By Erica GendaIn this story:
Wondering how to give a gift card that feels less ‘last minute’ and more meaningful? We’ve got some perfect experience gift cards ready to make that special person feel appreciated and seen.
You may be thinking, ‘How do you give a gift card that doesn’t feel impersonal?’ Or, ‘How can I give a gift card in a way that actually feels special?’ Well, there are a few easy steps. Gifting is one of our favourite things to do, so we know how to make any present feel bespoke.
Here are our top three tips on how to give a gift card without it falling short!
Make sure the gift card is personalised
A personalised gift card doesn’t equate to just writing the recipient's name on the card. Give some proper thought to who you’re buying for. Is the gift card for an experience they’ve always enjoyed, or perhaps something new they’d love to try?
Is it your mum who deserves the world, needs some time to relax and loves to discover new hobbies? Look into activities for her, like this mindful pottery wheel class for beginners in Melbourne, or this resin jewellery making class in Sydney. Maybe it’s your best friend of so many years you’ve lost count. It’d be nice for the two of you to try something new and get out of your comfort zones—something like this glass art class in Melbourne, where you can make an epic butterfly sculpture, or maybe you’d like something more laid-back, making something just as pretty at a flower pressing workshop in Perth.
For whoever it is you’re buying a gift card for, think about their hobbies, their interests, the foods they like and the crafts they enjoy. It’s extra special if you’ve been paying attention and can remember anything they’ve mentioned in passing! Taking these personal details into account helps transform a gift card from a practical present into a thoughtful experience, so you don't have to worry about how to give a gift card the right way.
Need a birthday present for a friend? Take a leaf out of our community's book and get a gift card for this casual mosaic class, just like Libby S did!
“We loved the class; the lovely Stella got us started, and off we went! It was a gift for my friend's birthday. What a great way to make memories. Would definitely do it again!”
Here are our top picks for unique gift card experiences anyone would love:
- Knit a giant blanket in North Perth
- Try Kintsugi making in Docklands, Melbourne
- Experiment with hat burning in Brisbane City
Last-minute shopping? These gift ideas have you covered!
Write a note on your gift card that’s unique to them
For some people, a heartfelt note is just as important as the gift itself. And, when you're giving a gift card, it can make the present feel even more personal.
You'll know the best thing to say, and if you're stuck, simply think about your why. Let them know why you chose that charming pottery wheel workshop for the two of you to enjoy together, or why you'd love to learn macramé alongside them.
For example, you’ve bought a gift card for your dad—it’s a Japanese whiskey tasting experience, and you thought it would be nice to do together. You could write:
Happy birthday, Dad!
I saw this experience and thought of you. We always talk about heading to Japan and trying their best whiskey. Maybe this’ll be a great teaser! Plus, I’d love to spend your birthday together. I’m grateful to call you dad and am looking forward to making this memory with you.
Love, (your name)
It doesn’t have to be an essay; it just has to be from the heart!
Here’s a taste of other unique gift experiences that make giving a gift card special:
- Clay and sip pottery class in Brisbane City
- Tuft your own rug in Melbourne
- Wax ring carving workshop in Victoria Park, Perth
Wrap it up and hand it to them yourself
Don’t let the gift card hit their inbox randomly—print that thing out and wrap it in a bow! Unless, of course, you’re in different cities or areas and you can’t catch up. In which case, make sure to send a well-worded, personal message, or better yet, call them up a few days before their birthday or celebration and let them know you’re looking forward to giving them this experience (that way, they have a mysterious little something to look forward to!)
If you can give the gift card in person, place it in a nice envelope with a handwritten, personal note and see their face light up when they open it. Better yet, if they’re the kind of person who’s up for surprises, why not ‘plan a lunch’, organise what they’ll need for your chosen workshop and surprise them in person! Something like this forever bracelet experience in Darlinghurst, where they’d get permanent matching jewels. Or maybe you could gather for a few drinks first, then head over to make your own dumplings in Potts Point, only to enjoy the fruits (dumplings!) of your fun-filled labour afterwards.
Community crafter, Hayen W, got this tufting class in Melbourne as a gift and loved it!
“I got this lesson as a gift and it was so easy to book and one of the best craft classes I have ever done and the rug as a reward is even better—this was so much fun and will definitely be doing this again!”
Great surprise gift card experiences we love:
- Watercolour painting class in Banyo, Brisbane
- Matcha and mug making in Fremantle, Perth
- Spanish cooking class in North Melbourne
You won’t have to worry about how to give a gift card when you’ve already thought about the perfect experience for that lucky person. Add your own personal touches, sit back and enjoy making someone else's day brighter.
