The 25 Best Gift Cards to Give in Canada in 2023

By Arthur Dubois | Published on 28 Apr 2023

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    Giving the perfect gift can be a challenging task. It’s important to select something that the recipient will appreciate and use. If you’re struggling to find the ultimate present, a gift card might just be the solution you’ve been looking for. Here are the top 25 gift cards to give in Canada in 2023.

    Why Gift Cards Make the Perfect Present

    Gift giving can be a daunting task, especially when you are unsure of what to give. That’s where gift cards come in. They offer many benefits over traditional gifts and are a great option for people with different tastes and preferences. Here are some reasons why gift cards make the perfect present.

    Personalization and Convenience

    Even better, you can personalize gift cards with a specific dollar amount or a theme. For example, if the recipient loves coffee, you can give them a gift card to a popular coffee shop. This shows that you put thought into the gift and allows the recipient to enjoy something they love. Additionally, you can conveniently buy gift cards and even send them electronically. Now, you can easily purchase a gift card from the comfort of your own home and have it delivered directly to an email inbox.

    Flexibility for the Recipient

    Gift cards offer flexibility for the recipient to buy whatever they want, whenever they want. Recipient can use them both in-store and online, giving them access to a wide range of products and services. This is especially helpful for those who may be hard to shop for or have specific tastes. With a gift card, they can choose exactly what they want and when they want it.

    Easy Budgeting and Planning

    Gift cards provide an easy way to plan and budget for gifts. You can purchase a gift card for a specific dollar amount, controlling how much you spend on gifts. This is especially helpful during the holiday season when expenses can quickly add up. By purchasing gift cards, you can stay within your budget while still giving a thoughtful and appreciated gift.

    Supporting Local Businesses

    Gift cards can also be a great way to support local businesses. By giving a gift card to a local restaurant or boutique, you give a thoughtful gift, while supporting businesses that may struggle.

    Best Retail Gift Cards in Canada

    If you seek a gift card that for a variety of products, retail gift cards make a great option. These gift cards offer flexibility and convenience, allowing the recipient to choose exactly what they want. Here are the top picks for retail gift cards in Canada.

    Amazon.ca Gift Card

    Amazon.ca is the go-to destination for online shopping. With millions of products available on their website, there is something for everyone. From books and electronics to clothing and household items, Amazon.ca has it all. Plus, with its fast and reliable shipping, you can get your items delivered right to your door. The Amazon.ca gift card is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to shop online.

    Walmart Canada Gift Card

    Walmart Canada is a one-stop-shop for all your shopping needs. With their wide selection of products, you can find everything you need in one place. From groceries and electronics to toys and home goods, Walmart Canada has it all. Plus, with their everyday low prices, you can save money while you shop. The Walmart Canada gift card makes a great gift for anyone who loves to save money and shop at a convenient location.

    Best Buy Canada Gift Card

    Best Buy Canada is the ultimate destination for electronics and entertainment. With their knowledgeable staff and wide selection of products, you can find everything you need to stay connected and entertained. From televisions and smart home devices to video games and movies, Best Buy Canada has it all. Plus, with their price match guarantee, you can be sure you’re getting the best deal. The Best Buy Canada gift card is the perfect gift for anyone who loves technology and entertainment.

    Hudson’s Bay Gift Card

    Hudson’s Bay’s department stores offers a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, beauty products, and home goods. With their high-quality products and excellent customer service, Hudson’s Bay is a popular destination for shoppers. Plus, with their online store, you can shop from the comfort of your own home. The Hudson’s Bay gift card can work in-store and online, making it a convenient and versatile gift for any shopper.

    Overall, these top retail gift cards offer something for everyone. Whether you’re shopping for a tech-lover or a fashionista, these gift cards are sure to please. So why not give the gift of choice and convenience with a retail gift card?

    Best Restaurant Gift Cards in Canada

    For the foodie in your life, a restaurant gift card is the perfect present. It allow them to indulge in their favourite foods while trying out new restaurants and cuisines. Here are the top picks for restaurant gift cards in Canada.

    Tim Hortons Gift Card

    Tim Hortons is a Canadian favourite, famous for its coffee and donuts. With over 4,000 locations across the country, it’s a convenient spot for a quick bite or a caffeine fix. This gift card can purchase food and drinks at any Tim Hortons location. This includes seasonal items like the popular pumpkin spice latte. Plus, with their Roll Up The Rim To Win contest, your gift card could potentially lead to even more prizes.

    Starbucks Canada Gift Card

    Starbucks Canada is another popular coffee chain, known for its specialty drinks and snacks. With a wide range of options, from classic lattes to trendy seasonal beverages, there’s something for everyone. If your gift recipient doesn’t drink coffee, they can use the gift card for tea, pastries or merchandise like mugs and tumblers. With more than 1,400 locations across the country, they’re sure to find a Starbucks near them.

    Boston Pizza Gift Card

    For those who love dining out or ordering in, a Boston Pizza gift card can be a great option. With more than 380 locations in Canada, Boston Pizza offers a wide range of menu options. Dishes include pizza, pasta, burgers, and appetizers, as well as a variety of beverages and desserts. A Boston Pizza gift card can pay for in-restaurant dining or takeout and delivery orders, making it versatile. 

    The Keg Steakhouse + Bar Gift Card

    The Keg Steakhouse + Bar is a Canadian restaurant chain that specializes in steaks, burgers, and seafood. With a cozy and upscale atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a celebration with friends. The gift card can pay for food and drinks at any Keg location, including popular prime rib and lobster dishes. The Keg has more than 100 locations across Canada and the United States. Therefore, your gift recipient can enjoy a delicious meal no matter where they are.

    No matter which restaurant gift card you choose, your recipient will appreciate the opportunity to indulge in their favourite foods or try out new dining experiences. Plus, with so many options to choose from, you can’t go wrong!

    Best Travel Gift Cards in Canada

    Do you tire of giving the same old boring gifts to your loved ones? Well, worry no more! For the adventurer in your life, an experience or travel gift card is the perfect present. This will allow them to explore new places and try new things, while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Here are the top picks for experience and travel gift cards in Canada.

    Air Canada Gift Card

    Air Canada is the country’s largest airline, offering flights to destinations around the world. Their gift card is the perfect gift for the travel enthusiast in your life. Do they want to explore the beaches of Hawaii, the historic streets of Europe, or the bustling cities of Asia? In any case, Air Canada has got them covered. The gift card can pay for flights, vacation packages, and other travel services, making it a versatile and practical gift.

    VIA Rail Gift Card

    If your loved one prefers to travel by train, then a VIA Rail gift card is the way to go. VIA Rail is Canada’s national rail passenger service, offering safe and comfortable travel across the country. With their gift card, your loved one can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views of Canada’s beautiful landscapes. The gift card can purchase train tickets and other travel services. Therfore, it makes it a great option for those who love to explore their own backyard.

    Uber Gift Card

    For frequent travelers, an Uber gift card can be an excellent option that offers convenience and flexibility. Uber is a popular ride-sharing service that operates in many cities around the world, offering reliable and affordable transportation options. A gift card from Uber can pay for rides, so the recipient easily gets around without worrying about the cost. 

    Groupon Canada Gift Card

    Groupon Canada offers daily deals on a variety of products and services, including travel, dining, and entertainment. Their gift card is perfect for those who love to try new things and explore their city. With Groupon, your loved one can discover hidden gems in their hometown. They can even try new restaurants, or even go on a weekend getaway. The gift card can purchase any deal on the Groupon website, making it a flexible and exciting gift.

    Westjet Gift Card

    For frequent travelers, a Westjet gift card can be a fantastic option that offers flexibility, convenience, and rewards. Westjet is one of Canada’s leading airlines, offering flights to over 175 destinations both domestically and internationally. The airline’s gift cards can go towards flights, vacation packages, or seat upgrades. Overall, this allows travelers to tailor their travel experience to their needs. 

    Is your loved one is a globetrotter, a train enthusiast, a foodie or an adventurer? Either way, there is a gift card out there that is perfect for them. Give the gift of experiences and create memories that will last a lifetime.

    Best Specialty Store Gift Cards in Canada

    If you seek a gift card for someone with specific tastes, a specialty store gift card makes a great option. It shows you’ve put thought into the gift and allows the recipient to choose something they truly want or need. Here are the top picks for specialty store gift cards in Canada.

    Lululemon Gift Card

    Lululemon is a Canadian athletic apparel company that specializes in yoga clothing and accessories. The gift card can purchase anything from yoga pants and sports bras to water bottles and bags. Lululemon has earned a reputation for its high-quality and stylish products that perfectly suit any workout or casual day out. With a Lululemon gift card, the recipient can treat themselves to a new outfit or accessory. As a result, they will feel more confident and comfortable.

    Sephora Canada Gift Card

    Sephora Canada is a beauty retailer that offers a wide range of makeup, skincare, and fragrance products. The gift card can purchase anything in-store or online. Sephora is a popular destination for beauty lovers, with a vast selection of products from both well-known and niche brands. With a Sephora gift card, the recipient can indulge in their love of beauty and try out new products or restock their favorites.

    Canadian Tire

    Canadian Tire is a retail company that offers products for home improvement, automotive, and outdoor activities. The gift card can purchase anything from tools and appliances to camping gear and bikes. Canadian Tire is a one-stop-shop for all things home and outdoor, with a variety of products to suit any need or budget. With a Canadian Tire gift card, the recipient can tackle any project or adventure on their wishlist.

    Sport Chek

    Sport Chek is a retail chain that offers sporting goods, athletic wear, and fitness equipment. The gift card can purchase anything from running shoes and gym bags to skiing equipment and golf clubs. Sport Chek is a go-to destination for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, with a wide range of products from top brands. With a Sport Chek gift card, the recipient can upgrade their workout gear or try out a new sport.

    Foot Locker Gift Card

    For those who are into fitness or fashion, a Foot Locker gift card can be an excellent gift option that offers a range of benefits. Foot Locker is a popular retail store that specializes in athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories from popular brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. A Foot Locker gift card can buy anything in-store or online, making it a versatile gift option. 

    Old Navy Gift Card

    For those who love to stay stylish and save money, an Old Navy gift card can be an excellent option that offers a range of benefits. Old Navy is a popular retail store that offers affordable and fashionable clothing, shoes, and accessories for the whole family. 

    Best Media & Entertainment Gift Cards in Canada

    If you’re looking for a gift that keeps on giving, an online subscription gift card is a great option. Not only will your recipient enjoy the gift in the moment, but they’ll also have access to new content on an ongoing basis. Here are the top picks for online subscription gift cards in Canada.

    Cineplex Entertainment Gift Card

    Cineplex Entertainment is Canada’s largest movie theatre chain, offering the latest blockbusters and special events like live theatre and concerts. The gift card can purchase movie tickets, concessions like popcorn and candy, and even merchandise like T-shirts and collectibles. With more than160 locations across Canada, your gift recipient can enjoy a night out at the movies no matter where they live.

    Apple Gift Card

    The Apple Gift card offers a wide range of digital content, including music, movies, TV shows, and apps available on iTunes and on the App Store. With an Apple gift card, your recipient can purchase anything they want from those marketplace. They can download the latest album from their favorite artist, rent a movie for movie night, or try out a new app that they’ve been curious about. Plus, with the ability to share purchases with family members through Family Sharing, they can spread the joy of their gift with loved ones.

    Crave Gift Card

    For those who love entertainment and streaming services, a Crave gift card can be an excellent option that offers a variety of benefits. Crave is a Canadian streaming service that offers a wide range of content, including TV shows, movies, and documentaries from popular networks like HBO, Showtime, and Starz. A Crave gift card can purchase a subscription to the service, allowing the recipient to access a wealth of entertainment options. 

    Netflix Canada Gift Card

    Netflix Canada is a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies and TV shows. With a Netflix gift card, your recipient can enjoy the latest releases and old favorites, all from the comfort of their own home. Whether they’re into action, romance, comedy, or drama, there’s something for everyone on Netflix. Plus, with new content added regularly, they’ll never run out of things to watch.

    Spotify Canada Gift Card

    Spotify Canada is a music streaming service that offers access to millions of songs and podcasts. With a Spotify gift card, your recipient can enjoy their favorite tunes without any interruptions or ads. They can create their own playlists or explore new genres and artists. Plus, with the ability to download songs for offline listening, they can take their music with them wherever they go.

    Kobo Gift Card

    For those who love to read, a Kobo gift card can be an excellent option that offers a range of benefits. Kobo is a Canadian company that offers an e-reader and an online bookstore with a vast selection of e-books and audiobooks. A Kobo gift card can purchase e-books and audiobooks from the Kobo bookstore, providing the recipient with access to a wide variety of titles across multiple genres. Additionally, Kobo offers a subscription service called Kobo Plus, which provides unlimited access to a selection of e-books and audiobooks for a monthly fee. The gift card can also buy a Kobo e-reader, which allows readers to access their books on a convenient and portable device.

    No matter which entertainment gift card you choose, your recipient is sure to appreciate the thoughtfulness of the gift. It’s a present that keeps on giving long after the initial unwrapping, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves entertainment and technology.

    Tips for Purchasing and Giving Gift Cards

    When purchasing and giving gift cards, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the recipient has the best possible experience.

    Keep the Receipt

    When giving a gift card, it’s always a good idea to keep the receipt in case there are any issues with the card. This also helps the recipient know the value of the gift card.

    Add a Personal Touch with a Greeting Card

    To make the gift card even more special, add a personal touch with a greeting card. This allows you to express your sentiments and show the recipient that you’ve put thought and care into their present.

    With this list of top 25 gift cards to give in Canada in 2023, you’re sure to find the perfect present for anyone on your list. From retail and restaurant gift cards to experience and travel gift cards, these options provide flexibility, convenience, and personalization for the recipient.

    FAQs About Gift Cards in Canada

    How to sell gift cards in Canada?

    Selling gift cards in Canada can occur through a few different methods. One popular way is by using online marketplaces such as CardSwap, eBay or Kijiji, where you can list your gift card for sale at a competitive price. Remember to be cautious and follow guidelines to avoid scams or fraud. No matter which method you choose, ensure that you verify the balance of your gift card before selling it and providing proof of its value.

    How to send a gift card from Canada to the US?

    Sending a gift card from Canada to the US is a convenient way to show your appreciation or celebrate special occasions with your loved ones. First, choose a gift card that your recipient would enjoy and check if it’s available for purchase in Canada. Many popular retailers and restaurants offer gift cards for use in both Canada and the US. Purchase the gift card online or in-store, and make sure to read the terms and conditions to understand any restrictions or expiry dates. If sending the gift card electronically, which costs less than sending a card to the US, ensure that you have the correct email address of the intended person. If sending a physical gift card, use a secure and trackable shipping method, such as Canada Post or FedEx, and declare the value of the gift card for customs purposes. 

    Are gift cards tax deductible in Canada?

    Gift cards are generally not tax-deductible in Canada, as they are considered a non-essential expense. However, businesses can claim gift card expenses as tax deductions if they meet certain criteria. For example, gift cards given to employees as performance bonuses or gifts can be claimed as tax-deductible expenses, provided that they do not exceed $500 per year per employee. Similarly, businesses can claim gift card expenses as promotional expenses if they are given to clients or customers as part of a marketing campaign. It’s important to keep accurate records of all gift card expenses and consult with a tax professional to ensure that you comply with all regulations and maximize your tax deductions.

    Are gift cards taxed in Canada?

    Gift cards purchased for personal use, such as for a friend or family member, are not taxed at the time of purchase. However, taxes are applied at the time of redemption, based on the goods or services purchased with the gift card.

    Can gift cards expire in Canada? 

    In Canada, most gift cards do not expire, as most provinces have regulations that forbid expiry dates for gift cards. However, there are some exceptions, such as promotional gift cards that are given for free or as part of a loyalty program, prepaid credit cards and gift cards redeemable for a specific service. It’s important to read the terms and conditions of gift cards before purchasing or using them to understand any restrictions or limitations.

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    Arthur Dubois is a personal finance writer at Hardbacon. Since relocating to Canada, he has successfully built his credit score from scratch and begun investing in the stock market. In addition to his work at Hardbacon, Arthur has contributed to Metro newspaper and several other publications