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Gift cards and e-gift cards get a bad rap, but the truth is: People on both sides love ‘em. The giver doesn't need to spend time shopping for a specific item, and the recipient can choose something they genuinely want or need.
Plus, the notion that gift cards are thoughtless couldn’t be further from the truth since virtually every retailer out there offers them and you can tailor the gift to their interest. Think: Sephora for a skincare-obsessed tween, Amazon for all the teachers out there or Apple for the guy who can’t get enough of the latest tech.
Here are our top picks for the best gift cards, to shop now, perfect for the office White Elephant exchange or a Secret Santa gift.
An Amazon gift card may not be a novel idea, but it's one of the most versatile options out there. Your recipient can truly choose whatever their heart desires. And if they're a Prime member, whatever they cherry pick will be on their doorstep in a flash.
A Visa gift card is another highly versatile option that can be used wherever the credit card is accepted — which is virtually everywhere. They can use it to spoil themselves or save on essentials like groceries.
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As the name suggests, a gift from Uncommon Goods works great for those people with great taste who might also be a little particular. Think of it like a department store with curated goods for people who like the kinds of things that everyone else doesn't already have.
RELATED: 45 Unique Christmas Gifts That'll Make Shopping Easier This Year
Lifelong learners will love the opportunity to hear from experts on just about any topic you can dream up. A MasterClass subscription is an inspirational way to kick off the new year, and perfect for that person who already has everything they need.
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Sephora
Have you ever tried to buy makeup or personal care products for someone else? Unless you bring the item (or the person) into the store with you, the chances of picking up the wrong thing are just too high. Save yourself the stress with a gift card instead.
A Target gift card can be used to purchase anything from clothing to home goods to electronics. Or, hey, even groceries. It's a versatile and practical gift your loved one is sure to appreciate.
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Classpass grants your loved one access to a wide variety of fitness classes, from yoga and Pilates to dance and HIIT workouts, so they can find classes that fit their interests and fitness level. Now, they can even score spa appointments through the service.
An Apple gift card doesn't just give them a discount on the latest iPhone or a set of AirPods — it can be used to purchase a wide range of products and services from both the Apple Store and the App Store. Even better? Apple is giving shoppers free gift cards for up to $200 with eligible purchases during Black Friday online, in-store and in the Apple Store app.
RELATED: Apple's Black Friday Deals Include Steep Discounts on AirPods and iPads
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Friends and family who have moved away from their favorite restaurants can get a taste of home – or revisit something special they tried on their travels – with this company that ships food from certain restaurants and small food businesses nationwide.
For those who love to unwind with a nice glass of vino, give them a gift card to pick the perfect bottle (or two). Alcohol shipping rules vary by state, so make sure it's legal where your recipient lives.
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A ride or a takeout meal will surely delight the college kid on your list. Uber is available in over 10,000 cities worldwide, making it easy for your loved one to use their gift card wherever they are.
The gift of a vacation? Did you just become their favorite person ever? With an AirBnb gift card, the recipient can choose where and when they want to travel, using it to book a stay in any of the company's listings around the world.
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With thousands of organic, non-GMO and specialty products at wholesale prices, Thrive Market is perfect for those who may not live in an area with plentiful shopping options. It's also great for bargain hunters with refined taste.
RELATED: I Tried Thrive Market for Over a Month. This Is My Honest Review.
Give movie-lovers a ticket to the latest blockbuster with an AMC gift card. It can be used for admission to the movie(s) of their choice, plus all of their favorite concessions.
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Chances are anything Lulu will make the tween in your life squeal with delight, but they'll be even more psyched to handpick exactly what they want this holiday season. Align leggings in a color they don't already have, a new belt bag, or a cozy puffer, perhaps.
We don't care if it's basic: It's just not the holiday season until Starbies comes out with its signature cups. Whether they're a peppermint or white chocolate mocha latte kind of person, a gift card will help keep them caffeinated.
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With more artisan-made, handcrafted gifts than anyone could count, Etsy is the go-to for those who like to shop small. But warn your recipient when they open it: Choosing just one to support will be a real challenge.
RELATED: 48 One-of-a-Kind Etsy Gifts to Delight Everyone On Your List
The nationwide retailer is stocked with all of the latest and greatest beauty products at hard-to-beat prices, making this gift card the ideal pick for the skincare obsessed tween in your life.
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Keep them running all winter long... on Dunkin' that is. It's the ultimate gift for teachers and coworkers — you don't have to think too hard, but they'll be happy to have their daily coffee on someone else's dime.
Help pet parents spoil their fur babies with a gift card to one of the best pet supply purveyors around. Chewy has everything from food to toys to apparel, for all of their furry friends' needs.
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.