10 Top-Rated Gift Cards for Employees in 2025

Employees add great value to businesses of all kinds, so they deserve to be appreciated (don’t we all?). How can you show care and appreciation to your employees? By giving them a gift card. We have found the best gift card for employees so you can reward them based on their performance.

In 2025, where hybrid workforces and diverse lifestyles rule, the “right thing” needs to be as flexible as your team’s needs. Hence, gift cards can be great for employee recognition.

But here’s the twist: not all gift cards are created equal. Over the years, I’ve seen teams light up over a well-chosen card and shrug at a generic one.

Through trial, error, and a spreadsheet of feedback, my team and I narrowed down the best gift cards for employees—the ones that balance personalization with practicality. Our standout favorite? The Visa Gift Card. Here’s why it tops our list:

1. Universal Appeal: Unlike niche retailer cards (looking at you, artisanal candle shops), Visa works anywhere—online, in-store, even internationally.

2. Zero Expiration Anxiety: No one likes a “use it or lose it” deadline. Visa’s no-expiry policy lets employees redeem it on their timeline, making it a stress-free choice.

In this guide, we’ll share the 10 best gift cards for employees in 2025, why Visa beats even fancier options like Airbnb or Netflix, and how to dodge tax headaches. Let’s turn those “meh” Thank-Yous into genuine “wow” moments.

Why Choose Gift Cards for Employees?

Today we work in an environment where your team might span time zones, dietary preferences, and hobbies (shoutout to the employee who spends weekends building LEGO Death Stars), generic rewards fall flat.

Gift cards bridge the gap between “I appreciate you” and “I respect your individuality.” Here’s why they’re a no-brainer for modern workplaces:

1. Flexibility That Feels Personal 

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all rewards. A Visa Gift Card or Mastercard Gift Card lets employees spend on what they value.

For companies with global teams, brands like PayPal shine here: digital delivery means no shipping delays, and redemption works across 200+ countries.

But don’t underestimate niche cards. That introverted developer? They might adore a Steam Gift Card for gaming downtime. 

Your office book club MVP? A Barnes & Noble Gift Card says, “We see your passion.” Flexibility isn’t just convenient—it’s thoughtful.

2. Practicality Meets Modern Needs

Let’s be real: physical gifts often collect dust. (RIP, branded water bottles.) Digital gift cards, like Amazon or Best Buy eGift Cards, cut through the clutter.

They’re instant, eco-friendly, and impossible to lose in a junk drawer. For remote teams, practicality is key.

A Uber Gift Card helps cover commute costs for hybrid staff, while a DoorDash Gift Card is a lifeline for busy parents juggling work and dinner.

Even better? Many digital cards, like Netflix or Spotify Gift Cards, tap into lifestyle perks employees already love. It’s like saying, “Keep binge-watching Stranger Things—you’ve earned it.”

The bottom line is that Gift cards aren’t the “lazy” option—they’re the smart one.

They show you trust employees to pick rewards that align with their lives, whether they’re WFH parents, globetrotting digital nomads, or hard-working innovators.

And with options like Visa and PayPal leading the charge in 2025’s flexible, borderless workforce, it’s easier than ever to say “thank you” in a way that sticks.

How to Choose the Best Employee Gift Cards? 

Let’s talk about the time we tried to gift a personalized leather-bound notebook to an employee… who’d just gone fully digital. (Spoiler: It’s still gathering dust on their desk.)

The lesson? Balancing personalization and practicality are an art, and when it comes to gift cards, the stakes are high. Here’s how to nail your choices without overthinking:

1. Personalization vs. Practicality 

We all want to scream, “I get you!” with a gift. But here’s the truth: too niche = useless, too generic = forgettable. The sweet spot? Cards that feel personal but work for anyone.

• Personalized Pick: The Airbnb Gift Card for your travel-loving team. It whispers, “Take that PTO you’ve been hoarding.”
• Practical Pick: A Visa Gift Card—boring name, brilliant flexibility. Let’s face it: Not everyone wants skydiving lessons. Some just want groceries.

2. Digital vs. Physical Cards

Remember when “physical cards” meant handing out envelopes at the holiday party? Now, half your team lives three time zones away. Digital gift cards (like Amazon eGift Cards or PayPal credits) save the day:

• Instant Delivery: No shipping delays.
• No Lost Mail: Say goodbye to “I swear I sent it!” panics.
• Planet-Friendly: Less plastic, fewer carbon emissions.

But don’t write off physical cards entirely. For office-based teams, a Starbucks Gift Card tucked into a thank-you card can spark joy.

Just avoid brands like Best Buy Physical Cards—they’re easily misplaced and often require in-store redemption.

3. Expiry Dates and Usability

Nothing kills goodwill faster than a gift that expires. We once gifted a Sephora Gift Card with a 6-month expiry… to an employee on maternity leave. Cringe.

• Safe bets: Visa and Mastercard Gift Cards (no expiry until required by law), Target Gift Cards (no expiry in most states).
• Riskier picks: American Express Gift Cards (7-year expiry but dormancy fees), GameStop (varies by state).

Fun Fact: 23% of gift cards go unused—often because of hidden fees or confusing terms. Stick with brands like PayPal (no expiry, no fees) to avoid being part of that stat. Always read the T&Cs before getting gift cards.

4. Budget-Friendliness

Gift cards don’t have to break the bank. For smaller budgets:

• $10–25: DoorDash Gift Cards (for coffee runs) or Spotify Premium (for focus playlists).
• $50–100: Airbnb (for micro-getaways) or Best Buy (for home office upgrades).

5. Company Policies on Employee Rewards

Before you fall in love with Netflix Gift Cards, check your HR playbook. Some companies ban entertainment cards (deemed “non-professional”), while others restrict cash-equivalent cards like Visa for tax reasons.

• Tax Trap: In the U.S., gift cards count as taxable income. Stick to smaller denominations unless you’re ready for paperwork.
• Global Teams: Wise or PayPal Gift Cards avoid currency conversion headaches.

Top 10 Prepaid Gift Cards for Employee Appreciation

Last year, we our team got Netflix Gift Cards after a brutal product launch. One employee used theirs to binge The Crown while working from home. Another treated their kids to Bluey marathons.

The result? A Slack thread filled with memes, gratitude, and a reminder that sometimes, the best rewards aren’t just practical—they’re human.

After testing dozens of options (and yes, a few duds), here are our 2025 picks for best gift cards for employees, broken into categories that make sense for modern workplaces:

1. Prepaid and Flexible Spending Gift Cards

Perfect for teams with diverse needs. No more guessing if someone prefers coffee or kombucha.

PayPal Gift Card

A PayPal Gift Card is like a digital Swiss Army knife for showing appreciation.

It’s a prepaid card (sent via email or physical mail) that employees can use anywhere PayPal is accepted online—whether that’s paying bills, shopping on Amazon, donating to a cause they care about, or even sending money to a friend.

Let me tell you about Maria, a rockstar developer on our team based in Buenos Aires. For her birthday, we wanted to send something thoughtful—but shipping a physical gift from the U.S. would’ve cost $50 in fees and taken three weeks.

Enter the PayPal Gift Card. We emailed it during our morning standup, and by lunch, she’d used it to treat her family to empanadas from their favorite local spot. That’s the power of going digital.

Why the PayPal Gift Card is One of the Best Gift Cards for Corporate Employees in 2025?

In a world where 56% of hiring managers feel that the shift to remote work has gone better than expected, this isn’t just a gift card—it’s a global lifeline. This is why it’s one of the best gift cards for employees, especially if your team spans borders.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Zero Borders, Zero Drama: Works in 200+ countries, from Finland to Fiji. No worrying if Amazon delivers to rural Thailand or if Uber Eats operates in Lagos.
• Instant & Eco-Friendly: Delivered via email in seconds. No plastic, no shipping, no “lost in the mail” excuses.
• Flexibility: Employees can use it anywhere PayPal is accepted—online stores, subscriptions (Spotify, Netflix), or even transfer funds to their bank (yes, really).
• No Expiry: Unlike some sneaky competitors, PayPal doesn’t penalize procrastinators. Your employee can save it for a rainy day.

Cons

• Inactivity Fees: If unused for 12 months, a $2.95/month fee kicks in. (Pro tip: Add a note like “Treat yourself soon!” to nudge them.)
• Requires a PayPal Account: Not everyone has one, but 75% of millennials/Gen Z do, so odds are in your favor.

Mastercard Gift Card

A Mastercard Gift Card is like a universal “thank you” button for the modern workplace. It’s a prepaid card (available digitally or physically) that employees can swipe, tap, or type anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Whether that’s grabbing lunch at their favorite food truck, upgrading their home office setup, or booking a last-minute train ticket.

Let me tell you about Alex, a hybrid employee on our team who splits time between office and home. After leading a chaotic product launch, we sent him a digital Mastercard Gift Card with a note: “For whatever keeps you sane.”

By Friday, he’d used it to buy noise-cancelling headphones for his open-plan workspace and treated his team to pizza during crunch time. “It’s like a get-out-of-stress-free card,” he laughed.

Why the Mastercard Gift Card is Best for Employees Appreciation in 2025?

In 2025, where majority of employees in the world split time between home and office, flexibility isn’t optional—it’s expected. This is the reason Mastercard stands out as one of the best gift cards for corporate employees juggling hybrid work, commutes, and personal errands.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Accepted at 40+ Million Locations: From corner stores to online subscriptions, Mastercard works where your employees live, work, and play.
• Mobile Wallet Ready: Employees can load it into Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Samsung Pay—perfect for contactless commutes or office coffee runs.
• Reloadable Options: Ideal for recurring rewards (e.g., quarterly bonuses or sales incentives).
• No Expiry (Most States): Unlike some competitors, Mastercard won’t vanish if your employee forgets it in their inbox.

Cons

• Monthly Fees After 12 Months: If unused for a year, a $3.95/month fee kicks in. (Fix: Add a playful reminder like “This card’s FOMO is real!”)
• Physical Cards Take 7–10 Days: While digital delivery is instant, mailed cards can delay the gratitude.

Visa Gift Card

A Visa Gift Card is like a universal “thank you” passport for today’s workforce. It’s a prepaid card (available digitally or physically) that employees can use anywhere.

Visa is accepted—whether that’s fueling up their car, splurging on a weekend getaway, or ordering ergonomic gear for their home office.

Let me tell you about Jamie, a project manager who splits time offices. After months of back-to-back deadlines, we sent Jamie a digital Visa Gift Card.

By the next week, they’d booked a countryside Airbnb retreat and upgraded their home Wi-Fi. “This card didn’t just cover costs—it gave me peace of mind,” they shared.

Why the Visa Gift Card is one of the best Employee Appreciation Gift Cards in 2025?

In 2025, employees need rewards that keep up with their dynamic lifestyles. This is why Visa remains a top contender among the best gift cards for corporate employees, whether they’re in-office, WFH, or globe-trotting.

Pros & Cons

Pros 

• Accepted at 50+ Million Locations: From local coffee shops to online giants like Amazon, Visa works virtually everywhere.
• No Expiry (Most States): No rush to spend—perfect for employees saving up for bigger purchases.
• Instant Digital Delivery: Send it via email in seconds, ideal for last-minute recognition.
• Customizable Designs: Add your company logo or a personal message for a branded touch.

Cons

• Activation Fees: Most Visa cards charge a one-time fee ($3.95–6.95), cutting into your budget.
• Inactivity Fees: After 12 months of non-use, some issuers charge monthly fees (varies by provider).

2. Retail & Electronics

Why they work? Because “new gadget” joy is universal.

Best Buy Gift Card 

A Best Buy Gift Card is like a golden ticket to tech paradise. It’s a prepaid card (digital or physical) that employees can use to snag anything from Best Buy’s massive inventory.

Think noise-canceling headphones for Zoom marathons, a killer gaming setup for stress relief, or even a robot vacuum to handle post-workday cleanup.

Let me tell you about Taylor, a remote data analyst on our team who’d been working from a wobbly desk and a decade-old monitor.

After they aced a high-stakes project, we sent a digital Best Buy Gift Card with a note: “Your workspace deserves an upgrade.”

Two days later, Taylor bought a 4K monitor and an ergonomic chair. “Now I feel like I’m working in 2030,” they joked.

Why the Best Buy Gift Card is the Best Gift Card for Office Staff? 

In 2025, employees say reliable tech is critical for productivity, so Best Buy gift card isn’t just a gift card—it’s a productivity power-up. That’s why it’s a top pick for hybrid employees, gamers, and WFH parents alike. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tech & Appliance Heaven: From AirPods to smart fridges, employees can choose gear that fits their lifestyle.
• No Expiry or Fees: Unlike finicky prepaid cards, Best Buy’s version never loses value.
• Instant Digital Delivery: Email it mid-meeting for a morale boost that lands faster than a Prime delivery.
• Hybrid Flexibility: Use it online, in-store, or even curbside pickup, no tech-shaming if they’re still rocking an iPhone X.

Cons

• Limited to Best Buy’s Inventory: Not ideal for employees craving non-tech rewards (like spa days or travel).
• Big-Ticket Items Require Larger Denominations: That $100 card won’t cover a MacBook, but it’ll score a killer keyboard.

3. Travel and Transport 

For teams that value experiences over material rewards.

Airbnb Gift Card

Think of it as a blank check for wanderlust. Employees can use it to book quirky cabins, beachfront villas, or even sheep farming workshops (yes, that’s a real Airbnb Experience).

Let me tell you about Sofia, a remote marketer on our team who’d been burning the candle at both ends. For her workiversary, we sent her a $500 Airbnb Gift Card with a note: “Your next adventure is overdue.”

She booked a treehouse in Costa Rica for a digital detox weekend. “I came back with bug bites and a new campaign idea,” she laughed.

Why Airbnb is the Best Digital Gift Card for Employees?

With 61% of employees prioritizing work-life balance over salary, the Airbnb gift card isn’t just a perk, it’s a mental health reset button.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Never Expire: Ample time to plan that sabbatical or spontaneous getaway.
• Global Acceptance: Book stays in 220+ countries, from Icelandic igloos to Tokyo tiny homes.
• Experiences Included: Cooking classes, guided hikes, or pottery workshops—perfect for team-building.

Cons

• Host Restrictions: Not all Airbnb hosts accept gift cards (always check listings first).
• No Cash Value: Can’t be used for flights or rental cars, strictly Airbnb-only.

Uber Gift Card 

Uber gift card is a Swiss Army knife of transport: Use it for rides, Uber Eats deliveries, or even Lime scooters.

Take Sam, our hybrid sales lead who splits time between office and client sites. After a month of cross-country flights, we rewarded him with a $200 Uber Gift Card.

He used it for airport transfers and late-night tacos during crunch week. “This card saved my sanity—and my diet,” he admitted.

Why Uber Gift Card is Best for Corporate Employees? 

With hybrid work here to stay, 58% of employees still commute 3+ days a week. This card isn’t just convenient—it’s a burnout antidote.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Multi-Use Magic: Rides, meals, scooters, even Uber Health for telehealth appointments.
• Instant Digital Delivery: Send it mid-commute panic for instant relief.
• Global Reach: Works in 70+ countries (but verify local availability first).

Cons

• Regional Gaps: Useless in areas without Uber services (e.g., rural towns, certain countries).
• Can’t Split Payments: Annoying for group rides or shared meals.

4. Entertainment

Why they work? Because burnout is real, and fun is a retention strategy.

GameStop Gift Card 

A GameStop Gift Card isn’t just a piece of plastic—it’s a passport to a stress-relief universe.

Employees can redeem it for consoles, games, collectibles (think Star Wars merch), or even gaming accessories like RGB-lit keyboards that make late-night coding sessions feel epic.

Take Carlos, a developer on our team who codes 10-hour days and unwinds with Elden Ring at night. 

After he debugged a critical system crash, we sent a $100 GameStop Gift Card with a note: “For the boss battles off-screen.”

He bought a limited-edition PS5 controller and a Legend of Zelda art book. His Slack message? “This is cheaper than therapy.”

Why GameStop Gift Card is One of the Best Gift Cards for Employees?

Gaming isn’t just a hobby; it’s a $250 billion industry fueled by adults seeking escapism. Studies show gaming reduces cortisol levels, making it a legitimate antidote to workplace stress.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No Expiry: Employees can save up for next-gen consoles (PS6, anyone?) or seasonal sales.
• Beyond Games: Snag merch, headsets, or retro gear like Game Boy cartridges for nostalgia buffs.
• Hybrid Flexibility: Curbside pickup for office-goers, online delivery for remote staff.

Cons

• Niche Appeal: Useless for non-gamers (sorry, spreadsheet lovers).
• Physical Dominance: 70% of GameStop’s value is in-store; digital game codes are limited.

Nintendo Gift Card 

A Nintendo gift card is a digital currency for Nintendo’s eShop, where employees can download games like Animal Crossing for zen garden therapy or Mario Kart for family showdowns.

Priya, a remote project manager and mom of two, juggled client calls and diaper changes. After a brutal quarter, we gifted her a $50 Nintendo eShop Card with a note: “For you and the little ones.”

She downloaded Mario Kart for family game nights. Her feedback? “Now my 5-year-old beats me at something other than bedtime negotiations.”

Why Nintendo Gift Card Works Best for Employees in 2025?

With 43% of the workforce being parents, Nintendo’s family-friendly focus bridges work-life balance.  

The Nintendo gift card can help parents enjoy their downtime with their children and make memories they can cherish for years to come. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No Expiry: Games like Zelda never go out of style.
• Instant Serotonin: Email it during a hellish week—employees can download a game in 60 seconds.
• Family Bonding: Co-op games like Super Mario Party turn screen time into quality time.

Cons

• Nintendo-Only: Useless on Xbox/PC (RIP, Halo fans).
• Regional Lock: eShop cards are country-specific. A U.S. card won’t work for your dev in Poland.

Netflix Gift Card

Netflix Gift Card is a prepaid card that covers Netflix subscriptions—because sometimes the best productivity hack is a Bridgerton marathon or a Mindhunter deep dive.

Jordan, a night-shift customer support lead, hadn’t taken a day off in months. After a holiday rush, we sent a 6-month Netflix Gift Card.

They binge-watched The Crown during downtime and admitted: “It’s the first time I’ve relaxed in months.”

Why It’s Essential in 2025?

You can curate a Netflix “Mental Reset” playlist that includes a blend of shows like Blue Mind with guided relaxation, making it a wellness tool in disguise.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Ad-Free Zen: Upgrade them to Premium (4K, no ads) for uninterrupted escapism.
• Shared Joy: Teams bond over Wednesday memes or Squid Game theories in Slack.
• No Expiry: Let them redeem it during a slow month or save it for a Stranger Things finale.

Cons

• Can’t Stack: If they already pay for Netflix, it’s redundant (always check first!).
• No Cash Value: Strictly for streaming—no popcorn or pajamas included.

5. Books and Learning

For teams that geek out on growth.

Barnes & Noble Gift Card

A Barnes & Noble Gift Card is a prepaid card (digital or physical) employees can use to buy books, audiobooks, educational toys, or even cozy reading lamps.

It’s a goldmine for curious minds, whether they’re into AI ethics, mindfulness journals, or Star Wars graphic novels.

Meet Emma, a mid-level marketing manager who’d hit a creativity wall. For her workiversary, we gifted a $150 Barnes & Noble Gift Card.

She bought Atomic Habits for productivity hacks, a National Geographic photography book for inspiration, and a puzzle for her 7-year-old.

Why It’s the Best Gift Card for Employees in 2025?

With automation reshaping jobs by 2025, continuous learning isn’t optional—it’s survival. Barnes & Noble’s vast inventory caters to every learner:

• Career Climbers: MBA guides, coding manuals, UX design handbooks.
• Creative Souls: Poetry collections, art books, memoir writing guides.
• Parents: STEM kits for kids, parenting guides, Harry Potter box sets for family nights.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No Expiry, No Fees: Unlike finicky prepaid cards, Barnes & Noble’s version never loses value.
• Hybrid Flexibility: Use it online, in-store, or via the Nook app for e-books—ideal for remote teams.
• Beyond Books: Snag stationery, puzzles, or even vinyl records for music-loving devs.
• Curated Picks: Employees get access to B&N’s “Expert Recs” section (e.g., “Top 10 Leadership Books for 2025”).

Cons

• Limited to B&N’s Ecosystem: Amazon addicts might grumble about higher prices or fewer deals.
• Physical Shipping Delays: Mailed cards take 7–10 days—opt for digital to avoid the wait.

Tips for Distributing Gift Cards to Employees

Let’s talk about the time I watched a manager hand out Amazon Gift Cards with all the enthusiasm of a fax machine manual.

The employees? They smiled politely, tossed the cards in their drawers, and never mentioned them again. Why? Because giving a gift card isn’t just about what you give—it’s about how you give it.

Here’s how to turn a transactional gesture into a meaningful moment—and avoid becoming the “fax manual” manager.

1. Align with Performance or Recognition Programs 

The Problem: Throwing gift cards around like confetti dilutes their impact. Employees see through “random rewards” and wonder, “Why them? Why now?”

The Fix: Tie gift cards to specific wins or milestones. Use tools like Bonusly (which integrates with Slack) or Workday to automate rewards for hitting KPIs, peer shoutouts, or project completions.

2. Add a Personal Note

The Problem: A generic “Thanks!” feels like a bulk discount coupon. A personalized message turns a gift card into a keepsake.

The Fix: Ditch the templated email. Use platforms like Tango Card or Sendoso to add voice memos, GIFs, or handwritten notes.

3. Ensure Transparency in Reward Programs

The Problem: If employees don’t know how to earn rewards, they’ll assume favoritism, or worse, quit.

The Fix: Build a clear rubric and communicate it relentlessly. Tools like Lattice or 15Five let you set transparent goals and track progress publicly.

Wrapping It Up

Let’s circle back to Maria, our rockstar developer in Buenos Aires. When we sent her that PayPal Gift Card, it wasn’t just about the empanadas.

It was about saying, “We see how hard you’re working—even from 5,000 miles away.” That’s the magic of getting employee appreciation right in 2025.

It’s not about the flashiest card or the biggest budget. It’s about thoughtfulness, flexibility, and a dash of “I get you.”

As hybrid work blurs the lines between office and home, and burnout lurks in Slack notifications and back-to-back Zooms.

The best gift cards for employees do more than reward—they recharge. They’re not just plastic or pixels; they’re a message: “You’re worth more than a ‘Good job’ Slack reaction.”

Our standout? The Visa Gift Card. It’s the Swiss Army knife of gratitude, ready for groceries, getaways, or that standing desk they’ve been eyeing.

But whether you go niche (looking at you, Nintendo eShop) or broad (shoutout to Airbnb), the key is to match the reward to the human.