{"id":6723,"date":"2017-01-27T06:00:28","date_gmt":"2017-01-27T11:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.elfster.com\/?p=6723"},"modified":"2023-05-09T10:37:15","modified_gmt":"2023-05-09T14:37:15","slug":"creative-packaging-ideas-to-add-pizzazz-and-personalization-to-gift-cards-for-teens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/2017\/01\/27\/creative-packaging-ideas-to-add-pizzazz-and-personalization-to-gift-cards-for-teens\/","title":{"rendered":"Creative Packaging Ideas to Add Pizzazz and Personalization to Gift Cards for Teens"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Pretty gift card packaging. | Image courtesy Etsy seller PartyHappier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As a young adult not far from her teen years, I remember exactly how it feels to be gifted free stuff. Free meals, books, and hobby-related items always made for a fantastic day in my book. So, for my cousin Holly\u2019s 16th birthday last week, I remembered that feeling and decided to give her what I most appreciated at that age: a gift card.<\/span><\/p>\n

When you give a teen a gift card, you\u2019re handing over a sense of freedom, and the excitement of holding the reigns. They get to be carefree and do fun things that they normally would have to ask mom and dad to fund. It\u2019s an always-appreciated luxury for a teen who might not have much disposable income at hand. Holly\u2019s lit-up expression is the perfect example of how well these gifts go over. <\/span><\/p>\n

But teens also want to know they\u2019re being seen and heard for who they are and what they\u2019re truly interested in. With a little personalization, or creative packaging ideas, your favorite teen will be assured you love them for exactly who they are, and who you see them becoming.<\/span><\/p>\n

Details Make a Gift Card Personal<\/h4>\n

Teen culture still seems to revolve around the mall and the movie theater, so get started by asking parents or friends which spots your teen visits most. Take a trip to the mall to get a physical gift card instead of printing one online, and be sure to do a little browsing in-store. If you notice that your teen\u2019s favorite style is in, include a handwritten note with your card that says, \u201cLooks like boho style is right on trend for 2017. Can\u2019t wait to see what artsy items you pick out!\u201d Write \u201cLove, from Aunt X\u201d on the front of the card in sharpie when you get home, and your teen will be sure to remember you later when they go to splurge. <\/span><\/p>\n

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A green light to freedom | Image courtesy Etsy seller CGDesignStudioShop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If going to the mall isn\u2019t possible, you can still win by printing off a gift certificate to your teen\u2019s favorite online store. Gift cards to Etsy, Modcloth, or Amazon always seem to go over well, because teens tend to have astronomically long wish lists already made on these sites. I know Holly has been lusting after some Modcloth boots this season, so I made sure to include a picture of a popular pair on the certificate. With Amazon, you can even print a gift card with <\/span>your own photo<\/span><\/a>. Pick a silly one (maybe even a candid shot) to ensure smiles.<\/span><\/p>\n

If giving a restaurant gift card, consider which places your teen goes with friends. If there\u2019s a Chicken Express near school that they visit frequently, note that, \u201cThis is to fund those after school snack runs!\u201d If Starbucks is a rare treat, specify, \u201cThis card is good for those weekly PSL cravings!\u201d Your teen is still free to use the card however they wish, but they\u2019ll know you put extra thought into their interests.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m always amazed when a gift card is in a specific amount perfect for what I\u2019ve been hoping to buy. A bookstore gift card for $50 is like gifting two hardcovers, for example. A $30 gift card to Sephora might provide the two shadows your teen has had their eye on for months. Or, give movie theater cards in typical Friday night price increments, and let your teen know it\u2019s for them to treat their bestie to the latest flick out next weekend. Getting a card in a custom amount shows that just a little more thought went into your gift\u2014especially when you specify what the cash is for.<\/p>\n

Get Creative with Gift Card Packaging<\/h4>\n

I knew how much Holly would appreciate her surprise Modcloth fund, but I was still stuck on how to present the gift to her at the party. I didn\u2019t want to just hand her the piece of printer paper, after all! So after doing some Pinterest sleuthing, I picked up a couple of inexpensive items to create a miniature gift basket. Holly had fun opening the present, and was excited to discover the cash hidden within\u2014personalized packaging makes for <\/span>gifts that keep on giving<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Mani-Pedis are a true hit with teens | Image courtesy Etsy seller PamAshDesigns<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you\u2019re looking to level up your presentation, it might help to think about those PTA raffle gift baskets. It\u2019s all about the visuals with this strategy\u2014sparkly ribbon, crinkly clear wrap, and colorful accents create a mini gift basket of any teen\u2019s dreams. Here are some of my favorite ways to transform a simple gift card into a visual feast:<\/span><\/p>\n