Robin Mosley (she/her) formerly wrote commerce deals for CNET about beauty, fashion and other essential gear. Before that, she freelanced for Healthline, Simply Recipes and Nerd Street. She is a Chicago native living on the East Coast who is a fan of all things beauty, food, gaming and tech. When she isn't writing, she's at a restaurant, shopping online or making YouTube gaming videos.
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Department store gift cards
Amazon
Amazon is the one-stop shop for just about anything online -- from toys to tech to designer clothing, you can get it all. Amazon's gift cards are available in amounts from $1 to $2,000. You can make your gift card snazzy by getting it animated or put your photo or video on it. If that isn't your style, standard gift card layouts are available as well.
Target
Target is a treasure trove of home goods, electronics, trendy clothing and so much more. There's a reason why people joke that they walk into Target with a list and leave with more than they expected. Target is just that good at enticing people to buy. A Target gift card starts at $5 and ends at $500.
Walmart
From toys and tech to clothes and kitchenware, there's something for just about anyone to get excited about at Walmart. Card amounts range from $5 all the way up to $500, with lots of creative festive designs to choose from.
Marshalls/TJ Maxx
The deal hunter in your life will be thrilled to get this gift card. Known for stocking everything from last-season's clothing and prestige beauty products, you can also find seasonal home decor and unique snacks. One gift card can be used at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Homesense and Sierra stores.
Tech gift cards
Apple
Several Apple products make great gifts, like the latest iPad, iPad Mini or the Apple Watch. But it's easier to give an Apple gift card so someone can choose a gift for themselves, possibly an accessory for tech they already have. You can choose from several unique designs on this Apple gift card, with amounts ranging from $25 to $100. If you prefer, you can enter a custom amount.
Best Buy
If you're shopping for someone who likes tech, Best Buy is a solid bet. Computers, phones, TVs, small appliances and more; Best Buy has it all. There are no expiration dates or fees, and it offers both physical and digital cards ranging from $15 to $500. The retailer also offers several options for its gift cards, so you can get one that suits the recipient.
B&H Photo
If you've got a photography buff in your life, you probably know that they're always on the hunt for new gear. Unfortunately it's not always easy to navigate the labyrinth of gear compatibility, and asking directly could give away your gift idea. Instead, give them a B&H gift card so they can get exactly what they need. Amounts range from $20 all the way up to $1,000.
Gaming gift cards
GameStop
Obviously, GameStop will appeal more to people on your shopping list who love gaming, but hear us out; not only does GameStop have a lot of great deals on games, lots of preowned options are also available, which often means you can get more for your money. It also sells things like collectibles, beyond just video games, consoles and controllers. Gift cards can be set between $5 and $500.
Microsoft Store
A new video game is always a great gift, but with lots of great digital sales going on all the time, a gift card is going to give you more of your money's worth than buying a physical copy. You can purchase a gift card for the Microsoft store in the amount of $1 to $100, which can be used towards Xbox games, add-ons and downloadable content, as well as movies, shows and other digital content.
PlayStation Store
This gift card is for all of the gamers out there who just need a little money to help pay for expensive games. Getting a gift card like this is the difference between purchasing one game and potentially two or more. You can get PlayStation gift cards starting at $10, all the way up to $100.
Streaming service gift cards
Netflix
Netflix is one of the juggernauts of streaming content, with plans from $7 to $20 a month. If you have an ad-tier Netflix membership, upgrading to the ad-free option could be a great gift. Or, if your family currently shares an account, the gift of a separate account for family members could come as a welcome gift. Gift cards are available from $15 to $200, and while the designs are are pretty simple, the card doesn't need to be flashy when the content is the focus.
Disney Plus
This gift card is specifically for the folks who want access to the Disney universe: Disney classics, The Simpsons, Star Wars, Marvel and more. Disney Plus starts at $8 a month for the basic tier with ads, but you'll need to upgrade to the Premium plan to purchase an entire year, which costs $140 upfront. Disney has just about everything for the whole family, so it's a great year-round gift. And if you're looking for something a bit more educational, you can catch up on National Geographic as well.
Read our Disney Plus review.
Sling TV
For that person who wants to cut the cord but hasn't, give them a trial of Sling TV with a gift card. You can buy one starting at $35 up to $120, or a custom amount. Sling TV Blue is CNET's best budget live TV streaming service, so it's a good pick for any potential cord cutter who wants to test the waters. Sling regularly runs promotions on its packages, and your giftee can pick which one is right for them.
Twitch
What do you get for the gamer in your home who's always on Twitch? One option is to get them this gift card ranging from $15 to $200, and they'll be able to redeem it for Bits or subs to support a streamer of their choice. It also unlocks special benefits to subscribers as well.
Cooking and food gift cards
Williams Sonoma
A gift card to Williams Sonoma is a perfect gift for the gourmand in your life. From chef's knives and appliances to dinnerware and cutlery, it has a great selection of some of the nicest kitchen gear on the market. You can buy a gift card for any amount between $25 and $500.
Williams Sonoma also offers virtual events like cooking and baking classes. The experience makes for a really great, unique gift, and you can give a voucher worth either $25, $50, $75 or $100.
Sur la Table
Sur la Table can serve up all your kitchen needs. There is an array of cookware and bakeware available, as well as small kitchen appliances. There are also cooking classes available, so you can become your own master chef. And with gift cards up to $500, they'll have a bunch of shopping options.
Grubhub
Give the gift of a warm meal delivered right to their door. A perfect card for people who are busy and don't always have time to cook, or those who find it tough to get out right now. Gift cards come in five prices, ranging from $25 to $500, and they're great because of the flexibility Grubhub provides. Not only are you giving them a night off from cooking, but you're also not locking them into one specific option. They can grab whatever they're in the mood for, which is the best kind of gift.
Wine.com
Shopping for the sommelier (or wine enthusiast) in your life can be a little intimidating -- especially if they've got particular tastes (and they often do). Instead of gambling on a pricey bottle at your liquor store, you could get them a Wine.com gift card and let them pick it out themselves. You can shop by wine variety or region, and gift cards are available in amounts ranging from $25 to $500.
Fitness and wellness gift cards
REI
Although the weather might be cooling down right now, that doesn't stop the avid outdoor fitness person. An REI gift card is a great gift for the outdoor or workout enthusiast in your life, as they can gear up right now, or wait until they're closer to getting back on the road to see what new equipment they need. You can grab a gift card in an amount from $10 to $1,000
Adidas
Shoes, athletic gear and more are all available with this gift card from Adidas. Prices start at $25, and up to $250. And if you want to buy cards in bulk, you can do so up to 10 cards per purchase.
Sephora
If you've seen it on Beauty Tok, you can probably buy it at Sephora. The beauty haven is a favorite of anyone who likes makeup, skin care, hair care and fragrances. Plus, the consultants who roam the floor can help you with any beauty questions.
Ulta Beauty
There's nothing like getting a gift card for personal care products. Typically, this works best for people who already know what kind of styling products, hand lotion or makeup they like, so the shopping can be done all online. However, this gift card also works for folks who want to go in store and look around for discounts and designer makeup as well. You can buy the Ulta gift card for $25, $50, $100 or $250 on the website -- or you can name your own amount.
Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin
Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin are incredible brands with midrange prices. There are several reasons why these Rihanna-led brands are so popular: they work. Plus, both makeup and skincare cater to all skin types and tones. This gift card starts at $25, but if you have a little more money to splurge, there are also gift card options up to $200.
Massage Envy
Give yourself or someone you love the gift of pampering and deep relaxation. With couples' massage packages, you can do both.
Experiences gift cards
Airbnb
Give the gift of travel with an Airbnb card. Cards are only available digitally, but since you can apply the funds toward any booking, it shouldn't be a problem. With Airbnb, the gift recipient can pick their own destination, amenities and length of stay. The card doesn't ever expire, but it must be linked to their account within 90 days of purchase, so make sure you let them know that upon gifting. Card amounts run from $25 to $2,000 when you purchase directly from Airbnb.
Uber
The Uber gift card can be redeemed either in Uber, for rides, or Uber Eats, for food delivery. It can be perfect for people in urban locales, or for friends and family that usually rely on public transportation. Plus, the flexibility of having food delivered straight home will also be popular with anyone who needs one less task on their list. The amount available ranges from $25 to $200.
Ticketmaster
Whether you're buying for someone who loves comedy, theater, music festivals or sporting events, Ticketmaster has something for everyone. With a Ticketmaster gift card they have a lot more choice about what they want to do, which might make the gift even more exciting for them. Cards come in either digital or physical form and range from $25 to $500.
MasterClass
Give a gift that will help your loved one follow their passions and curiosities, all while learning from the world's best.
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