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10 Best Gift Cards for Employees in 2025 (Why the Toasty Choice Card Tops the List)

Written by Toasty | Aug 12, 2025

Why Employee Gift Cards Are the Perfect Workplace Reward

When it comes to workplace morale, few gestures say “thank you” better than a thoughtful gift. Whether it’s a team dinner, a milestone celebration, or a simple “well done,” recognizing your employees’ efforts builds a culture of appreciation.

While cash bonuses are nice, employee gift cards have become one of the most effective and flexible recognition tools for modern workplaces. They let employees choose what they want—making rewards feel more personal and meaningful.

The right employee gift card program helps companies:

  • Improve engagement and retention

  • Reinforce positive behaviors and achievements

  • Show appreciation in a personalized, scalable way

And with digital platforms like Toasty Choice Card, it’s easier than ever to send rewards instantly, no matter where your employees are.





Gift Cards vs. Cash Bonuses

While cash is practical, it tends to disappear into bills or groceries. Gift cards feel more like a perk—a coffee break, a tech gadget, or a family meal—making them more memorable and tied to positive emotions.


What to Look for in the Best Gift Cards for Employees

No Hidden Fees

Nothing’s worse than a $50 card that only spends like $45. The Toasty Choice Card is always 100% fee-free, so employees get the full value.

Flexibility

A single card that can be redeemed across hundreds of brands ensures everyone finds something they love.

Instant Digital Delivery

Perfect for remote and global teams, digital cards arrive instantly, are trackable, and reduce waste.

Brand Variety

The best reward programs combine specialty cards (like Starbucks) with universal options (like Visa via Toasty Card).


The Toasty Choice Card: The #1 Choice for Employee Rewards

If you want to give employees real choice, start here.

The Toasty Choice Card is a versatile e-gift card that allows your employees to pick from thousands of popular brands across food, retail, entertainment, and lifestyle. Instead of guessing what your team will like, you give them complete freedom.

Why It’s Great for Employers:

  • Digital delivery (instant, global, and secure)

  • One card = 30,000+ options

  • Customizable branding and messaging

  • Bulk sending for employee gift card programs

It’s ideal for employee recognition gift cards, staff gift cards, and employee incentive gift card programs alike. With Toasty Choice, you deliver both convenience and flexibility in one move.

👉 Pro tip: Use Toasty for birthdays, work anniversaries, and spot bonuses. Pair each card with a personal note for maximum impact.




Top 10 Best Gift Cards for Employees in 2025

1. Toasty Choice Card (Ultimate Flexibility)

If you want a gift that checks every box—flexibility, simplicity, and instant delivery—the Toasty Choice Card (TCC) is unbeatable.

With the Toasty Choice Card, your employees can redeem their card for hundreds of leading brands across retail, dining, entertainment, tech, and travel. Instead of picking one brand and hoping it lands, you give your staff the power of choice—and that makes all the difference.

 

2. Visa Gift Card (No Fees via Toasty Card)

Visa prepaid cards are a classic choice in any employee incentive program. They can be used online, in-store, and nationwide. Just like cash, but with a more polished presentation.

Employees love Visa gift cards because they provide ultimate flexibility: from paying a bill to splurging on something special, the options are endless.

Best for: large, diverse teams who want universal spending power.

Need an international option? Check out our Swype Global Mastercard

 

3. Starbucks Gift Card

Coffee and gratitude go hand in hand. A Starbucks gift card is perfect for small recognition moments—like celebrating project milestones, peer-to-peer shoutouts, or employee anniversaries.

It’s a warm, simple way to say, “You matter, and we appreciate your daily grind.”

Best for: everyday recognition, onboarding gifts, or employee wellness initiatives.

 

4. Amazon Gift Card

Amazon is the go-to choice for staff recognition programs, and for good reason: it has something for everyone. Whether it’s electronics, books, home goods, or groceries, employees can find exactly what they want.

At Toasty, we make it even better: you can choose Amazon gift cards for multiple regions, including:

  • 🇺🇸 Amazon.com (U.S.)

  • 🇬🇧 Amazon.co.uk (U.K.)

  • 🇫🇷 Amazon.fr (France)

  • 🇩🇪 Amazon.de (Germany)

  • 🇨🇦 Amazon.ca (Canada)

That makes it ideal for global teams who want to give locally relevant rewards.

Best for: all-purpose rewards, remote or international employees.

 

5. DoorDash Gift Card

Food delivery cards like DoorDash never go out of style. They’re convenient, instantly gratifying, and perfect for any team member—remote or in-office.

Employees can order from thousands of restaurants, choosing what fits their cravings, schedules, or diets. It’s a simple, heartfelt way to say, “Dinner’s on us tonight.”

Best for: remote teams, work-from-home rewards, or wellness perks.

 

6. Target Gift Card

Target is a universal favorite—whether someone wants home goods, groceries, clothes, or electronics, Target has it all.

It’s a strong choice for diverse teams because it covers so many categories. And since Target operates both online and in-store, your employees can use it however they prefer.

Best for: milestone rewards, family-friendly incentives, holiday gifts.

 

7. Walmart Gift Card

For many employees, Walmart gift cards are both practical and valuable. With thousands of stores and an extensive online catalog, Walmart gives your team the power to buy what they need—or something they’ve had their eye on.

It’s a solid choice for cost-conscious programs that still want broad appeal.

Best for: everyday recognition, large-scale employee gift card programs.

 

8. Apple Gift Card

Tech-savvy employees love Apple gift cards. Whether it’s the latest gadget, an App Store purchase, or an Apple Music subscription, Apple’s sleek experience makes any reward feel premium.

They’re ideal for employees who appreciate quality, technology, and creative tools.

Best for: creative teams, developers, or design professionals.

 

9. Google Play Gift Card

The Google Play gift card is perfect for Android users who love apps, games, books, and digital entertainment.

It’s an easy digital reward that delivers instant fun—no shipping, no waiting.

Best for: tech lovers, mobile gamers, or global digital teams.

 

10. Charity Choice Gift Card

Want to connect recognition with purpose? CharityChoice gift cards let employees donate to the charity of their choice.

Whether it’s supporting education, animal welfare, or global causes, this type of reward builds community and aligns your company with positive social impact.

Best for: mission-driven organizations or teams that value corporate social responsibility (CSR).

 

 

When to Give Employee Gift Cards

Employee gift cards work for almost any occasion, but they shine brightest when recognition feels timely and intentional. Consider using them for:

  • Work anniversaries and birthdays

  • Project completions and stretch goals

  • Holiday gifts and seasonal bonuses

  • Peer-to-peer or manager recognition

  • Performance milestones

  • Wellness incentives and engagement challenges

The key is to connect the reward to a specific behavior or moment—that’s what makes recognition authentic and memorable.



 

Conclusion: Why the Toasty Choice Card Should Be Your Go-To Employee Reward

When you combine fee-free value, global reach, and choice from hundreds of brands, the Toasty Choice Card stands out as the ultimate employee reward in 2025.
Employees get freedom, employers get simplicity, and budgets go further.


Send the Perfect Employee Gift Card Today

Boost morale, celebrate achievements, and show your team they’re valued—with the most flexible, fee-free reward in 2025.

With the Toasty Choice Card, you can:
✅ Send to 10 or 10,000 recipients instantly
✅ Let employees choose from hundreds of top brands
✅ Track delivery and redemptions in real-time
✅ Avoid all activation and service fees

Whether it’s a last-minute recognition or a planned holiday gift, the Toasty Choice Card makes employee rewards fast, easy, and unforgettable.

 

Sign Up   Book a Demo


FAQs About the Best Gift Cards for Employees

Can I send Starbucks cards internationally?

Yes—digital cards via Toasty Card can be sent globally (check regional availability).

Can I send multiple brands in one order?

Yes—with Toasty Card, you can mix brands in a single bulk send.

How fast is delivery?

Instant—ideal for last-minute recognition.

Are there any fees?

No. Toasty Cards are 100% fee-free.

Can I customize the cards?

Yes—logo, colors, and personal messages.