National Retail Gift Card Day
Give the gift of choice on National Retail Gift Card Day! Gift cards have become America's most requested gift, offering flexibility and convenience. Perfect for last-minute shopping or when you're unsure what to buy.
About National Retail Gift Card Day
Give the gift of choice on National Retail Gift Card Day! Gift cards have become America's most requested gift, offering flexibility and convenience. Perfect for last-minute shopping or when you're unsure what to buy.
History & origins
National Retail Gift Card Day is an informal U.S. shopping observance that promotes buying gift cards during the holiday season. Its exact origin is unclear, and no single founding organization is consistently documented, so it appears to be a retail-led promotional idea rather than a formal holiday. The observance fits into the broader American December gift-card boom, when retailers and card issuers often run bonus and promotion campaigns.
Why it matters
National Retail Gift Card Day matters because gift cards are a practical holiday option when shoppers want flexibility, speed, or a safer choice for hard-to-shop-for recipients. It also reflects a major part of retail spending in the United States, helping stores drive end-of-year sales while giving consumers a simple way to support local businesses, restaurants, and charities.
How to celebrate
Purchase gift cards for holiday gifts. Take advantage of gift card bonus promotions. Organize and use gift cards you've received. Buy discounted gift cards from resale sites. Give gift cards to charities. Share gift card deals on social media.
Facts
- Americans spend over $160 billion on gift cards annually
- Gift cards are the most requested gift for over 10 years
- About $3 billion in gift cards go unused each year
- E-gift cards are increasingly popular
- Many retailers offer bonus gift cards during the holidays
Frequently asked questions
When is National Retail Gift Card Day in 2026?
National Retail Gift Card Day in 2026 is on Friday, December 18, 2026.
What is National Retail Gift Card Day?
It is an informal observance that encourages shoppers to give retail gift cards as holiday presents. The day highlights the convenience and flexibility of gift cards for both in-store and online shopping.
Who started National Retail Gift Card Day?
The founder is unclear. It appears to be a retail marketing observance that was popularized by gift card sellers and holiday promotions rather than a single official organizer.
How do you celebrate National Retail Gift Card Day?
Celebrate by buying gift cards for friends, family, teachers, coworkers, or charities. Many shoppers also look for bonus-card promotions, discounted cards, or ways to use cards they already have.
Is National Retail Gift Card Day an official holiday?
No, it is not an official public holiday. It is an informal shopping observance centered on holiday gift-card buying.
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