More than a few traditionalists worry that gift cards are an impersonal or even cold means of expressing affection, akin to thoughtlessly stuffing cash into an envelope.
The solution involves thinking outside the box -- the ubiquitous gift-card-sized box, that is -- and getting creative.
"Being creative in the presentation will not only show you've put your heart into it, but it makes it more interesting for the person who is receiving the gift card. It puts more of a surprise factor into it and makes it more personal," says Debbie Gray, a graphic designer in Ocala, Fla.
Need some help getting your own creative juices flowing? How about a compact that doubles as a card holder? What about wrapping a gift card in a tree ornament or jamming it into a Starbucks cup filled with coffee beans?
Check out these ideas and many more in our list of top 10 creative ways to wrap gift cards:
1. Zip it up: Hallmark's Funzip gift boxes feature cool pop-up characters in festive holiday designs and are easy to assemble without scissors or tape. To open one, the recipient simply unzips the package (starting at $3, available at Hallmark stores).
2. Keep it organized: Many of us have gift cards with unused balances lying around, and it can be hard to keep track of them. Wrap gift cards in the GiftCard.log organizer from Buttoned Up. With spaces to write down balances and expiration dates, you can give your loved ones the gift of organization, too ($12.99).
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4. Going to the animals: Kids of all ages will love receiving a plush stuffed animal, especially when it has a gift card in its paws. Visit the Disney Store for a plush Mickey Mouse gift card holder ($6.50 plus shipping) or check out the holiday-themed plush holders at My Jewel Thief ($2.49 each plus shipping).
5. Let them eat candy: A gift card is grand, but wrapping in the form of candy is dandy. For $5 to $10 on top of the gift card price, you can sweeten the deal with a miniature box of Godiva chocolates. Yum!
6. Sock it to them: Wrap a gift card inside a fun pair of socks, gloves or slippers that will keep recipients guessing -- and laughing. Go crazy at the Joy of Sox, where you can choose from quirky mismatched socks, novelty socks, holiday socks and trendy toe socks ($6-$12).
7. Stick with a theme: It's always fun to match the wrapping with the card. For example, hide a casino gift card in a deck of playing cards, a Starbucks gift card inside a pound of coffee beans, or a photo gift certificate inside a picture frame. Combine an Omaha Steaks gift card with a set of steak knives and a cutting board, or drop a Williams-Sonoma gift card inside the pocket of a personalized W-S apron ($29 plus shipping) or wrapped with a personalized W-S mini spatula set ($27.50 plus shipping). Also look for in-store specials, such as Sephora's dual-mirrored compact/gift card holder, which is free with any Sephora card purchase.
8. The bookmark: Gift cards make perfect bookmarks. Simply purchase a book related to the gift card -- say, a book about fashion and a gift card for Macy's or a travel journal with an airline gift card -- and you have a thoughtful present within a present. For the book lover in your life, combine a bookstore gift card with a book for the perfect literary gift duo.
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9. The gift card extravaganza: One great way to wrap gift cards creatively comes in the form of a wallet or purse with several gift cards enclosed. After all, who wouldn't enjoy a wallet that's already filled with spending money for some favorite stores? For kids and teens, fill the wallet with a variety of gift cards in small increments to favorite fast-food places and in larger increments for music downloads or clothing.
10. Keep 'em from peeking: This list wouldn't be complete without mention of Hallmark's Peek-Buster bags. Put your gift card (and card wrap) inside one of the three motion-detector bags, and if -- make that, when -- the recipient tries to peek, a siren and official announcement (either by the "police" or Santa himself) alerts the household to your illicit spy games. (Find Peek-Busters at Hallmark Gold Crown stores for $4.99-$6.99 each.)
Gray offers another salient piece of advice: Consider the dollar value of the gift card before you choose the type of wrapping."I have disguised gift cards in the past, but I would only use the more elaborate presentations if a gift card has a high dollar amount on it. I wouldn't use a major type of presentation -- a huge box, for example -- to wrap a $10 gift card," she says. "For smaller amounts, I would use an ornament or a coffee mug, because you don't ever want to make the recipient think they're about to receive a great expensive present and then only have a small amount on the card. That could end up being a disappointment instead of excitement.
"Package the cards in the appropriate way, and whatever you do, don't use an empty iPod box for a fast-food gift card!"
This article was reported by LaRita Heet, with help from Cynthia J. Drake, for CreditCards.com.
Published Dec. 3, 2009
