The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Gift Cards for Your Team

Gift cards have become a staple for team recognition, employee rewards, and workplace celebrations. Their flexibility, ease of distribution, and universal appeal make them a top choice for managers and HR professionals. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best gift cards for your team? The right choice can make your gesture feel personal and meaningful, while the wrong one can come across as impersonal or inconvenient.

This guide will walk you through the key considerations for selecting the perfect gift cards, best practices for gifting, and how Assembly’s upcoming free-to-signup gift card program can make employee gifting easier and more impactful than ever.

Why Gift Cards Are Great for Teams

Gift cards are popular for several reasons:

• Flexibility: Employees can choose what they want, ensuring your gift is always appreciated.
• Convenience: Digital delivery means instant gratification, especially for remote or hybrid teams.
• Scalability: Whether you’re recognizing one person or an entire department, gift cards fit any budget or team size.
• Inclusivity: With a wide range of options, you can cater to diverse interests and backgrounds.

Understand Your Team’s Preferences

The most impactful gift cards are those that reflect your team’s unique preferences. Here’s how to get it right:

• Ask for Input: Use surveys or informal polls to find out what your team values most—retail, dining, experiences, or something else.
• Consider Demographics: Age, location, and lifestyle can influence preferences. For example, a coffee shop card might be perfect for some, while others prefer online retailers.
• Respect Diversity: Be mindful of dietary restrictions, cultural backgrounds, and personal beliefs. Avoid cards that may not be universally usable or appreciated.

Key Factors When Choosing Gift Cards

Selecting the right gift card involves more than picking a popular brand. Consider these factors:

1. Personalization

Choose cards that align with your team’s interests. Assembly’s platform will allow you to send money that can be used across a whole catalog, within specific categories (like “Thank You” or “Birthday”), or for curated rewards.

2. Usability

Opt for cards that are easy to redeem, whether online or in-store. Assembly’s digital delivery via text or email ensures everyone can access their gift instantly.

3. Denomination

Match the value of the card to the occasion and your budget. Even small amounts can feel meaningful when paired with a thoughtful message.

4. Expiration and Fees

Check for hidden fees or expiration dates. Assembly’s platform is transparent, so you can gift with confidence.

5. Company Policy

Ensure your gifting aligns with company policies and tax regulations.

6. Digital vs. Physical

Digital cards are ideal for remote teams and instant delivery. Assembly’s e-cards can be customized and sent via email or text, complete with delightful animations.

Types of Gift Cards to Consider

• Universal Cards: Visa, Mastercard, or Amazon for maximum flexibility.
• Retailers: Target, Walmart, Best Buy, or Starbucks for everyday convenience.
• Experiences: Restaurants, entertainment, or streaming services.
• Charitable Giving: Donation cards for socially conscious teams.
• Local Businesses: Support your community and offer unique options.

With Assembly, you can send money for specific rewards, choose from curated catalogs, or even send swag (for an additional cost).

Best Practices for Gifting Gift Cards

• Add a Personal Touch: Pair your gift with a personalized note or a kudo board. Assembly’s e-card feature lets you create a digital card that others can sign, making the moment even more special.
• Time It Right: Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, or project milestones.
• Offer Choice: Let recipients pick from a range of options, increasing the likelihood they’ll love their gift.
• Track and Manage: For larger teams, use Assembly’s automated gifting (contact sales) to streamline the process.
• Encourage Gratitude: Assembly’s platform allows recipients to send a thank you back, closing the recognition loop.

Avoid Common Gifting Mistakes

• Don’t Assume: Avoid one-size-fits-all cards. Personalization matters.
• Watch for Restrictions: Make sure cards are usable in your team’s location and don’t have hidden fees.
• Don’t Skip the Message: A thoughtful note makes any gift more meaningful.
• Stay Inclusive: Offer options that work for everyone, regardless of background or lifestyle.

Why Choose Assembly for Team Gift Cards?

Assembly’s new gift card program is designed to make employee gifting effortless and impactful:

• Free to Sign Up: The first tier is free and included in all paid Assembly plans.
• Self-Service: Send 1:1 or 1-to-many gifts and cards at no cost.
• Automated Gifting: For company-wide programs, talk to sales for seamless automation.
• E-Cards & Kudo Boards: Create customizable, animated cards for any occasion—thank you, retirement, birthday, anniversary, congratulations, marriage, and more.
• Flexible Gifting: Send money for use across the entire catalog, within specific categories, or for curated rewards.
• Delightful Experience: Recipients enjoy animated delivery via text or email and can easily send a thank you back.
• No Hidden Fees: Transparent, easy-to-use, and designed for teams of all sizes.

Ready to make your team feel valued? Schedule a demo with Assembly and see how easy and meaningful employee gifting can be!

FAQs

What are the best gift cards to give employees?

The best gift cards for employees are those that offer flexibility and choice, such as Visa, Mastercard, Amazon, or popular retailers. Platforms like Assembly allow you to send money that can be used across a wide catalog or for specific curated rewards, ensuring everyone gets something they’ll appreciate.

How do I choose the right gift card for my team?

Start by understanding your team’s preferences through surveys or informal feedback. Consider factors like usability, personalization, and inclusivity. Use a platform like Assembly to offer a range of options and add a personal touch with customizable e-cards.

Can I send digital gift cards to remote employees?

Yes! Digital gift cards are perfect for remote teams. Assembly lets you send gift cards via text or email, complete with animations and the option for recipients to send a thank you back.

Is there a free way to send gift cards to my team?

Assembly offers a free-to-signup gift card program, including self-service 1:1 and 1-to-many gifting, customizable e-cards, and a delightful recipient experience—all at no cost for the first tier.