Gift cards are a multi-billion dollar industry, and it’s still growing!
The global gift card market was valued at $984.3 billion in 2023 and is estimated to reach $3.09 trillion by 2030!
This is why eCommerce retailers are doubling down their efforts to get their share from this cash cow. Thanks to special dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, or the holiday season, people worldwide open their hearts and wallets in search of different gift ideas to put smiles on the faces of their friends, family, and loved ones.
Gift cards have become a top choice for many people, and the top reason for this is a no-brainer—gift cards enable the recipient to buy the gift they prefer.
If you are an eCommerce seller, gift card sales are an excellent way to attract new customers and increase revenue. Email marketing is the easiest way to promote gift cards because it communicates directly with loyal customers.
This blog post covers tips to write the best gift card emails and great gift card email templates to turbocharge your sales.
This gift card email template will:
- Reduce your writing time
- Inspire you to craft gift card email templates that stand out
- Improve your email conversion and business revenue through gift card sales
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
How to Use Gift Card Email Templates
Before we get into the templates in detail, here is how you can make the most of your email marketing efforts with these email templates.
- Choose an HTML email template that fits your needs, such as gift card confirmations, gift card reminders, or campaign promotions. EngageBay offers many readily available gift card email templates that enhance your email marketing strategy—the best part is that no coding skills are required.
- Personalize the template with your brand’s logo, colors, and fonts. Add your unique text and images to make it yours using the email editor.
- Before sending, preview the email to ensure everything looks perfect. Send a test email to yourself or a colleague to catch any last-minute errors.
- Once satisfied, send your email to your client list. You can use our email tracking features to monitor open rates, clicks, and responses to measure engagement.
- By following these steps, you’ll ensure your emails are professional, engaging, and effective.
- Automate your email marketing efforts by setting up pre-planned flows triggered by your visitor’s actions.
What Are Gift Card Email Templates?
A gift card email template is a pre-designed email layout (graphic or written) to inform email recipients about a gift card they have received. It typically includes essential information like the gift card amount, code, expiration date, and clear redemption instructions.
E-gift cards are digital versions of traditional physical gift cards. Unlike their physical counterparts, e-gift cards are delivered electronically, often via email, making them a convenient and eco-friendly option.
You have probably received a gift card from a friend, significant other, or colleague; if you haven’t, here is a gift card email template from EngageBay’s free template library to see what a gift card looks like:
Key elements of a gift card email
After analyzing dozens of gift cards, here are the standard features great gift cards have in common:
- A personalized subject line and greeting to notify the recipient about the gift card and address the recipient.
- Gift card details to inform the recipients about the gift card, including its amount, how to redeem it, and any expiration dates or terms.
- Clear steps on using the gift card, including entering a code or presenting it in-store.
- Details on how the recipient can reach out for help or questions
Benefits of using gift card email templates for email marketers and retailers
As discussed earlier, gift card sales are a great way to attract new customers because card recipients can become new customers. Also, gift cards can boost holiday sales and provide future product demand.
To keep up with the demands, many email marketers prefer to use gift card email templates because they offer the following benefits:
- Gift card email templates reduce campaign costs. Rather than spend a lot of money on creating new designs from scratch, you can customize existing templates to fit your brand needs, saving you money.
- Pre-designed templates save significant time when creating email campaigns, allowing you to focus on content and strategy.
- Thirdly, templates ensure brand consistency across all gift card emails, reinforcing your brand identity.
- You can experiment with different template variations to optimize performance as a retail seller.
- Finally, templates easily accommodate changes in gift card amounts, expiration dates, and other details, making gift card sales campaigns launch faster and more efficient.
Enhance Your Email Marketing
Delight your customers with our beautifully crafted, easy-to-customize gift card email templates! Simply update your brand’s images, headings, and CTAs, and send appealing, ready-to-redeem gift card emails in minutes!
Examples of Effective Gift Card Email Templates
Let’s look at some examples of email templates for different occasions that can turbocharge your gift card email campaign.
Gift card purchase confirmation email
A gift card confirmation email confirms a gift card purchase was successful and gives the gift card details. It includes the following key elements:
- A catchy subject line: This is important to get the recipient’s attention. For example, “Your Gift Card Purchase is Confirmed! ” or “Gift Card Purchased Successful.”
- Order confirmation details: This includes information like the order number, purchase date, and amount
- Call to action: CTA’s are the big cheese in email marketing. So, it is essential to include a CTA to encourage the recipient to redeem the gift card.
- Gift card details: This ensures the recipient has the correct information to activate and use the gift card. These details include the gift card number, value, redemption details, security details, and expiration date.
- Delivery information: How the gift card will be delivered (email, physical card, etc.)
- Customer service contact information: For inquiries or issues
Additionally, include a link to your gift card terms and conditions and gift card balance inquiry options (e.g., online, phone, in-store).
Gift card purchase confirmation email template
| Subject Line: Your Gift Card is Ready! |
| Dear [Customer Name],
Thank you for your purchase! Your gift card order is confirmed. Order Confirmation Number: [Order Number] Gift Card Details:
Purchase Date: [Date] Recipient Information (if applicable):
Order Summary:
Your gift card is ready to use! To check your balance or redeem, please visit [Link to balance inquiry page] or contact our customer service at [phone number]. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, [Closing and Email Signature] |
Event confirmation gift card email template
| Subject Line: You’re Invited! Gift Card Purchase Confirmed |
| Dear [Customer Name],
You’ve just scored a ticket to [Event Name]! Your gift card purchase is confirmed. Order Details:
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at [Event Name] on [Date] from [Time] to [Time] at [Location]. [Briefly describe the event highlights and what attendees can expect] Your gift card can be used for [list of items or services]. Share the excitement with your friends! Use the hashtag [event hashtag] to join the conversation. We can’t wait to see you there! Best, [Name] [Event Website] |
In addition, to make the email more personal, insert the customer’s name using dynamic content and personalization tags. Also, consider including a personalized message option where the sender can write a custom message to the recipient.
You could also tailor this email based on recipient interest from their purchase history or preferences for existing clients if you have a CRM system in place; for example, if it is a customer who loves hiking and has bought hiking equipment in the past, send something in the lines of “We know you love to hike, so enjoy this gift card to try our new hydration and food supply system for your next hike!”
Gift card delivery email
A gift card delivery email should primarily focus on informing the recipient about the gift card and how to redeem it. It should include a personalized subject line, sender information, gift card details, redemption instructions, and a call to action.
Gift card delivery email template sample
| Subject Line: You’ve got a gift! |
| Dear [Recipient’s Name],
Someone special has sent you a [Company Name] gift card! Gift Details
How to redeem [Clear and concise redemption instructions] A message from sender: [Insert personalized message from the sender] Enjoy your gift! [Company Name and Email Signature] |
Here’s another written template to try out
| Subject Line: Your [Company Name] Gift Awaits! |
| Hi Recipient’s Name],
A unique gift is waiting for you! Someone thoughtful has sent you a [Company Name] gift card worth [Amount]. Gift Card Details
Ready to Redeem It‘s easy to enjoy your gift. Simply [clear instructions on how to redeem]. Questions? Our customer support team is here to help. Contact us at [email protected] or [phone number]. Enjoy your [Company Name] experience! Best, The [Company Name] Team |
Here are some gift card delivery subject line options to grab the recipients’s attention:
- Your gift awaits!
- Surprise. You’ve got a gift.
- You won’t believe what’s been inside!
- Something special is waiting for you.
- Your wish has been granted.
- Your (Amount) gift card is ready to use.
- Enjoy a (Company Name) treat on us!
Personalization tips to make your gift card delivery email stand out
Personalized emails have an impressive open rate of 29% and a click-through rate of 41%, so it makes sense to personalize your emails. So, here are some personalization tips to improve email outcomes and increase customer engagement.
- Use the recipient’s name: Use personalization tags to include individual names. This creates a warmer connection.
- Include the sender message: Allow the gift giver to add a personal message during purchase.
- Tailor the email content based on the occasion: Use specific language or visuals related to the event (e.g., birthday, holiday).
- Offer exclusive perks for gift card recipients: Create a sense of excitement and encourage immediate redemption.
- Use a visually appealing design: Incorporate images and colors that match the occasion or the sender’s brand.
- Test different subject lines: Experiment with various options to see what generates higher open rates.
- Clear and prominent call to action: Make it easy for the recipient to redeem the gift card. Here are some call-to-action examples: Redeem now and start shopping; unwrap your gift by clicking here; begin your [Company Name] adventure today; treat yourself to something special!
Gift card promotion email
A good gift card promotion email should generate excitement and encourage immediate action. Here are some strategies to achieve that:
- Use enticing offers like limited-time discounts, bonus incentives, and tiered promotions to create a sense of urgency and reward customers for their purchase
- Include visually appealing images showcasing your products or services, which will excite customers to redeem their gift cards.
- Ensure the email looks great on all devices.
Gift card promotion email template example
| Subject Line: Treat Yourself to [Discount]% Off with Our Gift Card Bonus! |
| Hi [Customer Name],
Are you looking for the perfect gift? Treat yourself to a [Company Name] gift card and enjoy [Discount]% off your next purchase! Purchase a [Amount] gift card and receive a [Discount]% discount code to use on your following order. It’s the perfect way to spoil yourself or surprise a loved one. Offer Ends [Date] [Call to Action Button: Buy Now] Questions? Contact our customer support at [email protected] or [phone number]. Happy shopping! [Name and Email Signature] |
Alternatively, you can use this more detailed template example.
| Subject Line: Double Your Joy with Our Gift Card Bonus! |
| Hi [Customer Name],
Spread the love (and savings) with our incredible gift card offer! Enjoy [Bonus Amount or Percentage] bonus credit for a limited time when you purchase a [Company Name] gift card. Our gift cards are the ideal choice for giving the perfect gift and treating yourself to extra spending power, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because. Offer Details:
[Call to Action Button: Buy Now] Share the joy with friends and family! [Social sharing buttons] Happy gifting! [Email Signature] |
Tiered rewards promotion gift card email template
| Subject Line: Gift Bigger, Reward Bigger! |
| Hi [Customer Name],
Treat your loved ones (or yourself!) to a [Product Name] gift card and enjoy tiered rewards! The more you spend, the more you earn. Our Tiered Rewards:
[Call to Action Button: Choose Your Gift Card] Share the generosity! [Social sharing buttons] Best Regards! [Name and Email Signature] |
Let’s look at a graphic gift card promotion email template sample below:
Gift card reminder email
A gift card reminder email should nudge recipients to use their gift card while highlighting the value and benefits of shopping at your store. Here are some techniques to nudge usage:
- Create a sense of urgency: Emphasize the expiration date or limited-time offers.
- Highlight benefits: Remind customers of the great products or services available.
- Offer incentives: Provide additional discounts or rewards for using the gift card.
- Personalized recommendations: Suggest products based on the recipient’s purchase history or interests.
- Easy redemption process: Clearly outline the steps for using the gift card.
Gift card reminder email template
| Subject Line: Don’t Let Your [Company Name] Gift Card Slip Away! |
| Hi [Recipient Name],
Is your [Company Name] gift card still sitting unused? It’s time to treat yourself! Your [Amount] gift card expires on [Date]. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy amazing [products/services]. Discover Your Perfect [Product Category]: [Link to product page] Redeeming your gift card is easy! Simply [brief redemption instructions]. Questions? Our customer support team is happy to help. Contact us at [email protected] or [phone number]. Don’t wait! Start shopping today! The [Company Name] Team |
Here is another template example:
| Subject Line: Your [Company Name] Gift Card is Waiting |
| Hi [Recipient Name],
Have you forgotten about your [Product Name] gift card? It’s a perfect excuse to treat yourself! You have a [Amount] gift card waiting to be spent on your favorite [products/services]. Don’t let it go to waste! Redeeming your gift card is simple. Just [brief redemption instructions]. Remember, your gift card expires on [date]. Don’t miss out! [Call to Action Button: Redeem Now] Questions? Contact our customer support at [email protected] or [phone number]. Enjoy your shopping! The [Company Name] Team |
Read also: Free Photography Email Templates for Client Engagement in 2024
Other Gift Card Email Ideas
Let’s explore other gift card email ideas you can send for different occasions and purposes.
Holiday gift card purchase confirmation
- Subject: Your holiday gift is confirmed!
- Include: Order confirmation details, gift card value, recipient information (if applicable), and a festive design.
- Add a section: Highlighting complementary products for potential gift wrapping or additional purchases.
- Include a call-to-action: Encourage the recipient to visit your store or online shop to explore product options.
Birthday gift card purchase
- Subject: Celebrate with a gift card!
- Include: Order confirmation, gift card value, and a personalized message option.
- Add a section: Suggesting gift card amounts for different budgets.
- Include a call-to-action: Promoting social media sharing of the gift card.
Thank you for your purchase email
- Include: Gratitude for the purchase, gift card details, and information about the store or business.
- Add a section: Highlighting loyalty program benefits or exclusive offers for gift card purchasers.
- Include a call-to-action: Encourage the recipient to sign up for the email list or follow on social media.
Gift card balance inquiry
- Include: Clear instructions on how to check the gift card balance, customer service contact information, and a link to the balance inquiry page.
- Add a section: Promoting additional products or services with the gift card.
- Include a call-to-action: Encouraging the recipient to redeem the gift card soon.
Expired gift card reminder
- Include: Clear notification of the gift card expiration, instructions on checking the balance, and information about extending the expiration date (if applicable).
- Add a section: Offering a limited-time incentive to encourage immediate gift card use.
- Include a call-to-action: Prompting the customer to redeem the gift card before it expires.
Read also: Spooky Halloween Email Templates to Thrill Your Subscribers
Essential Elements of Gift Card Email Templates
Here are essential elements every effective gift card email template should have.
Subject line
The first step in getting gift card sales is ensuring that the recipients actually open the email; Subject lines significantly affect email open rates. 64% of email recipients open or ignore an email based on the subject line alone.
Your subject line should highlight the gift card details. Otherwise, all the effort put into creating it has gone down the drain. A simple hack to get the emails to open is by including a personalized subject line.
Aside from personalization, another trick that works is creating urgency in the subject line by using words like “deal is gone in 24 hours” and invoking curiosity with subject lines like “Your favorite person thought you’d like this.”
Example:
- Urgency: “Your Gift Card Expires Soon!”
- Incentive: “Your Exclusive $50 Gift Card Awaits!”
- Scarcity: “Limited Time Offer: Extra $10 on Gift Cards”
- Personalization: “Hi [Name], Your Exclusive Gift Awaits”
Gift card details
You should include relevant gift card details because clear and concise information can improve customer satisfaction and reduce support inquiries by up to 30%.
The gift card details should highlight the card’s benefits and provide information about its value, expiration date, and redemption instructions. This is necessary for the recipient to be clear and likely not redeem the card. Common details include the following:
- Gift card number: This is a unique identifier for the specific gift card.
- Gift card value: The amount of money that can be spent using the gift card.
- Expiration date: The date the gift card can no longer be used.
- Activation instructions: If the gift card needs to be activated before use, the email should provide clear instructions on how to do so.
Make yours scannable and easy to read for best results by including bullet points.
Visuals and design
Emails with images have a 42% higher click-through rate. Even though images are important, you also want to ensure they don’t increase your page loading time, which can cause subscribers to leave the email. The best email image size is 600 px x 750 px on desktops and 320 px x 385 px on mobile devices.
It is also essential to ensure that the email is mobile-friendly and accessible on all devices, mobile phones, desktops, and tablets. This is important because 41.9 % of people view their emails from mobile phones, and 39% view them from desktops, so creating mobile-friendly emails is essential.
Call-to-action (CTA)
A strong CTA can increase click-through rates by up to 300%, which is crucial for improving gift card sales. For best results, use persuasive language like “Redeem Now,” “Shop Now,” or “Claim Your Gift.”
Also, different CTA button colors and placements should be tested to see which works better and optimize performance.
Personalization
Personalized emails have a 6x higher transaction rate than generic emails. In addition to including the recipient’s name, tailor the email content based on the recipient’s purchase history or preferences.
You can do this with the help of email automation software like EngageBay, which allows you to divide your audience into segments based on demographics and customer preferences. This way, you can deliver targeted messages.
Furthermore, use dynamic content to tailor emails based on customer preferences, purchase history, or demographics. Then, experiment with different subject lines, designs, and CTAs to optimize performance.
Read also: Cyber Monday Email Templates that Guarantee Sales (2024)
Tips to Create Your Own Gift Card Email Templates
When creating your gift card email templates, focus on clarity and highlight the gift card’s value.
Communicate the gift card’s advantages, including the products or services it can be used for, the flexibility of the gift, or any exclusive offers associated with it. You could also include the monetary value to give the recipient a clear understanding of the gift’s worth.
Secondly, your email template should have a clean layout and attractive graphics that match your brand’s identity. Use vibrant colors to make your email template visually appealing and ensure consistency in colors, fonts, and logos.
Thirdly, the most critical aspect of a gift card template is clear instructions on how to activate and use the gift card. Also, format the instructions using bullet points or numbered lists to make them easy to read and understand.
Finally, ensure the email is personalized. Then, suggest products or services based on the recipient’s preferences or past purchases.
Read also: Appointment Confirmation Email Templates to Remind Customers
Tools and Resources for Creating Gift Card Email Templates
Whether you want to create your gift card email templates from scratch or customize existing templates, here are some essential tools to include in your tool stack for better conversion.
EngageBay
EngageBay offers a comprehensive suite of marketing tools, including email marketing, to significantly streamline your gift card email creation process. Its drag-and-drop email builder empowers users to design visually appealing templates without coding expertise.
Key features for gift card email creation:
- Pre-built templates: A library of professionally designed templates to get you started quickly.
- Customization options: Easily tailor templates with your brand colors, fonts, and images.
- A/B testing: Experiment with different subject lines, designs, and CTAs to optimize results.
- Automation: Set up automated email campaigns based on customer behavior or triggers.
Other valuable tools
While EngageBay offers a comprehensive solution, other tools can complement your email creation efforts:
- Canva: Known for its user-friendly interface, Canva allows you to create stunning graphics and images for your email templates.
- Mailchimp: A popular email marketing platform with a drag-and-drop builder and a range of templates.
- Unlayer: Specifically designed for email creation, Unlayer offers a wide range of pre-built templates and customization options.
Combining these tools allows you to create engaging and effective gift card email templates that drive sales and customer loyalty.
Read also: Christmas Email Marketing Templates to Copy & Send Now
Best Practices for Sending Gift Card Emails
It is one thing to create and design a killer gift card email; it is yet another to imbibe best-sending practices. The latter ensures better conversion rates. So here are three best practices to ensure your gift card emails actually make sales.
Target key shopping hours
Timing is crucial for maximizing the impact of gift card email campaigns. Studies have shown that emails sent during peak shopping hours can increase open rates by up to 25%. Delivering your gift card emails at the right moment increases your chances of making sales. To achieve this, consider the following:
- Peak shopping hours: Analyze your customer data to identify when your target audience will most likely be online and shopping. Common peak times include lunch breaks, evenings, weekends, and holidays like Christmas.
- Day of the week: Determine which days generate your audience’s highest open and click-through rates.
- A/B testing: Experiment with different send times to find the optimal delivery window for your specific audience. By sending variations of your email at various times and tracking performance metrics, you can identify the best time to engage your customers.
Example: If your target audience consists primarily of office workers, sending your gift card email during lunchtime might yield higher open rates. However, evening hours might be more effective if you target stay-at-home parents.
Follow up like a pro
Follow-up emails play a vital role in driving gift card redemption. Sending thank-you notes and timely reminders can significantly boost conversion rates.
While sending follow-up emails can increase redemption by as much as 20%, sending them too frequently, at the wrong times, or even too far apart can be counterintuitive.
Here are some follow-up email examples businesses can send to encourage gift card recipients to redeem their gift cards:
Email 1: Friendly reminder
| Subject Line: Don’t Miss Out on Your Gift! |
| Hi [Recipient’s Name],
We hope this email finds you well. This is just a friendly reminder that you have a [Company Name] gift card waiting to be used! It’s a great way to treat yourself or someone special. To redeem your gift card, simply [Instructions on how to redeem]. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer support team at [Customer Support Contact Information]. Happy shopping! Best regards, The [Company Name] Team |
Email 2: Limited-time offer
| Subject Line: Exclusive Offer for Gift Card Holders! |
| Hi [Recipient’s Name],
We’re excited to offer you a special deal as a valued customer. You can enjoy [Discount or Offer] using your [Company Name] gift card for a limited time. Take advantage of this opportunity to save! To redeem your gift card and take advantage of this offer, please visit [Website Link]. Best regards, The [Company Name] Team |
Email 3: Personalized recommendation
| Subject Line: We’ve Got Something Just for You! |
| Hi [Recipient’s Name],
We think you might like [Product or Service Recommendation] based on your recent purchases. Use your [Company Name] gift card to try it out! To redeem your gift card, please visit [Website Link]. Happy shopping! Best regards, The [Company Name] Team |
Track performance
Tracking key metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and redemption rates is essential for measuring the effectiveness of your gift card email campaigns.
By analyzing these metrics, you can identify areas for improvement and optimize future campaigns. For instance, a high open rate but a low click-through rate might indicate a weak subject line or email design.
Focusing on timing, follow-up strategies, and performance tracking can maximize the impact of your gift card emails.
Read more: Event Email Templates: Tips, Examples, and Best Practices
Conclusion
Gift card sales are an excellent way for businesses to increase sales during holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day or promote Black Friday sales. Beyond these seasons, people always send gift cards as a gift idea to their loved ones. As a business owner, you can maximize gift card sales to get new clients and increase revenue.
This blog post discussed best practices, tips, and how to create gift card emails that stand out from the competition so that you can turbocharge your sales.
You need customizable email templates to launch your next gift card sales campaign. Just head over to EngageBay’s free email template, and ta-da! You get customizable email templates you can easily edit in the email editor for your next launch. The best part is that no coding skills are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a gift card email template?
Include critical details in your gift card email, such as the value, expiration date, and redemption steps. Use a solid call to action.
How can I personalize gift card emails effectively?
An easy way to personalize gift card emails is to offer tailored recommendations and segment your audience based on relevant data. Of course, the subject line should include the customer’s name and use dynamic content.
What are common mistakes to avoid in gift card emails?
Don’t miss out on important details or make the redemption instructions too complex. Aim to make it crisp and easy to use.
How can I use visuals to make my gift card emails more appealing?
To make your emails more appealing, use high-quality images that match your brand’s images. Maintain a clean design and optimize images for mobile.
