Gift cards from Netflix, REI, and Sephora for thoughtful coworker gifts.

Finding the right gift for a coworker can feel like walking a tightrope. Too personal and things get awkward. Too generic and you might as well hand them a paperclip. Gift cards hit that sweet spot—thoughtful enough to show you care, practical enough to actually get used.

The trick is picking something that matches their personality without having to know their life story. Whether your colleague is the coffee shop regular, the fitness enthusiast, or someone who clearly has their home décor game figured out, there's a gift card that'll make them genuinely happy to receive it.

Popular gift cards for coworkers: Amazon, Starbucks, Target, and Uber Eats.

1. Amazon Gift Card

Best for: The coworker who seems to have everything delivered to the office

Amazon gift cards are the Swiss Army knife of workplace gifts. Your recipient can grab anything from noise-canceling headphones for their commute to that kitchen gadget they've been eyeing, or even stock up on boring-but-necessary stuff like laundry detergent.

Pros:

• Works for literally everyone
• No expiration date stress
• Can combine multiple cards for bigger purchases
• Digital delivery means no last-minute panic shopping

Cons:

• Might feel a bit impersonal to some
• Easy to forget about in a cluttered email inbox

Price Range: $10-$500

2. Starbucks Gift Card

Best for: Anyone who treats coffee as a food group

Let's face it—most offices run on caffeine, and Starbucks is often the fuel of choice. This gift keeps giving every morning when they're grabbing their usual before those 9 AM meetings that could've been emails.

Pros:

• Perfect for daily coffee drinkers
• Works at locations everywhere
• Can be used for food too, not just drinks
• Mobile app makes it easy to track and reload

Cons:

• Not useful for tea-only people or non-caffeine drinkers
• Starbucks prices add up fast

Price Range: $5-$100

3. Target Gift Card

Best for: The practical person who somehow makes errands look effortless

Target gift cards work for coworkers who appreciate good design without the boutique price tag. They can pick up everything from stylish home goods to quality basics, plus grab groceries while they're at it.

Pros:

• Huge variety of products and price points
• Combines necessities with nice-to-haves
• Regular sales and promotions stretch the value
• Good return policy if something doesn't work out

Cons:

• Might encourage impulse buying (though some see this as a feature)
• Limited to Target stores and website

Price Range: $10-$300

4. Uber Eats Gift Card

Best for: The coworker who's always talking about trying new restaurants

Food delivery has become a way of life, and Uber Eats gift cards let your colleague explore local restaurants without the guilt of spending their own money on "fancy" takeout.

Pros:

• Great variety of restaurant options
• Perfect for busy schedules
• Can be used for groceries too through Uber
• Works in most major cities

Cons:

• Delivery fees can eat into the card value
• Limited usefulness in areas with fewer restaurant partners
• Might encourage staying in instead of going out

Price Range: $15-$200

Four different gift cards, including Visa, Spotify, Barnes & Noble, and Home Depot.

5. Visa Gift Card

Best for: When you want maximum flexibility without the commitment

Visa gift cards work anywhere credit cards are accepted, making them the most versatile option. Your coworker can use it for gas, groceries, online shopping, or that subscription service they've been considering.

Pros:

• Accepted virtually everywhere
• No restrictions on what they can buy
• Works for online and in-person purchases
• Feels more like cash than store credit

Cons:

• Usually comes with activation fees
• Can expire if not used (check the terms)
• Easy to misplace since it looks like a regular credit card

Price Range: $25-$500

6. Spotify Gift Card

Best for: The music lover with headphones permanently attached

Music makes everything better, including long commutes and tedious tasks. Spotify gift cards give your coworker access to millions of songs, podcasts, and playlists without the monthly subscription fee.

Pros:

• Works for music and podcast fans
• No ads with premium subscription
• Can download music for offline listening
• Great value for heavy users

Cons:

• Only useful if they don't already have premium
• Monthly subscription model means it eventually runs out
• Not ideal for people who prefer owning their music

Price Range: $10-$60

7. Barnes & Noble Gift Card

Best for: The reader who always has a book recommendation ready

Books never go out of style, and Barnes & Noble gift cards work for both physical books and digital downloads. Perfect for coworkers who actually read during their lunch breaks instead of scrolling social media.

Pros:

• Works for books, magazines, games, and gifts
• Can be used online or in stores
• Often has exclusive editions and author events
• Café purchases included (coffee + books = perfect combo)

Cons:

• Limited appeal if they're not readers
• Physical stores are becoming less common
• Digital books are tied to specific platforms

Price Range: $5-$500

8. Home Depot Gift Card

Best for: The DIY enthusiast or new homeowner

Home improvement projects never end, and Home Depot gift cards help tackle everything from small fixes to major renovations. Great for coworkers who actually know what they're doing with power tools.

Pros:

• Huge selection of tools, materials, and home goods
• Useful for renters and homeowners alike
• Can be used for installation services too
• Regular workshops and classes add extra value

Cons:

• Not relevant for apartment dwellers with strict lease terms
• Might inspire projects they're not ready to tackle
• Can be overwhelming for non-handy people

Price Range: $25-$2,000

Four different gift cards, including Sephora, REI, Netflix, and Whole Foods.

9. Sephora Gift Card

Best for: The beauty enthusiast with an impressive skincare routine

Sephora gift cards open doors to high-end makeup, skincare, and fragrance from brands that make drugstore alternatives look sad. Perfect for coworkers who clearly know their way around a contour brush.

Pros:

• Access to premium beauty brands
• Knowledgeable staff for product recommendations
• Generous return policy for products that don't work
• Regular promotions and free samples

Cons:

• Products can be expensive, so the card might not go far
• Overwhelming selection for beauty beginners
• Might feel too personal depending on your relationship

Price Range: $10-$500

10. REI Gift Card

Best for: The outdoor adventurer who disappears on weekends

REI gift cards fuel outdoor adventures with quality gear that actually lasts. Whether your coworker is into hiking, camping, cycling, or just wants gear that can handle their active lifestyle, REI delivers.

Pros:

• High-quality outdoor gear and clothing
• Excellent return policy and customer service
• Member dividends make purchases more valuable
• Knowledgeable staff who actually use the products

Cons:

• Higher price points than general sporting goods stores
• Limited appeal for indoor-only people
• Might inspire expensive hobby upgrades

Price Range: $25-$500

11. Netflix Gift Card

Best for: The binge-watcher with strong opinions about shows

Streaming subscriptions add up fast, and Netflix gift cards give your coworker a few months of guilt-free entertainment. Perfect for someone who always has the latest series recommendations.

Pros:

• Months of entertainment value
• Works for existing subscribers (extends their service)
• Good variety of content for different tastes
• Can be shared with family members

Cons:

• Subscription model means it eventually expires
• Content varies by region
• Might not be useful if they already have too many streaming services

Price Range: $15-$100

12. Whole Foods Gift Card

Best for: The health-conscious foodie with expensive taste

Whole Foods gift cards make organic, high-quality groceries feel less like a budget splurge. Great for coworkers who read ingredient labels and know the difference between grass-fed and grain-fed.

Pros:

• High-quality, organic food options
• Prepared foods section for easy meals
• Amazon Prime member discounts add value
• Good selection of specialty and international items

Cons:

• Higher prices than conventional grocery stores
• Limited locations in some areas
• Might feel judgmental about food choices

Price Range: $25-$500

Displays four different gift cards: GameStop, Apple, DoorDash, and Lowe's.

13. GameStop Gift Card

Best for: The gamer who knows all the release dates

Gaming is expensive, and GameStop gift cards help your coworker stay current with new releases or finally grab that game they've been waiting to go on sale.

Pros:

• New and used games at different price points
• Works for consoles, PC games, and accessories
• Trade-in programs stretch the value further
• Pre-order options for upcoming releases

Cons:

• Only useful for gamers
• Digital gaming is reducing physical game sales
• Store locations are becoming less common

Price Range: $10-$500

14. Apple Gift Card

Best for: The Apple ecosystem devotee with the latest everything

Apple gift cards work across the entire Apple universe—App Store purchases, iCloud storage, Apple Music, or even hardware if they're saving up for something big.

Pros:

• Works for apps, services, and hardware
• Great for people already invested in Apple products
• Can be used for subscriptions and in-app purchases
• Family sharing makes it useful for multiple people

Cons:

• Only useful for Apple users
• Hardware purchases require significant card values
• Easy to spend on small purchases that add up fast

Price Range: $10-$500

15. DoorDash Gift Card

Best for: The food delivery regular who knows every restaurant's ETA

DoorDash gift cards satisfy cravings without the delivery guilt. Perfect for coworkers who've mastered the art of timing their lunch orders perfectly.

Pros:

• Wide variety of restaurant partners
• Convenient for busy schedules
• Can be used for groceries and convenience items too
• Works in most cities and suburbs

Cons:

• Delivery fees and tips reduce the effective value
• Limited selection in smaller towns
• Might encourage less healthy eating habits

Price Range: $15-$200

16. Lowe's Gift Card

Best for: The homeowner with a never-ending project list

Home improvement projects multiply like rabbits, and Lowe's gift cards help tackle them with quality tools and materials. Great for coworkers who actually finish what they start.

Pros:

• Comprehensive selection of home improvement supplies
• Professional installation services available
• Regular sales and promotions
• Helpful for both DIY and professional projects

Cons:

• Not relevant for renters with limited renovation options
• Can inspire projects that exceed skill level
• Overwhelming selection for beginners

Price Range: $25-$2,000

How to Choose the Right Gift Card

The best gift card matches your coworker's lifestyle without requiring a deep dive into their personal life. Pay attention to casual conversations—do they mention their morning coffee routine, weekend hiking plans, or the latest show they're watching?

Consider your workplace relationship too. A Sephora gift card might be perfect for a close work friend but could feel too personal for someone you only see in meetings. When in doubt, versatile options like Amazon, Target, or Visa gift cards let them choose their own adventure.

Think about the amount as well. A $15 coffee card feels thoughtful, while a $15 home improvement card might seem like you're suggesting they have work to do. Match the value to how the gift card will realistically be used.

Most importantly, skip the generic "Happy Holidays" message. A simple note mentioning why you thought they'd enjoy it—"For your weekend adventures" or "Fuel for those early morning meetings"—shows you put actual thought into the choice.

The goal isn't to give the most expensive or impressive gift. It's to give something they'll actually use and think "that was nice of them" when they do.

​16 Best Gift Cards for Coworkers That They'll Truly Love

16 Best Gift Cards for Coworkers That They'll Truly Love