The best gift cards for employees to give

All too often, traditional corporate gifts fail to deliver the effect of showing appreciation from management to their employees. Gift cards, however, are always a win. Team members have different lifestyles, interests, and priorities. Trying to find a one-size-fits-all gift is simply impractical. Gift cards acknowledge this reality without sacrificing the show of appreciation. They provide an immediate, tangible value. Employees can use them however they see fit while boosting morale. The flexibility here just can’t be overstated as gift cards can go toward household essentials, entertainment, or some well-deserved self-care. Gift cards can also accommodate everyone while maintaining equity. And bonus, they’ll simplify the procurement process and take some of the burden off your HR department.

Below, you’ll find a selection of gift cards that consistently receive positive feedback from employees across a diverse swath of industries and demographics. These cards balance practicality with appreciation and are ideal for recognition programs, holiday gifts, or retirement celebrations.

1. Amazon Gift Card

Amazon is an online marketplace with virtually every category of goods imaginable. This includes electronics, books, home goods and clothing. Amazon’s universal appeal makes it a top choice. Employees will especially appreciate Amazon gift cards because receiving one addresses real-world needs and wants without limitation. They can upgrade home office equipment. They can shop for family or treat themselves. The options are endless. And with the convenience of home delivery, there’s an extra value for busy professionals.

2. Target Gift Card

Target offers a killer combo of affordability and variety, offering essentials like groceries, electronics, clothing, and home décor. The best part? It’s all under one roof. Convenience makes it a practical choice for employee gifts. They can manage both family needs and personal preferences.

Team members will love receiving a Target gift card because you can stretch a lot out of it and still enjoy quality products. Whether replacing necessities or finding something unique and fun, Target delivers every time. Value your employees with something they’ll actually use. Shop the Target Gift Card.

3. Multi Choice Gift Card

Our Multi Choice Gift Card provides the ultimate level of flexibility. Recipients can choose  to put their gift card balance toward products or services from 500 different brands across every category. They can even split the balance across multiple brands or use it all in one place.

Employees will love this option because it fuses thoughtfulness with choice. Whether they enjoy fine dining, retail shopping, entertainment, or wellness, the Choice Card fits anyone’s needs. It’s a great way to show you trust your employees to know what’s right for themselves. Shop the Multi Choice Gift Card.

4. Starbucks Gift Card

Starbucks fuels America. With coffee, tea, refreshments, and snacks, this beloved brand will help your staff power through busy schedules and meet deadlines, all with Starbucks’ signature style and flavor. Starbucks gift cards With locations all over the country, Starbucks transforms the routine coffee run into a simple, convenient luxury. Whether a morning pick-me-up or afternoon bliss, Starbucks cards make daily rituals feel special

5. Walmart Gift Card

Walmart's selection and competitive pricing make it America's go-to retailer. Whether it’s groceries, household items, electronics, or…pretty much everything else, Walmart’s got it. And, at a fair price. The chain's widespread distribution across the country also adds another layer of convenience.

Employees will appreciate a Walmart gift card because it offers a practical utility. Whether taking some of the burden off their grocery budget or picking up an unexpected splurge item, Walmart helps stretch budgets and support your employee’s home life.

6. Gas Station Gift Cards (Shell, Chevron)

Gasoline is a universal need, especially when  you’ve got a daily commute into the office. A gas station gift card provides tangible, real cost relief for employees and can be a thoughtful, unexpected way to show them some appreciation. Commuting expenses add up quickly. That’s why your 

team members will see gas cards as a practical form of recognition. It also shows you understand and get that they have very real expenses. Whether to support their daily commute or fuel weekend errands, gas station cards reduce financial pressure and demonstrate you understand that employees make sacrifices to get into the office. And that’s before they even sit down and put in a solid day’s work keeping your company running smoothly. Shop the Shell Gift Card.

7. Restaurant Gift Cards (Olive Garden, Chili's, Applebee's)

Restaurant gift cards are opportunities to enjoy meals without worrying so much about the budget. Whether taking the family out to dinner or grabbing lunch with coworkers, these cards turn ordinary meals into special occasions.
Employees will especially appreciate restaurant cards because they encourage breaks  while creating moments of relaxation or family time. Dining out is a true luxury. Especially when someone else covers the cost. Shop the Chili's Gift Card | Shop the Applebee's Gift Card.

8. Spa Finder Gift Card

Spa Finder offers wellness services at venues all over the country. This could include massages, facials, or relaxation treatments. They’re a great way to acknowledge the importance of self-care and that you, as their employer, value a work-life balance.
Spa cards give the recipient permission to prioritize their own wellbeing. As we know, many employees will neglect their own self-care. Whether that’s due to rising costs or their endless list of responsibilities, taking a moment to relax and put themselves first is truly a gift that gives beyond the value of the gift card. It truly shows that management values employee health and happiness. That is something you can’t put a price tag on. Shop the Spa Finder Gift Card.

9. Home Depot or Lowe's Gift Card

Home improvement gift cards will appeal to any employee who enjoys working on their own DIY home improvement projects, gardening, or re-envisioning their home base. Stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot offer all the tools, materials, and inspiration your employees could want while they work on creating a more comfortable living space.

Home improvement projects can be grueling. They often get delayed due to budget constraints. Your gift could make the difference between tackling that long-term project that’s been sitting undone, cluttering their house (and their short-term memory). They can also directly improve their quality of life outside work. Shop the Lowe's Gift Card.

10. Best Buy Gift Card

Best Buy specializes in electronics, appliances, and technology. These are some of the retail categories that directly enhance both work and personal life. They can upgrade their home office equipment or home entertainment systems. Because Best Buy covers a diverse array of needs and wants, employees are sure to find something they’ll want. Tech purchases tend to also be significant financial investments, so getting an extra leg up will likely be appreciated. Your gift could help offset costs for big-ticket items that will improve your employees’ productivity or entertain them, their family, and their friends. Shop the Best Buy Gift Card.

Elevate your gift cards by implementing a few tips. Include personalized thank-you notes that reference specific wins or achievements in their job. Generic messages can feel transactional so make sure to keep it unique. Specific acknowledgment demonstrates you see them and appreciate their effort. That you value their contributions to the team’s success.

Enhance your gift card further by adding complementary items. In this way, you can truly reinforce that message of appreciation. Pair coffee shop cards with travel mugs. Put your company logo on it. Give a restaurant card with a handwritten note. Something like, "Enjoy dinner with your family" can be perfect. 

When specific occasions come around, like the holidays or notable company milestones, craft themed gifts around them. "Work-From-Home Comfort" packages can be a clever option. "Lunch Break Upgrade" bundles, with restaurant cards and gourmet snacks, can be a good theme. "Wellness Wednesday" kits that include spa cards, bath products, and encouraging notes are a great way to promote work-life balance. This is a great way to celebrate the end of a big project. These themes will demonstrate thoughtfulness beyond monetary value. All while showing genuine care for the wellbeing of your employees.

Strategize your gift card distribution. While holidays and anniversaries are great times to give gifts, unexpected moments of recognition during or after challenging projects can be a great, surprising way to foster morale. Surprise appreciation often resonates more deeply.

Show your team their contributions matter. Choose recognition gifts they'll actually use and appreciate. Whether celebrating an achievement or marking a milestone, these gift cards demonstrate respect for the individual needs of your employees. All while strengthening workplace culture. For businesses interested in comprehensive recognition solutions, explore our business gift card programs. They’ve been designed to streamline appreciation efforts across an organization. Invest in the people who make your success possible. Then, watch engagement and loyalty flourish as a result.