Traditional Gift Card Recipe

Prepare card and printing

If using a blank card, design and print the front and back art using your printer or a print service. Use a smoothing cloth to remove dust from the card before printing. If you are using a pre-printed card, inspect it for blemishes and set it aside.

Print or write the recipient address on the address label and the return address on the return address label. Keep these ready for later application.

Activate and record

Activate the gift card through the issuer (in-store or online) for the desired value. Immediately print or write the activation receipt or a proof of activation and keep it with your records.

Place the activated gift card into the protective sleeve. Include the printed activation receipt or proof (folded if necessary) and the single-sheet terms/uses insert in the sleeve or envelope so the recipient receives necessary info.

Affix a tamper-evident sticker or security seal over the sleeve or envelope closure so that any opening in transit is noticeable.

Prepare mailer

Place the sleeved, sealed gift card and information insert onto the bubble wrap or card stiffener. Fold or position the stiffener so the card cannot bend during transit.

Slip the protected card assembly into the rigid cardboard mailer or rigid envelope. If using a standard envelope, add additional stiffening and bubble wrap to prevent bending.

If desired, apply a 'Do not bend' or fragile label to the outside of the mailer to discourage rough handling.

Addressing and postage

Apply the recipient address label to the largest flat surface of the mailer, ensuring it is legible and not placed over seams. Apply the return address label in the upper-left corner or on the back flap.

Weigh the packaged mailer (at home scale or at the post office) to determine correct postage. Pay for postage either with stamps or print postage through an online postage service. Add tracking and/or insurance if sending a high-value card.

Take the package to your postal carrier or drop it at a post office/collection box according to the service purchased. If you used tracking, save the tracking number and share it with the recipient if desired.

If including a handwritten gift note, write the message on the greeting card or note and place it with the gift card insert before sealing. Add a small ribbon or decorative sticker on the inside or outside for presentation, keeping decorations flat so they do not add excessive thickness.