Gift Card Etiquette: How Much Should You Give? - Save.ca (2024)

• save

Gift cards make a wonderful choice for those people on your list who are hard to buy for. Instead of choosing something they might not like or ever use, gift cards for their favourite store, service or restaurant offer flexibility and give them the option to choose exactly what they want. For you, they’re easy to get and take the stress out of shopping. But the biggest problem with gift cards is the recipient knows exactly how much you’ve spent. So when it comes to gift cards, what dollar amount is too little or too much?

Stay Within Your Budget
When it comes to holiday shopping, it’s easy to overspend, and there are plenty of people who end up in debt. One of the benefits of gift cards is that you’re spending a specific amount instead of searching for a gift within a certain price range. Don’t feel as though you need to spend more than you would have on a gift just to impress someone.

Make It Personal
Gift cards have a reputation for being impersonal. You can change that perception by adding some personal touches. Firstly, make sure you choose a gift card for a store you know they’ll love. Handwrite a personalized note that could include the reason why you choose this particular gift card for them. Instead of just handing them the card in an envelope, find a unique way to wrap it up.

Make the Gift Card Usable
The idea of a gift card is that it pays for the whole gift without the recipient having to kick in their own funds. There’s no point in giving a $20 gift certificate for an exclusive woman’s boutique or an expensive restaurant. There’s no way that it would cover the entire bill. If your funds are limited, choose a store or restaurant with less pricey merchandise.

So How Much Should You Spend?
There are no rules when it comes to how much you should be spending. It’s a very personal decision based on your financial situation and what you’ve spent previously. Here are some guidelines to give you an idea of what to spend. For co-workers, casual friends and your children’s teachers, stay in the $10 to $20 range. Gift cards for close friends and family members can range from $25 to $100. When you’re selecting a gift card for a spouse, parent or someone else who’s very special, choose a card worth $75 or more.

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you. Click here for more information.