Gift cards are offered by a lot of merchants nowadays. This is one of their ways to increase the number of their customers and boost their loyalty. Sometimes, gift cards are also used as means of promotion.

Some of the gift card providers affiliates with VISA, MasterCard, American Express (Amex) or Discover. This is primarily because of the large merchant base, meaning that there is a great chance that gift cards will be purchased and used because it will be accepted by any merchant that acknowledges any VISA, American Express (Amex), MasterCard or Discover cards.

There are still some merchants that choose to have their own set of gift cards. These specialty store gift cards are only associated to the name it bears, meaning that the gift card can only be redeemed on the said business or any of its affiliates. An advantage of this is that such gift cards are usually treated with higher priority because it is specifically designed for the business.

Here are some of the merchant gift cards available.

• MYER Gift Cards
• Buy IKEA Gift Card
• Buy Callaway Golf Gift Card and e-Gift Card
• The Disney Gift Cards
• Sephora Gift Cards and e-Gift Certificates
• PetSmart Gift Cards and e-Gift Certificates
• Jos A Banks Gift Cards
• Eddie Bauer Gift Cards and e-Gift Cards
• Old Navy Gift Cards
• Apple, iPhone and iTunes Gift Cards
• Home Depot Gift Cards
• Victoria’s Secret Gift Cards and e-Gift Cards
• Luxor Hotel Gift Cards
• Culture for Kids Gift Certificates
• Crate and Barrel Gift Cards
• JCPenney Gift Cards and e-Gift Cards
• Genius Babies e-Gift Certificates
• Macy’s e-Gift Cards
• WalMart Gift Cards
• Cooking.com Gift Cards
• CompanyKids Gift Cards
• Claire’s Gift Cards
• Chadwick’s Gift Cards
• CD Universe Gift Certificates
• Cabela’s Gift Certificates and Gift Cards
• Books-A-Million Gift Cards
• Bloomingdale’s Gift Cards – The Gift Everybody Wants
• Blockbuster Gift Cards – Movies, DVDs
• Bed Bath and Beyond Gift Cards
• Bath and Body Works Gift Cards
• Barnes & Noble Gift Cards
• Bagsbuy.com Gift Certificates
• Audiobooks E-Gift Cards and Gift Certificates
• Ann Taylor LOFT Gift Cards and e-Gift Certificates
• Abercrombie & Fitch Gift Cards

One of the most awaited days of the year is Christmas. As early as August, people are starting to feel the holidays fever. This feeling lasts usually until the first month of next year. Gift giving during Christmas has been a tradition for the past years. The spirit of Christmas is often highlighted by sharing of gifts among your loved ones.

Christmas gifts come in different forms and kinds. Traditionally, such gifts are presented in boxes, covered with well designed wrappers and ribbons. Christmas cards personalized with lovely messages are also as popular. Nowadays, other forms of gifts are accepted, and a Christmas gift card is one of them.

Generally speaking, Christmas gift cards are specially crafted gift cards for Christmas. What usually differentiates it from normal gift cards is the design and promotion. Typically during holidays, such gift cards are not exempted from promotions. Some Christmas gift cards are tagged as limited edition, discounted gift cards or even free gift cards. During the holiday season, different businesses engage in such marketing ideas. Several Christmas gift cards that bear the logo of VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express are becoming high valued commodity, and according to some reviews, such gift cards are one of the most sought after gifts.

There are also other businesses that create their own design for Christmas cards, but its usage is limited to the goods and services of the company and its affiliates. These store gift cards are not like a VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover gift cards, which you can use wherever the business accepts such.

Christmas gift cards are offered for purchase online. You can try visiting the sites below to have a good look on what’s offered:

• VISA
• MasterCard
• American Express
• Discover
• Gift Card mall
• Giftcard.com
• Giftcards.com
• Amazon
• Ebay

Tips When Looking for Christmas Gift Cards

• As much as possible, know one or two interests of your recipient. You don’t want to risk giving a golf gift card if that person doesn’t even play golf
• When in doubt, it’s better to give gift cards that are accepted almost anywhere. Such gift cards are affiliated with VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express
• Select the best design that fits your recipient
• If your recipient likes shopping online, consider giving an online or e-gift card. You may also give gift cards that can be used both in stores and online.
• Package the gift card nicely. Partnering it with a Christmas greeting card with a personal message is a nice way to do so.