to the printable .
Obviously, this one would work with just about any plant or flower arrangement, so the sky’s the limit. You also could fill a bucket with sand, add a shovel, maybe a bow and a cute tag, and stake your gift cards just as we’ve shown here.
2) Shadow box display for gift card presentation
This would be so cute for a class gift during Teacher Appreciation Week! As you can see, it doesn’t take much to personalize the shadow box, and it would serve as a cute and simple way for students to collect and gift their teacher with gift cards to all of his or her favorite places.
We found this shadow box for only $5 in the Dollar Spot at Target. It has a slide-out back, so you can personalize it in one of two ways.
One, Hobby Lobby has scrapbook paper that looks like notebook paper that you can cut to fit the frame and then just hand-write a personal note; or two, you can use a platform like Canva to find an editable template to customize, download, and print.
If you like the one Marian created, we’re sharing a printable copy you can download and print . To personalize, you’d simply need to add your teacher’s name and any other details you’d like to include.
While you might not be able to get this same shadow box, you can find pretty inexpensive ones in many places.
3) Gift cards presented on a metal letter
We love this idea! Using a metal letter, you can create the cutest gift card display that also serves as part of a fabulous gift!
We bought this one at Hobby Lobby, where you can find them in many styles and sizes. The key to making this one, though, is using a metal letter since magnets attach the flowers and gift cards.
To make the flower magnets, simply find the faux florals you wish to use. We like the Gerber daisies because they come in bright colors and have a large surface to hide the magnets. You will need a clip magnetic like this or this . Once you cut the flower top from the stem, you’ll use your glue gun to affix the flower to the magnet.
And voila! You’re all set to gather your gift cards for a precious presentation. This would be an excellent gift for high school graduation (using something other than flowers) or even a birthday.
4) Gift card bouquet with a garland
If you’ve been following us for a while, this one probably looks familiar. In our post, DIY Care Packages: Simple Steps to Cute & Clever, we showed you how to create a themed gift card garland for sending a quick and easy care package to your college student . But you can apply the general idea to a variety of occasions (Happy Birthday, Get Well, Congrats, etc.) using whatever garland you feel best represents either the person or situation.
Garlands are having a moment, and with so many cute options — whether it’s a tassel, pom-pom, or seasonal — including one that the recipient could then use and display can also become part of the gift.
I also think this would be a cute idea for a bridal or baby shower. Serving double duty, the hostess could use a cute garland on the wall or mantle for decoration, as well as a place for partygoers to clip their gift card gifts, recipe cards, or well-wishes as they arrive.
While all of the above were made specifically for creating a presentation for multiple gift cards, both the gift card bouquet in the plant and the metal letter could easily be given as a solo gift using only one gift card.
What are creative ways to give gift cards when you have just one?
However, most of the time, we give gift cards, it’s a single gift, and it’s here where most of us can up our game. But again, minimal effort is all that’s required.
And if you’re reading this and thinking being creative isn’t your thing, well, that’s why we’re here! Marian has taken the guesswork away, so you don’t have to come up with the ideas for presenting your gift card. All you have to do is copy the one(s) you like best!
Quick and easy gift card presentation ideas
The next time you have a gift card to present, here are some ideas to make that gift just a little more special:
Sweet and simple
With so many great water bottles, insulated wine cups, coffee mugs, and more, it doesn’t stress the imagination to transform something simple to fit a variety of gift-giving occasions and recipients.
The ideas below probably don’t cost not much more (if at all) than a nice greeting card or gift bag, but each creates a sweet and thoughtful touch.
1) Acrylic cup or tumbler
Gift cards are perfect for high school graduation. Still, you can add appeal to the presentation by dropping the card inside the appropriate collegiate-branded tumbler and simply adding some complementary-colored shred.
Receiving gifts emblazoned with their new college logo often is a highlight for soon-to-be college freshmen, and while the gift card will be put to quick use, the tumbler is one of those things they likely will continue to use and like for years to come.
2) Coffee mug
Here’s a gift card presentation idea that is simple to do but ups your gift card giving game! The mug we used in the image above is no longer available, but here’s a cute one from Williams Sonoma . Just pop the gift card into some pink shred, and you’re ready to go! Of course, this gift card idea would work with any recipient for any occasion based on the mug and gift card you choose.
If you’re like me, I always try to find a gift first, particularly when buying for my mom or mother-in-law. They both are great and certainly deserve to be celebrated . However, I’ve also found that to be increasingly difficult because neither of our moms really “need” anything.
In fact, that was the primary driver behind this post: Find Unique Gifts for Mom This Mother’s Day . Check it out if you’re looking for some ideas!
However, sometimes, giving a gift card to someone’s favorite store is the best way to go. So if you find yourself in that position — whomever the gift is for — well, at least now you have some different options for presenting your gift card with a bit of panache.
3) Lanyard or keychain
Using a lanyard or keychain is another simple idea based on the occasion. You can hole-punch your gift card and add it to a keychain or lanyard. Or, if your gift card is for a special coach, consider clipping to a sports whistle! Easy-peasy, lemon squeezy!
Gift cards with a personal touch
Here we’ve taken the same approach as above but added a little bit of “extra” with a DIY gift tag. For the most part, all we did here to elevate the presentation of sweet and simple was to add a little bit of personalization.
Below you’ll find a few easy ideas for presenting a gift card to someone, and as a bonus, we’ve included a link to download and print the gift tags.
1) Mason jar: You are Marvelous & Magnificent!
Maybe it’s for Teacher Appreciation Week, or perhaps it’s a simple gift just to say “Thanks!” or “Thinking of you.” Whatever the reason, here’s an idea for presenting someone with a gift card using just a mason jar and M&Ms.
At Christmas, you could turn your mason jar into a snow globe. I like these two tutorials from Hip2Save and Home Made Lovely . Both are so cute!
2) Tumbler 2.0: Thanks a Latte!
Okay, back to the tumbler! Starbucks gift cards are such a popular gift that it just made sense to circle back around to this idea. Below is another easy idea when giving a gift card from Starbucks. All we did on this one was add black shred to the cup and a simple DIY “Thanks a latte!” tag .
While Starbucks is often the default, most locally-owned coffee shops also have merch. If I was giving this to someone local (or in their 20s), I might look for an option other than Starbucks but do everything else the same.
And nothing against Starbucks, but both of my young adult children seem to prefer unique coffee shops over the bigger chain.
You also could up the ante on this gift with a personalized mug or tumbler. The ones pictured here are nice because they fit easily into a cup holder, and even with the personalization, these are still under $25.
3) Beauty products: Hang in there!
If you are giving someone a spa gift card, you’re probably not going to spend much more on the embellishment. By using this idea to present a gift card, you won’t need to do that. However, that still doesn’t mean you need to settle for the card only!
Adding a DIY tag and a simple — yet complementary — add-on, like this scrub (or something similar, such as a face mask, bath bomb, etc.), you have a gift with a personal touch.
As with all our examples, this works for any gift where you want the gift card to shine.
4) Give it a theme
Sometimes, the easiest place to start is with a theme.
Movie Night or Date Night buckets are easy to make and fun to give.
We started with an inexpensive bucket from Hobby Lobby, but you also can add everything you see here to an Orville Redenbacher popcorn tub for something equally affordable but also just as cute.
Marian pulled this all together, much like how she created the gift card bouquets. She attached the gift card — the star of the show — and a few DIY-themed tags to wooden skewers (Note: Placing a little floral foam in the base of the bucket gives you an anchor for those cards and tags).
From there, she just filled in the gaps with paper shred and added candy and a couple of drinks. Wrapping it up with a bow around the bucket, you have a cute way to give a gift card.
Baby and bridal: Bridal and baby shower gifts easily lend themselves to giving gift cards with a little extra.
If you are buying a baby or bridal gift, the best place to begin is with the couple’s registry. Purchase one or two less expensive items on their list and then wrap those up with a gift card to one of their “requested” retailers.
After all, when you are attending a shower, it’s always way more fun to see someone open a gift rather than just a gift card.
Doing something like this also might be your best option if you wait until the last minute to buy a gift (been there, done that!) and find all that’s left on the registry are the high-end items. I’ve been to many showers, but buying someone a stroller is a different level of love:)
Welcome Home: When giving a gift card as a housewarming gift, particularly for a young adult or newly-married couple moving into their first home, there are so many easy ideas for giving a gift card.
Here, we’ve added a gift card to a simple charcuterie board (another inexpensive find from the Dollar Spot at Target) tied up with some kitchen towels and a wooden spoon.
However, this is just one quick example. Many home goods would work just as well. For instance, you could add a gift card to any one of these items: an oven mitt, mixing bowl, glass measuring cup, apron, etc.
Another nice touch is to add a favorite recipe if your gift is for a newly married couple or young adult.
Okay, so now you have no excuses! The next time you give a gift card, use one of these gift card presentation ideas to up your gift-card-giving game. It’s way better than boring!
Happy Gifting!
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