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Gift cards are a fantastic choice for kids, offering a delightful mix of freedom and excitement. Whether it's a Visa gift card available to use almost anywhere, or a specific gift card to their favorite retailer, kids will delight at feeling adult when they can pay with their own gift card. By giving kids their first taste of the shopping experience, they'll learn valuable lessons in budgeting and decision-making. Plus, with a gift card, there's no need to worry about duplicate gifts or returns. Kids will be empowered to spend their gift card on whatever they want, from the latest toy, fun game, trendy outfit or memorable experience. Giftcards.com offers a wide variety of options for your kids' next birthday or holiday so check out our guide below for ideas, inspiration and what's popular.

Gift cards that can be used anywhere are wonderfully convenient because kids can shop locally or online at almost any place where Visa and Mastercard are accepted. You can even personalize your gift card with the child’s image, name, and a special message at no additional cost. If you are unsure what your kid wants, give them the freedom of versatility and flexibility with a Visa or Mastercard gift card that empowers them to choose what they want from what currently interests them the most.

Toys have been sparking children's imagination and creativity forever and remain the most popular gift category for good reason. Whether it's building new worlds with Lego, having a tea party with dolls, challenging friends and family to a board game or getting them outside with sports equipment, toys represent the ultimate in fun, both for solo and group play with friends. Enhance your child's play with a toy themed gift card from these popular brands.

Young gamers obsessed with video games and the virtual world will love gaming gift cards from their favorite brands like Nintendo, Xbox, Sony PlayStation, GameStop and more. Available for use to purchase games, in-game currency and accessories, gaming gift cards unlock new worlds, adventure and friendly competition on their favorite gaming console.

For a kid, it used to be that getting clothes for a gift was an utter let down. Common holiday clothing gifts included socks, ugly sweaters (not tongue in cheek) and school uniform pieces. However, a gift card to your kid's favorite clothing brand or retailer can turn them into trending fashion icons among their friends. Nowadays, kids are less reliant on their parents' outfit choices and enjoy expressing themselves through their individual styling. Check out these clothing gift cards that will get your kid excited about their apparel. Not sure about your kid's go-to brand? Consider a gift card to a department store like Macy's or Bloomingdale's for the widest selection and Nordstrom Rack or Marshalls to get more bang for your buck.

Food gift cards for kids don't have to go towards a conventional restaurant. Kids love experiences and entertainment which is why we're highlighting restaurants such as Dave & Buster's and Chuck E. Cheese which offer a full-on arcade experience in addition to classic foods kids love like burgers, fries and pizza. Food fun doesn't stop there so consider other options for your budding foodie or picky eater such as ice cream, fast food, home food delivery or even immersive dining experiences like Rainforest Cafe.

Foster a love for reading with a bookstore gift card from Barnes & Noble. Kids can choose their favorite books, discover new authors and dive into exciting stories. It's a gift that sparks imagination and encourages a lifelong love of reading. For kids that like to get their hands dirty, inspire creativity with an arts and crafts supply gift card from Michaels. Kids can stock up on paints, markers, crafting materials, DIY supplies and more, allowing them to express themselves through art, design, decoration and building. It's a gift that nurtures their artistic talents and provides endless opportunities for creative exploration.

Sports gift cards are a slam dunk for kids who love to stay active, support their favorite team and have fun! If your kid has to have the latest jersey of their sports idol or loves showing their support for the hometown team, a Fanatics gift card is a great place to start for team apparel covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA and more. For a live sporting experience, consider a gift card to StubHub so your kid can catch a live game and cheer on their team in person. Youth sports is also a great way for kids to stay in shape and live a healthy lifestyle so ensure they are well equipped and decked out in the latest performance wear from brands like Adidas, Under Armour, Puma, Finish Line, Athleta and more.

Movie gift cards are a ticket to endless fun and excitement whether it's hanging with friends on the weekend, catching a holiday blockbuster or beating the summer heat. Kids will love being able to watch the latest superhero movie, Pixar film or children's book adaptation on the big screen and using their gift on tickets, popcorn, candy and other concessions. Movie gift cards to the local theater make perfect stocking stuffers, birthday presents and easter basket gifts.  

While theme parks admissions can account for a large family expense, a theme park gift card can additionally be used within the park for children to buy souvenirs, food, apparel and anything else that catches their fancy. Mickey ears and Shamu stuffed animals are just the tip of the iceberg for kids to decide to spend their gift card on. With Travel expenses and theme park admissions ever increasing, limiting any additional in-park spending to the amount on their gift card is a great way to help budget for a vacation while still giving kids the opportunity to spend at the variety of gift shops.

One4all Giving Good Gift Cards exclusively from Giftcards.com not only provide the joy of gifting but also support charitable organizations. Kids can feel good knowing that part of their gift helps others. It's a great way to introduce them to the concept of giving back while still enjoying the perks of a traditional gift card. Charitable organizations for kids to choose to donate to include: American Cancer Society, Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity, Make-A-Wish, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Wounded Warrior Project.

Follow these simple suggestions from our Giftcards.com experts to ensure kids are able to maximize their gift cards from a monetary and shopping experience perspective.

Kids shouldn’t have to use their own money in order to redeem a gift card. This is true for everybody, but especially true for children who may not have money in their piggy banks. Put a dollar amount on the gift card that can be easily used. If your budget is limited, then get a gift card to a store that offers low-price options. For example, a $10 ice cream store gift card is usable. A $10 clothing store gift card, on the other hand, may be hard to redeem without additional funds.

Ideal gift cards for kids can be redeemed within walking distance or a short trip in the car. If you’re not sure what stores, restaurants, or movie theaters are located near the recipient, get a gift card that can be used online or a Visa gift card that can be used anywhere.

To young folks, it seems like so much fun to shop like an adult! The fun can quickly fade, however, if the recipient can’t find something he or she wants to buy. Adults may be disappointed, but frustrated kid shoppers can get ugly in a hurry. Be sure the gift card you give can be redeemed for a variety of items. Please note that too many choices can be frustrating as well. That’s why it's always advisable to suggest making a list before taking kids shopping with gift cards.

For kids who need a parent to take them shopping in order to redeem a gift card, selecting a merchant that they enjoy or approve of will help ensure they are willing to take the trip and could even give the child a way to liquidate an unwanted gift card by getting it bought out by the parent.