How Are Digital Gift Cards Delivered?

Digital gift cards, also known as e-gift cards, are a convenient and popular way to give gifts in our increasingly digital world.

Gone are the days of driving to the store, picking out a plastic card, and worrying about whether it will arrive on time in the mail. 

But how are digital gift cards delivered? Are they safe? Well, these virtual gifts are delivered electronically and securely, offering a quick and hassle-free gifting experience.

Let’s explore how digital gift cards are typically delivered and answer some common questions about their use.

Can I Buy a Gift Card and Send by Email?

Yes, you can absolutely buy a gift card and send it via email.

In fact, this is one of the most common and convenient methods for delivering digital gift cards for several reasons:

Instant Delivery

Email allows for the immediate transfer of digital gift cards, making it an ideal option for last-minute gifts or urgent rewards.

Recipients receive their gift cards within seconds of the sender completing the purchase.

How are digital gift cards delivered via email? The process typically involves:

1. Selecting the gift card you want to purchase from a retailer’s website or a gift card marketplace (no wrapping paper required).
2. Choosing the amount of the gift card.
3. Entering the recipient’s email address.
4. Adding a custom design or a message.
5. Completing the purchase.

The recipient will then receive an email containing the digital gift card, usually with instructions on how to redeem it.

Widespread Accessibility

Email is the most readily accessible form of communication for recipients, eliminating cross-border complications that can arise with SMS, especially if recipients are spread across the globe.

Security

Email delivery often includes a unique link or code, which adds a layer of security.

Many platforms also offer additional protection features, such as password protection or the ability to track whether the gift card has been opened or redeemed.

Eco-Friendly

No plastic, no waste. By eliminating the need for physical cards and packaging, email delivery reduces the environmental impact of corporate gifting. It’s a greener and smarter way to gift.

Record-Keeping

Emails provide a digital record of the gift card, which recipients can refer back to anytime. This minimizes the risk of losing or misplacing the gift card, as the email remains in their inbox.

Cost-Effective For Businesses

For companies, email delivery of digital gift cards is a more cost-effective option, saving on printing, shipping, and handling fees associated with physical gift cards.

Alternative Methods For Digital Gift Card Delivery

While email is the primary method, there are several other ways to send digital gift cards. All of these methods eliminate the need for physical cards or in-person transactions:

1. SMS: Some retailers offer the option to send digital gift cards via text message, making it easy for recipients to access their gift on their mobile devices.

2. Mobile apps: Certain companies have dedicated apps where users can purchase, send, and receive digital gift cards.

3. Social media platforms: Some services allow you to send digital gift cards through social media messaging systems.

Do You Have to Print a Digital Gift Card?

In short: nope! That’s the whole point of going digital— the convenience and its paperless nature. Recipients can usually:

• Use the gift card code directly from their email to shop online.
• Show the digital card on their smartphone in-store for an instant purchase.
• Add the card to their digital wallet for easy access and redemption later.

However, some retailers may offer the option to print the gift card if the recipient prefers a physical copy.

This can be useful as a backup or if the recipient wants to give the gift card to someone else.

What Is the Difference Between a Gift Card and a Digital Gift Card?

There are several key differences between traditional gift cards and digital gift cards:

Feature	Traditional Gift Card	Digital Gift Card
Format	Physical plastic or paper card	Virtual code, barcode, or QR code
Delivery	Handed in person or mailed	Sent electronically (email, SMS, app)
Speed	May take days if mailed	Instant delivery
Accessibility	Can be lost or forgotten	Always available on devices
Eco-friendliness	Produces physical waste	Environmentally friendly
Personalization	Limited to card design	Can include personalized messages
Reloadability	Often not reloadable	Some can be easily reloaded

Digital gift cards offer greater flexibility and convenience, making them an increasingly popular choice for both givers and recipients.

From instant delivery and global accessibility to security features and eco-friendly benefits, digital gift cards cater to the modern consumer’s needs.

Toasty: All-In-One Gift Card Delivery Service

Want your digital gift cards delivered in just a few clicks? Toasty is an all-in-one gift card delivery service that makes digital gifting effortless.

Whether you need to send one gift card or hundreds, all you have to do is upload a spreadsheet of your recipients’ email addresses.

Toasty’s platform ensures instant delivery, easy tracking, and a seamless experience for both senders and recipients.

Conclusion: A Modern Approach to Gifting

Whether you’re searching for a last-minute birthday gift or looking to reward employees across different continents, digital gift cards have proven to be the go-to solution.

They offer the perfect blend of speed, convenience, and environmental consciousness.

Unlike traditional physical gift cards, digital versions are instantly delivered, universally accessible, and leave a minimal ecological footprint.

Platforms like Toasty make the process even smoother, ensuring that recipients can receive and redeem their gift cards effortlessly, no matter where they are. With features like instant delivery, global accessibility, and robust tracking,

Toasty helps businesses elevate their gifting game, making corporate gifting thoughtful and modern.