Tech Innovations in Gift Cards

Gift cards have really been through the evolutionary process, haven’t they? From just some plastic toys given during the festive season to digital masterpieces. The current market of gift cards is expanding faster than before. But who is forcing these changes? Is it the technology we have implemented or is it shift in the expectation level of the consumers? Well, let’s take a closer look at what innovates the concept of gift cards at the present age.

Digital Gift Cards: The End of Plastic?

Have you paid attention to the fact that we don’t actually come across physical gift cards as often now? Some retailers are shifting from plastics to digital versions of the similar items. Digital gift card options are easier and more friendly to the environment as compared to physical gift card options. You don’t have to worry about misplacing them and they are safely kept in cyberspace.

Also, streaming gift cards are now emerging, allowing you to hand over subscriptions of services such as Netflix, Spotify, or Disney+. Visit https://coingate.com/gift-cards/category/streaming for purchasing streaming gift cards for your loved ones. But that is not the only plus side. Digital gift cards can be electronically issued. You can purchase one and deliver it to a person in another country within a few minutes. No waiting. No shipping fees.

The Use of Your Phone as Gift Card Holder

Just consider how much you use your phone now. From checking your bank balance, bill payments and even unlocking your car are some of the things you do with it. Well, why not handle your gift cards there as well? That is the reason for mobile wallet integration. This means that you are now able to save your gift cards in Apple Wallet or Google wallet. It is like having a wallet that has no limitation as to where it could store the items.

Personalization: The Future is Customized

The traditional set of generic gift cards is long gone. Have you realized how many choices are out there now? Most gift cards nowadays are customizable, meaning that you get to select the design of the card, what message to write on it or even upload a picture.

However, some companies are taking personalization to another level. They include enabling customers to put daily or weekly spending limitations or even limit the type or kind of merchants the card is accepted at. Perhaps you would like to purchase a gift card that can only be used to purchase books. Or perhaps you consider providing a dining-only card for a friend who is a food lover. Isn’t it more exciting and personalized?

Cryptocurrency Gift Cards: The New Trend

Gift cards in the form of cryptocurrencies have become popular. Companies are enabling consumers to purchase gift cards in any type of cryptocurrency. It is attractive to technology-savvy individuals. The use of crypto gift cards is not just fun but it provides much more than that. They can be a good starting point, especially for someone who has never invested in anything within the digital currency space before. It is a way of providing a unique product which may even gain value in the process of giving it. Have you ever sent crypto as a gift, or is it just too much of a gamble?

QR Codes

In the current world, most stores use the gift cards they issue to their customers with the use of QR codes. Just take a picture with your phone and that’s it, you can activate the card or redeem it. No typing. No complicated steps. In your opinion, do you prefer scanning a code with your phone or you like typing a long gift card number?

Artificial Intelligence

Are you always confused by the number of gift card options in the market today? AI might be the answer. Businesses are employing artificial Intelligence to understand the customer’s activity and recommend the optimal gift card to purchase. This is like going into a store, and having a personal shopper who knows your preferences guide you through your purchase.

Augmented Reality (AR): Making Gifting Fun

I bet you have seen brands applying augmented reality to make the gift card even more attractive than it actually is. AR is adding the twist and engaging the audience. Consider a digital gift card, when the recipient scans the card with his or her phone’s camera, there is a hidden message or an animation displayed on the screen. This converts a simple gift into an emotional and personalized endeavor. 

What’s Next for Gift Cards?

The field of gift cards is clearly evolving. Of course, gifting does not stop here and adapting to technology development offers new opportunities for this field as well. There are factors that make gift cards easier to give and receive. 

What do you think? These changes are enough for you to reconsider your concept of gift cards? Or do you still want them as a simple present. What is clear though is that the future does not hold dull gift cards for the market.