Yes, you can absolutely get gift cards in Canada. Gift cards are very popular in Canada and are available from a wide variety of retailers, restaurants, and other businesses across the country. There are many different types of gift cards that can be purchased in Canada, offering a lot of options and flexibility when giving a gift card to someone.
What types of gift cards are available in Canada?
There are several major types of gift cards commonly available in Canada:
- Retail gift cards – These allow recipients to make purchases at major retail chains like Walmart, Canadian Tire, Hudson’s Bay, Indigo, etc.
- Restaurant gift cards – For eating out at popular chains like Tim Hortons, Starbucks, Boston Pizza, Moxie’s, etc.
- Store-specific gift cards – For individual brand name stores and boutiques.
- Visa/Mastercard gift cards – Pre-paid credit cards that can be used virtually anywhere, like cash.
- Entertainment gift cards – For things like movie theaters, amusement parks, attractions, etc.
- Gas station gift cards – To pay for gas and convenience store items.
- Grocery store gift cards – To buy food and other essentials at supermarkets.
- Charity gift cards – Donate to a cause in someone’s name.
Within each category, there is a huge selection of different retailers, restaurants, and services that offer gift cards in Canada. Some of the most popular and widely available gift cards in Canada include:
- Amazon
- Starbucks
- Tim Hortons
- Chapters/Indigo
- iTunes
- Cineplex
- The Bay
- Walmart
- Home Depot
- Canadian Tire
- Petro-Canada
- Lowe’s
- The Keg
- Visa/Mastercard
Where can I buy gift cards in Canada?
There are many different places you can buy gift cards in Canada, including:
- At the retailer or restaurant directly – Most locations sell their own gift cards onsite.
- Grocery stores – Chains like Loblaws, Metro, Sobeys, etc. have whole sections for gift cards.
- Big box stores – Like Walmart, Costco and Canadian Tire.
- Pharmacies – Such as Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall.
- Convenience stores – Many smaller convenience shops carry selections of gift cards.
- Malls – Often have dedicated gift card shops as well as retailers selling their own.
- Online – Through retailer websites or third party gift card sites.
- By phone – Some companies sell gift cards over the phone.
The most common and convenient places to find a wide variety of gift cards are grocery stores, big box retailers, malls, and online. But you can find retailer-specific gift cards at individual stores as well.
Are there any restrictions on purchasing gift cards in Canada?
There are very few restrictions when it comes to buying gift cards in Canada. Some things to keep in mind:
- Age – In most cases, you need to be 18 or older to purchase a gift card in Canada.
- Amounts – Gift cards don’t usually have a maximum load amount, but some may have minimums (often $10 or $25).
- Fees – Most retailer gift cards don’t have purchase fees, but some third party gift cards like Visa/Mastercard may.
- Discounts – Sales and promotions sometimes offer gift card discounts or bonus amounts.
- Expiry – Gift cards sold in Canada do not expire and remain valid indefinitely.
As long as you meet the minimum age requirement, there are virtually no restrictions when buying gift cards in Canada. You can purchase any denomination and quantity you want from a wide array of retailers across the country.
What are the most popular gift cards purchased in Canada?
According to various consumer surveys and reports, some of the most popular gift cards purchased by Canadians include:
Gift Card | Type |
---|---|
Tim Hortons | Restaurant |
Starbucks | Restaurant |
Amazon.ca | Online retail |
Visa/Mastercard | Open loop |
iTunes | Entertainment |
Chapters/Indigo | Retail |
Cineplex | Entertainment |
Home Depot | Retail |
Canadian Tire | Retail |
Tim Hortons and Starbucks are consistently ranked as two of the top gift cards purchased in Canada each year. This reflects Canadians’ love for coffee and these major chains’ ubiquity across the country. Open loop Visa and Mastercard gift cards are also very popular for their flexibility to purchase virtually anything. And leading entertainment, retail, and online brands like iTunes, Chapters, Cineplex, Home Depot and Amazon.ca round out the most commonly gifted cards.
What are the benefits of gift cards for recipients in Canada?
There are many great benefits of gift cards for recipients in Canada:
- Convenience – They can be used easily at millions of retailers online and offline across Canada.
- Flexibility – Recipients can choose what they want to buy.
- Usability – Gift cards never expire in Canada, so they can be used anytime.
- Budgeting – Recipients can only spend up to the gift card’s value.
- Enjoyment – Gives recipients the enjoyment of shopping and purchasing items.
- Appreciation – Gift cards show you appreciate someone enough to give them the gift of choice.
- No returns – Unlike gifts that may need to be returned, gift cards guarantee something the recipient wants.
Overall, gift cards give recipients the flexibility and convenience to buy exactly what they want while also guaranteeing they will get use out of the gift. This makes gift cards extremely valuable and beneficial for recipients.
What kinds of fees or restrictions apply to using gift cards in Canada?
There are very few fees or restrictions when it comes to using gift cards in Canada:
- No fees – Most gift cards can be used completely free of fees.
- No ID – Showing ID when making gift card purchases is rarely necessary.
- No expiry – Canadian gift cards don’t expire, so they can be used forever.
- Balance checks – Toll-free numbers or online portals allow balance checks.
- Overspending – Cards typically allow overspending and charge the excess to another payment method.
The only common restrictions are:
- Minimum balances – Remaining balances under $5 or $10 may not be redeemable.
- Sales taxes – Gift cards don’t include sales tax, which is added at time of purchase.
But overall, gift cards offer a lot of flexibility and freedom in Canada with next to no fees. As long as a small minimum balance is maintained, gift cards can provide almost the same utility as cash.
Can I purchase a gift card from one retailer and use it at a different retailer in Canada?
Typically, you can only use a gift card at the retailer it was purchased from, not at other retailers. There are a few exceptions:
- Open loop gift cards like Visa and Mastercard can be used anywhere.
- Some malls offer mall-wide gift cards good at any location.
- Select reciprocal agreements may exist between certain retailers.
But in general, gift cards are closed loop and can only be redeemed at the issuing retailer, restaurant, or service. The gift card will clearly state the issuing merchant on it. So if you purchase a card for a specific store, it must be used at that same retailer and not elsewhere.
Do gift cards in Canada ever expire or lose their value over time?
No, gift cards sold in Canada do not have expiry dates and maintain their full value forever. Canada banned gift card expiry dates in 2009. So once a gift card is purchased, it continues to remain valid and retains its unused balance indefinitely. The funds never expire or get deducted over time as long as the card is still in circulation. This makes gift cards excellent long-term gift options.
Can I redeem a gift card purchased in Canada at a retailer’s foreign locations?
It depends on the retailer, but generally Canadian gift cards can only be redeemed at Canadian locations of a retailer and not internationally. Some exceptions where Canadian gift cards may work abroad:
- Online purchases on Canadian retailer websites.
- Select border locations in the U.S. of some retailers.
- A handful of global brands with integrated gift card systems.
However, the vast majority of gift cards purchased in Canada can only be used domestically within the country. When in doubt, check with the retailer directly on their policy about using Canadian gift cards outside the country.
Is it better to gift cash or gift cards for recipients in Canada?
Both cash and gift cards have their pros and cons in Canada:
Cash | Gift Cards |
---|---|
– Completely flexible to spend anywhere | – More fun, memorable gift |
– Could be used for non-essentials | – Encourages spending at a specific place |
– No fees | – Some fees on certain types |
– Not very memorable gift | – Can build loyalty to retailer |
– Security concerns | – Secure, only redeemable value |
Cash provides the most flexibility and freedom. But gift cards can make a more meaningful, memorable gift while also driving repeat business to retailers. Gift cards also have security advantages over cash. Overall, gift cards make great gifts alongside cash – the right option depends on your specific situation and the recipient’s preferences.
Conclusion
Gift cards provide a tremendous gifting option that is widely available across Canada. All types of gift cards from leading retailers, restaurants, and services can be easily purchased both in-store and online. Gift cards offer recipients convenience, flexibility, and enjoyment without expiry dates or many fees. While they are typically retailer-specific, open loop cards provide almost the utility of cash. Gift cards are beloved by Canadians and make both thoughtful and practical gifts year-round.