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New Year, New Budget: How to Utilise Gift Cards Throughout the Year

Posted on 28 January 2025
Read time 2 mins
Author Niamh 🧩

New year, fresh start! As budgets reset and plans take shape, it’s the perfect time to think about how to get the most out of your promotions in 2025. Want a secret weapon? A gift card program. 💡

Gift cards aren’t just a last-minute lifesaver for shoppers – they’re also a game-changer for brands. From seasonal sales to loyalty rewards, they can elevate your campaigns and help you stand out. Let’s explore how you can weave gift cards into your promotional plans and make magic happen all year round.

1. Make seasonal campaigns sparkle

Seasonal promotions are always a big deal, but let’s face it – it’s tough to grab attention during busy periods. That’s where gift cards come in:

  • Valentine’s Day: Use eGift cards to win over those last-minute romantics.
  • Mother’s / Father’s Day: Try a “buy a gift card, get a bonus for yourself” deal to sweeten the pot.
  • Holiday Gifting: Go omni-channel! Make sure your gift cards are easy to grab online and in-store so you’re ready for those holiday shopping sprees.

Gift cards add that extra sparkle and give customers more reasons to choose you.

2. Keep them coming back with loyalty perks

Gift cards and loyalty programs? A match made in heaven. Here’s how you can keep your customers coming back for more:

  • Offer a free £5 gift card when someone spends £50 during key promo periods.
  • Let customers earn loyalty points that can be redeemed for gift cards – who doesn't love instant rewards?
  • Surprise your VIPs with exclusive gift card designs and offers because everyone loves to feel special.

This is about more than quick wins; it’s about building long-term connections with your customers.

3. Win back customers with a little nudge

Got customers who’ve gone quiet? A well-timed gift card could be just the thing to bring them back:

  • Win-back emails: “Hey, we miss you! Here’s a £10 gift card to treat yourself - you deserve it.”
  • Anniversary treats: Celebrate the anniversary of a customer’s first purchase with a small gift card. A little goes a long way!
  • Random surprises: Brighten someone’s day with an unexpected gift card – it’s great for goodwill and engagement.

Not only are these great incentives to win back their custom, but research has found that 67% of people spent an average of £18.55 more than the value of their gift card. So, not only are you enticing people back, but you’ll likely see an increase in basket spend too - a win win. 

4. Use gift cards as discounts

Discounts are great. Who doesn’t love getting good value for money? Gift cards are the perfect sidekick to discounts making your customers feel both valued and appreciated, for example:

  • Instead of “20% off,” try “Buy a £50 gift card and get a bonus £10 free.”
  • Collaborate with companies to sell your gift cards as employee rewards in the B2B space. No discounting is needed, and it opens up new revenue streams.

Again, people are likely to spend more than the value of the gift card, driving increased revenue and customer loyalty for your brand. 

5. Go omni-channel and win everywhere

Gift cards are the ultimate omni-channel tool. By offering both physical and digital options, you can:

  • Attract online shoppers who love convenience.
  • Drive footfall by encouraging in-store redemptions.
  • Use the data from gift card redemptions to tweak and optimise future campaigns.

Wherever your customers shop, your brand's gift cards can be there to meet them.

How can Jigsaw help?

We know a thing or two about making gift card programs shine. From maximising the lucrative B2B market to seamless omni-channel distribution, we’ve got your back.

We’re here to help you unlock the full potential of gift cards, so they’re not just part of your promotional toolkit but a star player driving revenue and engagement. ⭐ 

Let's make 2025 unforgettable!

Ready to turn your promotions up a notch? With gift cards in your arsenal, you’ll be ready to delight customers, boost sales, and stand out all year long.

Let’s talk about how Jigsaw can help you create a gift card program that’s as brilliant as your brand. 🚀

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