The best gift card to give someone really depends on what their interests and needs are. If you know what someone’s interests are or what their favourite store is, a special gift card can be a good option. For tech enthusiasts, consider gift cards for items such as an iPad, smartwatch or a digital camera. For young kids, explore gift cards for brands that offer STEM kits, toys and puzzles to help kids learn through play. You can also consider gift cards to purchase luggage and travel accessories for travellers, classroom supplies for educators, or stylish tote bags, weekender bags and messenger bags for almost anyone. If you’re not sure what to get, a prepaid Visa or Mastercard can be used almost anywhere.

Gift cards are prepaid cards that act like cash for recipients to purchase their own gifts, from electronics to office furniture, home appliances and more. You can buy gift cards in-store or online, and you can choose the dollar value that will be placed on the card (usually the card costs as much as the value you choose). You can choose a gift card to a specific store or for general purposes, which would be in the form of a pre-paid Visa or Mastercard. When you purchase the card, it becomes activated and ready to use. When someone applies a gift card towards a purchase, the purchase amount is deducted from the card’s pre-loaded balance. Many cards allow you to check the balance online or on your phone so you can see how much value is left on the card.

Redeeming a gift card involves finding the code number, usually on the back of the physical card or in an email and then entering it in the store’s app or on the store’s website in the “Redeem” or “Payment” section. Some major platforms like Apple, Google Play, and Amazon allow you to scan the code with a camera. You can also redeem your gift card in-store by presenting the card at checkout when you’re ready to pay. If you’re looking for additional gift ideas, explore our selection of gift baskets, gifts for coworkers and gifts under $150.

There are different ways to check the remaining balance on your gift card. One way is to call the toll-free number mentioned on the physical card so you can ask. You can also visit the retailer’s website such as our gift card balance checker to check your balance online. Lastly, you can visit a store and ask a cashier or customer service representative to scan your card to let you know the balance.