To me, finding creative ways to give gift cards for Christmas is as much of a joy as the season itself.
During the Christmas holiday, I like giving my friends and family members gift cards that are creatively presented and memorable. I try to show whoever gets my gift cards just how much I appreciate them without actually having to tell them. I’ve been giving it a lot of thought lately as the festive season approaches.
Here are some creative ways to give gift cards that I have used and experienced with positive feedback over the years. They made me and my loved ones appreciate the gifts even more.
Also See: 30 Creative Money Gift Ideas
1. Hiding a Gift Card in a Candy Jar
It is a great feeling to open a jar of my favorite candy only to realize there is a second gift inside the jar. During the holiday season, I try to make sure that all my friends and family members with a sweet tooth experience how it feels to open a jar filled with their favorite candy and a gift card on Christmas morning.
I created a beautiful container using a mason jar. I fill the mason jar with a candy bar assortment or snacks like M&Ms, jelly beans, or Skittles. Sometimes, I use dried berries, granola, or almonds when I want to give it a healthier twist. I place a gift tag on the jar to minimize confusion as to whom the gift card belongs. Candy jars are suitable for last-minute gift ideas.
2. Creating a Puzzle Box
It is always fun when the recipient of the gift card has to solve a puzzle before accessing the gift card. The puzzle can be simple or advanced depending on my liking and whoever the gift card belongs to. I can construct a puzzle box using existing boxes, cardstock paper, or cardboard. I use this method of presenting a gift card to children or puzzle-loving adults.
There are maze boxes specifically designed for this purpose that can be bought. Purchasing a maze box is easier since I only have to open the maze, place the gift card inside, and place the box under a tree. To access the gift card, the recipient has to unlock the puzzle.
3. Making an Envelope Gift Card Holder
Presenting a gift card inside an envelope can be interesting, especially if it is a handmade envelope. A DIY origami envelope is simple and thoughtful and can prove to be a pretty sophisticated presentation for an otherwise simple gift card. It only requires a bit of decorative paper cut into a 9-inch square.
4. Placing a Gift Card Inside a Mug or Tumbler
Pairing a gift card with a small, affordable, but related item is a good idea. The person who receives my gift card will spend the money, but the item that held the gift card—in this case, the mug or tumbler—will be a reminder of the gift and the experience.
Since Christmas takes place during the winter season and everyone enjoys a hot drink during winter, I like presenting gift cards in mugs. Purchase a cute mug, fill it with crinkled paper shreds or tissue paper, and then insert the gift card halfway in, allowing it to peek out at the top. If I know the recipient’s hot beverage of choice, I sometimes tuck a few in the mug.
5. Putting It in a Snow Globe
Another interesting way to present a gift card is by creating a simple snow globe. All I need to make this snow globe is a mason jar, glitter, water, a hot glue gun, and any other available decoration suitable for the snow globe.
This method only works with plastic gift cards since they have to be submerged in water. If I am out of time and want to use a snow globe to make my presentation, I can purchase a ready-made snow globe specifically designed to hold a gift card.
6. Present the Gift Card With a Bottle
Another method of gift card presentation is by pairing it with the recipient’s beverage of choice. Attach the gift card to the recipient’s favorite wine bottle, hard liquor, or even a bag of coffee. This method is suitable for grab bags during a corporate party and last-minute Christmas gifts.
7. Put It in a Small Pouch
A gift card can also be paired with a tiny zippered pouch. There are different pouches available with cute images or sayings on them. However, I can decide to use one with a personal photo or the name of my loved one.
It’s fun opening the pouch to reveal the gift card. After removing and using the gift card, the pouch can be used as a wallet or purse. For students, I prefer to present the gift card in a slim zippered pencil case. Practical, right?
8. Creating a Pop-Up Card or Booklet
Another detailed and ingenious way of giving a gift card is by making a fun pop-up envelope or booklet to reveal the gift card and give it center stage. There are tutorials available online that illustrate how to make this kind of unique gift card presentation. They also have good designs to choose from.
9. Give Multiple Gift Cards as a Wreath
When giving individuals or families multiple gift cards, I creatively present them as a gift card wreath. A plain holiday wreath can be a grapevine or an artificial fir.
The gift cards are arranged around the wreath, and then decorative clips are used to attach them. Apart from being attractive, this gift card wreath presentation can also be used as a decoration for several holidays to come.
10. Knitting a Gift Card Holder
Whenever I am feeling extra crafty, I crochet a DIY gift card holder with a Santa theme. This requires some crocheting knowledge or the enthusiasm to learn basic stitching. All the effort will result in a beautiful gift card holder that can also be used as a keepsake pouch or coin purse.
If you are well-versed in knitting or sewing, then a DIY gift card holder is definitely a creative idea to consider. When not up to the task of knitting, I purchase a ready-to-use gift card holder or recycle an already existing one I have lying around.
All I have to do is add some elements, such as buttons and trim. I can also hand stamp a design or message on the crocheted card holder that is relevant to the recipient.
11. Use Nested Gift Boxes
Nested boxes are interesting gifts that are guaranteed to elicit some laughter from the recipient. It allows a friend or family member to open several boxes before revealing the gift card. First, the gift card is placed in a small box and wrapped. Then, the wrapped box is placed in a bigger box, which is subsequently wrapped. The process is repeated over and over.
Unwrapping the boxes will prompt some laughter before the card recipient gets to it. Recycled cardboard boxes of different sizes can be used instead of purchasing nesting boxes.
It’s not always easy to find the best gift for friends and family; therefore, gift cards are the best option if I want to ensure my loved ones are happy during the Christmas holiday.
However, giving the gift cards in a more creative way takes them from boring to exciting! The fun packaging also ensures tons of fun for the gift recipient. Feeling even more creative? Check out some fun ways to give money as a gift instead.