Beyond Amazon: How to Choose the Perfect Gift Card for Your Team

Gift cards have become a cornerstone of modern employee recognition, offering flexibility, convenience, and a personal touch that traditional rewards often lack. But with so many options available—from retail giants like Amazon to unique local businesses—how do you select the right gift card types for your team? The answer lies in understanding your employees’ preferences, aligning with your company’s values, and leveraging innovative gifting platforms like Assembly to create memorable moments of appreciation.

Why Gift Cards Work for Teams

Gift cards empower recipients to choose what they truly want, making them more meaningful than generic swag or cash bonuses. They’re ideal for celebrating birthdays, work anniversaries, retirements, and achievements, and can be tailored to fit any occasion or personality. The right gift card can boost morale, foster loyalty, and reinforce a culture of recognition.

Exploring Gift Card Types: Pros, Cons, and Best Uses

1. Universal Retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Target)

Pros:

• Broad appeal; almost everyone can find something they want
• Easy to purchase and distribute, especially digitally
  

Cons:

• Can feel impersonal if used too often
• May not reflect company values like supporting local businesses
  Best for:
• Large, diverse, or remote teams
• Occasions where flexibility is key

2. Prepaid Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)

Pros:

• Maximum flexibility; can be used almost anywhere
• Great for international or geographically dispersed teams
  

Cons:

• Sometimes come with activation or usage fees
• Less personal touch
  Best for:
• Teams with varied interests
• Employees in different countries

3. Specialty Retailers (Starbucks, Apple, Best Buy)

Pros:

• Shows you know your team’s interests
• Can be more memorable for the recipient
  

Cons:

• Limited to specific stores or products
• Not everyone may be a fan
  Best for:
• Targeted recognition (e.g., coffee lovers, tech enthusiasts)
• Smaller teams where preferences are known

4. Experience-Based Cards (Restaurants, Entertainment, Wellness)

Pros:

• Encourages work-life balance and memorable experiences
• Supports local and small businesses
  

Cons:

• May be harder to use for remote or dispersed teams
• Some experiences may not appeal to everyone
  Best for:
• Teams in the same city
• Special milestones or team celebrations

5. Local Business Gift Cards

Pros:

• Supports the community and local economy
• Unique, thoughtful, and often more memorable

Cons:

• Limited to those near the business
• May not offer digital options
  Best for:
• Teams based in one location
• Companies with a strong local presence or community focus

Crafting Your Gifting Strategy

A successful gift card program goes beyond simply picking a popular brand. Start by considering your team’s preferences, which can be gathered through surveys or informal feedback. This insight should be balanced with practical considerations like your budget, logistical needs for remote versus in-office employees, and the specific occasion for the gift. Your company’s values should also play a role—if supporting local communities or promoting sustainability is important, prioritize gift cards that reflect those priorities.

The delivery of the gift is just as important as the gift itself. A generic email with a code can feel transactional, but a personalized message or a digital card signed by the team can make the moment special. Platforms that allow for group signatures, custom animations, or even kudo boards can turn a simple reward into a memorable event. The goal is to create a “moment of delight” that makes the employee feel truly celebrated.

Assembly’s New Gift Card Program: Modern Gifting Made Easy

Managing all these moving parts—personalization, delivery, tracking, and offering choice—can be complex. This is where modern recognition platforms like Assembly come in, streamlining the entire process. Assembly’s new gift card program is designed to make team gifting seamless, flexible, and delightful. Signing up is free, and the first tier is included in all paid Assembly plans. The platform supports self-service gifting, allowing you to send one-to-one or one-to-many gift cards, complete with group signatures and personalized messages. For larger organizations, automated gifting for company-wide events is also available.

One of the standout features of Assembly’s program is its e-card and kudo board functionality. You can create customizable, animated e-cards for any occasion—whether it’s a thank you, retirement, birthday, anniversary, or congratulations. The platform also offers flexible gifting ideas, such as sending money for the full catalog or specific categories, curating rewards from multiple catalogs, or sending company swag. Gifts are delivered via text or email with celebratory animations, and recipients can easily send a thank you back, closing the recognition loop and strengthening team connection.

Conclusion

Choosing the right gift card for your team is about more than convenience—it’s about showing genuine appreciation in a way that resonates. By considering your team’s preferences, your company’s values, and leveraging modern platforms like Assembly, you can create memorable moments of recognition that boost morale and foster a positive workplace culture.

Ready to elevate your team’s recognition experience? Schedule a demo with Assembly today and discover how easy and delightful gifting can be!

FAQs

What are the best gift cards for employee rewards?

The best gift cards for employee rewards include universal options like Amazon or Visa, specialty retailers for targeted interests, and local business cards for a personal touch. The right choice depends on your team’s preferences and company values.

How can I send digital gift cards to my remote team?

You can use platforms like Assembly to send digital gift cards via email or text. Assembly also offers animated e-cards and group gifting features for a memorable experience.

Why should companies choose local business gift cards?

Local business gift cards support the community, offer unique experiences, and show employees you value local connections. They’re ideal for teams based in one location or companies with a community focus.

What is Assembly’s gift card program?

Assembly’s gift card program is a free-to-start platform that allows you to send 1:1 or group gift cards, automate company-wide gifting, and create animated e-cards for any occasion. It offers a flexible catalog and a delightful receiving experience via email or text.