It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.– Mother Teresa
Have you ever been surprised by a small wrapped box? A warm cup of coffee delivered on a hard day? Or maybe a handwritten note tucked inside your bag?
If you nodded yes, you already know the magic of a gift.
But gifts today aren’t just about objects anymore. They’re about moments, love, support, and sometimes, the freedom to choose. That’s where gift cards come in.
In this blog post, let’s talk about:
What a gift truly means (from the heart, not just the dictionary)
What is a gift card, and why do people actually love getting them
Real-life stories from everyday people on giving and receiving gifts
Let’s unwrap this together.
What Is a Gift, Really?
A gift is an expression of love
A silent I see you.
A You matter.
A You’re not alone.
Whether it’s a teddy bear on your birthday or a surprise lunch box from mom on exam day, a gift becomes a memory. Something ordinary that becomes extraordinary because of the love behind it.
Real Talk: What Gifts Mean to Us
We asked some of our community friends what their most memorable gift was. Here’s what they shared:
My dad gave me his old wristwatch on my graduation day. It wasn’t new, but I cried like a baby. Zayed, 26
A stranger paid for my coffee once and left a note: ‘You’re doing great.’ I was 3 months postpartum. I’ll never forget it. Shila, 31
See? It’s not always about how big or expensive. It’s about the feeling.
So, What is a Gift Card?
Now let’s switch gears a bit. In today’s fast, busy world, gift cards are becoming a go-to way to gift.
A gift card is basically:
A prepaid card (physical or digital) that allows the person to buy whatever they want from a specific brand or store.
It’s like saying:
I want to treat you, but I also want you to choose what makes you happy.
And guess what? People love that.
Types of Gift Cards: Which One Should You Give?
There are mainly two types:
1. Store-Specific Gift Cards
These cards only work at specific stores or brands. For example:
- Amazon
- Sephora
- Starbucks
- H\&M
- Target
Perfect for: people you know well (their favorite shop, hobby, or brand).
2. Open Loop (General) Gift Cards
These are like prepaid Visa, Mastercard, or Amex gift cards. The recipient can use them anywhere that accepts that card brand.
Perfect for: Any occasion, when you’re unsure what they want.
Why Gift Cards Make Genuinely Good Gifts
Let’s bust a myth right away:
Gift cards are impersonal.
Actually, they’re thoughtful and practical.
Here’s why people appreciate gift cards:
- Freedom of choice – no forced smiles for something they won’t use
- Zero waste – less risk of unwanted, duplicate, or unused items
- Convenience – great for long-distance gifting or last-minute shopping
- Customizable – can be paired with a cute note or small token gift
How to Make a Gift Card Feel More Personal
Want to avoid the boring factor? Here are some cute ways to present a gift card with a heart:
Put it in a handmade card with a memory written inside
Add it to a mini self-care basket (with candles, chocolate, or flowers)
Attach a printed photo or quote that means something to you
Send it digitally with a custom message or video note
When Should You Give a Gift Card?
Here are some perfect occasions to send one:
Birthdays
Mother’s Day
New baby arrivals
Weddings
Farewells or promotions
Get well soon
Just because
And here’s a tip: If you’re not sure what the person likes, ask someone close to them, or just go with something versatile like Amazon, Visa, or Target.
Final Thoughts: The Heart Behind the Gift
Whether it’s a soft teddy bear or a \$20 gift card with a sweet note, gifts remind us that we’re seen, loved, and appreciated.
You don’t have to spend a lot to give a meaningful gift.
Just give with your heart.
And if you’re ever unsure? Gift cards have your back.
Have a special gift memory?
Tell us in the comments! We’d love to feature your story on truegiftlove.com 💬
