Here at Into the AM, self-expression is everything. Our customers express their individuality through their style. Selecting a gift for someone with a distinct sense of self can be challenging. A safe choice may seem impersonal, while an uncertain guess risks missing the mark.
We spoke with Vanessa Beltran, Senior Director of E-Commerce at Giftcards.com, about why gift cards have become a thoughtful option for individuals with a strong sense of style. Giftcards.com is America's highest-rated online gift card destination, with over 45,000 verified customer reviews and more than $2 billion in gift card sales, and Vanessa is at the forefront of how people give, receive, and experience gifts, both online and in person.
Q: Why is buying a gift for someone with a strong personal style so hard to get right?
Vanessa: Because personal style is personal. When someone knows exactly what they want, they are not interested in a substitute. They’re seeking the genuine item, including the precise fit, style, and specific piece they have identified.
A gift giver who guesses is working against long odds, and the wrong gift doesn't just go unused; it can feel like the giver doesn't really know them. That's a lot of pressure. And it's exactly why more and more shoppers are turning to gift cards not as a backup plan, but as their first choice.
Q: Is a gift card really a thoughtful gift, or does it still feel like a cop-out to most people?
Vanessa: That conversation has shifted completely. The perception that gift cards are impersonal stems from a time when they were often generic and lacked personal consideration. Today, giving a gift card to a brand someone truly enjoys, along with a personal photo, custom design, and a tailored message, is a highly intentional gesture. It communicates: I know what you value, I want you to have exactly what you want, and I trust your taste. This is, by definition, a thoughtful gift.
Q: What makes giving a gift card feel special rather than forgettable?
Vanessa: Presentation and personalization. The difference between a gift card that gets someone excited and one that feels like nothing is entirely in how it is delivered. On Giftcards.com, shoppers can choose from numerous occasion-specific designs, set the exact dollar amount that fits their budget, and write a personal message that makes the whole thing feel curated. Visa gift cards even allow you to personalize them with your own photo! When a gift card arrives looking like someone put real thought into it, the recipient feels that. The card itself is almost secondary to the experience of receiving it.
Q: What do the best gift givers understand that most people miss?
Vanessa: They understand that the goal of a gift is to make the other person feel seen. Not to demonstrate how much you spent or how creative you are, but to demonstrate a genuine understanding of the recipient. Choosing a gift card from a brand that aligns with their interests shows you were attentive. Customers who personalize their gifting, select thoughtful designs, and write meaningful messages set the standard we strive for at Giftcards.com.
Q: For someone shopping for a style-driven, hard-to-shop-for person in their life, why is Giftcards.com the right place to start?
Vanessa: Because we have built the platform specifically around making the gift feel as good as the thing being given. Our personalization tools, gift cards from nearly 100 apparel and clothing brands, reliable delivery, and the trust built through over $2 billion in gift card sales all help turn good intentions into memorable gifts.
While anyone can purchase a gift card, Giftcards.com is where you go to give one that will be remembered.
Giftcards.com is America's highest-rated online gift card destination, offering personalized gift cards, eGift cards, and physical gift cards from hundreds of top brands. Learn more at Giftcards.com.
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