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Gift cards are one of the simplest ways to add revenue to a Shopify store, and one of the most overlooked. They bring in money upfront, introduce new customers to your brand, and often lead to bigger orders. Here is how to use them well.
Why gift cards work
- Revenue upfront. You are paid when the card is bought, before anything ships.
- New customers. The person redeeming a card is often someone who has never bought from you.
- Higher spend. Many people spend more than the card's value when they redeem it.
- The perfect last-minute gift. Digital cards arrive instantly, even after shipping deadlines pass.
Setting them up on Shopify
Shopify supports digital gift cards that you create as a product with set denominations (for example 25, 50, 100). Customers buy one and the recipient receives a code by email to redeem at checkout.
Availability depends on your plan and region, so check Products → Gift cards in your admin. If your plan does not include them, a gift card app can add the feature, and some apps add extras like scheduled delivery or custom messages.
Make them easy to find
A gift card nobody can find sells nothing:
- Add it to your main navigation or footer.
- Feature it on the homepage during gifting seasons.
- Mention it in the cart or on out-of-stock products as an alternative.
Promote them at the right times
Gift card sales spike around gifting moments, so plan for them:
- Holiday season, especially in the final week when shipping is too late.
- Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day.
- Birthdays and thank-yous for corporate or team gifting.
Use your email list to remind customers (see Shopify email marketing), and push the "arrives instantly" angle when shipping deadlines close.
Make the experience feel like a gift
- Branded gift card email that looks good, not a bare code.
- Option to add a personal message.
- Scheduled delivery so the card arrives on the right day (often via an app).
The takeaway
Gift cards bring in upfront revenue, new customers and bigger orders for very little effort. Set them up in your admin (or with an app), make them easy to find, promote them around gifting seasons and deadlines, and make the experience feel like a real gift.
Want gift cards and seasonal promotions set up on your store? Get in touch.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I sell gift cards on Shopify?
Yes. Shopify supports digital gift cards that you create as products with set denominations. Customers buy them and receive a code by email, which can be redeemed at checkout.
Are Shopify gift cards available on every plan?
Gift card availability depends on your Shopify plan and region, so check your admin under Products and Gift cards. If your plan does not include them, gift card apps can add the feature.
Why are gift cards good for a store?
You receive the money upfront, recipients are often new customers discovering your brand, and many people spend more than the card value when they redeem it.
When should I promote gift cards?
Around gifting seasons (holidays, Mother's and Father's Day, Valentine's Day) and as a last-minute option when shipping deadlines have passed, since digital cards arrive instantly.