I remember the first time I tried to pick a gift card for someone. I stood in the store aisle and stared at a huge wall of cards.
It felt like every brand in the world was staring back at me. If you have ever felt that way too, sit beside me for a moment. I’ll guide you through every type of gift card in the simplest way possible.
When I started learning about gift cards, I wanted something clear, human, and easy.
No heavy words. No confusing rules. Just simple talk about what each gift card is, how the price works, and when it makes sense to buy one. That’s what you’ll get here.
Let’s start exploring gift cards in a friendly and relaxed way.
What Are Gift Cards in Simple Words?
A gift card works like a small wallet that holds a set amount of money. You use it to buy things from a store, website, or brand. Some cards work only in one place. Some cards work almost everywhere. Prices can be low or high. You get to choose.
I like gift cards because they save time, remove stress, and let people pick what they like.
Store Gift Cards
Store gift cards are one-brand cards. You can use them only at that store. They are simple, clear, and great when you know what someone enjoys.
Price Range for Store Gift Cards
Most store gift cards start at $5, and many go up to $500. Some brands may allow custom amounts.
Let me walk you through some of the popular ones in the USA.
Amazon Gift Cards
Amazon gift cards are my go-to option when I’m unsure what the person likes. You can buy almost anything on Amazon.
Price: $5 to $2,000
Perfect when you want to give someone full freedom.
Walmart Gift Cards
These work in stores and online. They are great for home needs, groceries, toys, and more.
Price: Usually $5 to $500
Very handy for families.
Target Gift Cards
Target cards feel warm and personal. People love the mix of home goods, snacks, clothes, and beauty items.
Price: $5 to $500
Starbucks Gift Cards
If the person loves coffee, this one warms their heart and morning.
Price: $5 to $100
Apple Gift Cards
These are used for apps, music, iCloud storage, and Apple products.
Price: $10 to $500
Best Buy Gift Cards
Great for someone who loves tech, games, or home gadgets.
Price: $10 to $500
Restaurant Gift Cards
These cards help someone enjoy a meal without paying from their pocket. I like giving them when I want to make someone smile with food.
Restaurant Gift Card Price Range
Most start at $10 and go up to $100.
Here are a few well-known ones:
Olive Garden: $10–$100
McDonald’s: $10–$100
Chipotle: $10–$200
Chili’s: $10–$100
Starbucks: $5–$100 (sometimes counted as both food and store)
Restaurant cards feel warm and thoughtful, like saying, “Go treat yourself.”
Entertainment Gift Cards
Entertainment cards are for fun. Movies, games, music, or streaming.
Entertainment Gift Card Price Range
Most are $10 to $100.
Google Play Gift Cards
Useful for apps, books, movies, and subscriptions.
Price: $10–$200
PlayStation Gift Cards
For the gamer in your life.
Price: $10–$110
Xbox Gift Cards
These work for games, apps, and Xbox subscriptions.
Price: $10–$100
Nintendo eShop Cards
Perfect for Nintendo Switch players.
Price: $10–$99
AMC Theatres Gift Cards
Good for movie lovers.
Price: $10–$100
These cards make great gifts for both kids and adults.
Prepaid Gift Cards or Open-Loop Gift Cards
These cards work almost everywhere as long as the store accepts the card brand. You can use them online or in-store. They feel like giving someone a small debit card.
The biggest brands in this group are:
Visa Gift Cards
Mastercard Gift Cards
American Express Gift Cards
Price Range for Prepaid Cards
Most prepaid cards start at $20 and go up to $500.
Some charge a small activation fee, usually $3.95 to $7.95.
People love these cards because they work in many places, from gas stations to grocery stores to clothing shops.
Gaming Gift Cards
These cards are perfect for kids, teens, and anyone who likes online games. I see these used a lot during birthdays and holidays.
Gaming Gift Card Price Range
Usually $5 to $200, depending on the brand.
Popular choices include:
Roblox Gift Cards
Fortnite V-Bucks Cards
Steam Gift Cards
PlayStation Store Cards
Xbox Cards
Nintendo eShop Cards
Gaming cards feel fun and exciting, especially for someone who loves digital rewards.
Subscription Gift Cards
These cards help someone pay for their monthly or yearly subscriptions. If you know someone who loves movies, music, or learning, this can be a very thoughtful gift.
Subscription Gift Card Price Range
Most cost between $10 and $150, depending on the plan.
Here are a few:
Netflix Gift Cards: Usually $30–$200
Hulu Gift Cards: $25–$100
Spotify Gift Cards: $10–$99
Disney+ Cards: Amounts vary
Apple Gift Cards: Can be used for Apple TV+
These cards feel more personal because they support someone’s hobbies or daily life.
Travel Gift Cards
Travel cards help with flights, hotels, rental cars, or gas. They are great gifts for someone who loves trips or needs help with travel costs.
Travel Gift Card Price Range
Most start at $25, and many go up to $500 or more.
Popular travel cards include:
Airbnb Gift Cards: $25–$500
Southwest Airlines Gift Cards: $25–$200
Uber Gift Cards: $15–$200
Lyft Gift Cards: $25–$100
Hotels.com Gift Cards: $25–$500
These cards give someone freedom to go where they want, no questions asked.
Gift Cards for Clothing and Fashion
If you know someone who enjoys fashion, these cards help them pick what matches their taste.
Price Range
Most fashion gift cards range from $10 to $500.
Common choices include:
Nike Gift Cards
Adidas Gift Cards
H&M Gift Cards
Old Navy Gift Cards
Bath & Body Works Gift Cards
Fashion cards feel more personal because clothes reflect someone’s style.
Why Gift Card Prices Change
Gift card prices change because:
• Brands set their own ranges
• Some cards charge activation fees
• Seasonal demand raises supply levels
• Some stores offer bonus deals
I noticed that holiday seasons often come with special offers, like “Buy a $50 card, get a $10 bonus.”
How to Pick the Best Gift Card
Whenever I need to pick a card, I think about the person first. What do they enjoy? Do they like food, games, clothes, or tech? If I really don’t know, I choose a prepaid Visa or Mastercard. It always works.
Price also matters. Think about how much you want to give, and choose a card that fits your budget.
Are Gift Cards Safe?
Yes, gift cards are safe as long as you buy them from a trusted store or website. I tell friends to avoid cards with scratched strips or damaged packaging.
Simple Tips to Use Gift Cards Wisely
• Keep the receipt
• Check the balance online
• Use the full amount to avoid tiny leftover amounts
• Register prepaid cards if needed
These small steps help prevent headaches later.
Conclusion
Thank you for sitting with me and reading this post. I hope this simple guide helped you understand all types of gift cards and their prices. Gift cards are easy, smart, and kind. Pick one that feels right for the person you care about.