14 Best Gift Cards for Employees of 2024

When it comes to workplace morale, there are few better ways to show your appreciation to employees than with a thoughtful gift. From special dinners and happy hours to employee of the month awards, you can recognize their hard work and dedication in many ways.

While cash bonuses and employee discounts are often seen as effective incentives, gift cards are among the most popular options for rewarding hardworking employees. Gift cards offer an easy way to reward employees while still respecting their individual interests. Ultimately, they provide employees with the flexibility and freedom that comes with having full control over their reward.

Top Gift Card Ideas

When deciding on the best gift cards to give employees, selecting options appropriate for your workforce and budget is important. We recommend keeping things simple by opting for a choice product—like Reward Link. It lets you send employees their pick of 100+ popular e-gift cards, creating flexibility for them and ease for you.  

Here are some of our favorite types of employee gift cards based on various gift categories:

Food Delivery

Food delivery gift cards make great gifts for employees. Not only are they a convenient and easy way to show your appreciation, but they’re also thoughtful gestures that show you understand the employee's needs. Food delivery gift cards offer flexibility and convenience and are cost effective for businesses. Employees can choose from a wide range of restaurants and services, so no matter their tastes or dietary requirements, there is something for everyone.

1. DoorDash

DoorDash is the leading food delivery service in the United States, serving customers of all backgrounds and lifestyles. WithDoorDash, users can order from their favorite restaurants without leaving the comfort of their homes. Through its convenient mobile app and website, DoorDash offers a fast, easy-to-use, and reliable delivery experience for both customers and businesses.

2. Grubhub

Grubhub is an online service that makes it easy to order food from your favorite restaurants and deliver it to your door. Whether you're ordering breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack in between, it has something for everyone. With just a few clicks of your mouse or taps on your phone, Grubhub makes it simple to get the food you crave with delivery times that work for you.

3. Uber Eats

Uber Eats is a convenient delivery service that makes it easier than ever to enjoy your favorite restaurant meals right at home. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a full-course dinner, UberEats has something to suit every taste and occasion. With thousands of restaurants participating, it's also one of the most comprehensive services available and offers fast delivery times, so you can spend less time worrying about food and more time doing the things you love.

Books

Whether your employees are avid readers or enjoy the occasional book, they'll appreciate a gift card from major booksellers or other online retailers. Gift cards for books add a personal touch since each book is tailored to the recipient's interests and tastes. This type of employee recognition also opens up a world of educational opportunities, providing employees with valuable resources to help expand their knowledge base and develop new skills. And since it's hard to know exactly what book someone will like, gift cards give employees greater freedom over their experience.

1. Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble is the largest chain of bookstores in the United States and a popular destination for book lovers looking for their next read. The comprehensive selection of books, magazines, music, DVDs, toys, and stationery offers something for everyone. Whether shopping for a birthday present or searching for something to spark your imagination, Barnes & Noble has it all.

Streaming/ Movies

Cable cutting has become increasingly popular recently, so streaming services and movie theater gift cards are great for employees. They can enjoy some much-needed downtime by providing them with access to their favorite TV shows, movies, music, and more. The great thing about these gift cards is that they can be used to purchase tickets, rent online content, or gain access to various streaming services.

1. Hulu

Hulu is an on-demand streaming service that offers thousands of movies and TV shows. With its easy access to content, Hulu allows users to enjoy their favorite shows, movies, and originals anytime. It also provides a platform for users to keep up with important news stories and the latest episodes of their favorite shows.

Exercise and Fitness Apparel

Giving employees gift cards for exercise or recreation is a great way to show appreciation and encourage healthy habits.Gift cards for sports equipment, fitness classes, or recreational activities allow employees to choose an activity they truly enjoy while also helping them stay in shape. Most gyms, sports stores, and recreation centers offer gift cards so employees can find something that suits their interests.

1. Athleta

Athleta is an athletic wear company specializing in comfortable, stylish apparel designed to help active individuals perform their best. From workout and training clothes to everyday clothes for running errands, Athleta has a wide variety of options to suit any activity.

2. Fitbit

Fitbit is revolutionizing the way we stay active and track our health. This powerful device provides a personal coach that tracks your activity, sleep, diet, and more in real time to keep you on pace with your fitness goals. Fitbit helps you be mindful of what you eat and when, so you can make healthier decisions. It also has advanced features like heart rate tracking and calorie-burning goal tracking for those looking to challenge themselves and optimize their performance.

Fashion

Fashion brand gift cards are a great way to show your appreciation. This card allows employees to shop for themselves and purchase items that help them express their style. Gift cards can be used atany store or online retailer, so no matter what the occasion, they can find something perfect whether shopping for a new wardrobe or special occasion attire.

1. DSW

DSW is a popular destination for fashion-forward shoppers looking for high-quality designer footwear at unbeatable prices. With a wide selection of shoes from some of the biggest names in the industry, DSW offers something for everyone. From classic styles to the latest trends, DSW has it all.

2. Express

Express is the ultimate clothing destination for modern fashion lovers. From its signature collections that feature elegant evening wear and sophisticated workwear to athleisure pieces that keep you comfy and stylish, Express has something for everyone. Its versatile collections allow you to create looks for any occasion, whether you prefer to dress up or down.

3. H&M

H&M is a Swedish multinational clothing-retail company known for its affordable fashion. From basics to statement items, H&M offers a wide variety of stylish options for every budget. With locations in over 50 countries worldwide and an impressive online presence, H&M continues to be one of the top retailers in the industry.

Habit and Lifestyle

Your employees have a lot of different hobbies and interests, which is why lifestyle gift cards are a great way to show appreciation. These cards can be used for anything from outdoor activities and travel to restaurants and entertainment. Employees can choose how to spend their rewards with a lifestyle gift card, whether treating themselves or someone else.

1. Best Buy

Best Buy is a leading global retailer of electronics, appliances, and entertainment. With offerings ranging from gaming systems to kitchen appliances to home theater products, Best Buy has something for everyone. Their stores are known for providing top-notch customer service and a wide selection at competitive prices.

2. Disney

Disney is a magical world filled with adventure and imagination. From classic movies to exciting theme parks, Disney captivates people of all ages and backgrounds, offering an escape to their world of fantasy. Whether meeting your favorite character in person or discovering a hidden land within a theme park, there's something for everyone at Disney.

3. Xbox

Xbox is the ultimate gaming console, providing gamers with an immersive experience that brings their wildest dreams to life.With its advanced technology, Xbox allows players of all kinds to explore vast virtual worlds, create their own digital avatars, and challenge each other in thrilling online tournaments.

When Should You Get Employee Gift Cards? 

Employee gift cards can be a great way to show your employees appreciation throughout the year. Whether for a job anniversary, a special holiday, or to express your gratitude for their hard work and dedication, giving them the gift of choice with a gift card will make them feel valued and motivated.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Partner

There are numerous choices for gift card providers, but they don’t all offer the same features. The brand options, ease of use, customer experience, and pricing models all differ.

When you’re choosing a partner, consider the fees for the gift cards as well as any fees to deliver them to the recipient. You also want to work with a provider that has desirable brands for your recipient and support options for questions or technical issues.

The reward experience should be accessible to as many recipients as possible, safe and secure, and easy to use as both the buyer and the recipient.

FAQ About Giving Gift Cards to Employees

Why is it important to send your coworkers a digital gift card?

Sending a digital gift card to your coworkers is an important way to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication.It’s a simple gesture that can mean a lot and doesn’t cost much.

What are some of the best digital employee gift cards?

Consider popular options like Amazon and iTunes, which offer a range of products from electronics to music. Other good choices include streaming services such as Hulu or restaurant gift cards that can give workers delicious treats.

Start Showing Your Employees YouAppreciate Them Today

Employee gift cards are a practical and thoughtful way to show your appreciation for their efforts, as it allows them to select a present that they truly appreciate and enjoy. Not only are employee gift cards a wonderful way to recognize and reward employees, but they also create an atmosphere of appreciation and inclusiveness in the workplace. With so many options available online, you can make sure that everyone gets something that is special and unique to them.

Looking to make your business more efficient when rewarding employees? Tango works with companies large and small, across various industries, and can adapt to your needs. Try a demo or contact us today!

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