Скачать или смотреть From Plastic to Personal: The Evolution of Gift Cards

Gift cards have come a long way — from paper vouchers to personalized digital experiences.
In this short history, we explore how gift cards evolved, what’s driving the latest trends in interactive gifting, and why the future is all about emotion, speed, and personalization.
If you’re in retail, marketing, or just love giving great gifts — you’ll want to see this.

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Gift cards are everywhere.
But where did they come from — and where are they headed next?
The idea started in the late 20th century.
Originally, they were just a modern replacement for paper store credit — simple, practical, and easy to sell.
By the early 2000s, plastic gift cards exploded in popularity.
They were perfect for birthdays, holidays, and last-minute gifts.
But they weren’t perfect.
They lacked emotion. You couldn’t personalize them. And let’s face it — they often ended up unused or forgotten.
That led to the next big shift: e-gift cards.
Now you could send a code by email. Faster, yes — but still, pretty boring.
Today, we’re seeing a new wave: smart, interactive gifting.
It’s not just about sending value — it’s about creating a moment.
Some platforms now let you send a digital gift with a personal video, a message, even branded animations. It’s like unwrapping a present — but digitally.
Why does this matter?
Because in the age of digital overload, emotion and personalization stand out.
And the data agrees.
Digital gift cards that are interactive and branded get higher open rates, faster redemptions, and deeper customer engagement.
The future of gifting isn’t just digital.
It’s personal, instant, and emotionally intelligent.
And that’s a long way from plastic on a rack.