Best Gift Cards For Employees

Are you an employer looking for gift cards for employees? Or are you simply looking for an employee reward and wondering why gift cards are always on the suggestion list of the best gift to give? We know all about them – after all, Collection Pot balances can be redeemed from over 60+ amazing branded gift cards – and for good reason! They really are the gift that offers more than meets the eye. 

We will dive into the best gift cards employees want, pop in some ideas on the best gift vouchers for staff (digital, physical, open loop – we will uncover it all) – as well as how and where to buy them in bulk, and how to give them. 

That’s a lot, so let’s get into it! 

Why gift vouchers for employees make good sense

At its very core, a gift card is a promise of money! The card is ‘pre-paid’ – so a balance is taken from the purchaser and held until the card is redeemed with a merchant or an issuing store.

Like a banknote, a gift card can be used in various ways. An open-loop gift card is a card which is accepted at multiple merchants, whereas a closed-loop gift card is only valid for use at one retailer or merchant.

But why would the user want to have a gift card as opposed to money? There are a few reasons why gift cards are so great for employees. 

Benefits to employees of gift cards

• Adding money to a gift card allows people to spend as they wish. Some will save, some will use it to store money (especially if the card can be topped up) and some regift. 
  
• For many, a gift card represents something between ‘normal cash’ and ‘spending money’. They don’t feel they must spend it on bills or something boring and essential. It feels like a treat. 
  
• There is so much choice – most retailers have a gift card programme, while open-loop cards offer the option of choice and a ‘mix and match’ spend at hundreds of different stores with just one card or code. 

Benefits to employers of gift cards

• Giving employee vouchers can be done online with digital gift cards, or in person, as a physical gift card. 
  
• Gift cards can be replaced if lost or stolen, unlike cash. 
  
• Gift card usage can often be tracked so you can prove ROI. 
  
• You can get gift cards that tie into various hobbies, lifestyles and passions. Think restaurant or food delivery cards for your foodies, or beauty and wellness cards for your make-up and skincare lovers. 
  
• Gift cards can usually be personalised- either the exterior ‘wrapper’ the card is stuck onto, or the email or SMS when a digital delivery is made. This allows you to celebrate the reason for the gift card clearly.
  
• If gift cards are given regularly, many gift card providers offer a redemption platform, and these can often be branded to your business. This allows you to give gift cards regularly. 
  
• Gift vouchers for employees also squeeze into tax-free giving limits – so as long as it’s not a reward and simply a treat – a £50 gift voucher can be given as a perk from employer to employee.

This is part of the reason why the gift card sector has such a prevalence in the employee reward and benefits space – simply, employee vouchers work!

Best Gift Cards for Teams: A Versatile Selection

When it comes to choosing the best gift cards for your team, versatility is key. You want to ensure that every member of your diverse workforce feels appreciated and can find something they truly enjoy. That’s why we’ve handpicked a selection of gift cards that cater to a wide range of interests and preferences. Whether your employees are fashion-forward trendsetters, travel enthusiasts, foodies, or home decor aficionados, there’s a perfect gift card for everyone on your team.

Let’s start with the all-rounders…

Gift cards that offer something for everyone. 

John Lewis is a retail powerhouse with a rich history from 1864 and their stores are a treasure trove. Their gift card allows recipients to indulge in a shopping spree for clothes, home goods, sports equipment, and more. But if you love the idea of giving a department store card, then don’t ignore the newcomer – B&M, the UK’s fastest-growing variety retailer which offers a massive range of products, including home and furniture, garden supplies, toys, and food and drink. With over 685 stores nationwide, there’s bound to be something for everyone at B&M and it’s hard to come out empty-handed. (We know from experience). 

If you’re looking for an online shopping extravaganza, the obvious choice will always be an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card. From books to gadgets and everything in between, this card opens up a world of possibilities for your employees. It’s a safe bet. 

Let’s look at some foodie gift cards that have wide appeal. For those who love culinary adventures but prefer the comfort of their own home, a Gousto gift card is a fantastic option. Gousto delivers meal kits with all the ingredients needed to create delicious meals, making it convenient and enjoyable for your team members to rustle up tasty dishes after work.

For beer enthusiasts, a Beer52 gift card takes them on a flavorful journey worldwide. Each month, they’ll receive a box of different beers, a magazine, and a tasty snack, allowing them to explore the global beer scene from the comfort of their own home. Don’t forget the food delivery options too. 

You might know something about their hobbies. If you have team members with a green thumb, a National Garden Gift Voucher is an excellent choice. They can explore various plants and gardening products at reputable garden centres and nurseries across the UK. It’s a gift that supports conservation and creates lasting memories in the beauty of nature.

For those who appreciate the beauty of fresh flower but don’t want to plant them, Bloom and Wild offer the convenience of sending blooms with free delivery throughout the UK. Whether it’s through the letterbox or as traditional hand-tied bouquets, Bloom and Wild brightens their day with beautiful floral arrangements on a subscription. 

What if you don’t know enough about them but want to skip the department store option? 

We suggest allowing them to pick unique and personalised gifts, Notonthehighstreet is a treasure trove of creative ideas, home decor items, and fashion accessories. It’s perfect when you’re unsure of someone’s interests, as they will find a wide range of distinctive products.

If you aren’t sure what they do in their leisure time, give them an unforgettable experience! A Virgin Experience Days Gift Card is the way to go. With over 2,000 exciting activities, they can create cherished memories and indulge in thrilling adventures.

Gift Cards For Young and Young At Heart Teams

Now let’s move on to the gift cards that cater to the young and young at heart.

ASOS is a fashion-forward brand catering to 20-somethings, offering the freshest styles and trendsetting designs. This is a great all-rounder, but with Topshop and Tammy Girl, it will be best suited to Gen Z and Millenials.  H&M is another well-known fashion brand offering affordable and sustainable clothing for women, men, and children. An H&M gift card enables young employees to shop for trendy and eco-friendly fashion items that suit their personal preferences and it does home as well. Boohoo, known for its budget-friendly fashion, allows employees starting in their careers to update their wardrobes without breaking the bank. With a diverse range of sizes and body types catered to, everyone can find stylish clothes that make them feel confident.

If they seem more sporty, then JD Sports is the way to go. It’s more fashion than workout hear – with popular brands like Nike, Adidas, and PUMA and they team athleisure and streetwear with exclusive releases and limited-edition products.

What about leisure time? For movie lovers, Cineworld is the UK’s number one cinema chain, providing the ultimate big-screen experience. The immersive environment, surround sound, and larger-than-life visuals make every film captivating. 

Are they up for trips? For those who seek exciting and memorable travel experiences, an AirBnB gift card opens up a world of unique and diverse accommodation options worldwide. Whether it’s a cosy cabin in the woods, a beachfront retreat, or an urban city apartment, they can plan their dream getaway. Lastminute.com offers a different approach by giving recipients the freedom to plan their own travel adventures. With access to a wide selection of flights, hotels, and train options, young employees can tailor-make their perfect getaway.

Food is a great one too. For those times when they’re craving a delicious meal but don’t feel like cooking or going out, gift cards from Just Eat, Uber Eats, or Deliveroo offer the ultimate convenience. With a few taps on their phones, they can browse a wide range of restaurant options and order everything from pizza and sushi to burgers or local delicacies.

Nando’s is a go-to spot for a relaxed and casual meal with friends. By gifting a Nando’s digital gift card, you give employees the opportunity to enjoy a tasty meal at their convenience. 

Are they setting up a home? An IKEA gift card is a practical choice. They can use it to purchase furniture, home accessories, or even indulge in a Swedish meatball meal at the IKEA cafeteria. You could also look at Argos, with its extensive product range of 50,000 items, is a one-stop shop for games, electronics, and everyday essentials. And consider tech. Currys PC World is a haven for tech enthusiasts, offering a wide selection of laptops, desktops, kitchen appliances, and entertainment systems. A gift card from Currys PC World allows employees to explore cutting-edge gadgets and upgrade their tech setup.

Gift Cards for Bigger Budgets

Want to spoil your team? For bigger budgets, these cards are great. 

First, we have London Theatre Direct, which offers a wide range of theatre options, from classic plays to mesmerizing musicals and thought-provoking performances. The Inspire Travel Card caters to those passionate about travel, offering access to a vast network of trusted travel providers for UK breaks, cruises, hotels, and flights. It encourages employees to take well-deserved breaks and create unforgettable memories.

If you want to spoil your employees with luxury, The White Company is a renowned brand offering white essentials and premium lifestyle products. From cosy home furnishings to elegant wardrobe pieces, The White Company enhances the everyday experiences of your team members. Hotels.com provides access to a wide selection of accommodations worldwide, ensuring your employees can find their perfect home away from home.

For music, sports, and art enthusiasts, a Ticketmaster gift card is a ticket to an unforgettable experience. With Ticketmaster, they can purchase tickets to shows, concerts, exhibitions, and family attractions. 

Employee well-being and self-care are essential, and a Champneys gift card reflects the importance of relaxation and rejuvenation. Champneys is a renowned spa and health resort brand, offering a range of spa experiences and products to pamper and revitalise your employees. 

And if you want to treat your team to a luxurious shopping and dining experience, a Harvey Nichols gift card is the way to go. With its expertly curated fashion and beauty products, premium food and wine selection, and award-winning restaurants, Harvey Nichols offers a truly indulgent experience.

These gift cards are just a glimpse into the wide range of options for rewarding your team. By choosing the right gift card, you show appreciation while allowing your employees to select something they truly desire. Whether they’re exploring new fashion trends, embarking on travel adventures, enjoying delicious meals

Getting gift cards right 

Wondering how to buy gift cards for employees – and ensure you get it right? 

When you choose corporate gift cards for employees – don’t fall into the trap of picking a card that seems like a good fit just because you or someone in management loves a certain store or brand. 

Even multi-use vouchers need you to compare closely before you pick one up. Some can only be spent in-store, some have many brands but location-wise, they can often be compacted near big cities. For a gift card that does it all, you need to know your audience. 

How to find out what gift card to get your employees: 

• The best first port of call is usually an employee survey so you can find out the brands they like and dislike. If they had £100 to spend today, where would they want to spend it? 
  
• How often will you want to give gift cards? Will you need a bulk gift card purchase 1 – 2 times a year, or something more regular? If it’s the latter, you may need a white label gift card platform.
  
• How will you send your gift cards? Do you have up to date employee data to ensure they arrive safely? 
  
• How will you track ROI and know it’s been a success? Will you send a survey or speak to employees? 
  
• The next step is an employee gift card supplier. You are just a Google away from finding a gift card stockist for you as an employer – and you will be spoiled for choice as offering bulk gift cards for employees is a big business, and there are many rival companies. 

Things to consider as you choose your bulk gift card provider: 

• Are there minimum spends (do you need to buy a certain amount for each employee, or for each transaction?) 
  
• Is there an admin fee added to the service?
  
• How are the cards delivered – is there a cost there?
  
• Are they insured against loss or theft in the post?
  
• How can you reach the team if there is an issue – are they located in the same country as you? 
  
• If gift cards are a big hit, can they provide a platform or a way to self-checkout – or do you need to speak to an agent every time?

These are just a few of the considerations. You also need to note if there will be a discount on buying bulk gift cards for employees – but bear in mind that the margins are really really tight, so it’s unlikely to be the deal of the century. 

Still, any method that doesn’t involve you buying cards at the supermarket and activating them all one by one is a win! 

How to present the gift cards in a thoughtful and personalised way

You can buy gift cards for employees – but how do you give them? Gift cards show appreciation and enhance the relationship you have in your business because they show care and consideration. People who say they are a ‘weak’ present have never received some company swag or a generic wine box.  If you’ve done things right, you’ve considered the brands they might like, and the delivery of the gift and now you want to look at the message you’ll share upon gifting.  But delivery is where you can come unstuck. 

Make an extrovert happy with a public show of appreciation, and you can make an introvert cringe. ‘One size fits all’ recognition doesn’t exist, so it’s best to aim for ‘authentic appreciation’ – communicating personally and meaningfully to the recipient. Whether you choose to give a colourful and creative plastic gift card in an envelope hand signed by the CEO, a discreet email delivering their code with a message of thanks from you or the team, or you choose printed gift vouchers for employees with gift codes on to make a gifting ceremony – you have plenty of options to make this simple gift effective for each person. 

In summary – gift cards are great! 

We believe that you can give gift vouchers for employees with confidence that it’s a present that keeps on giving. Unlike other types of gifts that can end up in landfill, unloved and unwanted, gift cards are very prevalent, accepted almost everywhere and are so flexible that employees are likely to have a few in their purses or wallets right now! By sourcing the right brand, the perfect bulk employee voucher provider and getting the delivery right, we think it’s an employee gift that saves the day, every time. 

Don’t forget, if you have a workplace collection going, you can check out the balance as a gift card, and not just at one retailer, but a couple! Mix and match with over 60 great names. Why not take a look when you set up a Pot?