Gift Card Etiquette in India: 15 Do's and Don'ts

Gift cards have gone from "impersonal" to "preferred" in a decade. But a few etiquette rules still separate a thoughtful gift card from a lazy one.

The do's

1. Do choose a brand they actually use

A Starbucks card for someone who doesn't drink coffee isn't a gift — it's a chore.

2. Do check where the card works

Make sure the brand delivers to their city or has stores nearby.

3. Do check validity

Pick cards with enough time for them to use comfortably. See gift card validity explained.

4. Do add a personal message

Even two lines turn a code into a gift. Try our message ideas.

5. Do present it thoughtfully

At in-person events, hand over a printed note or card in an envelope.

6. Do send it on time

Schedule it for the morning of the occasion, or a few days before festivals.

7. Do respect traditions

Some elders prefer cash shagun at religious ceremonies. Combining a small shagun with a gift card works beautifully.

8. Do double-check the email address

A typo means a delayed or lost gift.

The don'ts

9. Don't mention the amount

Let the value be discovered privately.

10. Don't regift a nearly expired card

If you regift, make sure there's plenty of validity left and the card is untouched.

11. Don't give a partially used card

It looks careless — unless it's a close friend and you're transparent.

12. Don't pick a brand that's too niche without knowing

An ultra-premium or ultra-specific brand can feel like homework.

13. Don't send codes on public channels

Never post codes in group chats or social media.

14. Don't ask what they bought (too soon)

Let them enjoy it. They'll often tell you anyway.

15. Don't treat it as a last resort

Choose the brand with the same care you'd choose a physical gift.

Workplace etiquette

• Keep amounts consistent across the team to avoid favouritism.
• Prefer inclusive brands — food, marketplaces, entertainment.
• For bulk corporate gifting, use a platform like Orbit by SaverPe for smooth distribution.

Etiquette for receiving gift cards

Etiquette goes both ways. When you receive a gift card:

• Say thank you promptly — a message the same day is ideal.
• Mention what you plan to buy — it shows appreciation and closes the loop.
• Use it before it expires — an unused gift can quietly disappoint the giver.
• Don't ask for cash instead.
• Share a photo later of what you bought, if you're close.

Etiquette for regional and religious occasions

India's diversity means customs vary:

• Weddings: some communities prefer cash shagun; others welcome gifts.
• Religious ceremonies: avoid leather or non-vegetarian food brands where inappropriate.
• Festivals: respect the festival's traditions — sweets and new clothes are widely appreciated.
• Mourning periods: avoid celebratory gifts; supportive gestures like meal delivery are kinder.

Social media etiquette

• Don't post screenshots of gift cards you've received — codes may be visible.
• Don't publicly tag someone with the value of a gift.
• A general "Thank you for the lovely gift!" post is fine.

Digital etiquette

• Use the recipient's personal email unless they prefer a work email.
• For elders, call to let them know a gift is arriving so they don't mistake it for spam.
• Avoid sending gift cards through public group chats.

Key takeaways

• Gift cards are polite when chosen thoughtfully.
• Add a message, check validity and present nicely.
• Don't mention amounts or regift nearly expired cards.
• Respect traditions, including cash shagun at ceremonies.

Read more on how much to spend on a gift card.