Introduction
When you think “gift card,” you probably imagine a retail store, a restaurant, or maybe an online marketplace. But around the world, companies have gotten wildly creative with what you can buy via gift cards. Some of these unusual offerings might surprise you — and inspire you to rethink what gifting can be.
Tattoos on a gift card?
Yes, it’s real. Several tattoo parlors across the U.S. and Europe now offer gift cards for ink sessions. They’ve become especially popular as birthday or anniversary gifts — what better way to say “forever” than with a design etched into skin?
Skydiving and hot air balloons
Adventure gift cards are booming. Instead of giving someone a sweater, why not give them the thrill of jumping out of a plane? In many countries, you can now buy gift cards for skydiving, bungee jumping, or hot air balloon rides. These aren’t just gifts; they’re bucket-list experiences.
Weddings, spas, and self-care
In Asia and the Middle East, it’s increasingly common to see gift cards for high-end wedding boutiques and beauty salons. Imagine receiving a card that covers part of your wedding dress or a luxury spa day. For many people, these experiences are far more memorable than material items.
Even space travel?
Yes — Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin have both teased giftable experiences for suborbital space flights. While they’re still not mainstream, the idea that you could one day slip a “space flight gift card” into a birthday card shows just how far the concept has stretched.
What these quirky cards teach us
Gift cards are evolving into experience enablers. They’re no longer just about handing over money — they’re about unlocking dreams, passions, or once-in-a-lifetime memories. That’s why unusual gift cards work so well: they’re personal, unique, and unforgettable.
Conclusion
From tattoos to space, the world of gift cards has expanded beyond retail shelves. And while not everyone will jump at the chance to float in zero gravity, these examples remind us of what makes gifting powerful: it’s not the card itself, but the experience it unlocks.
