Need an easy yet thoughtful gift for your employees that won’t break the bank? You’re in luck! More and more people are choosing digital gift cards1. A gift card – the gift that never gets returned!

Keep in mind, though, that the most important aspect of giving a gift card is to choose the right gift card. According to the 2015 Gyft Pulse Trend report, a survey of over 1,000 adults throughout the U.S., employees say that some of the worst employer gifts they’ve ever received are:

  • Half a candy cane
  • A hug
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Squeegee
  • Broken beach chair
  • Picture of the boss’s family

The right gift can help make your employees more appreciative of your organization. Check out these six categories of thoughtful and affordable gift cards that are sure to make everyone happy:

 

  1. Restaurants & Beverage Gift Cards

Starbucks

Kick-start their mornings with everything from coffee, espresso, and Frappucinos to pastries and breakfast sandwiches. The Starbucks gift card is guaranteed to be an employee favorite, as it can also be added to the Starbucks app and used to earn ‘Stars’ toward free drinks.

Darden Restaurants

Darden Restaurants operates popular casual-dining eateries across the U.S. such as Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Yard House, and Bahama Breeze. Enjoy everything from craft beer and small plates to Italian food and more.

Cheesecake Factory

There’s always a line out the door at the Cheesecake Factory for their large, tasty portions of pasta, pizza, steaks, seafood, and much more. Their menu features over 250 items as well as over 50 cheesecakes and desserts.  

Brinker Restaurants

Want even more dining variety? Choose a Brinker’s Restaurants gift card. Restaurants include Chili’s, Maggiano’s Little Italy, On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, and Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

 

  1. Sports and Apparel Gift Cards

Zappos

Zappos offers shoes, clothing, bags, and accessories from over 1,000 well-known brands such as UGG, Patagonia, Nike, and many more. They have a 365-day return policy plus free shipping and returns.

American Eagle Outfitters

Classic clothing at an affordable price. American Eagle provides great casual style for all ages.

Adidas

Founder Adi Dassler registered his first shoe fabric in 1924, and over 90 years later, Adidas is one of the best-known names in sports. Sports enthusiasts are sure to find something they love with Adidas.

 

  1. Gift Cards For Women

Banana Republic

Modern yet classic clothing, for work, casual, or a night out. This gift card can also be used at Gap, Old Navy, and Athleta.

Gilt

Get the best brands at up to 70% off. Gilt is an online store that offers everything from diamonds and designer shoes to handbags and home accessories, from brands such as Vera Wang, Valentino, Kiehl’s, and Nui Organics.

Nike

What else is there to say about Nike? Timeless, well-designed sports gear. For the sports enthusiast who wants to look good competing in any sport.

 

  1. Gift Cards For Men

Foot Locker

Sports shoes and workout apparel for running, basketball, soccer, CrossFit, and more. This gift card is also accepted at Lady Foot Locker and Kids’ Foot Locker.

Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo eShop

Give the gift of fun with a Nintendo eShop gift card! Good for games on any Nintendo Wii or 3DS system. Or give Xbox or PlayStation gift cards for access to games, music, movies, and TV shows.

Gap

Gap makes well-priced, comfortable clothes in styles to fit every season. The Gap gift card can also be used at Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Athleta.

 

  1. Gift Cards for Parents

Build-A-Bear Workshop

Have employees with little ones? At Build-A-Bear Workshop, kids can create their own teddy bear with their own personal message sewn in. Located throughout the U.S.

Toys R Us

Choose a Toys R Us gift card to get the hottest toys this holiday season! Toys R Us is the leading kids’ store for toys, dolls, action figures, building blocks, learning games, and more.

Wine.com

Find, buy, and ship wine and wine gifts easily at the #1 online wine store. You can shop by categories such as wine region, price, varietals, and fine wines. Also features a searchable online database.

 

  1. A Gift Card For Everyone

The Gyft Card

Still not sure which gift card to give? Give the Gyft Card: ‘the gift of choice.’ Your employees can use it to buy gift cards from over 200 top retailers, either on Gyft.com or in the Gyft mobile app.

 

Plus, when you send with Gyft Corporate, you can include a note that’s personalized with your own message, company logo, and colors of your choice. You can also track who’s received their gift cards, and resend any if you need to. The perfect flexible gift!

 

1 Incomm Digital Solutions, “Gift Cards eCommerce Shopping Stats”, March 2015. http://media.wix.com/ugd/b85090_263370ed3f8046efad5629c2bc4d0fee.pdf