Looking for the perfect gift that works for anyone, anytime? You’re not alone. Gift cards have become one of the most popular giftng options in the UK, and for good reason.
They’re convenient, flexible, and suit every budget. Whether you’re buying for a birthday, holiday, thank-you gesture or corporate reward, gift cards take the guesswork out of gifting.
But with so many options available, how do you know which ones are truly the most popular and worthwhile in the UK market? That’s exactly what this guide will help you uncover.
In this article, you’ll discover the top gift cards loved by UK shoppers and why they stand out. Whether you’re gifting for entertainment, food, fashion, or tech, this list will make your choice a whole lot easier.
What Should You Consider Before Buying a Gift Card in the UK?
When choosing a gift card, it’s important to think beyond just the brand. You want your gift to be practical, appreciated, and easy to use.
With so many different types of gift cards available in the UK market, from retail and entertainment to digital platforms, making the right decision can be confusing.
Before you hit the ‘buy now’ button, here are some key factors you should consider:
- Who is the gift for? A teenager may prefer a gaming or streaming gift card, while a parent may appreciate a supermarket or homeware voucher.
- How will they use it? Some cards are digital-only, while others are physical and usable in-store.
- Is the card valid online and in-store? Always check where and how the card can be used.
- Does it have an expiry date? Some UK cards last 24 months, while others never expire.
- Can the balance be split across multiple purchases? It’s more useful if the card can be used flexibly.
- Does it cover what they actually want? Don’t just go with a trendy brand, think about practicality.
A little research goes a long way. Choosing the right gift card shows thoughtfulness and gives the recipient more than just a spending option, it gives them value, choice, and convenience.
Are Digital or Physical Gift Cards Better in the UK?
As more people shift to online shopping, digital gift cards have become extremely popular in the UK. But traditional physical gift cards still have their charm, especially for special occasions or corporate gifting. Choosing between the two depends on your purpose, the recipient’s preferences, and the occasion.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Digital Gift Cards
- Ideal for last-minute gifts
- Instantly delivered via email or SMS
- Eco-friendly and easy to store
- Some platforms allow scheduling with personal messages
- Great for tech-savvy recipients
Physical Gift Cards
- Great for personal presentation or wrapping
- Suitable for formal or in-person events
- Still widely accepted in-store
- Can be used without an internet connection
- Often available with elegant packaging or greeting cards
Both formats have their pros and cons, but the key is to consider how the recipient will most likely want to redeem the gift. For younger generations and online shoppers, digital is often preferred.
But for older recipients or in-store shoppers, physical cards might still offer more comfort and ease. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with how your recipient shops and lives.
10 Most Popular Gift Cards
1. Amazon Gift Card
If you’re unsure what someone might want, an Amazon Gift Card is always a safe bet. It consistently ranks at the top of the most popular gift cards in the UK because of its unmatched versatility. From electronics and books to groceries and fashion, the options are endless on Amazon.co.uk.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just want to say thank you, this gift card suits all occasions. Amazon offers a wide selection of card formats and denominations, which makes it perfect for both individuals and businesses.
Why UK shoppers love the Amazon Gift Card:
- Can be purchased from £10 to £1,000
- Available in digital, printable, and physical formats
- Valid for 10 years from the date of issue
- Accepted for nearly all products on Amazon.co.uk
- Easily scheduled or personalised with messages and themes
Once redeemed, your gift card balance can be used across multiple orders, giving your recipient plenty of flexibility. It’s also easy to check your balance and keep track of spending.
No matter the recipient, an Amazon voucher delivers value and choice, that’s why it holds its place as one of the top 10 UK gift cards every year.
2. Netflix Gift Card
Netflix continues to be a household favourite for streaming entertainment, and its gift card is one of the most popular entertainment vouchers in the UK.
Whether you’re gifting a friend who loves documentaries or a family member who can’t get enough of dramas, a Netflix Gift Card makes subscription simple and stress-free.
You don’t need an existing account to redeem it, and once applied, the gift balance will cover subscription costs until it runs out, no credit card needed.
Why people love gifting Netflix vouchers:
- Cards available from £15 upwards
- No expiry date – balance remains until fully used
- Can be used for new or existing Netflix accounts
- Available online and in UK retailers
- Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or student gifts
After redeeming the code online, your recipient can start watching immediately. If they’re not already a member, they can create an account as part of the redemption process.
With no contracts and full flexibility, this gift card continues to rise in popularity, especially with the ongoing appeal of binge-worthy series and films.
3. IKEA Gift Card
For housewarming gifts or home improvement enthusiasts, the IKEA Gift Card is a top choice. Whether it’s a couple setting up their first home or someone giving their space a makeover, this card lets them pick from thousands of stylish products.
Available as both physical and digital options, IKEA gift cards are usable online or in-store, making them convenient for any recipient.
Key benefits of the IKEA Gift Card:
- Available in denominations of £10, £30, £50, £100, and £200
- Valid for 5 years from the date of purchase
- Can be used on furniture, décor, kitchenware, lighting, and more
- Works at IKEA stores and IKEA.com
- Digital cards can be stored in Apple or Google Wallet
Your recipient will receive a QR code if it’s a digital version, or they can scan a physical card at checkout. With such broad usability and long validity, the IKEA voucher makes it easy to give a gift that transforms a space.
Whether you’re buying for a student, new homeowner, or design enthusiast, this remains one of the most popular gift cards in the UK for home and lifestyle.
4. Steam Wallet Gift Card
For gaming fans across the UK, the Steam Wallet Gift Card is a highly appreciated present. Steam is home to thousands of PC games, making this gift card ideal for both casual players and hardcore gamers alike.
Whether it’s a birthday surprise or a festive treat, a Steam voucher can be used for games, downloadable content, or in-game currency.
Why this is a go-to gaming gift:
- Cards typically available in £5, £10, £20, £50 and higher
- Can be redeemed to a Steam account wallet instantly
- Works for games, software, add-ons, and hardware
- Available in digital and physical formats
- Cards never expire once added to the Steam wallet
Users can easily check their balance and purchase history through the Steam client. You can also gift a digital code directly to a friend, as long as you’ve been connected on Steam for at least three days.
With gaming being one of the fastest-growing markets in the UK, Steam cards continue to rank among the top UK gift vouchers, especially during Christmas and sales events.
5. Love2shop Gift Card
If you want to give maximum flexibility, the Love2shop Gift Card is one of the best options out there. As a multi-retailer gift card, it’s accepted at over 80 leading UK brands, including Argos, Boots, New Look, and more.
Whether you’re gifting for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate rewards, or festive seasons, it offers something for everyone.
What makes Love2shop a popular choice:
- Usable at 20,000+ stores and venues across the UK
- Cards start from just £10 up to £400
- Available in physical and e-gift card formats
- Can be activated and managed via a Love2shop account
- Great for staff incentives, family gifts, or shopping sprees
Recipients can log into their account to check balance, track spending, and see an up-to-date list of stores where the card can be used. With so much choice packed into one card, it’s no wonder Love2shop consistently ranks as one of the most used gift cards in the UK.
6. Google Play Gift Card
If you’re gifting someone who uses an Android device, the Google Play Gift Card is one of the most practical and appreciated choices in the UK.
This card gives access to millions of apps, mobile games, books, movies, and digital purchases, making it a perfect all‑round entertainment gift.
Google Play cards suit all ages, from children who enjoy mobile games to adults who love productivity apps or audiobooks. With no expiry date and flexible denominations, it’s a convenient option year‑round.
Why the Google Play Gift Card remains a UK favourite:
- Available from £5, £10, £15, £25, £50 and custom values £10–£100
- No fees or expiration
- Can be redeemed directly in the Google Play Store
- Works for apps, games, movies, music, and subscriptions
- Easy to buy online or in major UK supermarkets
Because you don’t need a credit or debit card linked to your Google account, it’s ideal for younger users or those who prefer secure prepaid digital spending.
This card also helps people stay within budget since you can only spend the balance available, making it one of the top 10 most popular gift cards UK users prefer for digital entertainment.
7. Marks & Spencer (M&S) Gift Card
The Marks & Spencer Gift Card remains a long‑standing favourite in the UK due to the brand’s strong reputation for quality clothing, homeware, and food.
Whether you’re gifting a fashion lover, a home décor enthusiast, or someone who enjoys premium groceries, M&S offers great variety.
The card can be used both online and in-store, and with a generous validity period, recipients get plenty of time to choose what they want.
Why the M&S Gift Card is so popular in the UK:
- Load from £1 up to £1,400 in store or £500 online
- Valid for 60 months (5 years) from last use
- Works in M&S stores across the UK, Channel Islands, and ROI
- Usable for food, clothing, homeware, and beauty
- Comes in physical and e‑gift formats
While there are some restrictions (such as not being usable for gift cards or certain services), it’s still one of the most versatile retail gift cards in Britain.
People appreciate that the balance can be topped up in-store and that returns go back to the card automatically. Because of M&S’ wide customer base and high brand trust, this card consistently appears in the most popular UK gift card lists.
8. Tesco Gift Card
The Tesco Gift Card is one of the most practical and widely used gift cards across the UK. Since Tesco is one of the largest supermarket chains, recipients can use the card for groceries, essentials, household items, and more.
The flexibility and accessibility of the Tesco card make it an excellent choice for families, students, and anyone who appreciates useful, everyday spending.
Key reasons Tesco Gift Cards are so popular:
- Available from £5 to £150
- Can be sent as an e‑gift card via email or SMS
- Works in all Tesco stores across the UK
- Balance lasts 5 years from the last use or enquiry
- Part‑payments and leftover balances are kept automatically
You can buy the card online and personalise it with different themes such as birthdays, congratulations, and celebrations. One major advantage is that you don’t need to spend the whole balance at once; it carries over to your next shop.
Because Tesco caters to such a large portion of the population, this gift card is consistently one of the most popular UK supermarket vouchers for all occasions.
9. Apple (iTunes) Gift Card
For anyone in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Gift Card is a must‑have. Unlike the old iTunes‑only cards, today’s Apple Gift Cards allow recipients to purchase almost anything, from devices and accessories to apps and digital content. This versatility makes it one of the most practical and premium digital gift cards available in the UK.
Why Apple Gift Cards are highly valued:
- Available in £25, £50, £100 and custom amounts
- Usable for hardware, accessories, apps, music, films, and iCloud+
- Works online and in Apple retail stores
- No expiry date
- Perfect for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch users
It’s especially popular among students, professionals, and anyone who regularly purchases apps or subscriptions such as Apple Music or iCloud storage.
Since Apple products often carry a higher price point, many people use the card as part‑payment toward devices. This makes it one of the top 10 most popular UK gift cards, particularly around Black Friday and Christmas.
10. Waitrose Gift Card
For those who appreciate high‑quality food and premium grocery shopping, the Waitrose Gift Card offers an elevated gifting option.
Usable in both Waitrose and John Lewis stores, this card provides access to a variety of premium food items, home goods and lifestyle products. It’s especially popular for special occasions, festive seasons, and thoughtful gifts.
Why the Waitrose Gift Card ranks among UK favourites:
- Available in £30, £50, £100, £150, £250 and custom amounts
- Valid for 24 months (resets with every purchase or balance check)
- Can be used in Waitrose & Partners stores and online
- Usable at John Lewis too (with exclusions)
- Available in e‑gift and physical formats
- Great for luxury groceries and home essentials
You can use the remaining balance multiple times, and checking the balance is simple both online and in-store. Because Waitrose is associated with quality and reliability, this gift card is often chosen for thoughtful and premium gifting.
Its flexibility and strong brand reputation make it a consistent entry in the top 10 most popular gift cards UK shoppers value.
Conclusion
Gift cards continue to be a go-to option in the UK, not just because they’re easy to buy, but because they offer real value and flexibility for the recipient. From supermarkets to streaming platforms and fashion outlets to tech, the best gift cards cater to every kind of shopper and every budget.
Whether you opt for a digital voucher or a physical card, knowing which ones are most popular gives you confidence that your gift will be appreciated. Always consider where it can be used, its expiry policy, and how well it suits the recipient’s lifestyle.
Next time you need a thoughtful, last-minute, or practical gift idea, you’ll know exactly where to turn. These top picks are trusted, useful, and always well received, making your gifting smarter and more impactful.
FAQs
What makes a gift card a good choice for UK shoppers?
A good gift card is one that gives your recipient flexibility and can be used easily either online or in-store. It should suit their lifestyle, have a long validity period, and offer real value rather than limiting their options.
Are gift cards in the UK safe to buy online?
Yes, gift cards are safe to buy online as long as you purchase them directly from official brand sites or trusted retailers. Avoid unknown third‑party sellers to prevent scams or invalid cards.
Do UK gift cards usually have expiry dates?
Many UK gift cards do have expiry dates, typically ranging from 12 to 60 months. However, some digital and entertainment gift cards don’t expire, so always check the terms before buying.
Can you refund or return a UK gift card?
Most gift cards in the UK are non-refundable once activated or used. However, some retailers may offer refunds on unused digital cards within a short cooling‑off period.
What happens if a gift card is lost or stolen?
Many UK retailers treat gift cards like cash, meaning they can’t be replaced if lost or stolen. Your best option is to keep the receipt or digital copy safe as proof of purchase.
Is it better to buy a digital or physical gift card?
Digital gift cards are ideal for last‑minute or remote gifting, while physical cards are better for personal presentations or formal occasions. The best choice depends on how your recipient prefers to shop.
Can I use a UK gift card for multiple purchases?
Yes, most UK gift cards allow partial use, and the remaining balance stays active until it expires. This makes it easier for your recipient to spend the card in a way that suits their needs.
