2007.11.29
Designing a gift card
Are gift cards on your wish list this year? You’ve probably noticed more creative marketing for these cards lately.
It’s because gift card sales continue to rise. From 2005 to 2006, the amount of money spent on gift cards during the holidays jumped about 255 percent, from $18.48 billion in 2005 to $24.81 billion in 2006, according to the National Retail Federation. Also, the average amount spent per gift card was about $39 in 2006, an increase from $33 in 2005.
Some people don’t think gift cards are personal. Think again. This year some retailers are offering new ways to personalize these plastic cards.
At Borders, customers can add photos and personal messages to its cards. The cost is an additional $4.95.
Starbucks has a similar offer. New this holiday season is a customized gift card that allows people to choose a background color and design a card with various images, such as a drawing of a favorite drink. You can order the card online and have it shipped to the gift-receiver. It even comes with a greeting card.
But these customized Starbucks cards only are sold in increments of $15, $25, $50 and $100, according to the retailer’s Web site.
What gift cards are you buying this holiday season? I plan to buy cards at Wal-Mart, Target, Lowe’s and mall stores as presents for some family members.
