The Best Employee Gift Cards


Looking for the perfect gift to express your appreciation for your employee(s)? Here are some of the best employee gift cards for 2022. Some are even worth more than money.

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Top Employee Gift Cards of 2022

Amazon eGift Card

The Amazon eGift Card is the most popular gift card for online shopping. The employer can choose from many different designs and denominations of gift cards while the recipient can choose from millions of items. Give the gift that never expires. This is a win-win gift for the both of you.

Visa Gift Card

The Visa Gift Card is the most diverse and versatile employee gift card available. Use this card anywhere that accepts Visa debit cards including online or in stores. You can use Visa for gas, restaurant, hotels, retail stores, entertainment, just to name a few. The buying possibilities are endless. Your employee can get exactly what he or she wants.

Movie & A Meal, Brinker-Regal Entertainment Gift Card

The Movie & A Meal, Brinker-Regal Entertainment Gift Card is a popular gift card for a night out on the town. Give your employee a night of relaxation with dinner and a movie. What a great way to reward and recognize an employee’s hard work. You can lighten their load with a little entertainment and some good food. Everyone loves dinner and a movie.

Hotels.com Red Gift Card

The Hotels.com Red Gift Card offers accommodations in thousands of hotels across 200 countries. Encourage your employee to get away and take a little vacation after all the hours put in at the office. Let them step away, refresh, and come back with a clear mind and ready to work. You will win employer of the year with this gift card.

Spotify Gift Card

The Spotify Gift Card offers one of the largest music streaming services in the world. Whether you play on-demand or offline, you can choose from thousands of podcasts or millions of songs from anywhere at any time. Encourage your employee to sit back, relax, kick their feet up, and listen to their favorite music or favorite podcast.

Employee Appreciation Gifts Cards

The Employee Appreciation Gift Card is one of the most simple, yet appreciated gift cards for employees. Thank your employee for all they do with this engraved stainless steel metal card that fits right in a wallet. This card is a constant companion and reminder that makes anyone and everyone feel appreciated and special at work. This gift is one from the heart.

Starbucks Gift Card

The Starbucks Gift Card is one of the most popular gift cards for coffee lovers. Coffee lovers have the option of enjoying a coffee break after hours or during work hours with this convenient and easily redeemable card. Coffee lovers can’t be productive until they’ve had their coffee.

Krispy Kreme Gift Card

The Krispy Kreme Gift Card is for those employees with a sweet tooth who pretty much covers everyone you know. Treat your employee to a nice warm donut any time of the day with a flavor of their choice. After all, who can resist a nice warm Krispy Kreme donut fresh out of the oven?

Lowe’s Gift Card

The Lowe’s Gift Card will take care of all of those dreams of home improvements. Give a card that will spruce up your employee’s home as a reward for them sprucing up the office. Make their dreams come true by enhancing their life at home. After all, they may even host one of those business get-togethers.

Above & Beyond Appreciation Greeting Card & Amazing Lapel Pin Gift

The Above & Beyond Appreciation Greeting Card & Amazing Lapel Pin Gift is a great way to show your appreciation for any employee. Recognize those employees who have gone above and beyond the call of duty with this inspirational card and lapel. This is another gift straight from the heart that will let them sincerely know how you really feel about them. Successful employees make for a successful business.

Mastercard Gift Card

The Mastercard Gift Card is another diverse and versatile gift card that opens up a world of possibilities. These possibilities can be pursued either online or in-store. Purchases can be made from anywhere Debit Mastercards are accepted. This is a great option that lets the employee get what he or she wants or needs.

Old Navy Gift Card

The Old Navy Gift Card is a great option for a male or a female employee. This gift card can be used at Old Navy, Gap, Athleta, or the Banana Republic either online, at the outlet, or at one of the many factory stores. The clothes range from jeans to t-shirts to fashionable designs.  Encourage your employee to make a fashion statement by letting them get something that makes them feel good about themselves.

Jiffy Lube Red Car Gift Card

The Jiffy Lube Red Car Gift Card is good for products or services from one of the largest quick lube oil change companies. This fast oil change company provides quick services while you wait. Jiffy Lube is professional, fast, and convenient. Well-maintained cars ensure reliable transportation to and from work.

Outback Steakhouse Gift Card

The Outback Steakhouse Gift Card is a special treat for any employee who wants to go down under. You will keep your employee well-fed with a delectable meal from Outback. Besides, all workers need a break from cooking every now and then after a hard day’s work at the office. Down under has never tasted so good.

Employee Appreciation Gift Wallet Card

The Employee Appreciation Gift Wallet Card is a great way to thank a team player for their very much appreciated contributions at work. This engraved metal card is made to fit in a wallet and act as a constant reminder of a job well done. This wallet gift card is just the thing to make anyone feel appreciated, valued, and important. There is nothing worth any more than a gift from the heart.

Landry’s Multi-Branded Gift Card

The Landry’s Multi Branded Gift Card is a gift card that combines dining, gaming, entertainment, and hospitality. This all-purpose card is used to purchase goods or services at any Landry’s affiliated location. This one card offers a little bit of everything.

Coldstone Creamery Gift Card

The Coldstone Creamery Gift Card is the golden ticket to almost everyone’s favorite treat. Coldstone Creamery offers a variety of ice cream flavors in a smooth, creamy texture. Ice cream has never tasted so good. Give America’s favorite treat to that someone who goes the extra mile.

Dessie Motivational Cards

Dessie Motivational Cardsshow employees how much they are valued. The motivational cards feature 63 different designs and messages that will brighten your valued employees’ day. The cards are uplifting, versatile, and inspirational which is just what is needed to keep the work environment upbeat and motivated. Watch the morale in the office soar.

Six Treat Salute Appreciation Goody Bags

Six Treat Salute Appreciation Goody Bags are a combination of a greeting card and candy. The card explains the candy which are symbols that represent your appreciation of staff members. These candy card treats make great gifts for professional recognition events. Show your employee how much they are valued with a little bit of humor.

Cheersville Employee First Day Onboarding Set

The Cheersville Employee First Day Onboarding Set is a great way to welcome new staff. This welcoming set for new staff includes a card, coffee mug, pen, and journal. This recognition gift makes an employee know they’re valued from the very start. What a great way to start off that professional relationship.

50 Blank Coupon Cards

The 50 Blank Coupon Cards will turn an employee appreciation gift into anything you want it to be. Reward employees by filling in the blank and letting them redeem it for a special treat or privilege. This is a great way to show an employee what they are worth to the company. These cards will bring out the imagination and creativity in you.

Panera Bread Gift Card

The Panera Bread Gift Card is the perfect gift for the lunch hour crowd. This bakery-cafe restaurant offers sandwiches served on fresh home-baked bread. They also have soup served in bread bowls, muffins, and cookies. This is a great way of treating an employee to a lunch on the boss.

Southwest Airlines Gift Card

The Southwest Airlines Gift Card is a generous gift offering flights to over 85 destinations. You can send a staff member off to a destination of their choice. There are never any fees and there is no expiration. They will love this gift card so much that the only thing you will have to worry about is if they book a return flight home.

Olive Garden Gift Card

The Olive Garden Gift Card is like sending your employee off to a dinner in Italy. Olive Garden offers a large selection of wine and Italian dishes with non-stop servings of freshly baked breadsticks and salad. All of their sauces and soups are homemade. This is one of the best Italian meals outside of Italy that you will ever experience. This meal will take them thousands of miles away and you won’t even have to pay for transportation.

Container Store Gift Card

The Container Store Gift Card helps your employee keep their life organized. The Container Store is one of the leading organizer and storage retail stores in the nation. You might even find these containers will help you get organized at the office. Good organizational skills are key to the success of any business.

Cheesecake Factory Gift Card

The Cheesecake Factory Gift Card is always a big hit. The Cheesecake Factory offers a diversified menu of pasta, steaks, pizzas, fish, and specialty salads. Their real specialty is their dessert, especially their cheesecakes with over 50 flavors. If you get real lucky, some leftovers may even end up in the office.

Regal Gift Card

The Regal Gift Card provides your worker a nice escape from reality for a couple of hours. Regal Entertainment is one of the largest motion picture theaters in the world. The gift card is good for admission or concessions. You can never go wrong with a gift of a movie and popcorn.

Go Play Golf Gift Card

The Go Play Golf Gift Card gives your employee the opportunity to score that long-awaited hole in one. Go Play Golf can be redeemed for a round of golf at one of over 5,000 courses. It also can be used for golf merchandise such as apparel, equipment, golf balls, and accessories, or it can be converted over to a Topgolf card. The card must be redeemed online at their Go Play Golf website. Golf games are always tied in with business at one point or another.

Safeway Gift Card

The Safeway Gift Card appeals to everyone since a trip to the grocery store is a weekly occurrence. Safeway is one of the leading grocery stores with over 1,200 stores across the U.S. The gift card can be used for any merchandise at Safeway but does not include money orders, lottery, or gift cards. The gift card can only be used in-store. Everyone appreciates a little help when stocking up on groceries.

Best Buy Gift Card

The Best Buy Gift Card is for that electronic lover in the office. Best Buy is one of the largest retailers when it comes to electronics. You can choose from televisions, computers, tablets, video consoles & games, cell phones, movies, major appliances, and much more. The gift card can be redeemed in-store or online. The good thing is that the Best Buy gift card never expires and there are no fees.

Hallmark Employee Appreciation Cards

Hallmark Employee Appreciation Cards are a great way to show appreciation for everything your employees do and for welcoming new staff members. The more valued employees feel the more productive they will be. You will score one for the team with these inspirational and morale-boosting cards.

Dinner and a Movie Gift Card Pack

The Dinner and a Movie Gift Card Pack is a two-for-one gift. The pack consists of one gift card to AMC and one gift card to Applebee’s. You can feed and entertain your employee all with one gift. Applebee’s is a friendly neighborhood restaurant that serves up great food and AMC features new release films and concessions that are hard to pass up. Double up on your appreciation with this two gift card pack.

Papa John’s Pizza Gift Card

The Papa John’s Pizza Gift Card is for the pizza lover in your office. Papa John’s is one of the most popular pizza delivery restaurants around with great-tasting pizza. Most everyone loves pizza so you can’t go wrong with this particular gift card. Not only will your employee be treated to a great dinner but dinner will be delivered right to their house. Not only will this gift show appreciation for a member of the staff but that employee will appreciate you for this gift card.

Nordstrom Rack Gift Card

The Nordstrom Rack Gift Card is for the fashion lover in the group. Nordstrom Rack is the discounted division of Nordstrom, Inc. Your team player can get more for your money with a great selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories all at a great price. Nordstrom carries all high-fashion brands so you will have some of the best-dressed employees around.

Shutterfly Gift Card

The Shutterfly Gift Card is a great gift for any employee who likes to preserve those precious memories. Hence, Shutterfly takes photos and turns them into gorgeous photo albums, home decor, cards, and unique photo gifts. You can even find a work photo to turn into an appreciation gift for a member of your team. Memories are precious and should be captured and kept close to the heart. This heartfelt gift card lives on forever.

 

How We Chose the Best Employee Gift Cards

Many Choices

Our list is long because we wanted to provide a comprehensive list of options for you to choose from.

Nationwide Retailers

Most of the restaurants and retailers offering gift cards on our list are either nationwide or cover large areas of the country and in some cases have many international locations as well.

You know what is available in your local area and where your employees frequent. If your choice didn’t make our list, please let us know and we would be happy to add it.

 

FAQs About Employee Gift Cards

Is it ok to buy gift cards for employees?

Yes. Most employees prefer being able to pick out what they want instead of being given a pre-determined item. Online gift cards for employees have become especially popular because they are so convenient.

Are employee recognition gift cards taxable?

Yes. According to the IRS, gift cards are cash equivalent items that must be included in an employee’s taxable income.

What form do employee gift cards come in?

You can either buy a gift card as a physical card or as an electronic card. Electronic cards are also known as digital cards, e-gift cards, virtual gift cards, and mobile gift cards. Both forms can be used for online or in-store shopping in most cases.

How do electronic gift cards for employees work?

Electronic gift cards are codes that are sent using technology such as texts, email, or smartphone apps. These codes are scanned as a purchase is made with an electronic gift card.

What are bulk gift cards?

Bulk gift cards are multiple cards in a single pack broken down into smaller denominations. The smaller denominations can be given out to multiple employees or given all to one.

How can you buy bulk gift cards for employees?

Multi-packs are available at grocery store kiosks. Amazon’s website also offers multi-pack cards. Their Corporate Gift Card Program lets businesses purchase gift cards in bulk.

Are all gift cards a form of payment?

No. There are inspirational cards available as well, specifically designed to fit in a wallet as a constant reminder of a job well done.

Do gift cards given to employees expire?

Some cards are issued with an expiration date and some cards have no expiration date whatsoever. Be sure to read all of the fine print to determine if there are any restrictions.

What should you consider when purchasing a gift card for an employee?

If you know your employee shops at a favorite store, then you can’t go wrong getting a gift card specifically from there. If you don’t know where your employee likes to shop, you can buy a generic card like an Amazon, Visa, or Mastercard that they could use just about anywhere.

Can the employee redeem a gift card for cash?

Most retailers don’t allow cash redemption. Some states have gift card laws that allow you to redeem gift cards for cash if they are under a specific value.

Can an employee sell or trade a gift card?

There are websites where you can sell or trade a gift card such as CardCash, Swapagift, Gift Card Granny, or GiftCardRescue. You can also donate your gift card to someone in need at Gift Card Giver.

When I give a gift card to an employee, should I include the receipt?

It is a good idea to include the receipt in case the card has not been activated or the magnetic strip is damaged.

Will I have to pay tax on gift cards purchased for employees?

No. You do not have to pay tax when purchasing a gift card. However, any purchase made with the gift card is subject to tax.

Can employees move gift cards between sites?

No. Gift cards can only be used at the sites that created them.

Can an employee use the gift card in more than one transaction?

Yes. A gift card can be used in more than one transaction and until the full amount is used up.

How much should you put into a gift card for an employee?

You should give gift cards that are valued at $100 or less to those who work for you. If you have multiple workers to give a gift card to during the holidays, make sure everyone receives the same amount.

How should you deliver employee gift cards?

It really doesn’t matter when you hand out employee gift cards as long as they are handed out all at the same time. This prevents any employee from feeling left out.

Are employee gift cards difficult to redeem?

Typically, gift cards are not difficult to redeem. Most gift cards can be redeemed online or at their physical location.