Gifting etiquette by category (food, fashion, travel, entertainment)

Gifting Etiquette by Category (Food, Fashion, Travel, Entertainment)

Gifting is about choosing something appropriate for the occasion and thoughtful for the recipient. With brand gift cards becoming common across personal and workplace settings, it helps to understand which categories work best and how to choose the right one. Each category—food, fashion, travel, and entertainment—has its own style, level of personalisation, and ideal use cases. This guide offers simple etiquette tips to help senders make better decisions and create smooth gifting moments.

Food Gift Cards: Everyday, Friendly, and Universal

Food gift cards are the most versatile option. They suit almost all age groups and work for both close relationships and professional settings. They are ideal when you want a warm and practical gesture without making the gift too personal.

• When to give: Birthdays, casual celebrations, team treats, quick rewards
• Who it suits: Friends, colleagues, employees, younger audiences
• Etiquette tip: Choose known brands like Zomato, Swiggy, or popular cafés for easy use

Food cards work well for occasions that call for comfort, convenience, or a simple treat.

Fashion Gift Cards: Stylish but Needs Sensitivity

Fashion gifting feels premium and celebratory, but it requires some basic consideration. Clothing styles vary widely, so it’s best to avoid guessing specific brands unless you’re confident about the recipient’s tastes. Brand gift cards solve this by giving choice while still keeping the gesture polished.

• When to give: Birthdays, anniversaries, festivals, milestone rewards
• Who it suits: Friends, family, workplace gifting for broader teams
• Etiquette tip: Pick flexible brands like Myntra or Ajio to cover different styles

Fashion gift cards strike a balance between practicality and elegance, especially during festive gifting.

Travel Gift Cards: Premium and Purpose-Driven

Travel gift cards carry a higher perceived value and feel suitable for special moments. They work best when the occasion calls for something meaningful or celebratory. Since travel involves planning, these cards should be given with context and clarity.

• When to give: Weddings, anniversaries, major achievements, senior-level rewards
• Who it suits: Couples, close family, long-term employees, valued clients
• Etiquette tip: Choose brands like MakeMyTrip or Yatra for broader travel options

Travel cards show thoughtful intent and work well for recipients who enjoy experiences over products.

Entertainment Gift Cards: Relaxed and Fun

Entertainment cards offer low-pressure, enjoyable experiences. They are great for lighter occasions where the goal is to help the recipient unwind or have fun.

• When to give: Small celebrations, corporate spot rewards, casual appreciation
• Who it suits: Younger audiences, colleagues, friends, teams
• Etiquette tip: Platforms like BookMyShow, Hotstar, or Spotify suit most preferences

These cards are enjoyable without being too personal, making them perfect for relaxed gifting.

How to Choose the Right Category

• Pick food for universal appeal
• Choose fashion for festive or personal gifting
• Use travel for premium occasions
• Select entertainment for light, fun gestures

Brand gift cards make it easier to keep gifting graceful and appropriate. By choosing the right category for the occasion, senders create thoughtful experiences while keeping the gifting process simple and enjoyable.