One of the best ways that a company can make money is by issuing gift cards and there are a slew of gift card innovations that have been created to entice more of these sales. Yet these innovations will appeal as much to the customer as it will the company.
Companies love gift cards because many of them are never used. Yet one of these gift card innovations, which involves trading them in for something else, can help ensure that the recipient does eventually cash in their gift. Another customer-centered tweak involves a tracking site to ensure cards don't go missing.
These gift card innovations benefit companies by making them more unique and irresistible. For instance, origami certificates are more artistic and QR code gift cards more tech-savvy.
31 Gift Card Innovations
From Discount Gift Card Sites to Technology Trade-In Programs:
Meghan Young — May 12, 2014 — Pop Culture
29
Silver Coffee Cards
This Opulent $200 Starbucks Gift Card is Made from Sterling Silver
28
Experiential Gift Services
Tinggly Lets Your Recipient Choose the Gift They Want to Get
27
QR Code Gift Cards
JC Penney Offers Recordable 'Santa Tags' for Your Presents
26
Personalized GIF Cards
With Gifpop! You Can Send Customized Cards with Real Life GIFs on Them
25
Customer Loyalty Coffee Cards
The Starbucks $450 Gift Card is for True Java Lovers
24
Trackable Gift Card Services
Kiind Lets You Track Gift Card Use to Become a Better Giver
23
Mobile Gifting Stores
Woohoo.in is India's First Integrated Mobile-Responsive Gifting Store
22
All-Powerful Money Devices
Coin by Kanishk Parashar is a Card-Like Gadget that Rules Them All
21
B2B Gift Card Services
DataCandy Helps Businesses Enter the World of Online Gift Cards
20
Social Media Gift Cards
'You Got a Gift' Sends eGift Cards by Email, SMS and Facebook
19
Simplified Credit Cards
This Device is Designed to Replace Multiple Credit Cards
18
Extravagant Steel Gift Cards
This Starbucks Gift Card is Made of Premium Stainless Steel
17
Social Media Coffee Gifts
The Starbucks Card eGift Program is for Any Occasion
16
Hilarious Cash Cards
The Bevmo! Gift Cards Will Have You Giggling at Your Present
15
All-in-One Credit Cards
The SWYP Picks Up the Tab On Every Debit, Loyalty and Gift Card Combined
14
Digitized Gift Card Apps
The Amazon Wallet App Lets You Digitally Store Loyalty and Gift Cards
13
Technology Trade-In Programs
The Walmart 'Gadgets to Gift Cards' Program Offers Competitive Trades
12
Gift Card Infographics
This Gift Cards Chart Explains Why They're the Most Coveted Present
11
Customizable Gifting Apps
Amazon Surprise! Allows You to Attach Gift Cards to eCards
10
Discount Dining Cards
The 40 Cards in Epicurious Toronto's Dining Deck Take Money Off of Meals
9
Filipino Personal Gifting Platforms
GC Regalo Allows Filipinos to Send Online Gift Certificates
8
Collectible Gift Cards
Starbucks' Gift Cards Act Like Souvenirs for Major North American Cities
7
Philanthropic Gift Cards
These Gift Cards are an Innovative Way to Give to the Homeless
6
Multiple Storage Debit Cards
The Coin Card Stores All Your Cards in One Place
5
Model Airplane Shopping Cards
The Target Bullseye Flyer Gift Card is Perfect for Kids
4
Gamified Payment Apps
This App Changes the Concept of Collections by Educating Consumers
3
Interactive Donut Greetings
Krispy Kreme E-Cards are a Sweet and Sentimental Gift
2
Gift Organization Apps
Collect, Manage and Send Gift Cards With Easy-Using Gyft
1
Discount Gift Card Sites
CardNap Lets Users Re-Sell Old Gift Cards and Buy New Ones for a Steal
Related Ideas
Upcycled Paper Wallets
This DIY Recycled Paper Wallet Can Be Made Out of a Brown Paper Bag
Pop-Up Homeless Shelters
These Activists Created a Cozy Bedroom Set for the Homeless
Precious Metal Credit Cards
Mastercards' Pure + Solid Luxury Credit Cards Are Made with Real Metal
Snarky Psychic Sweatshirts
The Brand Rude Clothing Reveals Unkind Futures Through its Fashion
Eclectic Seasonal Restaurants
Gold Cash Gold is a Rustic Farm-to-Table Restaurant in Detroit
Silver Coffee Cards
This Opulent $200 Starbucks Gift Card is Made from Sterling Silver
Positive Homeless People Portraits
This Artist Shows Homeless People in Colorful & Natural Light
Spontaneous Party Campaigns
Heineken's Social Media Twitter Campaign Makes Holiday Parties Better
Experiential Gift Services
Tinggly Lets Your Recipient Choose the Gift They Want to Get
Buying Assistant Apps
The Fetch E-Commerce Platform Makes Online Shopping a Simpler Process
Homeless Painted Portraits
The Proceeds from These Homeless Art Pieces Benefit Those They Depict
Personalized GIF Cards
With Gifpop! You Can Send Customized Cards with Real Life GIFs on Them
Wearable Wrist Payments
Barclaycard's Contactless Payment bPay Bands Will Reduce Cash Transactions
Drink Pre-Ordering Apps
Starbucks' Mobile App Will Soon Let You Order and Pay in Advance
Homeless Billboard Beds
These Foam Adverts Double as Beds for Homeless Laborers in Pakistan
Off-the-Menu Starbucks Drinks
FoodBeast Challenged Baristas to Come With Original Recipes
Reusable Take-Out Containers
The 'GO Box' is Designed to Replace Single-Use Restaurant Containers
Customer Loyalty Coffee Cards
The Starbucks $450 Gift Card is for True Java Lovers
Space-Maximizing Homeless Shelters
These Temporary Pods Turn Unused Wall Space into Homes
Pirate-Inspired Donuts
This Campaign Celebrates International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Comprehensive Shopping Apps
The Duane Reade App Makes Shopping Easier Than Ever
Trackable Gift Card Services
Kiind Lets You Track Gift Card Use to Become a Better Giver
Mobile Gifting Stores
Woohoo.in is India's First Integrated Mobile-Responsive Gifting Store
Wearable Money Managers
Token by Artefact Tracks Financial Information and Spending
Celebratory Coffee Giveaways
Krispy Kreme is Handing Out Free Goodies for National Coffee Day
Collapsible Sushi Packaging
Artist Jordan Hau Creates Holders Inspired by Japanese Lanterns
Social Gifting Campaigns
Tesco's Shopping Social Campaign Suggests Gifts for Twitter Users
Artful Cup Design Contests
Starbucks' White Cup Contest Challenged Customers to Make Art on Cups
Social Shopping Apps
The Fun Feature on Alibaba's Tmall App Tags Visible Brands in Photos
Sporty Drink Accessories
This Football Cocktail Shaker Set will Appeal to the Alpha Male
Deal-Finding Shopping Apps
The SnapUp App is Made for Money Savvy Individuals
B2B Gift Card Services
DataCandy Helps Businesses Enter the World of Online Gift Cards
Reunited Father Photos
The Homeless Paradise Series Features the Photographer's Long-Lost Father
Inspiring Furnishing Forums
TRNK Allows Shoppers to Purchase Home Goods They Love
Homeless-Helping Cafes
This Socially Conscious Coffee Shop Provides Jobs for the Homeless
Cryptocurrency Credit Cards
The Xapo Debit Card Makes Paying with Bitcoins Much Easier
Automated Money-Saving Apps
The 'Qapital' App is Especially Useful for Freelance Workers
Iconic Coffee-Serving Locomotives
The Starbucks Train Serves Coffee with a Side of Comfort & Style
Donut Brand Pop-Up Picnics
Krispy Kreme Threw a Summer-Themed Picnic on a Sunny London Rooftop
Crossover Wallet Apps
Starbucks' Mobile Payment May Soon Let You Make Other Purchases with Its App
Corporate Food Packages
The Mindful Snacks Services Delivers Healthy Edibles to Offices
Festive Holiday Donuts
These Festive Krispy Kreme Christmas Desserts Make Celebration Tasty
Java Giant Drink Giveaways
The Starbucks Black Friday Tumbler Comes With Free Coffee for a Month
Child Banking Services
Osper Allows Parents to Empower Children with a Sense of Financial Freedom
Biometric Credit Cards
This New Credit Card Uses Facial Recognition Technology to Prevent Fraud
Beer-Gifting Apps
Budweiser's Buds for Buds App Lets You Send Out a Beer for Friends
Immediate Access Shopping Apps
Amazon Flow Gives Users the Ability to Scan Anything, Anywhere
Charitable Hunger Apps
Feeding Forward Helps With Donating Food and Eliminating Food Waste
Mock Chalkboard Gift Tags
WorldLabel's Festive Printable Christmas Gift Tags Can Be Customized
Gift-Sharing Stunts
JCPenney's 'The Gift of Giving' Helps Shoppers Gift Other Consumers
Inexpensive Cash Transfer Apps
This App Allows Users to Exchange Money Without the Added Fees
All-in-One Credit Cards
The SWYP Picks Up the Tab On Every Debit, Loyalty and Gift Card Combined
Gamified Money-Saving Apps
This App Teaches Young Children About Financial Literacy
Coffee Chain Delivery Services
As of 2015, Starbucks Delivery Will Be Available Through Their App
Chocolate Chip Cookie Gifts
The Cookie Mix in a Jar is a Fun and Generous DIY Project
Easy Budgeting Apps
The Goalkeeper Money-Saving App Helps You Achieve Financial Objectives
Eco-Friendly Credit Cards
The New 'Sustain:Green' Card Helps to Reduce a User's Carbon Footprint
Instantaneous Bill-Splitting Apps
Cover App Automatically Splits Checks So You Won't Wait Around
Subscribed Custom Undergarment Services
The Men's Underwear Club Sends New Underwear to Members
Community-Creating Workspaces
This Futuristic Office Design Lets Strangers Work Side by Side
Loyalty Program Coordinators
RewardsNOW Helps Brands Develop and Execute Sophisticated Strategies
Comprehensive Loyalty Programs
The Verizon Smart Rewards Program Offers Discounts on Everything
Coffee Chain Phone-Charging
Starbucks is Rolling Out Wireless Charging Mats Across American Stores
Junk Food-Infused Salads
Tony Guard Uses Flamin' Hot Cheetos to Spice up an Average Salad
Heartfelt Gifting Campaigns
The #GrouponSelfie Campaign Rewards People with Surprise Gifts
Critter Couture Accessories
The Fendi Bag Bugs are Monstrously Adorable Purse Accents
Educational Digital Kiddie Banks
Bankaroo is an Education-Focused Virtual Bank for Kids
Wearable Coffee Payments
Wearbucks is a Wearable Way to Pay for Coffee at Starbucks
Tea-Infused Cauliflower Steaks
Annelies Zijderveld's Cauliflower Steak Makes Tea a Main Course
Connoisseur Coffee Comparisons
This Cheap Coffee Review Video Rates Brands Based on 5 Stars
Indian Gift Portals
The Indian Gifts Portal Lets You Ship Indian-Themed and International Gifts
Sculptural Sharing Gifts
Nomadic Gifts' 'The Messenger' is Designed to Be Regifted
Paint-Dipped Mug Designs
The Band of Outsiders x Starbucks Collaboration Revamps the Classic Cup
Crowd Gifting Websites
Plumfund Allows Online Fundraising For Special Causes
Customizable Gifting Apps
Amazon Surprise! Allows You to Attach Gift Cards to eCards
Digital Doughnut Notifiers
Krispy Kreme Appifies Its 'Hot Doughnuts Now' Sign
Natural Summer Sodas
Starbucks is Adding Three Natural Soda Drinks to Its Summer Menu
Scanning Shopping Apps
The Fast Shopping App Eliminates Standing in a Checkout Line
Dessert-Inspired Coffees
These Iced Coffee Drinks Come in a Variety of Sweet Flavors
Points Cards-Combining Platforms
Thanx Links All Your Loyalty Points Programs to One Credit Card
Wizard-Inspired Frappuccinos
This Secret Recipe Lets You Order a Butterbeer at Starbucks
Competitive Gifting Ads
Mulberry Wants to Help You 'Win Christmas' by Giving the Best Gifts
Viral Catcalling PSA Parodies
This Video Depicts a White Man Walking Around New York For 10 Hours
Twisted Hazelnut Donuts
This Nutella Dessert Combines a Nutty Spread with a Krispy Kreme Base
Family-Friendly Money Apps
This App Helps Children Understand the Basics of Earning and Saving
Heroic Donut Deals
Krispy Kreme Offers Free Treats for National Superhero Day Nominations
Monstrous Green Frappuccinos
Starbucks' Franken Frappuccino is a Spooky Halloween Drink
Homeless-Helping Community Gardens
This Organic Garden Helps to Feed an Enitre Homeless Shelter
College Degree Gift Cards
The Gift of College Helps Reduce Student Debt and Provide an Education
3D-Printed Gift Boxes
Cubify's Valentine's Day Boxes Perfectly Present Small, Medium & Large Gifts
Artistic Credit Card Branding
These Creacarte Contest Entries Revamp Boring Bank Card Designs
Shareable Restaurant Meals
P.F. Chang's Small Plate Menu Items are Meant to be Split with Others
Micro-Lending Apps
This App Helps People Establish a Credit Score Based on Their Mobile Activity
Social Media Brand Advocates
GrubHub Snapchat Inspires Content Sharing & Recruitment Opportunities
America-Themed Donuts
These Japanese Donuts Resemble Classic American Desserts
Lifelike Shopping Apps
Nuji Provides an Ultra-Realistic Companion for Shopping Aficionados
Gifting Takeout Boxes
Ping Pong Turned Its Take Out Food Box into a Present-Sharing Systems
Ramen-Printed Scarves
Christina J Wang's Illustrated Scarves Features Images of Food and Pets
Couch Potato Reward Programs
The Viggle App Rewards You for Watching TV Shows
Matcha Chocolate Truffles
Chef Jen Yee Rolls Chocolate Truffles in Green Tea Powder
Income-Balancing Apps
The 'Even' App is Designed for Users Who Have an Irregular Income
Drag Queen Commercials
The Starbucks Drag Queen Commercial is Campy and Fun
Streamlined Credit Card Payments
Plastiq Lets You Make Massive Payments Using Your Credit Card
Holiday Humor
Editor Jaime Neely Counts Down Her Favorite Examples of Humorous Seasonal Campaigns
Virtual Furniture Shopping Apps
The Augmented Pixels ShowInRoom 3D Tablet Tool Debuted at CES 2014
Tissue Gifting Experiments
This Marketing Experiment from Kleenex Challenges People to Share
Honey-Baked Ham Gifts
You Can Now Ship a Gift of HoneyBaked Ham to Friends and Family
DIY Pumpkin Coffee
This Recipe Explains How to Make the Infamous Fall Flavored Hot Beverage
Personal Budgeting Apps
The Budget Boss iPhone App Helps You Keep Track of Your Personal Expenses
Portable Credit Payments
This Mobile Credit Card Processing System Enables Payments From Devices
Handy Payment Tracker Apps
The Visual Check App Keeps a Schedule of Payments That Are Soon Due
Punk Rock Credit Cards
These Punk Rock Cards are Decorated with Sex Pistols Album Covers
Education-Gifting Services
College Savings Bank Lets You Contribute Towards College Funds
Deceptive Reading Campaigns
Libri Mundi's Book Campaign Disguises Book Gift Cards as Cool Tech
Chestnut Flavored Lattes
Starbucks is Introducing a Chestnut Praline Latte on Their Holiday Menu
Financial Advisor Apps
'Even' is a Virtual Financial Manager for Stressless Money Management
User-Friendly Banking Apps
Firstbank's App Helps Deposit Cheques, Pay Bills and Monitor Accounts