While digitisation has made sweeping changes, the most drastic evolution can be witnessed in consumers’ shopping habits. Today, traditional gifting methods have taken a back seat, and the one trend that has stood out is the purchase of online gift cards. Once seen as a last-minute or impersonal gift, these cards have taken on new significance.

What are gift cards? 

Digital gift cards are a perfect solution for modern gifting. They can be instantly sent to recipients across the globe. Convenience aside, they are also more sustainable. Gift cards can be redeemed online as per consumers’ preferences, thereby eliminating the use of paper and plastic.

Growth of gift cards in the UAE

In an increasingly globalised world, cross-border fund transfer and gifting have become seamless, thanks to cashback cards and e-gift vouchers. The UAE Government supports the growth of digital solutions, including gift cards, as part of its broader strategy to enhance the digital economy. The gift card market in the United Arab Emirates is expected to rise from US$1.8 billion in 2023 to US$2.8 billion by 2028. With an AI-powered money management platform like Sav, consumers are in for a treat as they have several digital multi-brand gift cards to choose from.

Benefits of e-gift cards

• Incentives and rewards – The vouchers serve as virtual tools to boost customer loyalty. Enjoy a cashback every time you make a purchase. Travel vouchers, say, from Desert Adventures Tourism, allow you to lock in prices before they rise, especially for airfare or hotel bookings.
• Security and efficiency – Cards are widely adopted for security, reliability, efficiency, and flexibility, and digital gift cards minimise the risk of fraud and theft. Unlike physical cards that can get stolen, gift vouchers stay safely in your inbox or gift card wallet.
• Convenience at its peak – Bid goodbye to long queues, shipping delays, and the hassle of going to a brick-and-mortar store only to pick out a physical gift. Enjoy 24*7 access to gift cards with just a few clicks, and they will be instantly delivered to your email. 
• Personalisation – You can personalise gift cards in a way traditional shopping can’t match, which makes them more memorable than just cash in an envelope. Birthday, anniversary, or a festival? Customise your Amazon.ae or Noon Gift Card design depending on the occasion. Add a fun note or a heartfelt message upon your purchase to make it an extra thoughtful present.
• Smart savings – E-gift vouchers can offer extra discounts on any online spending, especially during sales. Gift cards prevent the temptation to go overboard and fall into credit card debt, helping you maintain your finances and track your daily spending. 
• Wide range of options – The online gift card can be used for a variety of products and services, giving the recipient the complete flexibility to spend it on something of their liking. 
• Seamless integration with mobile wallets – As more people turn to mobile wallets like Apple Wallet, Samsung Wallet, and Google Wallet, digital gift cards can be seamlessly integrated into these platforms. 

Today, convenience, personalisation, and safety have become a top priority for consumers. Gift cards have emerged as a game-changer, becoming not only a practical but the smartest way to shop. Sav does just that – it offers a smart shopping experience and a powerful way to save money and maximise rewards with its many milkable gift card options.