SmartGifty Editorial Team

Advanced personalization and video as the new era of the shopping experience Gift cards are no longer just a convenient last minute substitute for a present. In recent years, they have evolved into one of the most advanced digital products in retail, tourism and shopping centers. The future of gift cards will be shaped by …

Gift cards of the future Read More »

Introduction December is the most magical — and most profitable — month of the year for retailers. Holiday lights shine, shopping centers are packed, and online carts overflow. But in recent years, one trend has quietly reshaped the way people give and receive: the rise of gift cards as the go-to holiday present. In 2025, …

Holiday 2025: How gift cards are redefining the season of giving Read More »

Introduction Gift cards seem like a given today: browse online, pick a design, email or print, redeem in store or on an app. But the journey from simple paper certificates to the sleek digital cards we tap or scan is rich with twists, inventions, and unexpected entrepreneurs. Let’s rewind and explore how we got here. …

From certificates to cards: The fascinating origins of the modern gift card Read More »

Introduction With the holiday shopping season looming, retailers and consumers alike are looking for clues: What will drive gifting behaviors this year? Where should marketing dollars go? Which gift card formats will win? As it turns out, the data from earlier in 2025 already offers a map — a detailed snapshot of what’s working, what’s …

Numbers don’t lie: Gift card trends shaping the 2025 holiday season Read More »

Open or closed loop – who controls the true value of gift cards? Introduction Not all gift cards are created equal. Behind a simple piece of plastic or a sleek digital e-card hides a deeper question: who holds the control, who owns the data, and who creates long-term value? Should a shopping center rely on an …

Where is your money really going? Read More »

October always carries a sense of change. The air gets cooler, the leaves turn, and conversations about sustainability become louder as we head into the last stretch of the year. For many businesses, it’s also a reminder that customer habits are shifting — not only in what they buy, but in how they choose to …

Green gifting: Why digital gift cards are the future of sustainable giving Read More »

In October, something shifts in how people shop. The fast pace of summer fades. Autumn brings deeper reflection—about the brands we support, the habits we keep, and the values we live by. It’s also the beginning of a season when sustainability becomes more than a trend—it becomes a decision point. Customers are no longer just …

How digital gift cards support sustainable shopping Read More »

Here’s a fun fact that might surprise you: in Europe, gift cards are consistently ranked as the most wanted present.Surveys show that more than 60% of people would rather receive a gift card than a traditional gift. At first glance, that might sound surprising. After all, isn’t a carefully chosen item more thoughtful? However, the reality …

Why gift cards are Europe’s number one present and a retail growth engine Read More »

There’s a saying in retail: “If you’re not ready by October, you’re already behind.” But what if readiness wasn’t just about having a plan?What if you could automate your entire Q4 gifting strategy, so you’re not firefighting through November, but focusing on scale and storytelling? Welcome to September—the quiet before the storm. It’s not flashy like Black …

Why September is the smartest month for strategic gifting Read More »

When you picture a shopping mall, what comes to mind? Crowds of people shuffling between stores. The unmistakable buzz of the food court. Bright window displays tempting you at every turn. But here’s the twist: the very first mall in history wasn’t just about shopping, it was about reimagining how people gathered, explored, and experienced …

The surprising history of shopping malls: From ancient Rome to today Read More »