On the lookout for the best gift cards to shop this Christmas? Look no further.
Gift cards are exactly what they sound like: they are a card loaded with a pre-determined value, allowing you to shop at a nominated retailer and pay with it in lieu of cash. Some gift cards may only be redeemed at certain retailers, such as ASOS, while others can be spent across a number of different brands and products, such as Amazon.
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Gift cards are an ideal way to celebrate a special occasion like Christmas. They are the perfect way to show appreciation and bring festive cheer to colleagues, friends or relatives. And when you can purchase a gift card on sale, you'll secure both a great deal and gift too.
When shopping around for gift cards, be sure to only buy them from reputable and trusted sources. Remember that if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
30% off 2nd item from selected toys at Baby Bunting
Verified Today
Get 30% off toys from selected brands, including Oscar & Florri Woodland, Playgro, Bright Starts, and more at Baby Bunting. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 40% off Christmas Babywear at Baby Bunting. Shop adorable festive outfits, bodysuits, dresses, and accessories, perfect for celebrating the holidays in style and comfort. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Unlock amazing travel deals this Cyber Monday at Expedia.com.au with savings of up to 40%. Book your next getaway now and enjoy unbeatable discounts on flights, hotels, and holiday packages. Limited time offer. T&Cs appy.
Snag the hottest styles this Cyber Monday at Beginning Boutique with up to 80% off. Shop the trendiest looks now and score massive savings before the deals disappear. T&Cs apply.
Score incredible deals this Cyber Monday at MyTopia with discounts of up to 70% on must‑have items. Don’t miss this limited‑time shopping event packed with unbeatable savings across top categories! T&Cs apply.
Discover a better way to read with $30 off the Kobo Libra, designed for comfort and clarity. Elevate your eBook experience with sleek design and intuitive features at a price you’ll love. Limited time offer. T&Cs apply.
30% Off Iced Coffee Linen Duvet Cover -100% French Flax Linen
Indulge in effortless elegance with 30% off the Iced Coffee Linen Duvet Cover, crafted from 100% French flax linen. Soft, breathable, and timelessly stylish, it’s the perfect upgrade to transform your bedroom into a cozy retreat. Limited time offer. T&Cs apply.
Shop and enjoy up to 70% off selected men's sneakers and clothing only at Foot Locker. Limited time offer and while stocks last. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Get 40% off select styles at Coach. Shop discounted premium handbags, wallets, accessories, and apparel for women and men. It's the perfect chance to add a timeless designer piece to your collection for less. T&Cs apply.
Valid for travel between 27 January - 24 March 2026 and 24 April - 16 June 2026 on eligible Economy flights to Europe via Doha at Virgin Australia. Limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Snag unbeatable deals at Best & Less this Black Friday with up to 50% off on a wide range of everyday essentials, kidswear, and wardrobe staples. Stock up on quality basics and stylish finds before the sale ends - your favorites won’t last long. T&Cs apply.
Sharpen his look with the Boys Charles Blazer in sand at Bardot, now 30% off. Tailored for a polished fit with timeless style, it’s the perfect piece to elevate any occasion outfit. Limited time offer. T&Cs apply.
Save up to $400 on selected smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearable tech from Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola and more at Phonebot. Limited time offer and while stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Save 25% on computers at The Good Guys: Acer, HP, Lenovo, Dell, and more
Expires 4 Dec 2025
Save 25% on computers at The Good Guys, with deals on top brands including Acer, HP, Lenovo, Dell and more. Whether you're into sleek ultrabooks, powerful workstations or budget-friendly laptops, there’s something for you. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Take an extra 40% off sale and clearance styles at Taking Shape. Discover flattering dresses, tops, and wardrobe essentials designed to fit and move with you. Shop the sale now before it's gone. T&Cs apply.
Save up to 40% on Doha holiday packages with Qatar Airways Holidays. Enjoy bundled deals that include return flights and hotel stays at top resorts like The St. Regis Doha, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, and Al Messila. Book by 31 October 2025 for travel until 31 March 2026. T&Cs apply.
Stay on track with Kogan’s limited-time offer - save up to 40% on select Garmin devices. From smartwatches to GPS gear, upgrade your tech and adventure smarter for less. T&Cs apply.
Get up to 50% off on selected sneakers, running shoes, and apparel at New Balance. Refresh your footwear and workout gear with your favourite performance styles for less. Grab your pick before the sale ends. T&Cs apply.
Take 30% off sitewide at Calvin Klein, including everything from underwear and loungewear to denim and accessories. Shop now to refresh your wardrobe with iconic, minimalist style. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Light up your adventures for less - Olight’s Black Friday Sale offers up to 50% off. From powerful flashlights to versatile gear, grab premium illumination at unbeatable prices while the deals last. T&Cs apply.
Indulge in luxury for less - My Perfume Shop Black Friday sale offers up to 50% off sitewide. Discover iconic fragrances and gift-worthy scents at unbeatable prices, but only for a limited time. T&Cs apply.
Unlock massive savings on innovation - Anycubic is offering up to $823 off their cutting-edge 3D printers. Elevate your creativity and bring ideas to life while keeping more in your pocket. Limited time offer. T&Cs apply.
Black Friday Sale: Up to 35% Off Sitewide at Ecosa
Expires 10 Dec 2025
Unlock your best sleep this Black Friday with Ecosa’s sitewide sale - enjoy up to 35% off everything. Don’t miss this limited-time chance to upgrade your mattress, bedding, and more at unbeatable prices before the deals disappear. T&Cs apply.
Save up to $4,000 per couple on selected 2026 & 2027 departures
Expires 13 Dec 2025
Embark on the journey of a lifetime with Wendy Wu Tours and enjoy incredible savings of up to $4,000 per couple on selected 2026 and 2027 departures. Book early to secure these exclusive deals and experience world-class guided adventures across Asia and beyond at unbeatable value. Limited time offer. T&Cs apply.
Score major savings on stylish footwear with up to 60% off, plus an extra 20% off sale items at Tony Bianco. From chic heels to everyday boots, elevate your look for less. Hurry, limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Up to 25% off award-winning styling tools + FREE gift
Expires 4 Dec 2025
Get salon-quality results for less with GHD’s Black Friday sale, offering up to 25% off their award-winning styling tools. Plus, enjoy a FREE gift with your purchase - perfect for elevating your hair routine this holiday season. T&CS apply.
Get 35% off the KitchenAid 7 Blade Spiralizer Plus with Peel, Core & Slice Attachment, a versatile stand mixer add-on that lets you spiralize, slice, core and peel fruits and vegetables with premium metal construction and quick-change blades. T&Cs apply.
Get $800 off the Eight Sleep Pod 5 Core, now $3,549 (was $4,349). This smart sleep system offers dual-zone temperature control, sleep and health tracking via app, and vibration and thermal alarms for personalised comfort. Shop now at Eight Sleep and upgrade your sleep today. T&Cs apply,
It doesn't matter whether you are looking for the perfect gift for someone else or as a treat for yourself. Either way, a gift card offers an efficient way to buy products, entertainment and services both online and in-store.
While every business will have its own policies and procedures guiding the purchase and use of their gift cards, they always work in the same way: the gift card recipient simply selects the item they wish to buy and presents the gift card as payment.
If the purchase is for a lower value than the gift card, the remainder of the balance is usually credited to the card. This allows the customer to spend it again at a later date. It's the fairest system for the gift card holder and encourages them to visit the retailer again in the future.
On the other hand, if the value of the gift card is lower than the amount of the purchase, then the gift card holder will need to pay the difference through any other accepted payment methods, such as cash or credit card.
Where to find gift cards on sale
Finding gift cards on sale isn't easy. Retailers don't often advertise these types of sales to the public. They prefer to offer them to loyal customers via direct communications. Of course, these days, the public will regularly share their spoils online. If you know where to look, you can find great deals on gift cards on sale.
For instance, Apple gift cards are often available on sale, with special deals such as a couple of $20 Apple gift cards for $30 – a total savings of 25%. These are retailer-specific and are only available for a limited time. It's worth jumping on a deal immediately when you see one.
Another great option is a Woolworths WISH gift card, which can be used at a retailer like Big W. These gift cards can be pre-purchased at a discount of 5%, allowing you to save potentially hundreds of dollars on your everyday expenses, from toiletries and clothing to homewares and electronics. The best part is, when you use your Everyday Rewards card with your WISH card, you will also earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points. These can eventually be redeemed for free gift cards too.
Pros and cons of gift cards as Christmas presents
Pros
Gift cards are convenient. They are easy to buy, give and spend.
Gifts cards often cross international borders. If you have a loved one who lives far away, a gift card that can be redeemed in their local area is convenient and thoughtful. For instance, an Amazon gift card can be purchased in Geelong and redeemed in Germany.
Versatile. When you present someone a gift card, you really are giving them the gift of choice. There's nothing better than letting them run wild at their favourite retailer.
Cons
Some gift cards carry an expiration date. The recipient must use the card within a certain time frame or the balance is wiped out.
They can be easily lost or stolen. Unfortunately, gift cards are usually not replaced or refunded by a retailer when lost or stolen. Gift card holders should stow them safely.
A great physical present is usually better. While gift cards can be an excellent Christmas present, it's unlikely it will delight your recipient as much as picking out that perfect present yourself.
Things to consider when buying gift cards on sale for Christmas
In most cases, when you purchase a gift card on sale you are getting a terrific deal. Gift cards can usually be redeemed against any product or service in-store, regardless of whether it is at full price or on sale.
When you purchase a gift card on sale, you have the opportunity to further increase your discount.
For instance, let's say you buy a WISH gift card to redeem at Big W, and you secure a 5% discount. You purchase a $300 gift card and save $15. You then buy a BBQ from Big W that is on sale for $300, reduced from $600.The end result is you will pay just $285 for a product that retails for $600 at full price.
When you purchase gift cards on sale, it's important to make sure the company is not facing any financial hardship or at the risk of going under.
Frequently asked questions about gift cards on sale
There are few retailers who allow you to effectively "cash in" your gift card for currency, particularly if you have purchased your gift card on sale. They will end up losing money on the transaction after all. However, certain retailers may allow you to receive the balance of your gift card in cash after you have made a purchase if that balance is under $5. For instance, if you use a $20 gift card to make an $18 purchase, you may be eligible to receive the $2 balance in cash.
In most cases, this is fine as gift cards can be used to purchase any product or service from anywhere.
This depends on the retailer. Some gift cards expire within 12 months while others have an indefinite validity. If you purchase your gift card on sale, it may be a condition of use that you redeem its value within a shorter time frame. It's a good idea to check with the card issuer to confirm the gift card's expiry.
A gift card is ideal as it leaves the ultimate purchase decision up to the recipient. When you find a gift card on sale, you achieve a win-win for all parties – with more money in your bank to boot.
Marina Tatas was a shopping writer at Finder, covering everything you need to know about fashion, beauty, sneakers, home and wellbeing. You can find her words in publications including Marie Claire and Women's Health. She has a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Journalism from the University of Technology Sydney.
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