Gift cards are a great way to bring in extra income for your store. And one of the best ways to promote them is through email. A good gift card email grabs attention with fun designs, a sense of urgency, and the idea of missing out (FOMO). These elements help your customers take action, especially during busy shopping seasons.
Whether you’re sending gift card emails around holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving, or targeting shoppers who picked gift wrapping at checkout, your message needs to look professional and be easy to understand. In this article, we’ll show you seven examples of gift card emails that work well and give you tips to help boost your sales.
What Is a Gift Card Email?
A gift card email is a message sent to your customers to encourage them to buy gift cards — either digital or physical. These emails are great for promoting gift card sales, but they can also be used for things like offering a reward when someone writes a review, refers a friend, or makes a big purchase.
Gift cards are especially popular during holidays and special events because they make gift shopping easier. They show more thought than just giving cash, and they also help keep your brand top of mind for both the buyer and the receiver.
The best gift card emails are eye-catching, easy to read, and clearly explain the value of the gift card. They should also include an easy way to buy and send the card.
A good gift card email usually includes:
- A strong subject line that grabs attention
- A clear message about the value of the gift card
- A bold “Buy Now” button
- Examples of how the card can be used
- A design that matches your brand
7 Great Gift Card Email Examples
Here are seven real-life examples of gift card emails from different brands. These show how different styles and tones can be used to get people interested and encourage them to buy.
1. Popsmith
Popsmith sells popcorn kits and uses this email to let people know that a gift card gives the receiver the freedom to pick what they want. The email is bright and bold, with a red background and yellow button. It also includes a bonus offer — both the sender and the receiver get extra value when a card is bought.
Lesson: Offering a bonus for both sides makes the deal feel like a win for everyone.
2. Hestan
Hestan makes kitchen tools and cookware. This email is for Father’s Day shoppers who aren’t sure what to buy. It uses bold orange text and simple messaging to highlight how easy it is to give a digital gift card.
Lesson: Help customers solve the problem of “What do I get someone who already has everything?” by promoting your gift card as an easy answer.
3. Adùn
Adùn’s email grabs attention with a fun, casual tone and a discount offer. The design feels more like a friend sharing a tip than a brand pushing a sale. It gives real reasons why a gift card makes sense right now.
Lesson: A playful voice and limited-time deals can make your emails stand out and feel personal.
4. Hipcamp
Hipcamp focuses on outdoor experiences. This email highlights that it’s not too late to give a meaningful gift. The design is simple and clean, and the message is all about offering memories and experiences, not just things.
Lesson: Sell the experience behind the gift card, not just the card itself.
5. Beysis
Beysis makes personalized gifts. This email speaks to last-minute Mother’s Day shoppers. The message is light and relatable, and the soft pink design makes it feel warm and caring.
Lesson: Understand your audience’s stress and help them with a simple, no-fuss solution.
6. On
This email from On, a sportswear brand, keeps things relaxed and calm. It’s aimed at people who forgot to buy a gift and need a quick solution. The tone is easygoing, and the design is simple.
Lesson: Make it clear that your gift card is a stress-free, fast option for last-minute buyers.
7. JUDY
JUDY sells emergency kits and uses a very clear message. The email shows the steps to buy and use the gift card. The layout is clean, with just a few words and a helpful design.
Lesson: Keep it simple. Make it easy for people to understand what to do and why it matters.
Why You Should Send Gift Card Emails
Sending emails about gift cards can bring in more money and help grow your customer base. Here are five key benefits:
1. Increase Sales Fast
Gift cards give you instant income, even if the card is used later. Many people also spend more than the card’s value, giving you extra sales.
2. Reach New Customers
When someone gives a gift card, they’re introducing your brand to someone new. These new visitors already have money to spend and are open to trying your products.
3. Boost Holiday and Seasonal Sales
During busy times like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Mother’s Day, shoppers often turn to gift cards when they’re out of time or options. Your email can remind them that gift cards are always in stock and arrive instantly.
4. Offer Convenience
Gift cards make shopping easy. Buyers don’t need to guess sizes or tastes. They also work online and in-store, giving receivers flexibility.
5. Create Urgency
Special deals, time-limited bonuses, or reminders about key dates (like shipping cutoffs) can push people to act quickly and buy.
18 Gift Card Email Subject Lines You Can Use
Your subject line should be short and catchy. Keep it under 40 characters, and consider adding a fun emoji. Here are some good ideas:
- Gift cards now 5% off
- Perfect gift, zero guesswork
- Give them endless choices
- Still stumped? Gift cards solve it
- The perfect gift exists
- Their dream gift is a click away
- Skip the gift-wrapping drama
- Gift cards: Never the wrong size
- Guaranteed to make them smile
- Let them choose their perfect gift
- Send the perfect gift instantly
- The easiest gift you’ll give
- Gift cards save the day
- Last-minute gifting solved
- Gifting made simple
- No returns, just happy faces
- Send joy their way
- Need a gift? Send a gift card
Final Thoughts
Gift card emails are a smart way to bring in more income, especially during busy seasons. With strong design, a clear message, and a bit of creativity, you can turn these emails into powerful tools that attract new customers and bring back existing ones.
With tools like Omnisend, you can set up email campaigns, automate them, and track how well they perform. Whether you’re looking to boost sales or connect with more people, gift card emails are a great way to do both — all while giving customers a gift that’s thoughtful and easy.
