Nope, gift cards aren't always lame or lazy. When done right, they can be an incredibly thoughtful and personalized gift. (Lyft, Sephora, Instacart and REI)(Amanda Garrity/Yahoo; Sephora, Instacart, REI, Lyft)
The humble gift card is both universally beloved and instantly delivered (if you go the digital route). So it's a win-win if you wait until the eleventh hour to sort out a gift for the hard-to-shop-for person. And while they're a step up from cold, hard cash, gift cards often get a bad wrap for thoughtless and overdone. Not so fast — I've rounded up the best gift cards that are guaranteed to surprise and delight.
Regardless of what they're into — whether it be traveling, fashion, beauty or spoiling their furry friend — there's something you can snag for just about any loved one. Plus, they'll enjoy the shopping experience of getting to select their own gift. Sounds like a sweet deal to us.
Update, July 1, 2025: We checked that all of the gift cards on this list are priced correctly and still in stock.
For that long-distance pal you'd always give a ride to the airport under different geographic circumstances, this Lyft gift card can function as your stand-in.
Grocery delivery might not be a very romantic or personalized gift idea, but it's universally useful. If your gift recipient doesn't currently use a grocery delivery service, swiping this card (virtually, of course) will feel so luxurious.
The activewear giant carries everything needed for outdoor adventure—or simply to brave the cold: fleeces, down jackets, beanies, joggers, hiking boots and more. They even carry cute, outdoorsy accessories, like an insulated wine tumbler, camping cookware and all kinds of bags and backpacks. Great for your outdoorsy friends.
This one-stop shop for luxury bedding and bath products — think buttery-soft sheets, pillows, duvets, towels and more—recently decided to get in on the bed-in-a-box mattress game too. In 2019, Parachute launched a 100-percent organic cotton coil mattress. The brand also sells chic home accessories like candles and dinnerware.
In the world of beauty, it’s hard to find a brand more esteemed than Ulta, and for good reason. Shoppers can get their glam on from head to toe thanks to the brand’s exhaustive inventory of products to pamper their skin, nails, and hair, plus makeup from their most-loved brads, from bareMinerals to Mac. A great gift for the glam girl.
Got beauty on the brain? Sephora has tons of products to make you feel pretty, pampered and posh. Makeup, beauty tools, hair-care products and so much more from brands like Benefit, Drunk Elephant and Philosophy are practically oozing from the digital shelves, just waiting for a spot in your makeup bag or vanity. There’s a reason this chain is so well-known — just browsing its inventory is like waking up on Christmas morning.
You can keep it in your wallet or load it onto your app, but a Starbucks gift card will satisfy your caffeine craving no matter where you are. Fancy coffee can feel like an indulgence, but a sweet gift like this will make a venti soy latte with an espresso shot feel like a guilt-free treat any day of the week. Of course, you can pick up a scone or a cake pop while you’re at it too.
When in doubt, Amazon (if that’s not an actual saying, it needs to become one, stat!). The internet’s biggest and most exhaustive megastore sells gift cards too, and it can be used to redeem anything from clothing and housewares to electronics and e-books. And because Amazon is known for its industry-best prices and quick, convenient delivery, there’s nothing not to love.
What better gift is there than a day at the spa? Let your gift recipient choose a massage, facial or any other kind of spa treatment in the area with a Spafinder gift card, which can also be used on-site to buy luxe products by brands like SpaRitual and Pure Fiji.
If you want to support independent artists this holiday season, a Red Bubble gift card is the way to go. The site sells all kinds of quirky stuff emblazoned with the designs of creative individuals. Think wall art, smartphone cases, aprons, throw pillows and even fun socks. The options are effortlessly unique and unbelievably affordable. If you prefer, you can pick a design first then see which products are available in that print.
Whoever suggested that new workout wear is the key to hitting the gym might be onto something. When you know you look good, you feel good. And the best part? Alongside Athleta stores, you can also use this gift card at Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic.
For your outdoor enthusiast friend, a REI gift card can help cover the costs of pricey camping gear, outdoor apparel or sports equipment. You have the option of sending a physical gift card or instant digital e-gift card.
The world is their oyster — and with this gift card, they'll get access to some of the most beautiful destinations around the globe. They can put it toward their stay or activities during an upcoming vacation or if you're really generous, then it might just cover everything.
Ordering takeout is way too easy these days. Make it even easier for someone you love with a Grubhub gift card. The meal delivery service works with more than 300,000 restaurants in more than 4,000 cities. Search by restaurant or cuisine — or get even more granular searching by food item. Whatever you crave, you can find it on Grubhub.
Movies aren’t cheap these days. Gifting your loved one a night to the movies is a thoughtful gesture, especially if your loved one is a movie buff. Throw in some extra cash so they can buy some snacks and drinks too!
BaubleBar is a mecca for jewelry of all styles, from dainty stackable rings to statement-making hoop earrings. The site includes a range of price points too. They have fine jewelry for fans of solid gold or gold vermeil, but they also carry lower-end fashion jewelry for folks who like to switch it up on a whim. Baublebar also makes custom items. In addition to buying printed or digital gift cards, you can design your own physical gift card!
There’s no end to the quirkiness you’ll discover at Uncommon Goods — after all, it’s right there in the name. A gift certificate (of course, they don’t even call it a card) can score you things as mildly whimsical as wall-mounted chess boards and beer-chilling coasters to items that are totally out there in the best possible ways — things like velociraptor garden sculptures and smartphone-controlled paper airplanes. Let your freak flag fly!
This activewear brand is all about outfitting people to move freely and comfortably so they can keep their endorphins pumping. Outdoor Voices makes cozy, high-quality, supportive yoga pants, sports bras, joggers, jackets and more. You can even shop by fabric, and there are many specialty materials to choose from, including fabrics that are moisture-wicking, lightweight, water-resistant and recycled.
Love comfy, walkable shoes? Honestly, who doesn’t? Allbirds has mastered the art of producing stylish, supportive footwear, and it has the fan base to prove it. Slip-on sneakers made of merino wool, boat shoes built to conform to your foot and water-resistant running shoes are just some of its prime offerings. Also available: insoles to make your comfy shoes even comfier.
This household name is appealing to anyone who loves cozy clothing, rustic home decor, outdoor adventure gear or an iconic nautical tote bag. Shoes? Slippers? L.L. Bean has those too — and there’s nothing quite like an authentic fleece from this beloved brand. The great outdoors is even greater with an L.L. Bean gift card.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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